Influx of Chinese Tourists Lifts South Korea's Tourism

Foreign tourists arrivals in South Korea are expected to reach 17.2 million this year, up 30% from last year, according to the country's tourism authority.

Chinese tourists are expected to account for nearly half of all foreign tourists this year with 8.04 million predicted to visit South Korea, up 34.4% from last year, reported local news agency Yonhap.

The government said Chinese travellers who purchase a package worth more than USD 2,491 for three nights will be allowed to enter South Korea freely during a five-year period. They can stay up to 30 days each entry.