Thanks to the popularity of K-dramas, K-beauty products, and K-pop groups like BTS and Blackpink, Indians have developed a fascination with South Korea and are traveling there frequently. If you, too, are obsessed with South Korea and cannot wait to explore Seoul, Busan and other places with friends and family, we have some exciting news for you! To encourage tourism and strengthen relations, South Korea has extended its visa fee waiver for organized group tours from specific countries, including India, until June 30, 2027. This policy applies to those booking through licensed travel agencies, allowing them to avoid the usual visa fees for short-term visits.
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As per the announcement, South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has confirmed this extension for Indian organized tour groups. Under this plan, individuals traveling with approved agencies will save KRW 18,000 (roughly ₹1,150) on the single-entry C-3 tourist visa.
South Korea Initially Launched This Visa Fee Waiver In 2023
This extension highlights South Korea’s interest in attracting more Indian visitors, especially as K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean food continue to spark curiosity. Indian tourist numbers have already reached about 80% of pre-pandemic levels, and officials hope to exceed 250,000 visitors by 2027.
The fee waiver not only helps individual travelers but also assists Indian businesses by lowering costs for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), while reducing paperwork since agencies can submit applications in bulk. However, you also know that this benefit is only available for travelers on packaged tours; independent tourists still need to pay the visa fee.
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This extension of the visa fee waiver was initially launched in 2023 to revitalize tourism from important markets, including India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Philippines. For Indian travelers, this is a great opportunity for group trips, making travel more affordable and accessible to one of Asia’s most popular destinations.
