South Korea plans to grant visa-free entry to Indonesian tourists travelling in organised groups, as part of efforts to increase international visitor numbers.
The measure was announced during the 11th National Tourism Strategy Meeting held on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
The meeting was chaired by President Lee Jae Myung and attended by Prime Minister Kim Min Seok, ministers from 15 government agencies, and tourism industry representatives. Culture Minister Chae Hwi Young introduced an initiative titled “K-Tourism Embracing the World,” which aims to strengthen the country’s tourism sector by leveraging the global popularity of Korean culture.
According to The Korea Times, the visa-free policy will apply on a trial basis to Indonesian tourists travelling in groups of three or more people. The scheme will be available to those who apply through travel agencies approved by the South Korean Embassy.
The government will waive visa requirements for eligible Indonesian group tourists until July 2026.
Authorities have not announced when the policy will formally take effect or whether additional requirements will apply.
This measure forms part of a broader strategy to reduce entry barriers and encourage more visitors to choose South Korea as a travel destination.
South Korea Seeks to Increase Tourist Numbers
South Korea is seeking to increase foreign tourist arrivals as part of its post-pandemic tourism recovery strategy. According to The Korea Times, the country welcomed more than 18 million visitors in 2025, surpassing its previous peak of 17 million arrivals before the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, this figure remains significantly lower than Japan’s 42.7 million foreign visitors recorded in the same year.
President Lee Jae Myung emphasised the need to improve both the quantity and quality of tourism.
“Last year, 18,940,000 foreign tourists visited Korea, setting a record high. To usher in the era of 30 million foreign tourists, qualitative transformation beyond quantitative growth is essential,” he said at the meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, as quoted by The Chosun Daily.
In addition to the visa-free programme for Indonesians, the government plans to expand visa access for other travellers.
Citizens of China and Southeast Asian countries who have previously visited South Korea will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry visas. Residents of major cities in those countries will be able to apply for visas valid for up to ten years.
South Korea also plans to expand the use of automated immigration gates. These gates are currently available to travellers from 18 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and Australia. The government intends to extend access to citizens of European Union member states.
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Government Expands Regional Tourism and Infrastructure
South Korea is also taking steps to encourage tourists to travel beyond Seoul. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport plans to increase international flights to regional airports by introducing special air traffic rights and offering fee reductions to airlines operating new routes.
Domestic connecting flights between Incheon International Airport and regional airports will be expanded.
Late-night airport bus services, which currently operate on 13 routes within Seoul, will be extended to Chungcheong and Gangwon provinces. The government will also allow advance booking for KTX high-speed train tickets beyond the current one-month limit.
To address accommodation shortages outside the capital, the government plans to introduce a new Accommodation Promotion Act. Oversight of the lodging sector will be consolidated under the Ministry of Culture. Authorities will also introduce a quality certification system to improve standards.
In addition, South Korea plans to develop a local version of Spain’s “parador” model. Under this concept, traditional houses, temples, and folk villages will be converted into accommodation for tourists.
These measures are part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen tourism infrastructure and attract more international visitors, including those from Indonesia.
