[The Chosun Ilbo, October 24 2007] Korea and U.S. to Begin Talks on Visa Waiver Program

U.S. and Korean government officials will meet in Seoul next week to discuss waiving visas for Koreans seeking to enter the U.S.

Officials said Tuesday they will focus on practical issues such as preparations for setting up an electronic passport system in Korea.

The U.S. says it will allow only Koreans with electronic passports to enter its ports without a visa.

However considering the time it takes to set up an electronic passport system Korea is expected to ask the U.S. to allow Koreans with ordinary passports to enter, which is the same as other countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.