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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Economy & Trade

70% of South Koreans favor economic community with Japan, mirroring EU model

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Nearly 70% of South Koreans support establishing an economic community with Japan, similar to the EU, according to a survey.
  • 60% of Japanese respondents also agreed, with higher support among those who have visited South Korea.
  • The proposal includes expanding tourism cooperation and simplifying travel, though concerns about illegal immigration and public safety remain.

A significant majority of South Koreans, nearly 70%, favor creating an economic community with Japan, mirroring the European Union model. A poll commissioned by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) found that 69.8% of South Koreans support establishing such a community in the immediate or medium term.

Nearly 70% of South Koreans support establishing an economic community with Japan, similar to the EU.

— Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)Reporting on the results of a public opinion survey regarding bilateral economic ties.

Japanese respondents showed considerable support as well, with 59.8% agreeing with the idea. Notably, Japanese individuals who had visited South Korea in the past five years expressed even stronger backing, at 74.5%, compared to 45.4% of those who had not visited.

The proposal extends to enhancing tourism, with 76.8% of South Koreans and 58% of Japanese supporting expanded travel cooperation. A majority in both countries also favor using national ID cards instead of passports for travel between the two nations. However, a "Korea-Japan Schengen visa" system, allowing third-country nationals with a visa from one country to visit the other without a separate visa, revealed a significant divergence in opinions.

60% of Japanese respondents also agreed.

— Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)Reporting on the results of a public opinion survey regarding bilateral economic ties.

While the KCCI estimates that a "Korea-Japan Schengen visa" could attract up to 1.84 million additional tourists to South Korea, concerns persist. South Korea worries about an increase in illegal stays, while Japan is concerned about public safety instability. These issues highlight the need for comprehensive supporting measures before such a system can be implemented.

76.8% support expanding tourism cooperation.

— South Korean respondentsIn a survey on bilateral relations and economic cooperation.

Both countries' respondents also indicated that compatible transportation cards and mobile payment systems would greatly improve travel convenience. The KCCI believes that implementing the "Korea-Japan Schengen visa" could significantly boost tourism, but addressing security and immigration concerns is crucial for its success.

58% of Japanese respondents expressed support for expanded tourism cooperation.

— Japanese respondentsIn a survey on bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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