The South Korean government has come up with various tourism incentives ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province, including visa-free entry for Southeast Asians arriving at Yangyang International Airport and lowered visa fees for Chinese travelers.

The Korean government on Friday held a public-private meeting presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Kim Dong-yeon and announced various measures to boost the country’s tourism industry and attract more visitors with the momentum of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Actions include allowing free-visa entry for group visitors from Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines arriving at Yangyang International Airport in Gangwon Province, until April, next year. Group visitors from China will also be offered at a discount in electronic visa commission fee until January, next year.

The Korean government also chipped in to ensure enough accommodations and smooth transportation during the winter sports competition. It plans to use two cruise ships with each 2,261 rooms to offer more rooms for travelers. There will also be free shuttle bus operating from the cruise ships stationed at the port of Sokcho to city areas in Sokcho, Donghae, and Wonju.

The Korean government will also offer a tourism pass called Korea Tour Card to foreigners to receive discounts at tourist facilities and on railway tickets in PyeongChang and Gangneung areas.

By Shin Ik-su, Kim Je-gwan, and Lee Eun-joo

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