South Korea will begin a test-run of an expanded no-visa entry program for transit tourists bound for another country starting next week, in an effort to boost struggling domestic tourism by drawing more foreigners into the country, the government said Tuesday.

Under the new system, all international passengers transferring at Incheon International Airport, except for passengers from 11 countries, will be allowed to enjoy a visa-free transit tour of Seoul and its vicinity areas within 12 hours of arrival, the culture ministry said in a statement.

The passengers, in that case, must use certain state-approved transit tour programs run by domestic tourism agencies, it said.

The change will also benefit Chinese passengers coming to South Korea to take domestic flights bound for the southern resort island of Jeju. (Yonhap News)