Transit passengers from select countries starting on April 30 can enter Korea without a visa.
The Ministry of Justice on April 28 announced resumption of the visa-free entry system for such passengers in stages.
The move comes over three years after the system's suspension in February 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.
Under the system, foreign transit tourists can enter for a short time for sightseeing or business without a visa.
From April 30, the waiver will be granted to transit passengers flying in from a third country except for those from 23 states that do not allow visa-free entry to Jeju Island such as Syria, Sudan and Iran, as well as Chinese youth on school trips.
From May 15, the system will be expanded to cover transit passengers arriving at Incheon International Airport except those from the 23 countries, members of group tours to Jeju and Chinese group tourists with visas to enter Japan via Korea.
"We expect this measure to get more foreign transit passengers to enter and travel around Korea and lead to effects like revival of domestic tourism such as in lodging and shopping and growth of domestic consumption," the ministry said. "We will do our best to improve convenience for entry and departure of overseas tourists and manage safe national borders."
