Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young said he felt that "Korea has become more widely known overseas and has become a country that people want to visit."
Minister Choi made the remarks to reporters on Jan. 15 after inspecting a "Welcome Event Zone" jointly operated by the Korea Tourism Organization and Alipay for foreign tourists in front of Migliore in Myeongdong, Seoul.
"During this year's Lunar New Year holiday, noticeably more Chinese visitors are coming compared to last year," Minister Choi said. "Not only from China, but also from Japan, Southeast Asia, the United States, and Europe. I came out to check whether there are any inconveniences or areas that need improvement. We will reflect these findings in our policies."
During his visit to Myeongdong, Minister Choi met with tourism information center staff, tour guide interpreters, street vendors, and shop owners. He also spoke with Chinese tourists visiting Korea. One Chinese tourist who met the minister expressed expectations for his first visit to Korea, saying, "The shopping is great and the food is delicious."
The minister paid particular attention to payment options for Chinese visitors, including Alipay, and noted areas for improvement. He personally tested payments at street vendors, purchasing items such as tteokbokki. Officials from the Korea Tourism Organization, Alipay, and the Myeongdong Welfare Association (street vendors) accompanied him on the visit.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, a significant increase in Chinese tourists is expected during China's longest-ever Spring Festival holiday from Jan. 15 to 23. The ministry plans to work with the Korea Association of Travel Agents to prevent safety incidents and actively respond to complaints at tourism sites.
The association has notified China-specialized travel agencies to strengthen safety management for Chinese tourists, immediately share any safety incidents with the association, and minimize inconveniences. Any unauthorized departures by Chinese tourists will be immediately reported to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Justice (Immigration Office).
The ministry previously estimated that up to 190,000 Chinese tourists would visit Korea during the nine-day Spring Festival holiday. This represents a 44% increase from last year's daily average during the Spring Festival. During last year's eight-day Spring Festival holiday, 110,000 Chinese visitors came to Korea.