ROK to tighten travel agencies regulation

The Republic of Korea consulate in Shenyang told China Daily on Jan 31 that they may take stricter regulatory and supervisory measures on travel agencies to avoid tourists illegally staying in the ROK.

Ten of the 19 Chinese tourists, who disappeared without informing their local tour guide at the end of last year, were founded in Gumi of the ROK on Jan 15, people.com.cn reported on Jan 31.

Kim Young-guen, visa consul of the consulate, said the case will not affect the visa policy of providing convenience for Chinese tourists.

"We take the case as an individual one. There may be some influence on group visas, but it won't change the whole situation," he said.

According to Kim, there will be a one-month cosmetics expo this May to attract Chinese tourists.

"Everything is ready to greet Chinese travelers," he said.

Statistics from the consulate show that Chinese tourists outnumbered Japanese tourists to become the ROK's largest inbound tourist source in 2011.