Yuhan reports 2025 operating profit up 90% to 104.4 billion won Yuhan said in a regulatory filing Tuesday that its consolidated operating profit for last year rose 90.2% from a year earlier to 104.4 billion won.  Revenue increased 5.7% to 2.1866 trillion won, and net profit surged 235.9% to 185.3 billion won, it said in preliminary results.  The company said growth in its prescription-drug business, overseas operations and sales at subsidiaries drove the revenue gain. It said operating profit jumped as it improved its profit structure by raising the share of product sales and lowering its cost ratio. Net profit reflected factors including higher gains from selling investment shares in affiliated companies. In the fourth quarter, Yuhan said its core pharmaceutical business maintained solid growth, and it booked milestone payments tied to the commercialization in China of a combination therapy using its non-small cell lung cancer drug Lazertinib. As a result, on a separate basis, fourth-quarter revenue rose 53.5 billion won and operating profit increased 31.8 billion won from a year earlier. A Yuhan official said the company will continue to prioritize profitability, boost research and development productivity, and strengthen disciplined management.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 18:18:00

Chinese-Made EVs Expand in South Korea as Polestar Targets Luxury Segment South Korea’s shift to electric vehicles is accelerating, and imported brands are stepping up their push. After gains by value-focused EVs led by Tesla and BYD, premium brands are also expanding lineups to lock in market share. Ham Jong Seong, CEO of Polestar Korea, unveiled the Polestar 3 and Polestar 5 on Tuesday at the “2026 Polestar Media Day” at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, saying, “This year, we will make it the first year of a leap from premium to a luxury brand.” The Polestar 3 is scheduled to launch in the second quarter and the Polestar 5 in the third quarter. On pricing, Ham said the vehicles will be introduced “at the most attractive prices among all global markets where Polestar operates.” In Europe, the Polestar 3 and Polestar 5 sell for about 120 million won and 200 million won, respectively. Polestar Korea also said it has no plans to resume sales of the Polestar 2 until a next-generation model is released. Polestar entered South Korea with the Polestar 2, then shifted its main model to the Polestar 4 in 2024 as it moved upmarket. According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association, the Polestar 4 recorded the highest sales last year among premium imported EVs priced at 60 million won or more, with 2,611 units. With Polestar Korea signaling new premium EV launches every year, the influence of Chinese-made EVs in South Korea is expected to keep growing. Tesla has driven the market since 2023 by importing China-built versions of the Model Y and Model 3 and sharply lowering prices, posting sales of about 60,000 vehicles last year. BYD also sold more than 6,000 units in its first year in South Korea. BYD aims to top 10,000 this year by expanding its lineup, including the compact hatchback Dolphin. Polestar was founded in Sweden, but it has been viewed as a Chinese brand since it was absorbed in 2017 by Geely Holding Group along with Volvo. Polestar vehicles sold in South Korea are also produced in China. The Korea Automobile & Mobility Association classifies Polestar as a “Chinese-made EV,” along with Tesla and BYD. Zeekr, another premium EV brand under Geely, has also signaled plans to enter South Korea. Zeekr said it formalized its entry late last year by holding a dealer contract signing ceremony with four partners: H Mobility ZK, IronEV, KCC Mobility and ZK Mobility. As imported EVs gain ground, the market share of domestic brands such as Hyundai Motor and Kia is shrinking. According to KAMA, domestic EV share fell to 57.2% last year from 75% in 2022. KAMA said the spread of Chinese-made EVs can broaden consumer choice and push prices down, but it also poses a threat by increasing competitive pressure on South Korea’s manufacturing base and supply chains, requiring a mid- to long-term response.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 18:03:31

Aekyung Group targets turnaround with financial overhaul at Jeju Air, AK Plaza and chemicals unit Aekyung Group is pushing a high-intensity financial overhaul across its core airline, retail and chemical units as it seeks a new growth phase. Jeju Air returned to profit five quarters after the third quarter of 2024, and retailer AK Plaza also swung back to the black after aggressive efficiency measures. The group is also betting on new businesses, including sodium batteries, to drive future growth. Industry officials said Feb. 11 that Aekyung’s key affiliates have shown clearer signs of recovery since last year. Jeju Air reported fourth-quarter revenue of 474.6 billion won, up 5.4% from a year earlier, and operating profit of 18.6 billion won, returning to the black, according to filings with South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service. The carrier improved its cost structure despite a tough environment marked by a weak won and oversupply among low-cost carriers, aided by introducing more efficient