How South Korea’s Visa-Free Entry for Indonesian Tourists is Set to Boost Tourism and Strengthen Cultural Ties

In a significant move to enhance tourism, South Korea has announced a visa-free entry plan for Indonesian tourists traveling in organized groups. This initiative is part of the country’s efforts to boost international visitor numbers and expand its tourism sector. The decision was unveiled during the 11th National Tourism Strategy Meeting on February 25, 2026, chaired by President Lee Jae Myung.

A New Era for Indonesian Travelers to South Korea

Starting from February 2026, Indonesian tourists will have the opportunity to visit South Korea without the need for a visa, provided they are part of a group of three or more people. This plan, aimed at simplifying the travel process, will initially be available on a trial basis. Indonesian tourists interested in utilizing this new system will need to apply through travel agencies approved by the South Korean Embassy. The program is expected to run until July 2026, giving travelers an easy and hassle-free way to explore the beauty and culture of South Korea.

The announcement is a part of South Korea’s broader strategy to make the country an even more attractive destination for international tourists, particularly from countries like Indonesia, which has shown increasing interest in travel to South Korea.

Strengthening South Korea’s Tourism Industry Through Group Travel

The visa-free entry plan is a significant step in South Korea’s tourism recovery strategy. Following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country is focused on increasing the number of foreign visitors. In 2025, South Korea saw a record-breaking number of 18 million visitors, surpassing the pre-pandemic record. However, South Korea still faces stiff competition from neighboring countries, especially Japan, which saw 42.7 million foreign visitors in the same year.

President Lee Jae Myung highlighted the importance of attracting foreign tourists by emphasizing both the quantity and quality of tourism. He noted that while the country has successfully reached high tourist numbers, there is still a need for qualitative growth to ensure that tourism remains sustainable and profitable for the economy.

K-Tourism: Promoting Korean Culture Worldwide

A significant part of South Korea’s tourism strategy revolves around promoting Korean culture globally. The initiative, dubbed “K-Tourism Embracing the World,” is designed to harness the widespread popularity of Korean culture, including K-pop, Korean drama, and Korean cuisine, to attract more visitors from across the globe. The visa-free policy for Indonesian tourists is aligned with this broader goal, encouraging group travel while simultaneously leveraging the appeal of Korean culture to international visitors.

The K-Tourism Embracing the World initiative is part of South Korea’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings, making it more than just a destination for sightseeing. The focus is on creating immersive cultural experiences for travelers, which will undoubtedly contribute to South Korea’s growing tourism industry.

Visa-Free Entry Benefits for Group Travelers

One of the key benefits of this new policy is the convenience it offers to group travelers. Indonesian tourists who are part of an organized group can now enter South Korea without the administrative hassle of applying for a visa. This will especially benefit travelers who are part of tour groups, which are often more common in Indonesia due to its family-oriented travel culture.

Moreover, by bypassing the visa application process, group travelers can enjoy a smoother and faster entry into South Korea. This streamlined approach is expected to make South Korea a more attractive option for Indonesian tourists, encouraging more travel bookings and group tours.

Expansion of Visa Options for Other Countries

In addition to the visa-free program for Indonesians, South Korea is also taking steps to make visa processes easier for other countries, including those in Southeast Asia and China. Citizens of countries like China who have previously visited South Korea will now be eligible for five-year multiple-entry visas. This initiative is designed to cater to travelers who wish to visit South Korea multiple times without the need to apply for a visa on each occasion.

Additionally, residents of major cities in Southeast Asia can apply for ten-year visas, further facilitating easier access to South Korea for frequent travelers. These changes reflect South Korea’s commitment to improving access for international tourists and making travel to the country more convenient.

Modernizing Immigration: Automated Immigration Gates

Another key development in South Korea’s tourism strategy is the expansion of automated immigration gates. Currently available to travelers from 18 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and Australia, these gates help expedite the immigration process. The government plans to extend this service to citizens of European Union member states, further improving the efficiency of immigration procedures for international visitors.

By introducing these innovations, South Korea is modernizing its immigration infrastructure, making the country more accessible and welcoming to international tourists.

Promoting Regional Tourism and Infrastructure

South Korea is also working to encourage tourists to explore destinations beyond the capital, Seoul. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is implementing measures to increase international flights to regional airports, offering special air traffic rights and fee reductions to airlines operating new routes. These efforts aim to spread the benefits of tourism more evenly across the country, ensuring that regional tourism receives the attention it deserves.

Additionally, South Korea is expanding its domestic transportation network by increasing late-night airport bus services to Chungcheong and Gangwon provinces. New policies, such as allowing advance booking for KTX high-speed train tickets, aim to make travel to South Korea’s regional areas more convenient and accessible.

To address accommodation shortages outside of Seoul, the government is introducing the Accommodation Promotion Act, which will oversee the lodging sector and introduce a quality certification system to improve standards. This will enhance the tourist experience in regional areas, supporting the growth of local economies through tourism.

The Future of South Korea’s Tourism

With these developments, South Korea is positioning itself as a global tourism hub. By removing entry barriers, expanding visa access, and modernizing its infrastructure, the country is making it easier than ever for international tourists to visit. The visa-free entry for Indonesian tourists is just one example of how South Korea is enhancing its tourism appeal and expanding its reach globally.

As South Korea continues to leverage its cultural appeal and innovate its tourism offerings, it is expected to remain a top destination for travelers from all over the world, including Indonesia.

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