S. Korea expands e-gates access to 42 countries | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) -- The justice ministry said Monday it has expanded the number of nations eligible for automated immigration gates, known as the Smart Entry Service, to 42 from 18, to make it easier for visitors to enter the country. Travelers crowd Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, in this Feb. 27, 2026, file photo. (Yonhap) jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #e-gates #Smart Entry Service #justice ministry Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N. Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Most Saved 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N. Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills (LEAD) N.

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SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) -- The justice ministry said Monday it has expanded the number of nations eligible for automated immigration gates, known as the Smart Entry Service, to 42 from 18, to make it easier for visitors to enter the country.
The 24 newly added nations are 19 European Union member states, including Spain, Sweden, Austria and Poland, as well as Canada and four non-EU members of the Schengen Area, a European zone of free movement with no internal border controls -- Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Iceland.
With this measure, the ministry aims to streamline the entry process and create a more user-friendly immigration system. It also expects to boost domestic tourism and the local economy by attracting more foreign visitors.
Travelers crowd Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, in this Feb. 27, 2026, file photo. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)
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S. Korea expands e-gates access to 42 countries

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- Travelers crowd Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, in this Feb. 27, 2026, file photo. (Yonhap) jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #e-gates #Smart Entry Service #justice ministry Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N.

### Implications
- Travelers crowd Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, in this Feb. 27, 2026, file photo. (Yonhap) jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #e-gates #Smart Entry Service #justice ministry Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N.
- Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Most Saved 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N.
- Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills (LEAD) N.
- Korea weighs Trump's ship request with careful consideration (LEAD) Trump says trip to China might be delayed, calls on Beijing to help unblock Hormuz Strait: report (LEAD) N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, drills, gates topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 410.