next-generation aircraft and cutting fixed costs, officials said. Jeju Air added two new Boeing 737-8 aircraft in the fourth quarter, lowering the fleet’s average age and cutting fuel costs 19% from the same period a year earlier. It also improved efficiency by increasing short-haul flights, including routes to Japan and China. From the first quarter, the company expects profitability to gain momentum on the back of seven additional new aircraft, productivity gains from an AI transition and rising passenger demand. South Korea’s aviation information portal said Jeju Air carried 1.176 million passengers in January, up 33.5% from a year earlier. AK Plaza’s restructuring is also taking hold. The company strengthened competitiveness at key stores, including Bundang and Suwon, and improved profitability through merchandise revamps. As a result, AK Plaza posted operating profit of 14.8 billion won last year, returning to the black for the first time in two years. “We improved profitability by strengthening our core business and boosting operating efficiency across marketing and customer programs,” a company official said. The official added that the Bundang store expects demand to shift in its trade area this year as competition eases following the closure of a nearby department store’s operations. Aekyung Chemical is focusing on longer-term growth engines such as super fiber and secondary batteries. Starting in March, it will begin mass production of TPC, a raw material for aramid super fiber that had been fully imported, after completing a domestic production facility with annual capacity of 15,000 tons. The company plans to expand output in stages as the aramid market grows and demand for TPC increases. Progress is also emerging in its hard carbon business for anode materials used in secondary batteries. The company has developed biomass-based hard carbon for sodium-ion batteries and has continued to improve performance. It is expanding capacity at its Jeonju plant to 1,300 tons a year to support a customer’s large-scale pilot tests, and it plans to scale up in stages to 20,000 tons to match market demand. Aekyung Chemical also strengthened its global production network by acquiring a surfactant manufacturing plant in Indonesia. It is operating market-specific strategies based on a production system linking its Cheongyang plant in South Korea with facilities in Vietnam and Indonesia. The company expects higher utilization and improved profitability at its Vietnam plant this year as the Vietnamese government plans a large national project, the report said. An Aekyung Group official said Jeju Air and the retail business have entered a recovery phase through intensive restructuring and efficiency efforts, while Aekyung Chemical is building a technology base for future growth. The official said the group will accelerate growth by securing financial stability, selling noncore assets including ThermeDen, responding to changes in the aviation market and expanding new chemical businesses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 18:03:00

Thailand sells 'luxury healing' image as Korean travelers drift away SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) – Thailand is rebranding itself as a “luxury healing” destination as it struggles to win back South Korean travelers increasingly opting for Vietnam and other alternatives amid rising costs, currency pressure and lingering safety concerns linked to regional tensions. Under its global “Amazing Thailand” campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will reposition its 2026 communications strategy around the tagline “Healing is the New Luxury,” reflecting shifting travel preferences in the Korean market. Siriges Anong Trirattanasongpol, executive director for East Asia and former head of the TAT Seoul office, said Korea remains central to Thailand’s strategy as it pivots toward higher-value tourism. “Korean travelers are experienced, highly informed and increasingly selective,” she said. “They travel not only to see destinations, but to seek meaningful experiences. This aligns closely with Thailand’s 2026 direction.” “Luxury is not only about price,” she added. “It is about emotional value, wellness and personal fulfillment.” The message was echoed by Vachirachai Sirisumpan, who took office this month as head of the TAT Seoul office. “Thailand may feel familiar to many Korean travelers, but each season and each destination offers a distinct experience,” he said at his inaugural press briefing in Seoul on Wednesday. “The diversity of our attractions and the warmth of ‘Thainess’ allow visitors to rediscover the country in new ways.” Korea remains one of Thailand’s key inbound markets. Last year, Korean arrivals totaled about 1.55 million, ranking among the country’s top five source markets. Officials also cite a repeat visitation rate of around 60 percent, classifying Korea as a “high-quality” market. Yet recent booking data suggest Thailand is losing ground. According to Hana Tour, Southeast Asia accounted for 37 percent of bookings during this year’s Lunar New Year holiday, while China accounted for 12 percent, following Japan. KyoWon Tour data show Vietnam ranking second after Japan at 13.9 percent, with Thailand at 12.9 percent. Thailand has been