Quick Answer
Can South Korea citizens visit China visa-free in 2026?
Yes. South Korea passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days. The stay is for tourism, business, or family visits and cannot be extended inside mainland China.
Source: Chinese MFA, 2026
Visa policy for Chinese borders
30-day visa-free entry to China. Valid for tourism, business, family visits, and transit. Extension possible through local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in China.
Common questions
Do South Korean citizens need a visa for China in 2026?+
No. Korean passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under the bilateral Korea-China exemption.
How long can a Korean citizen stay in China without a visa?+
Up to 30 days per entry. For work, study, or stays over 30 days, apply for the appropriate visa at a Chinese consulate before travelling.
Can Korean citizens use the 240-hour visa-free transit?+
Yes, with onward tickets to a third country and transit through an eligible port. Stay is capped at 240 hours.
Visa & travel facts
- Visa status
- Visa-free, 30 days
- Max stay
- Up to 30 days
- Capital
- Seoul
- Currency
- KRW
- Region
- Asia
Alipay & foreign cards
Cards that work: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay
- Samsung Card Visa
- Hyundai Card
- KB Kookmin Card
- Shinhan Card
Often unreliable: KakaoPay-linked cards (KakaoPay does not work in China), T-money cards (transit only)
- Korean Visa/Mastercard cards work consistently.
- KakaoPay does NOT work in China — must use Alipay for payment.
Connectivity — eSIM & VPN
| Provider | Data | Price | Notes |
|---|
| Airalo | 5–20 | $9–$32 | Standard. |
| Holafly | 5–unlimited | $19–$50 | Unlimited. |
| KT Olleh roaming | 1-day | $11/day | Worst price but works. |
VPN that works: Astrill, NordVPN, HideMyAss (KR has good servers)
Avoid: Free VPNs
- KT/SKT/LG U+ roaming at ₩11,000-15,000/day — eSIM is 50-70% cheaper.
- KT 'olleh data roaming' has 30-day passes at ₩80,000.
Tax refund
Eligible for the departure sales-tax refund — minimum spend ¥500.
- Tax Free Shopping stores.
- Form at checkout.
- Airport Tax Free counter.
- Refund in KRW to Korean bank or CNY cash.
Participating airports: Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, Shenyang
Your embassy in Beijing
No. 20 Dongfang Donglu, Chaoyang District (Liangmaqiao) · +86 10 8537 4000 · +86 10 8537 4000 (24/7) · Mon-Fri 9:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:30
Plan the rest of your trip