Korean Tourists Enjoy Streamlined Entry to Japan Starting Today

Beginning today, many South Korean tourists traveling to Tokyo and Fukuoka will experience a more convenient entry process into Japan. They will no longer have to wait in long lines mixed with travelers from other countries, significantly reducing their wait times at immigration.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between South Korea and Japan, the two countries are piloting dedicated immigration lanes for their citizens at four airports: Gimpo and Gimhae in South Korea, and Haneda and Fukuoka in Japan, throughout June.

This initiative targets short-term tourists who have visited the other country at least once in the past year. South Korean travelers using Korean Air or Asiana Airlines can pre-register through Japan's online immigration service, 'Visit Japan Web,' and then use the dedicated lanes upon arrival. By simply showing the QR code from their registration to the immigration staff, they can expedite their entry. Frequent travelers for business or family visits will also benefit, as their travel history is stored in airport databases, likely leading to quicker processing times.

Previously, South Korean tourists often complained about long wait times at Japanese airports, particularly at Fukuoka Airport, which has been noted for its lengthy immigration procedures. For instance, during a seminar in 2017, it took about an hour to clear immigration at Fukuoka Airport. Although wait times have improved slightly this year, travelers still faced long lines alongside other foreign visitors.

Since March 2006, South Korea and Japan have implemented mutual visa exemption measures, and if this new initiative is expanded and made permanent, it is expected to further increase the number of travelers between the two nations.

The need for a simplified immigration system has been discussed for some time, especially among businesspeople who frequently travel between the two countries. Despite proposals from airlines like Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, discussions stalled after diplomatic relations soured following a 2018 ruling by the South Korean Supreme Court regarding forced labor compensation, which led to Japan imposing export restrictions.

A breakthrough occurred in March 2023 when then-President Yoon Suk-yeol proposed a third-party compensation plan for the forced labor issue, which revitalized tourism between the two countries. According to statistics from the Korea Tourism Organization, approximately 8.82 million South Koreans visited Japan last year, while around 3.22 million Japanese visited South Korea, totaling about 12.03 million trips.

As the number of visitors increased, the need for streamlined immigration procedures was once again highlighted. Discussions among Japanese officials and experts emphasized the importance of ensuring that improved political relations benefit the general public, preventing a regression to past tensions.

A pivotal moment came during the 'Korea-Japan New Cooperation Vision Forum' held in May 2022, co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Diplomatic Academy. This 1.5-track meeting brought together government and private sector experts to discuss future directions for Korea-Japan relations.

During the forum, participants, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeong Byeong-won and Dongseo University President Jang Je-guk, proposed the idea of creating a Korea-Japan version of the Schengen Agreement, which would simplify immigration procedures between the two countries. The Schengen Agreement, established in 1985, allows citizens of member countries to travel freely without passports.

Jang Je-guk emphasized that if special measures, such as dedicated immigration lanes for South Koreans, were implemented, it would enhance the public's perception of improved Korea-Japan relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Minister Cho Tae-yul, has established a task force to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization, and Deputy Minister Jeong has expressed a commitment to actively consider these proposals.

The discussions around simplifying immigration procedures have gained momentum within both governments. On September 6, 2024, President Yoon and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan agreed to actively seek ways to enhance human exchanges, including immigration simplification. President Yoon stated that if both countries work together, they could mark a significant turning point in Korea-Japan relations as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization next year.

The immigration simplification measures, which were not implemented in January 2023 due to complications surrounding President Yoon's controversial emergency measures, are now being revisited. Concerns from legal authorities in both countries about potential increases in cross-border crime during previous visa exemption periods have also contributed to the hesitance.

The recent immigration simplification initiative is seen as a potential foundation for a Korea-Japan economic community, as proposed by Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group. Whether the pilot measures will be formalized and expanded will depend on the new government's policy towards Japan, which will be determined on June 4. Regardless of who becomes president, there is hope for proactive measures that will allow citizens of both countries to visit each other more easily and foster a forward-looking relationship.