Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: K-ETA Electronic Authorization
Most visa-exempt travelers to Korea South require a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) - a simple online application costing around 10,000 KRW that processes in minutes and is valid for two years or until passport expiry. Apply via the official K-ETA website at least 72 hours before departure to ensure smooth entry.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Korea South, and it should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps and any required visas.
Always verify your passport's condition and expiration date months in advance, as damaged passports may be rejected at immigration checkpoints.
Biometric passports are preferred for faster processing at major airports like Incheon.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens from over 100 countries, including the US, EU nations, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days with a valid K-ETA.
This applies to short-term visits; for longer stays, such as work or study, a specific visa is mandatory through Korean embassies.
Always confirm your eligibility on the official Korean immigration website to avoid surprises at the border.
Visa Applications
If a visa is required, apply at a Korean embassy or consulate with documents including a completed form, passport photos, proof of funds (at least 100,000 KRW per day), itinerary, and accommodation details; fees range from 50,000-90,000 KRW depending on type.
Processing times vary from 5-20 working days, so submit applications at least one month before travel.
Online options like the e-Visa system are expanding for certain nationalities, streamlining the process.
Border Crossings
Entry is primarily via international airports like Incheon or Gimpo, where automated kiosks speed up immigration for K-ETA holders; expect fingerprint scans and photo verification.
Land borders with North Korea are closed to tourists, but sea arrivals via Busan port are possible for cruise passengers with pre-approvals.
Customs checks are thorough—declare any valuables over 10,000 USD equivalent to avoid fines.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies, trip delays, and activities like hiking in Seoraksan National Park or skiing in Pyeongchang.
Policies from global providers start at around 5,000 KRW per day, ensuring coverage for Korea's advanced but potentially costly healthcare system.
Include evacuation clauses for remote areas and verify COVID-19 related coverage if applicable.
Extensions Possible
Short-term visa-free stays can be extended up to 30 additional days for valid reasons like medical needs or unforeseen events by applying at a local immigration office with supporting documents.
Fees are approximately 30,000-50,000 KRW, and approval is not guaranteed—apply well before your current stay expires.
For longer extensions, consult the Korea Immigration Service for specific visa categories like C-3-9 for overstay resolutions.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Korea South uses the South Korean Won (KRW). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Secure the cheapest fares to Seoul Incheon by using Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets to compare options across airlines like Korean Air or Asiana.
Booking 2-3 months ahead, especially during shoulder seasons, can reduce costs by 30-50%, and consider layovers in Asia for even better deals.
Look for promo codes and flexible dates to maximize savings on round-trip tickets.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for street food vendors or pojangmacha tents serving bibimbap or kimbap for under 10,000 KRW per meal, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to cut dining expenses by up to 50%.
Visit traditional markets like Gwangjang in Seoul for fresh, affordable eats and samples that provide a true taste of Korean cuisine without breaking the bank.
Set lunch menus (teishoku) at casual spots offer full meals for 8,000-12,000 KRW, including rice, soup, and sides.
Public Transport Passes
Purchase a T-money or Cashbee card for seamless subway and bus rides at 2,500-3,000 KRW per trip, or get a Discover Seoul Pass for unlimited transport plus attractions starting at 40,000 KRW for 24 hours.
For intercity travel, the KTX rail pass offers unlimited high-speed rides for 7 days at around 150,000 KRW, slashing costs on routes like Seoul to Busan.
Avoid taxis during rush hour and use apps like Kakao T for affordable ridesharing alternatives.
Free Attractions
Explore free sites like Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong streets, or Namsan Tower hikes, which deliver authentic cultural immersion without any entry fees.
Many palaces such as Gyeongbokgung offer discounted or free entry on specific days, and national parks like Seoraksan have no admission for basic trails.
Join free walking tours in Seoul or Jeju Island to learn history while keeping your wallet intact.
Card vs Cash
Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities, but carry 50,000-100,000 KRW in cash for markets, small vendors, and rural areas.
Use ATMs at banks like KB or Shinhan for fee-free withdrawals (notify your bank first), and avoid airport exchanges for better rates.
Mobile payments via apps like Samsung Pay or Kakao Pay can further reduce the need for physical cash in urban settings.
Museum Passes
The Integrated Ticket for royal palaces grants access to five sites for 20,000 KRW, ideal for history buffs and paying off after just two visits.
