The government announced Thursday it will largely simplify the procedure of visa issuance for the convenience of Chinese World Cup visitors, by allowing them to enter more than once with a copy of relevant match tickets in his or her own name. It will also issue World Cup visas for groups of travelers guaranteed by a travel agency, and allow holders with tickets under the name of a third party entry if they have a letter of invitation from a domestic business.

In a bid to lessen traffic the government will impose the alternate day driving system in Seoul, Busan, Incheon and Suwon during the eves before and days on which World Cup games take place, while other host cities will operate a voluntary one. Drivers violating the system will receive a W50,000 traffic ticket.

For small business owners, news organizations, disabled people and cars with diplomatic plates, assigned cities will issue a "Free Car " sticker.

Reporting to President Kim Dae-jung, policy advisor Kim Jin-pyo said to date 81% or 1.15 million out of 1.42 World Cup tickets had been sold and the target of 85% seems viable, adding that tourist hotel booking rates as of May 8 stood at 56%, while KAL seat reservations stood at 70% as of May 9.

(Kim Min-bai, baibai@chosun.com )