South Korea Boosts Tourism with Visa-Free Access for Indonesians

Jakarta – South Korea has introduced a temporary visa waiver program for Indonesian group tourists, effective this week, officials announced on Wednesday, May 27.

Under the policy, Indonesian travelers visiting in groups of at least three people can enter South Korea without a visa and stay for up to 15 days. The program will run from May 28 through the end of December this year, according to the South Korean Ministry of Justice.

The initiative follows a government decision to ease visa and entry requirements for foreign visitors. The policy was approved during a tourism strategy meeting chaired by President Lee Jae Myung in February.

Authorities said the move forms part of broader efforts to revive inbound tourism and stimulate the national economy through increased visitor spending.

South Korea’s immigration office stated that the temporary visa waiver is expected to provide a boost to the country’s tourism sector, which continues to recover after recent global disruptions.

To prevent overstays and illegal residency, the government has introduced stricter monitoring measures. Travel agencies in South Korea are now required to submit a list of incoming tourists through a government website at least 24 hours before arrival.

The Ministry of Justice said the submitted data will be screened to identify high-risk individuals, including those with a history of overstaying or prior entry restrictions.

Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho emphasized that the government will coordinate closely with relevant ministries to ensure that the program both supports domestic consumption and maintains orderly tourism management.

Indonesianpost.com | Antara