China's visa-free policies spark travel boom in neighboring South Korea

China's expanding visa-free policies have sparked a surge in tourists from the Republic of Korea (ROK) choosing the country as a premier holiday destination. According to statistics from the Ministry of Justice of the ROK, the number of South Korean tourist visits to China reached some 3.16 million in 2025, a sharp increase of 36.9 percent compared to 2024.

Data from a major travel agency show that between January 5 and 21 of this year, it recorded 7,351 China-bound trips, marking a substantial year-on-year increase of 87.8 percent. Notably, the number of South Korean travelers heading to Shanghai surged by 142.4 percent year on year.

A manager of a travel agency said that data from his company indicate a year-on-year increase of 28 percent in demand for trips to China during the fourth quarter of last year, showing a significant growth rate. Zhangjiajie in central China's Hunan Province and the Changbai Mountains in northeast China retained their popularity among South Korean tourists, while cities such as Shanghai and Qingdao emerged as top choices for short weekend trips.

Topics related to "China travel" are increasingly popular on South Korean social media, with reports saying that China ranks as the second most searched travel destination for ROK nationals.

To cater to the demands of young South Koreans who prefer customized and comprehensive itineraries, some travel agencies have established dedicated teams to develop tailored travel routes across China.

A local resident expressed interest in exploring more of the country after seeing the winter celebrations in Harbin, China's "ice city." "Some time ago, I watched a video of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. It was grand with many highlights. I'd love to experience the winter festivities in China. Since China is so large, each city has its own unique characteristics. Next time, I would like to explore some inland cities that aren't really on the radar of South Koreans to experience authentic local life," said a local resident.

In early November, 2025, China announced the extension of its unilateral visa-exemption arrangements for more than 40 countries until December 31, 2026.

Under the policy, holders of ordinary passports from those countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the ROK, and Hungary, will be exempted from visa requirement if they enter China for the purpose of business, tourism, family or friend visits, exchange and transit. They can stay in China for no more than 30 days without visa.

China's visa-free policies spark travel boom in neighboring South Korea

Thousands of Danish veterans and their supporters held a silent march in Copenhagen on Saturday to protest recent controversial remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had downplayed the contributions of NATO soldiers.

Last week, during an interview with Fox News in Davos, Switzerland, Trump dismissed European members' role in NATO, saying that "We've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them. You know, they'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that. And they did -- they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines."

Protesters, holding banners reading "No Words," proceeded from Kastellet fortress to the U.S. Embassy where protesters placed 52 Danish flags to honor servicemen killed in the U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. They were angry that embassy staff on Tuesday removed 44 flags commemorating Danish soldiers fallen in Afghanistan.

Organizers opened with a short address, then a minute of silence before participants walked toward the U.S. Embassy.

"I came today to support our Danish veterans because of Trump, the way he treats his so-called allies, but he stomps all over us and enough is enough. First Greenland, now Danish veterans. We can't stand it anymore. We need to show some kind of support," said a protester.

U.S. officials said the removal of the flags was linked to security policy, and the flags were later returned. Protest organizers said the incident raised questions for some veterans and families about recognition and remembrance.

For many veterans and families, the flags were not decorations but names, memories, and proof that Denmark paid a real price alongside an ally.

"I got angry about that. I did actually, because it's something about me. But it's all the friends we lost down there and the family started to see that. That's why. That's why we're here," said a protester.

Organizers also pointed to broader tensions in U.S.–Denmark relations, including renewed discussion about Greenland, where Trump has again raised the idea of U.S. control, which has been rejected by both Denmark and Greenland.

"We have sent a clear signal as the Danish Veterans Associations and other organizations, 19 all in all being here together today, that we support Greenland sovereignty and the self rule which the Greenlanders eventually will decide upon their future, not any other nations," said another protester.

At the embassy gates, the march ended with a five-minute moment of silence.

Danish veterans hold silent march against Trump's remarks on NATO soldiers