South Korea’s travelers are making waves in China, especially in Zhangjiajie, a scenic city in Hunan Province. Why the sudden influx? China rolled out a visa-free policy for South Koreans, and it’s already causing a tourism boom.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Here’s the deal: since November 8, China has allowed South Korean tourists to visit visa-free for 15 days. That was later extended to 30 days by the end of the month. The result? A massive 108% surge in South Korean tourists compared to last year. Between November 9 and December 4 alone, almost 27,000 South Koreans visited Zhangjiajie.
Out of these, about 19,700 arrived via international flights, with 73% taking advantage of the visa-free program.
Why Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie is a total hotspot for South Korean tourists. Its breathtaking mountain views and nature trails are a big hit, but there’s more to it. Over the years, the city has tailored its tourism game to meet South Korean preferences—think Korean-language signs and authentic Korean food options.
Weekenders Galore
Young South Koreans are especially loving this visa-free deal. According to a report by SBS, many are jetting off to China after work on Friday to make the most of their weekends. Most trips happen on Fridays and Saturdays, with travelers packing their short stays with hiking and sightseeing.
The Big Boost
Travel agencies like Ctrip are already noticing the buzz. South Korean bookings jumped 15% compared to the previous month and soared by over 150% from the same time last year.
Local businesses are stoked too. Ding Shibiao, a travel company exec in Zhangjiajie, predicts a 50% increase in South Korean tourists next year, thanks to the visa-free setup.
Changing Demographics
Here’s something new: while older travelers have historically been the primary crowd drawn to Zhangjiajie’s iconic mountains, the visa-free policy is bringing in younger South Koreans.
Cai Long, a tour guide, pointed out that winter isn’t typically a busy season for Zhangjiajie. But this year? It’s a whole different story.
A Warm Welcome
Zhangjiajie isn’t just counting on its natural beauty to keep visitors coming. The city has gone the extra mile by adding Korean-language signs and introducing local menus that cater to Korean tastes. South Korean tourists have been loving the city’s hiking options and its effort to make them feel right at home.
What’s Next?
With the success of this visa-free initiative, Zhangjiajie is setting the stage for even more South Korean tourists next year. If the current trends are any indication, the city is about to become one of South Korea’s favorite weekend getaways.