Visa rules by passportLast checked October 16, 2026
Do citizens of China need a visa for South Korea?
ChinaSouth KoreaVisa requiredNationals of China need a visa for short stays in South Korea.
- Note
- Visa required for individuals; a temporary visa-free scheme for approved Chinese tour groups (3+ people, 15 days) ran from 29 Sep 2025 to 30 Jun 2026; Jeju has separate visa-free rules.
Diaspora: about 756,684 people born in China live there (UN DESA 2024).
The visa route
Short-term tourist visa (C-3-9), with K-ETA for visa-free visitorsKorea has two routes for tourists. Nationals of visa-waiver countries do not need a visa but normally need a K-ETA (electronic travel authorisation) before boarding, although many of them are temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026. Everyone else applies for a C-3-9 short-term tourist visa at the Korean embassy or consulate covering where they live; consulates now issue a visa grant notice instead of a passport sticker.Requirements and documentsAnother passport?
Rules depend on the passport you travel on. Visas or residence elsewhere can open easier entry.
Official sources
Rules change: check the official page before you travel.
General information from official sources, not legal advice.