Korean media: "China is better than imagined," 3.16 million South Koreans flood in!
On May 29, Korean media outlet Seoul News published an article stating that with China's short-term visa-free policy for South Korean citizens now in effect, content creators from South Korea have been flocking to major Chinese cities, sparking a so-called "China Vlog" craze.
This short-term visa-free policy, initially launched in 2024 and now extended through next year, is serving as a catalyst for people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
Last year, approximately 3.16 million South Koreans visited China—a 36.9% increase compared to the previous year, the highest growth rate among major destinations.
Notably, in January this year, over 300,000 South Koreans entered China, continuing a strong upward trend with a year-on-year increase of 48%.
Under this trend, South Korean YouTubers centered around major cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu are becoming increasingly active.
In a recent video documenting his trip to Shenzhen, YouTube creator Heechulism—whose channel has 1.2 million subscribers—expressed awe at China’s technological advancements, including test rides in driverless electric taxis.
He specifically highlighted changes in the taxi market, drawing attention: once-dominant Hyundai vehicles are now being overtaken by Chinese brands like BYD.
Another YouTuber, NAkANG, showcased the convenience of daily life in Chengdu in his videos, such as local cuisine and advanced restroom facilities.
They commonly mentioned the cashless mobile payment culture, efficient high-speed rail network, and affordable high-end restaurants—painting a contemporary image of China that differs significantly from traditional stereotypes.
Experts analyze that this phenomenon goes beyond simple tourism, reflecting a deeper exchange of “soft power” between the two countries.
One expert said: “Since the visa-free policy was implemented, content engagement has surged. Many content creators are traveling to China seeking collaboration opportunities or even starting their own ventures.”
According to statistics, a total of 30.08 million foreign visitors entered China visa-free last year, accounting for 73.1% of all foreign tourists. Chinese netizens are also sharing videos by Korean streamers, responding positively and noting, “This gives us a chance to learn about aspects of each other we didn’t know before.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866528311862272/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.