South Korea axes visa barriers for Indonesians in 30 million visitor drive
South China Morning Post
by The Korea TimesFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
South Korea has announced a series of sweeping measures aimed at boosting inbound tourism, including easing visa restrictions for Indonesians and introducing multiple-entry visas for citizens from China and Southeast Asian nations. The new policy, part of an ambitious initiative called "K-Tourism Embraces the World," was unveiled during the 11th National Tourism Strategy Meeting. It includes granting Indonesian travelers visa-free entry and expanding automated entry processing for EU nationals. The goal is to attract 30 million visitors by leveraging South Korea's growing cultural influence globally.
The initiative also involves enhancing regional airport routes and cracking down on price gouging, reflecting a broader strategy to position South Korea as a competitive tourist destination in Asia. While the country welcomed over 18 million visitors in 2025, surpassing its pre-pandemic peak, it faces stiff competition from neighboring Japan, which has experienced an unprecedented tourism boom. The government is betting on its cultural exports—such as K-pop and Korean entertainment—to draw more international travelers.
South Korea's efforts to expand visa access come at a time when the global travel industry is recovering post-pandemic. By simplifying entry procedures and offering long-term multiple-entry visas, the country aims to make itself a more attractive destination for tourists from key markets like Indonesia and EU nations. This move not only seeks to capitalize on its cultural soft power but also to establish South Korea as a leading player in Asia's tourism landscape, rivaling Japan's dominance.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026