Seoul: The South Korean government has announced that it will ease tourist visa requirements for Chinese nationals beginning August 1 in a move aimed at attracting tourists to the country.
Japan also simplified tourist visa requirements for Chinese nationals effective from July 1.
The South Korean Justice Ministry yesterday said it hopes the measure will draw 3 million Chinese visitors to South Korea each year beginning in 2012. About 1.3 million
Chinese tourists visited the country last year.
According to Ministry, the new rules will ease income and occupation requirements for Chinese nationals applying for a tourist visa for South Korea.
Chinese nationals who meet the new visa requirements will also be able to apply for multiple-entry visas.
Chinese students at elite universities in China will be given tourist visas for South Korea irrespective of their financial status.
The length of stay for Chinese tourists in South Korea will be 30 days. Japan currently allows Chinese tourists to stay in the country for a maximum of 15 days.
PTI
