6 to 7 out of 10 citizens of Korea and Japan support an 'EU-type economic community'.

The majority of citizens in both Korea and Japan have shown a positive attitude toward building an economic community similar to the European Union (EU) model, revealing expectations for improved relations.

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) released the results of a "Korea-Japan Tourism Cooperation and Economic Community Promotion Survey" conducted by Korea Research on July 7, targeting 500 citizens from each country. The survey showed that 69.8% of Korean citizens and 59.8% of Japanese citizens expressed support for forming an economic community. In particular, the approval rate among Japanese who have visited Korea within the last five years reached 74.5%.

There is also a positive atmosphere regarding drastic deregulation in the tourism sector. Regarding the plan to travel between the two countries with just a resident registration card or ID without a passport, 60.4% of Koreans and 44.8% of Japanese voted in favor. This is interpreted as reflecting a practical mindset that values reducing passport issuance costs and convenience in travel procedures.

The introduction of a "Korea-Japan Schengen-style treaty," allowing third-country tourists to visit both countries with just one visa, is drawing attention in terms of economic effects. According to KCCI analysis, if this system is implemented, up to 1.84 million additional tourists could be attracted to Korea. However, with Korea concerned about an increase in illegal stay and Japan about security risks, opinions are sharply divided on the pros and cons, suggesting that sophisticated complementary measures need to be prepared before the system can be introduced.

Citizens of both countries showed the highest support for the mutual interoperability of payment cards and simple payment systems closely related to daily life. Over 80% of Korean citizens agreed with the increase in payment convenience, and a majority of Japanese citizens also responded positively. Once the "open-loop" payment system currently being promoted by major Japanese railways like Tokyo Metro and Seoul City is established, traveler satisfaction is expected to increase further.

Park Beom-seok, Director of the International Marketing Office at the Korea Tourism Organization, explained, "If the infrastructure allowing domestic simple payment systems to be used directly in the partner country expands, the preference of foreign tourists will significantly increase."

Based on the survey results, the KCCI suggested that policy efforts are needed to lower the psychological and physical barriers between the two countries.

A KCCI official emphasized, "The idea of an economic community is essential as a survival strategy to respond to the reorganization of the global trade order," adding, "We must use tourism cooperation as a catalyst to expand private exchanges and strengthen economic ties."

Business Korea Reporter Heo Seong-su (pr@businesskorea.co.kr)