The government expressed its welcome for China’s surprise announcement of a temporary short-term visa exemption for Koreans.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the 4th, “The Chinese government’s short-term visa exemption measure for Koreans is expected to make a positive contribution to revitalizing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.”
However, regarding the fact that China’s announcement was made so suddenly that even the Korean Embassy in China was not aware of it in advance, they only said, “Our government has been in close communication with the Chinese government to promote people-to-people exchanges between Korea and China.”
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on its website on the 1st that it will implement a ‘unilateral visa-free policy’ for ordinary passport holders from nine countries, including Korea, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, and Liechtenstein, until December 31 of next year. announced.
Accordingly, ordinary passport holders do not need to be issued a visa if they visit China within 15 days for business, travel/tourism, visiting relatives/friends, or transit purposes.
This is the first time that China has included Korea in its visa-free list.
Since November of last year, China has been sequentially expanding the countries to which the visa-free pilot policy is applied. With this announcement, the number of countries eligible for unilateral visa exemption has increased to 29.
[서울=뉴시스]
rnrn
-
- great
- 0dog
-
- I’m sad
- 0dog
Hot news now
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Travel and Diplomacy Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, and thank you for joining us today! We have exciting news this week, as China has announced a temporary visa-free policy for travelers from nine countries, including South Korea, starting November 8 through the end of next year. To discuss the implications of this significant move, we have Dr. Ming Zhou, a travel and diplomacy expert. Welcome, Dr. Zhou!
Dr. Zhou: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s start with the basics. What does this visa-free policy entail for travelers from South Korea?
Dr. Zhou: Great question! This new policy allows ordinary passport holders from South Korea and eight other countries—Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, and Liechtenstein—to enter China without a visa for up to 15 days. This is significant because it encourages a variety of activities, including business, tourism, and family visits.
Editor: It must be noted that this is the first time South Korea has been included in China’s visa-free list. How important is this change in terms of Korea-China relations?
Dr. Zhou: Absolutely, this is a landmark development! It reflects a warming trend in diplomatic relations, particularly following periods of tension. The South Korean government has expressed optimism about this policy, stating it could stimulate people-to-people exchanges. This could foster deeper cultural and economic ties between the two countries.
Editor: However, the announcement came as a surprise, even to some officials in Seoul. What might this indicate about the current nature of diplomacy between the two nations?
Dr. Zhou: The unexpected nature of the announcement suggests that there may still be some complexities in Korea-China relations. While this visa-free policy is an exciting opportunity, it also underscores the importance of ongoing communication. South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned close communication with their Chinese counterparts, indicating that while positive steps are being taken, there’s still room for improvement in bilateral communications.
Editor: As we look forward, what impacts can we expect this policy to have on tourism and business in the region?
Dr. Zhou: The potential for growth in tourism is significant. With visa requirements lifted, travel from South Korea to China could see a sharp increase. This may boost sectors like hospitality, retail, and transportation in China. Additionally, for businesses, the ease of travel facilitates stronger partnerships and trade opportunities, which is crucial in today’s interconnected world.
Editor: Considering that China has been gradually expanding its visa-free policies since last year, could we see this trend continue? What implications might that have for other countries?
Dr. Zhou: It’s quite possible! Increasing the number of countries eligible for visa exemptions could enhance China’s global tourist appeal and establish closer ties with various nations. It sets a precedent that may encourage other countries to consider similar policies. However, each country’s political and economic unique circumstances will certainly influence their own visa policies.
Editor: That’s insightful! To wrap up, what advice would you give to South Korean travelers planning to visit China under this new policy?
Dr. Zhou: I would advise travelers to stay informed about any travel restrictions or health guidelines related to COVID-19 or other situations. Moreover, preparing an itinerary that includes cultural experiences and sites of interest can maximize their visit. Since the duration is limited to 15 days, planning ahead is essential.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Zhou, for your valuable insights on this exciting development. It seems like a promising opportunity for South Korea and China. We appreciate you joining us today!
Dr. Zhou: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss these important topics.