The Ministry of Justice of South Korea has decided to extend the pilot e-group visa program for nationals of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam by two years.
In a bid to bring a larger number of tourists from other countries, the program has been applied on a pilot basis since June last year, VisaGuide.World reports.
This kind of visa is eligible for groups consisting of at least three members, taking into account incentive tour groups, educational tour groups below the collegiate level as well as regular tour groups.
What Are the Requirements for This Type of Visa?
In order to qualify for this kind of visa, foreign nationals are required to plan to enter and leave the country using the same vessel, flight, or other scheduled means of transportation.
Designed travel agencies accredited by the Korean government will then handle the e-group visa applications on behalf of the travelers. The agencies are required to submit the applications online through the Korea Visa Portal.
According to a report from VN Express, the program led to a significant increase in the number of group visits to South Korea from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, doubling from 23,781 at the beginning of 2023 to a total of 47,397 at the end of the year. The number reached a total of 56,427 in the first five months of 2024.
South Korea’s tourism industry is expected to register a new record with a $69.3 billion contribution to its national economy, thus accounting for an increase of 13.6 percent year-on-year.
According to the recent report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), employment within the tourism industry will also follow a positive trajectory after it is forecasted to exceed 1.4 million this year.
The impressive growth of South Korea’s Travel and Tourism sector underscores the government’s outstanding commitment to prioritizing tourism as a key driver of economic development. This dedication not only boosts economic growth but also enhances South Korea’s profile as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.
South Korea to Launch K-Culture Visa
Earlier this month, South Korea’s Ministry of Finance revealed that the country will start issuing K-culture visas to internationals this year on a pilot basis.
This kind of visa was announced last year and is dedicated to young internationals interested in exploring Korean culture.
Besides, the government of South Korea also unfolded plans to expand its digital nomad visa. Internationals holding a digital nomad visa from South Korea are eligible to work from this country for up to two years, and they are also eligible to bring their families with them.