losing appeal as affordable resort destination due to high costs. In 2025, the baht appreciated more than 9 percent against the dollar, driving up accommodation, dining and transportation costs. As a result, Thailand’s long-standing “value-for-money” image has weakened. At the same time, security concerns linked to border tensions with Cambodia and regional crime incidents have dented confidence. A Realmeter survey conducted in October 2025 found that 82.4 percent of respondents said crime incidents in Cambodia had negatively affected their perception of travel to Southeast Asia, rising to 88.3 percent among those aged 18 to 29. Incheon International Airport data also showed that departures to Southeast Asia fell month-on-month in October, with travel to Thailand declining about 5 percent. Between January and September 2025, Korea ranked fifth among source markets with about 1.73 million visitors, following China, Malaysia, India and Russia. Korean travel patterns have shifted fundamentally in recent years. Independent travel has expanded rapidly, driven by digital platforms and social media. Travelers now prioritize safety, flexibility and personal value, particularly wellness, local culture and community-based experiences. “We understand that safety awareness has heightened,” Sirisumpan said. “Maintaining Thailand’s image as a welcoming and comfortable destination is essential.” Political uncertainty may also influence sentiment. Preliminary election results suggest no party has secured a clear majority, raising the prospect of prolonged coalition talks. While tourism was not a campaign centerpiece, analysts say political instability can affect confidence. Facing these challenges, TAT says it is shifting away from a pure volume strategy toward sustainable, high-quality tourism. “Our objective is not simply to recover numbers,” Sirisumpan said. “It is to deepen trust and ensure that every visit to Thailand feels renewed and meaningful.” 2026-02-11 18:01:55

KOSPI stands out as regional winner as Tokyo stays closed SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) -South Korean shares emerged as regional winners on Wednesday, with Japanese markets closed for the National Foundation Day, as strong foreign and institutional buying and easing currency pressure lifted investor sentiment. The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.0 percent to close at 5,354.5, extending its rebound as heavyweight stocks regained momentum. The KOSPI 200 advanced 1.02 percent to 788.8, reflecting renewed strength in large-cap names. Foreign and institutional investors led the rally. Foreigners posted net purchases of 847.4 billion won ($582 million), while institutions added 689.6 billion won. Retail investors locked in gains, selling 1.71 trillion won, underscoring a rotation out of recent outperformers. Technology and industrial shares drove advances. Samsung Electronics climbed 1.2 percent to 167,800 won, while Hyundai Motor surged 5.9 percent to 509,000 won. Nuclear power–related stocks rallied sharply. Woori Technology soared 30 percent to 12,350 won on expectations that its domestically developed nuclear control systems would benefit from ongoing reactor construction and future decommissioning projects. LG Electronics jumped 23 percent to 127,900 won, hitting a fresh high, as investors piled into the stock on expectations that it could gain from the expansion of physical AI businesses. The rally accelerated mid-morning as the theme gained traction, with LG seen as a potential beneficiary of next-generation robotics, smart devices and AI-integrated hardware ecosystems. In contrast, chip and battery stocks showed mixed performance. SK hynix fell 1.8 percent to 860,000 won, while Samsung SDI slipped 1.1 percent to 377,000 won amid reports that Stellantis is reviewing its stake in their U.S. battery joint venture as part of broader restructuring efforts. Concerns over EV-sector profitability weighed on sentiment in select battery names. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ edged down 0.03 percent to 1,114.9, as gains in select mid-cap shares were offset by profit-taking. Foreign investors bought 2.1 billion won, while institutions added 75.5 billion won. Retail investors sold 48.4 billion won. The Korean won strengthened against the U.S. dollar, providing additional support for equities. The currency rose to 1,453 won per dollar, up 6.0 won, or 0.41 percent, easing pressure on foreign capital flows. Precious metals declined alongside a firmer dollar tone. International gold prices fell 1.0 percent to $5,031.0 per troy ounce, while silver dropped 2.2 percent to $80.4 per ounce. Across Asia, markets showed a mixed tone. With Tokyo closed for the National Foundation Day holiday, regional direction was muted. China’s Shanghai Composite was little changed, inching up 0.2 percent to 4,134.4, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index traded mostly flat as investors consolidated recent gains. 2026-02-11 17:58:13

