Discussion on Immigration Simplification Measures at the Korea-Japan Tourism Cooperation Forum

On the 25th, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Culture and Tourism Industry Committee held a KoreaJapan tourism cooperation discussion at the Chamber of Commerce building in Junggu, Seoul, and discussed ways to reduce travel procedures between the two countries. At the discussion, proposals included a pilot project allowing travel between Korea and Japan using only a resident registration card, a “KoreaJapan version of the Schengen Agreement” in which travelers could visit both countries with just one country’s visa, an integrated reservation service linking KTX, passenger ferries, and the Shinkansen, and expanded immigration fast tracks for MICE participants. Participants said that if such systems are introduced, travel convenience for tourists from Korea and Japan would improve, and it could also make linked trips to both countries easier for tourists from third countries. However, the economic effects mentioned in the article are estimates by the proponents, and whether the policies are actually adopted and what effects they would have require further review.