Jeju, South Korea – The Jeju tourism industry is expressing concerns over a potential nationwide visa-free policy, fearing that it could divert Chinese tourists away from the island.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeju's foreign tourism market has been slowly recovering. However, the South Korean government’s recent announcement of a potential nationwide visa-free policy has raised alarm bells within the local tourism industry.

The South Korean government unveiled a "Tourism Market Stabilization Plan" at a national tourism strategy meeting on Monday, aimed at boosting tourism amid concerns over the recent state of emergency in some countries. The plan includes measures to facilitate the entry of foreign visitors, such as a temporary visa-free program.

The government is considering a pilot program that would allow Chinese group tourists, organized by designated travel agencies, to enter South Korea without a visa. Currently, Chinese tourists can visit Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days, but the proposed policy could extend this privilege to the entire country.

Jeju tourism officials fear that if the visa-free policy is expanded nationwide, Chinese tourists may choose to visit other parts of South Korea, leading to a decline in visitor numbers to Jeju. The island has long relied on its unique attractions and visa-free status to attract Chinese tourists.

“If the visa-free system is implemented nationwide, tourists may flock to metropolitan areas, affecting Jeju as well,” said a Jeju tourism official. “Once the government finalizes its policy, we will take swift action to address the situation.”

While the government has not yet set a specific timeline or outlined the details of the visa-free program, the Jeju tourism industry is urging the government to consider the potential negative impacts on the island. They are calling for measures to ensure that Jeju remains an attractive destination for Chinese tourists.