BUSAN – Ms. Li, a school teacher from Shanghai, recently experienced significant changes to her planned cruise holiday. When she booked her trip in August 2025, it initially included stops in Japan’s Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as South Korea’s Jeju Island. However, by the time she boarded the Adora Magic City on February 4, 2026, her itinerary had been modified twice, eliminating Japan altogether in favor of destinations in South Korea, including Jeju and Busan.
Li, among over 2,500 passengers who disembarked at the Busan International Cruise Terminal on February 6, commented on the situation, acknowledging the changes that were out of her control, particularly in light of the Chinese government’s warning against travel to Japan. This advisory against traveling to Japan was first issued in November 2025 due to rising tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, especially following remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.
In a notable political development, Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party secured a decisive victory in the snap legislative elections held on February 8, 2026, securing a supermajority in the House of Representatives. This win is seen as a reflection of her popularity and a rebuff of China’s stance during the ongoing diplomatic dispute.
Amid this tension, Chinese tourists are increasingly shifting their travel preferences towards South Korea. The port city of Busan is preparing for an extraordinary influx of Chinese visitors in 2026, expecting a staggering 173 Chinese-origin cruise ships, a substantial increase from just eight the previous year. Not just Busan, the port of Jeju is anticipated to welcome over 300 vessels, marking a significant trend away from Japan as a preferred destination.
Furthermore, a temporary visa-free entry scheme for Chinese tourists to South Korea, effective from September 2025 through June 2026, has added to the allure. Groups of three or more travelers booking through accredited agencies can stay for up to 15 days without incurring visa fees. Correspondingly, China has reciprocated by extending visa-free travel for South Korean tourists until the end of 2026, reflecting ongoing efforts by both nations to mend relations strained by previous disputes over issues such as the THAAD missile defense system.
Increased flight availability has also been noted, with 125 weekly flights planned between Jeju and Chinese cities like Shanghai and Beijing, alleviating any barriers to travel. The period surrounding the Chinese New Year, typically a low-travel season, is forecasted to see around 250,000 Chinese tourists visiting South Korea, an impressive 52 percent rise compared to the previous year.
As the cruise ship Adora Magic City reached Busan, tour guides like Mr. Piao Zhe anticipated a busy season ahead. With over 50 tour buses ready to transport passengers to attractions like Haeundae beach and Jagalchi seafood market, local businesses are poised to benefit from the expected influx of tourists.
Lee Won-suk, who runs a stall near Jagalchi market, expressed optimism about the surge in Chinese visitors, highlighting their tendency to spend generously. As preparations continue to address the expected traffic, with the Busan Port Authority planning to hire additional staff, the prospects for South Korea’s tourism industry look promising in 2026, particularly in Busan and Jeju.
As regional dynamics continue to evolve, the shift in tourism patterns reflects broader geopolitical changes and an adaptability that could lead to renewed economic opportunities in South Korea.