VW's electrification push adds pressure on South Korea in Canada's $41bn submarine bid SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Germany’s industrial offensive is widening beyond defense and into electric vehicles, adding fresh pressure on South Korea in Canada’s $41 billion submarine procurement race. On Wednesday, Volkswagen Group doubled down on its global electrification drive despite slowing EV demand worldwide, highlighting production milestones that underscore Germany’s manufacturing scale — a key factor as Berlin backs a consortium competing against South Korea for Canada’s Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). Volkswagen said its global production network, spanning Győr in Hungary, Tianjin in China and Kassel in Germany, has now surpassed 5 million electric drive systems. The Kassel plant alone increased output by 24 percent year-on-year, producing more than 850,000 units this year. Beyond volume, the company emphasized technological self-reliance, noting it develops and manufactures core components in-house, including the pulse inverter — often referred to as the “brain” of an electric vehicle — and key control systems. Industry observers say the timing is hardly coincidental. Canada’s submarine program has evolved into more than a defense procurement. Facing tariff uncertainty under U.S. President Donald Trump, Ottawa has made domestic industrial revitalization and job creation central criteria in evaluating bids. Germany has already secured a foothold in Canada’s battery sector. Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary PowerCo is building a C$7 billion gigafactory in St. Thomas, Ontario — its first such facility in North America. According to The Globe and Mail, German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche recently visited Ottawa and met senior members of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet to promote German automotive investment. In an interview, Reiche said discussions went “more than just talking,” adding that “we are looking into numbers, into details.” Analysts interpret the move as part of a coordinated German strategy: pairing submarine technology with tangible, large-scale industrial investment. Against Germany’s aggressive push, Korea’s consortium of Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries faces mounting pressure. While Volkswagen has finalized multibillion-dollar investments and is showcasing operational facilities, Hyundai Motor Group has yet to formalize plans for a direct EV production base in Canada. Industry experts argue Seoul must move beyond a defense-only pitch and present an integrated industrial package. “One defense platform alone is not enough,” said a Seoul-based defense industry official. “Korea needs to link Hyundai and Kia’s EV technologies with battery leaders like LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Samsung SDI, offering Canada a concrete mobility and defense ecosystem.” Such a package, analysts say, could counterbalance Germany’s early-mover advantage in large-scale manufacturing investment. Ryu Yeon-seung, director at the Institute of Defense Industrial Security, cautioned that not all cooperation details can be disclosed publicly. “Regarding cooperation with the three major Korean battery makers, some aspects have not been made public, and some cannot be disclosed,” Ryu said. “Germany is a competitor, so we cannot reveal all of our cards. Doing so would put us at a disadvantage in negotiations.” He added that he understands the government is already working on such coordination at the practical level. While some market watchers see Germany holding the upper hand due to NATO alignment and its visible industrial footprint in Canada, Ryu stressed that the outcome remains open. “No one can guarantee the result,” he said. “If NATO membership alone determined everything, Canada would not still be weighing options between South Korea and Germany.” 2026-02-11 17:51:53

Lee Chung Yong Joins Incheon United After Golf Celebration Controversy Midfielder Lee Chung Yong, who drew criticism over a "golf celebration," has signed with K League 1 promoted side Incheon United. Incheon announced the signing on Tuesday. An Incheon official called Lee a proven veteran at home and abroad who will add stability and leadership, saying the club expects him to help younger players develop and boost competitiveness. Lee said, "I’m excited to start a new challenge at Incheon," adding, "I will pour all my experience and ability into the pitch so the team can move toward higher goals. I will repay the fans with strong performances." Lee made his pro debut with FC Seoul in 2006 and moved overseas in 2009. He returned to the K League in March 2020 by joining Ulsan, helping the club win three straight K League 1 titles from 2022-2024 and the Asian Football Confederation Champions League. Late last year, his on-field "golf celebration" sparked controversy, with some fans alleging it was aimed at Shin Tae Yong, a former Ulsan coach. Lee later expressed regret in a handwritten letter and parted ways with Ulsan last month. 2026-02-11 17:42:33

