人均消费近89万韩元，中国游客能否提振韩国经济

Core Viewpoint - The South Korean government has implemented a trial visa-free entry policy for Chinese group tourists, effective from September 29 until June 30 of the following year, allowing groups of three or more to stay for 15 days, which is expected to boost tourism during China's National Day holiday [1][2][4]. Group 1: Visa Policy and Economic Impact - The visa-free policy is aimed at increasing the number of Chinese tourists, which has a significant economic impact; for every additional 1 million Chinese tourists, South Korea's GDP can increase by 0.08 percentage points [2][11]. - The policy is seen as a response to China's unilateral visa-free policy for South Korean tourists, which has already led to a surge in visitors to China [6][10]. - The current goal for South Korea is to attract 5.36 million Chinese tourists this year, highlighting the economic motivations behind the visa-free initiative [2][11]. Group 2: Tourist Interest and Market Response - Following the announcement of the visa-free policy, there has been a notable increase in interest from Chinese tourists, with group participation rising by 152.2% during the trial period [4]. - Travel agencies in Guangdong reported a 40% increase in inquiries about trips to South Korea, particularly among younger travelers seeking diverse experiences [5][4]. - The peak travel season coinciding with the autumn foliage in October and November is expected to further boost group travel numbers [4]. Group 3: Industry Preparedness and Service Enhancements - South Korean travel and retail industries are preparing to welcome Chinese tourists by enhancing services, such as hiring Chinese-speaking staff and offering Chinese menus [5][10]. - The introduction of mobile payment options like WeChat Pay in public transport and retail settings is aimed at improving the shopping experience for Chinese visitors [5][10]. - The flexibility of the new visa policy, allowing smaller groups to travel, is expected to attract more spontaneous travelers [7][8]. Group 4: Challenges and Market Dynamics - Despite the positive outlook, the requirement for group travel to be booked through designated travel agencies and the need for strict adherence to travel arrangements may limit the immediate impact of the visa-free policy [8]. - The shift in Chinese tourist preferences towards personalized and in-depth travel experiences may reduce the effectiveness of the group travel visa exemption [8]. - The competitive landscape in the Asia-Pacific region poses challenges for South Korea, as it seeks to maintain its attractiveness as a travel destination against other countries like Japan and Thailand [10].