(Yicai) Jan. 20 -- Following China's expansion of its visa-free policy last November, retailers in Shanghai are reporting a wave of foreign tourists, especially South Koreans, visiting shops and eateries in the eastern city.

Zhou Jiong, manager of the First Department Store on the central shopping hub Nanjing East Road, told Yicai that foreign consumer spending increased five to six times in December compared to the previous year.

Last November, China expanded its visa-free policy to include 38 countries, including Norway, Finland, and South Korea. Passport holders from these nations can now enter China without a visa for stays of up to 15 days.

Mu Huafei, lobby manager of a Haidilao hotpot restaurant in the same location, said that the number of Korean tourists began rising in November and now comprises around 15 percent of total customers, significantly boosting revenue.

Hu Zhenjiang, manager of a grilled lamb skewer restaurant on the same street, told Yicai that Korean tourist numbers have exploded. Currently, four-fifths of customers are Korean, whereas in November, only about 20 percent were foreigners, Hu added.

"Now there are people lining up every day," Hu said, while the store's digital display showed 87 groups waiting to be seated. The eatery's turnover in December increased by about 40 percent compared to November, the manager added.

A staff member at Chinese designer brand Shushu/Tong's store in JC Mandarin Plaza said that sales have increased by 50 percent in the past month compared to the previous year, with around four-fifths of customers being Korean. Young Koreans are eager to share their purchases online, attracting more foreign customers, the source at Shushu/Tong's flagship store added.

Wen Haoming, director at INS New Paradise, said that the number of foreign tourists, primarily Korean, visiting the downtown entertainment venue increased by around 20 percent year-on-year in December.

Wen added that the restaurant and club venue has enhanced its information and payment services and added online ticket purchase channels for Instagram and Facebook users to facilitate booking services for foreigners.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine