Seoul: Bolivia has included South Korea in its visa waiver program beginning this week as part of efforts to promote bilateral relations and boost tourism, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the visa-free entry for South Korean citizens, effective from December 3, came as the South American nation has granted the visa waiver to seven other countries, including the United States, Israel, South Africa, Bulgaria, Malta, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates, the ministry said.

Previously, Bolivia had allowed visa exemptions to 51 countries, including Japan and Canada. The visa waiver program is expected to enhance convenience for South Korean travelers and contribute to promoting bilateral exchanges between the two countries, the ministry said.