GC Pharma, Dongkook, Kwangdong and ABL Bio report R&D, anti-counterfeit and sales updates GC Pharma shares lysosomal storage disease drug development updates at WORLD Symposium 2026 GC Pharma said Tuesday it presented updates on its lysosomal storage disease (LSD) drug programs at WORLD Symposium 2026, held Feb. 2-6 in San Diego. WORLD Symposium is an international forum where LSD specialists share the latest research and discuss improved treatments. GC Pharma presented a poster on preclinical results for GC1130A, a candidate treatment for Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPSIIIA). The company is developing the drug for direct delivery into the brain’s ventricles (ICV) to improve efficacy. In preclinical animal studies, heparan sulfate levels in the brains of disease-model animals given GC1130A fell significantly, and researchers observed reduced brain inflammation and improved cognitive ability. GC1130A is in Phase 1 trials in the United States and South Korea and has received fast-track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The company plans to complete Phase 1 this year and aims to commercialize the drug before 2030. GC Pharma also joined a global investigator meeting for HM15421/GC1134A, a Fabry disease treatment candidate, sharing safety indicators and preliminary pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics data from cohort 1 and discussing clinical strategy. With enrollment for cohort 1 complete, the company plans to begin registering cohort 2 participants in the second quarter. Dongkook Pharmaceutical asks Korean IP office for continued cooperation in anti-counterfeit efforts Dongkook Pharmaceutical said Tuesday it held a meeting Feb. 9 with the Korean Intellectual Property Office at its headquarters in Seoul to discuss preventing counterfeit distribution and protecting consumers for its dermacosmetics brand Centellian24. The two sides shared information on the spread of counterfeit goods, particularly through domestic online channels and overseas distribution, and discussed cooperation to crack down on counterfeits and block distribution. They agreed the issue has significant implications for consumer safety and brand trust and said continued cooperation is needed. Dongkook Pharmaceutical said counterfeit versions of key Centellian24 products, including Madeca Cream and Melacapture Ampoule, are being sold in packaging similar to genuine items. The company said counterfeit products can be difficult to verify for ingredients and may pose a high risk of serious side effects if applied to the skin. Kwangdong Pharmaceutical says Cheonghyeonghwan tops 160 billion won in cumulative sales Kwangdong Pharmaceutical said Tuesday that cumulative sales of Kwangdong Cheonghyeonghwan surpassed 160 billion won from its 2019 launch through 2025. The pill-form product uses agarwood and deer antler velvet as main ingredients. The company said cumulative sales volume reached about 27 million pills, based on 30 pills per box, and the repurchase rate was 99.8%. Kwangdong Pharmaceutical said it runs a quality-control system covering the full process from ingredient selection to manufacturing. It said it tests for about 540 types of harmful substances, including pesticide residues, and produces the product through a 45-step process at facilities certified under the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points standard, from raw-material intake to finished-product inspection. The company said it has introduced automation in the filling and packaging stage. ABL Bio publishes review paper on 4-1BB antibodies in international journal ABL Bio said Tuesday it published a review paper in the international journal mAbs on 4-1BB, a target drawing attention for next-generation cancer immunotherapy. The paper, titled “Expanding the horizon of cancer therapy with next-generation 4-1BB antibodies: a review of molecular and clinical strategies to maximize efficacy and ensure safety,” was released online Feb. 6. According to the paper, 4-1BB bispecific antibodies showed improved anticancer efficacy and a favorable safety profile compared with conventional monoclonal antibodies. It described an approach that limits T-cell activation through 4-1BB signaling to the tumor microenvironment where cancer cells are present, as a way to address limitations seen with earlier 4-1BB monoclonal antibodies urelumab and utomilumab. The paper said 4-1BB may also support longer-lasting anticancer effects and could play an important role in future combination therapies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 17:42:00

Job data hints AI stealing entry-level high-skill jobs in Korea SEOUL, Feb. 11 (AJP) – South Korea’s youth employment remains in the doldrums for a second straight year, and fresh losses in science, technology, law and accounting services suggest the country’s rapid embrace of artificial intelligence is steadily worsening job prospects for college graduates. January job data indicate that hiring is slowing just as companies accelerate automation, raising concerns that AI is quietly narrowing access to stable, long-term employment for young workers. According to January job data released Wednesday by the Ministry of Data and Statistics, net payroll growth slowed to 108,000 jobs, the smallest increase in 13 months. The youth employment rate for those aged 15 to 29 fell 1.2 percentage points to 43.6 percent, marking its 21st consecutive month of decline. Weak job creation is hardly new. What stands out is where new losses stemmed from. Employment in professional, scientific and technical services fell by 98,000 in January, a 6.6 percent year-on-year plunge – the steepest decline since the category was