Known as the “K-Culture Training Visa,” this visa aims to facilitate training in dance, choreography, and modeling for aspiring K-Pop artists as part of efforts to revitalize tourism and return to pre-pandemic levels.
The announcement was made on Monday (17th) by the Ministry of Finance, which emphasized that applicants will initially not be required to pass talent tests or present an offer from a talent agency. Further details regarding the application process and requirements are expected to be released later this year.
The initiative aims to attract international talents interested in contributing to South Korea’s vibrant cultural and artistic scene by providing them with formal development and immersion opportunities in the K-Pop industry.

With the growing interest in Korean culture, many foreign fans have visited South Korea, learned the language, and even made pilgrimage trips to locations featured in music videos and K-dramas.
Now, Seoul plans to leverage this cultural popularity as a global tourist magnet, possibly by reducing barriers for travelers from Southeast Asia. Last year, more than one-fifth of visitors to South Korea came from countries such as Thailand and the Philippines, despite frequent challenges related to lengthy visa processes, as reported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST).
The rise of South Korean cultural exports, known since the 1990s as the Hallyu Wave, has gained momentum in the past decade, driven by the success of groups like BTS and Blackpink on international music charts, as well as the growing popularity of Korean dramas on streaming platforms.
According to MCST, K-Pop has established itself as one of the main reasons for visiting South Korea, particularly among fans from Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States.
South Korean celebrities have also gained significant visibility in tourism campaigns, such as actor Lee Jung-jae, who won an Emmy for his role in “Squid Game” and was appointed as the country’s honorary tourism ambassador. Additionally, Korean Air collaborated with the boy band SuperM in 2019 to produce an in-flight safety video.
Despite the diversification of visitor nationalities, the tourism sector is struggling to recover to pre-crisis levels, as reported by the Ministry of Finance.
Last year, about 11 million people visited South Korea, a slight increase from the previous year. However, this figure remains significantly below the over 17.5 million tourists recorded in 2019, according to South Korean government data.
Tourism revenues also reflect this trend, amounting to $15.1 billion in 2023, representing a 25% decrease from the $20 billion reported in 2019. The ministry emphasized that the slower recovery is due to a shift in visitor spending behavior, moving away from shopping towards cultural experiences.
These numbers highlight an ongoing challenge for the South Korean tourism industry, which is working to adapt to tourists’ new preferences and the economic challenges following the pandemic.
Earlier this year, South Korea also introduced a “workation” visa to facilitate the stay and work of digital nomads in the country. The government is now considering expanding this scheme to allow remote workers to engage in tourism while pursuing their professional activities.
These initiatives represent a significant step in opening South Korea’s borders to international workers, not only to support digital nomads but also to create a favorable environment for professionals seeking a flexible working environment in a culturally rich country.
Experts also recognize that these visas could play a crucial role in boosting the workforce and addressing the demographic crisis South Korea faces, with one of the lowest birth rates in the world. By attracting foreign talent who wish to live and work temporarily in the country, these measures not only promote the tourism sector but also contribute to diversification and sustainable long-term economic growth.
These initiatives aim to strengthen not only South Korea’s economy and tourism but also have the potential to positively change the country’s demographic dynamics at a critical time. By creating an inviting and supportive environment for digital nomads and remote workers, the South Korean government is responding to contemporary needs for professional mobility while creating opportunities for people from different parts of the world to experience and contribute to the vibrant culture and economy of South Korea.
In the context of one of the lowest birth rates worldwide, the arrival of temporary international workers could play a vital role in revitalizing and sustaining the workforce. Furthermore, by diversifying its talent base and fostering cultural exchanges, South Korea could contribute to more innovation and economic development in the long run.
Thus, these measures position South Korea not only as an enriching travel destination and cultural hub but also as a model of leadership in policy areas that proactively respond to contemporary demographic and economic challenges, paving the way for a more dynamic and resilient future.
K-Pop, short for Korean Pop, is a South Korean music genre that has become a global phenomenon over the past two decades. Known not only for its catchy music but also for elaborate choreography, vibrant fashion, and high-quality audiovisual productions, K-Pop has gained a passionate and growing international fanbase.
The genre emerged in South Korea in the 1990s, influenced by a mix of Western and Asian music styles. Over the years, K-Pop has evolved to encompass a wide range of musical styles, including elements from hip-hop, R&B, electronic music, and traditional Korean music.
A key factor in K-Pop’s global success is the highly professionalized production strategy of South Korean entertainment agencies, which recruit talented young individuals and subject them to intensive training programs that include singing, dancing, acting, and language skills. Idol groups are formed with carefully selected members, often featuring diverse personalities and complementary specializations, creating a unique group dynamic.
In addition to music, K-Pop is known for visually stunning music videos and energetic live performances. Groups often release singles and albums featuring intricate choreography that goes viral on social media, further boosting their global popularity.
K-Pop artists are also characterized by their strong interaction with fans, using social media platforms to build a personal and ongoing connection with their audience. This closeness and engagement have helped build a global community of dedicated fans, known as “fandoms,” who actively support their idols in promotional activities, events, and on social media.
With groups like BTS, Blackpink, EXO, TWICE, and many others achieving international success and collaborating with renowned Western artists, K-Pop has established itself not only as a musical phenomenon but also as an influential global cultural icon that continues to set trends and inspire millions of people worldwide.