South Korea [Publisher Damwha Column] “Visa-free entry for Chinese tourists and tax-funded tourism subsidies are gambling”

By UN Journal Lee Jon-young The central government and some local governments are expanding visa-free entry for Chinese tourists and even offering subsidies funded by taxes to attract more Chinese tourists. While citing the recovery of the tourism industry post-COVID-19 as justification, this amounts to nothing more than reckless gambling using local finances as collateral. China has long been central to Korea's tourism market, and visa-free expansion could temporarily inject vitality into aviation, lodging, and food services. However, increased tourist numbers do not automatically translate i

• Jon Lee 기자
• 2025-08-27 15:41