South Korea Joins China, Japan, Singapore, Australia and More in Pioneering Visa-Free Access for Indonesian Tourists, Revolutionizing Travel and Strengthening Tourism Relations for 2026 and Beyond

In a groundbreaking move, South Korea has joined a growing list of nations, including China, Japan, Singapore, and Australia, in offering visa-free access to Indonesian tourists. This pioneering step is set to revolutionize travel between South Korea and Indonesia, fostering stronger ties and enhancing tourism relations for 2026 and beyond. By eliminating visa requirements, both countries are making travel more seamless and accessible, benefiting not only the tourism industry but also the broader economy. This policy shift opens up new opportunities for cultural exchange, business collaboration, and tourism growth. As the world continues to embrace more open borders, South Korea’s decision to grant Indonesian tourists visa-free entry is a significant milestone that promises to further cement the nations’ diplomatic and economic relationships, while providing travelers with easier access to explore vibrant destinations in South Korea.

South Korea has announced plans to offer visa-free entry to Indonesian tourists travelling in organised groups as part of its strategy to boost international tourism. This policy aims to simplify entry requirements and attract more visitors, making South Korea a top destination for international travellers.

The announcement was made during the 11th National Tourism Strategy Meeting on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. The meeting, chaired by President Lee Jae Myung, was attended by Prime Minister Kim Min Seok, officials from 15 government agencies, and tourism industry leaders. Culture Minister Chae Hwi Young introduced a key initiative called “K-Tourism Embracing the World,” which is focused on leveraging the global popularity of Korean culture to strengthen the country’s tourism sector.

As reported by The Korea Times, the visa-exemption policy will be introduced as a trial measure for Indonesian tourists who travel in groups of three or more people. To qualify for the policy, participants must apply through travel agencies approved by the South Korean Embassy. The government has indicated that the visa-free entry will be available until July 2026, though specific details regarding when the policy will formally take effect or if additional conditions will apply are yet to be announced.

This policy is part of a broader effort by South Korea to encourage more international visitors and to streamline entry barriers in the post-pandemic era. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea is focused on recovering its tourism industry. In 2025, the country welcomed more than 18 million international tourists, surpassing its previous record of 17 million visitors before the pandemic, according to The Korea Times. However, the number of visitors remains significantly lower compared to Japan, which recorded 42.7 million foreign tourists in 2025.

The visa-free initiative for Indonesian tourists is one of the key steps in South Korea’s effort to make travel to the country easier for visitors from countries across Asia. In addition to the group visa-free entry, South Korea also plans to offer expanded visa access to other international visitors. Citizens of China and Southeast Asian nations with prior visits to South Korea will qualify for five-year multiple-entry visas. In addition, residents of major cities in these regions will be able to apply for visas that are valid for up to ten years.

The South Korean government has also set its sights on improving the country’s immigration procedures, particularly through the expansion of automated immigration gates. These gates, which are currently available to travellers from 18 countries—including Japan, Singapore, and Australia—will soon be accessible to citizens from European Union member states as well. This move is expected to speed up the immigration process for a wider range of visitors and reduce congestion at airports.

In addition to efforts to ease entry for international tourists, South Korea is taking significant steps to encourage tourism outside the capital city, Seoul. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has announced plans to increase international flights to regional airports by offering special air traffic rights and reducing fees for airlines operating new routes to these airports. Furthermore, domestic connecting flights between Incheon International Airport and regional airports will be expanded to facilitate easier access to destinations beyond Seoul.

To complement these transportation improvements, South Korea will extend late-night airport bus services to the Chungcheong and Gangwon provinces, providing travellers with greater convenience when connecting to or from the airport. In addition, the government has decided to relax the current one-month booking limit for KTX high-speed train tickets, allowing for earlier reservations. This move aims to make long-distance travel within the country more accessible to both international visitors and local residents.

Accommodation has long been a challenge in some parts of South Korea, particularly outside Seoul, where demand for lodging can outstrip supply. In response to this, the government is introducing a new Accommodation Promotion Act aimed at addressing these shortages. The oversight of the accommodation sector will be consolidated under the Ministry of Culture, which will introduce a quality certification system to ensure that accommodations meet high standards. This initiative is expected to improve the overall tourism experience for visitors and create more consistent and reliable lodging options in both urban and rural areas.

In an innovative move, South Korea is also set to introduce a local version of Spain’s “parador” concept. The idea behind this initiative is to convert traditional houses, temples, and folk villages into accommodation for tourists. This concept aims to offer visitors a more authentic and immersive experience by staying in culturally significant and historical properties. The government believes that this initiative will not only help address accommodation shortages but also provide a unique selling point for South Korea’s tourism sector, especially for those interested in exploring the country’s rich history and culture.

All these efforts are part of South Korea’s broader strategy to strengthen its tourism infrastructure and attract a more diverse range of international visitors. The introduction of the visa-free policy for Indonesian tourists is just one of many measures designed to encourage travel to the country. The government’s focus on improving transportation, easing visa requirements, and expanding accommodation options is intended to create a more seamless and enjoyable experience for tourists.

South Korea’s new visa-free access for Indonesian tourists, joining nations like China, Japan, Singapore, and Australia, is set to transform travel by enhancing tourism, fostering economic ties, and simplifying travel for mutual growth from 2026 onwards.

South Korea’s commitment to enhancing its tourism industry is evident in the wide range of initiatives announced at the 11th National Tourism Strategy Meeting. From the introduction of visa-free entry for Indonesian tourists to the expansion of regional flight services and improvements in accommodation standards, the government is making significant strides to ensure that the country remains a top travel destination for visitors from around the world. With these efforts, South Korea is poised to continue its post-pandemic recovery and position itself as a leading player in the global tourism market.

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