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9h ago

South Korea’s China Tour Visa Waiver Draws Protests as Police Probe Threat

Officials warn escalating protests could tarnish South Korea’s image before the APEC summit.

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Lawmakers take part in a plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul on September 1. Some opposition lawmakers have raised security and safety issues over South Korea’s visa-free scheme for Chinese tour groups. Photo: EPA/Yonhap
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Overview

  • The government began allowing Chinese tour groups of three or more to enter visa-free for up to 15 days from Sept. 29 through June 30, 2026.
  • About 300 protesters gathered near the National Assembly on Tuesday, part of at least 110 anti-China rallies recorded over the past year with sharp increases since March.
  • Police said they are investigating an online post threatening to stab Chinese tourists and are tracking the author’s IP address for possible public intimidation.
  • Opposition People Power Party figures warned of public safety, illegal overstays and disease risks, while ruling Democratic Party lawmakers denounced the claims as xenophobic fearmongering.
  • Officials frame the waiver as an economic and diplomatic step, estimating it could bring over 1 million additional Chinese visitors in early 2026 as experts caution about reputational risks ahead of the Oct. 31–Nov. 1 APEC meetings.