The Ministry of Justice in the Asian nation said today that tourists would be able to stay for an extra 30-days if they acquire a special permit.

Under current rules, foreigners on short-term stays, or those who have travelled without a visa, can stay in South Korea for 90-days, with the permit making 120-day stays possible.

To apply, visitors must go to an Immigration Office and submit required documents including tickets for Olympic and Paralympic events.

It is hoped the move will give tourism in South Korea a boost by encouraging people to stay in the country after the Games are over.

The move could also help boost ticket sales for the Games, which has been repeatedly brought up as an area of concern.

"Foreigners on a short-term permit or on a no-visa programme are expected to be the main applicants," a Justice Ministry official said to South Korean news agency Yonhap.

"We hope that it will serve to help revitalise local tourism by providing the special programme."

South Korea has already moved to relax its visa rules before the Olympics and Paralympics in February and March.

In November, it was announced that special visa-free entry would be given to Chinese visitors.

It followed a similar move for people from Indonesia, The Philippines and Vietnam.

The Winter Olympics will take place in Pyeongchang between February 9 and 25 with the Paralympics following between March 8 and 18.