SEOUL, November 13 (RIA Novosti) – Russia and South Korea are set to switch to a visa-free travel regime after an agreement signed Wednesday between the two nations in the Korean capital, Seoul.
The visa agreement, which was concluded during an official visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to South Korea, will allow citizens of either country to visit the other visa-free for up to 60 days at a time, and up to 90 days total over any six-month period.
Officials hope the agreement, which should take effect in January, will stimulate tourism and trade, as well as boost relations between the countries.
Putin is visiting Seoul to promote a pet project for a new Asian-European rail trade route and encourage economic cooperation.
Over 167,000 Russians visited South Korea last year, while about 95,000 South Koreans made the opposite journey.