Seoul has confirmed that its visa-processing-fee waiver for C-3-2 short-term group visas will remain in force until 30 June 2026, eliminating the usual 18,000-won (US $12.50) charge for each traveller booked through accredited agencies.([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-07/cn/south-korea-extends-visa-fee-waiver-for-chinese-group-tourists-to-june-2026/)) China remains South Korea’s largest source market, accounting for roughly 30 percent of arrivals in late 2025.
The move comes as South Korea overtook Japan to become the top outbound destination for Chinese tourists during the 2026 New-Year holiday, driven by relaxed entry rules and nearly full restoration of air capacity on China-Korea routes.([travelandtourworld.com](https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/south-korea-outpaces-japan-in-popularity-among-chinese-tourists-for-the-2026-new-year-holiday-highlighting-stronger-cultural-visa-and-flight-connectivity/)) Airlines are adding charter frequencies from second-tier Chinese cities, creating new opportunities for incentive travel and factory-audit delegations.
![South Korea Extends Visa-Fee Waiver for Chinese Group Travellers to Mid-2026]()
VisaHQ’s China portal (https://www.visahq.com/china/) offers a streamlined way to confirm C-3-2 requirements, download application forms and even connect with accredited agencies, helping corporate travel planners leverage the South Korean fee waiver without stumbling over paperwork or eligibility hiccups.
For companies, the fee waiver can shave hundreds of dollars off group-trip budgets, funds that can be reallocated to hotel upgrades or side-trip cultural experiences. Mobility teams should, however, ensure travel agencies file manifests correctly; individuals who deviate from the group itinerary may lose the fee exemption and face normal visa charges.
The extension underscores a broader regional contest to attract Chinese spending: Japan is trialling multi-entry e-visas, and Thailand offers a 90-day visa-free window. Corporates should monitor expiry dates and group-size requirements to optimise 2026 travel planning.
The move comes as South Korea overtook Japan to become the top outbound destination for Chinese tourists during the 2026 New-Year holiday, driven by relaxed entry rules and nearly full restoration of air capacity on China-Korea routes.([travelandtourworld.com](https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/south-korea-outpaces-japan-in-popularity-among-chinese-tourists-for-the-2026-new-year-holiday-highlighting-stronger-cultural-visa-and-flight-connectivity/)) Airlines are adding charter frequencies from second-tier Chinese cities, creating new opportunities for incentive travel and factory-audit delegations.
VisaHQ’s China portal (https://www.visahq.com/china/) offers a streamlined way to confirm C-3-2 requirements, download application forms and even connect with accredited agencies, helping corporate travel planners leverage the South Korean fee waiver without stumbling over paperwork or eligibility hiccups.
For companies, the fee waiver can shave hundreds of dollars off group-trip budgets, funds that can be reallocated to hotel upgrades or side-trip cultural experiences. Mobility teams should, however, ensure travel agencies file manifests correctly; individuals who deviate from the group itinerary may lose the fee exemption and face normal visa charges.
The extension underscores a broader regional contest to attract Chinese spending: Japan is trialling multi-entry e-visas, and Thailand offers a 90-day visa-free window. Corporates should monitor expiry dates and group-size requirements to optimise 2026 travel planning.
