Korea’s government has unveiled a series of visa policy reforms for 2025 to accelerate post-pandemic tourism recovery and better manage foreign talent entry. According to a recent Reuters report, starting in the third quarter, visa-free entry will be offered to Chinese group travelers, a move designed to boost visitor numbers and invigorate the local economy.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system has also been enhanced. The expansion of its coverage now allows more nationalities to apply online for short-term visits—such as tourism, business, and family visits—while reducing processing times to approximately 24 hours.

In response to the rising global interest in Korean pop culture, the government is introducing a “Hallyu Visa” from the end of the year. This new visa is specifically targeted at foreigners who wish to study K-pop and other aspects of Korean culture, providing easier access for cultural exchange and career opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Long-term visa categories, including the D-2 student visa and E-7 work visa, have been optimized. The reforms simplify application requirements, reduce documentation burdens, and speed up approval times for high-skilled professionals and students alike, reinforcing Korea’s status as a leading destination for education and employment.