Koreans who went on a trip to China were denied entry when they said they were 'visa-free'...Why?

ⓒYonhap News Agency

While China has implemented a "visa-free entry" measure on South Korean passport holders since the 8th, some Koreans have been denied entry, prompting diplomatic authorities to ask for caution.

According to the Embassy in China, on the 15th, a Korean citizen A was rejected while trying to enter China.

A had a history of being diagnosed with tuberculosis in China in the past. Since then, tuberculosis has been cured, but it has been reported that he has not been able to enter the country because he has not been able to prove whether he has been cured during the process of entering the country.

In addition, cases of visa-free entry were reported due to "unknown purpose of entry." After the visa-free measures were implemented, a Korean citizen was denied entry to China at the airport due to a lack of clear explanation for the purpose of entry.

Currently, the purpose of Korean citizens entering China without a visa is limited to business, tourism, visiting relatives, and stopping by. Chinese authorities may not allow entry if they believe the purpose of entry is beyond this range or unclear.

'Unclear purpose of entry' is a common reason applied when countries refuse foreigners to enter due to concerns about illegal stay or possible crimes, and this case is not unique to China.

The Embassy in China emphasized, "In order to prevent unnecessary cases of denial of entry, the people should comply with the relevant regulations and thoroughly prepare in advance."

Reporter Park Sun-young of Digital News Team