SEOUL, July 1 (AJP) - South Korea has extended its visa fee waiver program for group tourists from six countries including China, the Philippines, and Viet Nam until the end of this year, the Ministry of Justice said on Wednesday.
The extension also applies to those from Cambodia, India and Indonesia, and aims to further boost foreign tourism.
The fee waiver, which was supposed to expire in June, eliminates a US$15 (about 22,500 won) charge for group visa applications.
As the reason for the extension, the ministry cited a recovery in travel demand from China and Southeast Asian countries, adding that the number of foreign tourists entering the country on group visas rose to about 790,000 last year, up roughly 39 percent from a year earlier.
By country, China accounted for the largest with 614,040 visitors, followed by Vietnam with 74,333, the Philippines with 53,580, Indonesia with 40,062, Cambodia with 7,370, and India with 1,120.
The ministry expects the extension to help promote the tourism industry and stimulate local economies.
The extension also applies to those from Cambodia, India and Indonesia, and aims to further boost foreign tourism.
The fee waiver, which was supposed to expire in June, eliminates a US$15 (about 22,500 won) charge for group visa applications.
As the reason for the extension, the ministry cited a recovery in travel demand from China and Southeast Asian countries, adding that the number of foreign tourists entering the country on group visas rose to about 790,000 last year, up roughly 39 percent from a year earlier.
By country, China accounted for the largest with 614,040 visitors, followed by Vietnam with 74,333, the Philippines with 53,580, Indonesia with 40,062, Cambodia with 7,370, and India with 1,120.
The ministry expects the extension to help promote the tourism industry and stimulate local economies.
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