created in 2013. The sector includes legal affairs, accounting, consulting, marketing, research and development, and quality control, fields that typically require undergraduate or higher degrees and regarded as resilient to economic downturns and technological disruption. Even in April 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out more than 470,000 jobs nationwide, employment in this category rose by 19,000. That buffer is shaken. After rebounding in 2022, growth in the professional sector slowed sharply in 2023 and weakened further in 2024 and 2025. Over the same period, youth employment fell by more than 210,000, reversing the brief post-pandemic recovery. AI hits juniors first Economists increasingly point to AI as the main driver behind the shift. A report by the Bank of Korea released last October found that 208,000 of the 211,000 youth jobs lost over the past three years were in occupations with high exposure to automation. Younger workers are heavily concentrated in routine-intensive tasks such as document review, data processing, basic research, internal reporting and customer support – areas where AI systems are rapidly replacing human labor. “These are precisely the functions companies are automating first,” said a Seoul-based labor economist. “It is the junior layer of professional work that is being hollowed out.” A study by the Thomson Reuters Institute shows that many practitioners in law and accounting expect AI to reduce long-term staffing needs. A November survey by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development found that 14 percent of small and medium-sized firms in seven countries, including Korea, now handle marketing, research and public relations internally using AI tools. Global shift reaches Korea Major global firms have already begun adjusting their workforces. International law firm Baker McKenzie has restructured about 10 percent of its back-office staff in parts of Europe, while U.S. software company Salesforce laid off roughly 4,000 customer-support workers last year. In South Korea, strict labor protections have limited large-scale layoffs. Instead, companies are responding by freezing recruitment and trimming entry-level hiring. “We have not hired anyone since early last year,” said an executive at a Seoul-based IT services startup, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Basic work is now handled by AI systems. There is simply less need for junior staff.” Industry insiders say this quiet pullback in hiring is having a bigger long-term impact than visible job cuts, especially for new graduates trying to enter competitive fields. ‘AI-washing’ or structural change? Some analysts caution that AI is sometimes used as a convenient justification for cost-cutting. “Some executives cite AI as a rationale for downsizing that is actually driven by overhiring or margin pressure,” said Fabian Stephany, a researcher affiliated with the Oxford Internet Institute. In such cases, “AI” becomes a branding tool for traditional restructuring, rather than the real cause of job losses. Others argue that a deeper transformation is under way. “This is not simply about fewer jobs,” said Yoon Seok-bin, a professor at Sogang University’s Graduate School of AI and Software. “It is about different jobs. Demand is shifting toward people who can define problems, structure arguments and create value, rather than those who only process information,” he said. 2026-02-11 17:29:48

Surge in Chinese travelers to South Korea boosts bilateral ties, Beijing's state daily says SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - A surge in travel between South Korea and China is laying the groundwork for stronger bilateral ties, Beijing's state-run newspaper Global Times reported on Wednesday. Quoting South Korean Ambassador to China Roh Jae-heon, the English-language sister newspaper of the People's Daily said, "The number of Chinese visitors to South Korea is expected to exceed 6 million in 2026." The surge is "not merely a recovery in tourism statistics; it serves as a concrete indicator of the deepening economic and people-to-people ties between China and South Korea," it added. Earlier this week, Noh said the South Korean Embassy in China issued about 126,904 visas last month, up 64 percent from a year earlier. The development comes after Beijing began offering visa-free entry for South Koreans in November 2024, and Seoul followed suit with a similar program in September last year. "This trend is underpinned by natural advantages such as geographical proximity, as well as the extensive business exchanges fostered by deeply integrated industrial and supply chains. Furthermore, it reflects the continuous policy efforts of both sides to facilitate bilateral exchanges," the Global Times said. "Tourism is not merely an economic activity but also a process of cultural exchange and communication. Chinese tourists can gain a deeper understanding of South Korea through firsthand experience, while South Korean society enhances its understanding of China by hosting Chinese visitors," it wrote. Pointing to how economic growth has transformed consumers' spending habits in China, it added, "Overseas travel has become a regular lifestyle choice for many Chinese families." 2026-02-11 17:09:24