SEOUL, June 17 (Yonhap) — South Korea aims to enhance its appeal to international tourists by introducing new visa categories focused on K-culture training and workation opportunities, the finance ministry announced Monday.
As part of its strategy to attract more visitors from abroad, the ministry unveiled comprehensive measures including streamlined entry procedures and diversified tour programs tailored to meet the needs of foreign tourists.
The K-culture training visa will be launched on a trial basis this year, targeting individuals interested in participating in training programs related to K-pop, choreography, and other cultural sectors. Additionally, plans are underway to expand the digital nomad visa, allowing foreigners to work remotely while exploring South Korea.
Since its launch in January, the one-year test phase of the workation visa is currently in progress. The government is exploring options to collaborate with regional authorities to offer enhanced incentives and diverse stay options for foreigners interested in both work and tourism across specific regions in South Korea.
Efforts to improve infrastructure for visa issuance and entry procedures are also underway to enhance convenience for foreign tourists. Measures include easing regulations for group tourists applying for K-ETA, an electronic travel authorization required for visa-free foreign visitors.
Furthermore, the government plans to install more unmanned immigration checkpoints at major ports to expedite the screening process for visitors arriving via cruise ships. Operating hours at passenger terminals will also be extended to accommodate longer stays.
To facilitate easier travel, new flight routes connecting Busan to Jakarta and Cheongju to Bali will be opened. Additional flights will be added to the Daegu-Ulaanbaatar route this year.
“We will introduce various tour programs focusing on hands-on experiences for foreigners and expand luggage handling services,” a ministry official stated. Additionally, efforts to monitor and combat unfair practices targeting tourists at major attractions and regional festivals will be intensified.
Despite a recovery in foreign visitor numbers to 11.03 million last year from a pandemic-induced low of 97,000 in 2021, revenue from tourists has been subdued. This is attributed to a preference for individual tours over group packages and a tendency to spend more on cultural experiences than shopping, according to the ministry.
The initiatives aim to revitalize tourism and enhance South Korea’s standing as a preferred destination for international travelers.