Group 1 - South Korea has implemented a visa-free entry policy for Chinese group tourists (3 or more) starting from September 29, which is a reciprocal measure following China's visa-free policy for South Korean tourists initiated last year [1][2] - The visa-free policy is expected to significantly boost tourism between China and South Korea, with projections estimating traveler numbers between 8 million to 9 million this year [1][3] - Data shows a substantial increase in travel bookings, with Korean tourism products seeing a 53% rise in reservations and hotel bookings up by 135% compared to last year [1][3] Group 2 - The response to China's visa-free policy has led to a surge in South Korean tourists visiting China, with a 131% increase in travel orders to China as of September 11 [2][3] - Popular destinations for South Korean tourists in China include Shanghai, Qingdao, and Beijing, with Shanghai experiencing a 60% increase in visitor numbers since September [2][3] - The anticipated growth in tourism is expected to stimulate local economies and enhance bilateral relations between the two countries [3][4] Group 3 - The South Korean government predicts that the visa-free policy will revitalize the tourism sector and local economies, with Chinese tourists historically accounting for a significant portion of foreign visitors [3][4] - In 2024, South Korea is expected to receive 14.76 million foreign tourists, with Chinese visitors making up 28.1% of that total [3][4] - The average spending of Chinese tourists in South Korea is notably higher than that of tourists from other countries, indicating a strong economic impact from this demographic [4][6] Group 4 - The tourism market is showing signs of recovery, with China's outbound tourism expected to reach 123 million in 2024, a 41% increase from 2023 [6][7] - The shift in travel preferences among Chinese tourists has moved from group tours to personalized and in-depth travel experiences, which may not align with the current group-focused visa-free policy [7][8] - The demand for travel products is evolving, with a notable interest in medical tourism and cultural experiences, highlighting the need for the industry to adapt to changing consumer preferences [7][8]