City passes like the Seoul Pass (from 39,900 KRW for 24 hours) bundle transport, museums, and tours, saving 40% on individual tickets.
Look for student or senior discounts at cultural venues to extend your budget further.
Smart Packing for Korea South
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers including lightweight base layers, a windbreaker for coastal winds, and modest clothing like long pants or skirts for temple visits and palaces to respect local customs.
Include breathable cotton for humid summers and thermal wear for chilly winters; quick-dry fabrics are ideal for multi-day hikes in areas like Jirisan National Park.
Don't forget a hanbok rental option in Seoul, but pack neutral outfits that can mix and match for urban exploration and rural escapes.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C and F plugs (220V), a portable power bank for long subway days or Jeju Island adventures, and a VPN-enabled device for unrestricted access to global sites.
Download offline translation apps like Papago, Naver Maps for navigation without data, and a portable Wi-Fi egg if not relying on free cafe hotspots.
Pack noise-cancelling headphones for KTX trains and a smartphone with dual SIM for local eSIM data plans starting at 20,000 KRW for a week.
Health & Safety
Carry digital copies of travel insurance, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for ferry rides to islands, prescription medications, and high-SPF sunscreen for UV-intense summers.
Include masks for crowded subways or temples, hand sanitizer, and any allergy meds for pollen-heavy spring cherry blossom season.
Pack wet wipes and a small towel for on-the-go hygiene, especially after spicy street food meals or outdoor markets.
Travel Gear
A lightweight daypack is essential for carrying water, snacks, and souvenirs during palace tours or DMZ visits; include a reusable water bottle as tap water is safe in cities.
Bring a money belt or neck pouch for valuables in bustling areas like Myeongdong, photocopies of your passport and K-ETA, and a compact umbrella for sudden showers.
Opt for a luggage lock and compression bags to organize gear efficiently for domestic flights between Seoul and Busan.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking sneakers for endless city streets in Seoul and hiking boots with good grip for trails in Bukhansan or volcanic hikes on Jeju Island.
Waterproof options are crucial for rainy seasons or beach visits in summer; include sandals for hot weather and indoor slippers if staying in traditional hanok accommodations.
Pack extra socks and blister pads, as daily steps can exceed 15,000 in exploration-heavy itineraries.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized Korean skincare favorites like sheet masks and essences available locally, but pack lip balm, moisturizer for dry winter air, and biodegradable toiletries for eco-friendly national parks.
A compact umbrella or poncho handles unpredictable rain, and hair ties or clips manage humidity; opt for multi-use items to keep luggage light.
Bring feminine hygiene products if needed, as sizes may vary, and a small laundry kit for extended stays in guesthouses without daily washing facilities.
When to Visit Korea South
Spring (March-May)
Perfect for cherry blossom festivals in Jinhae or Seoul's Yeouido Park, with mild temperatures of 10-20°C and blooming landscapes ideal for hanami picnics and temple hikes.
Fewer crowds than summer allow for serene visits to Gyeongju's ancient sites, though pack layers for occasional cool evenings and light rain.
Events like the Lotus Lantern Festival add cultural depth without peak-season prices.
Summer (June-August)
High season for beach escapes to Jeju Island and water activities, with warm, humid weather around 25-32°C and vibrant festivals like Boryeong Mud Festival.
Expect monsoon rains in July, but it's prime time for K-pop concerts in Seoul and hiking misty mountains; book accommodations early due to crowds.
Long daylight hours enhance outdoor adventures like biking along the Han River.
Autumn (September-November)
Optimal for foliage viewing in Naejangsan National Park with comfortable temperatures of 15-25°C, perfect for harvest festivals and apple picking in rural areas.
Clear skies and moderate crowds make it great for city exploration and day trips to the DMZ; lower humidity eases urban sightseeing.
Chuseok holiday in September offers traditional markets but watch for temporary closures.
Winter (December-February)
Affordable for skiing in Yongpyong or hot spring soaks in Oedo, with cold temperatures of -5 to 5°C and fewer tourists outside holiday peaks.
Cozy up with jjimjilbang saunas and winter illuminations in Seoul; it's ideal for indoor museums and avoiding summer heat.
Snowy landscapes enhance photos at palaces, but prepare for icy paths with proper gear.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: South Korean Won (KRW). ATMs are widespread; exchange rates fluctuate around 1,300-1,400 KRW per USD. Cards accepted in cities, but cash needed for small vendors.
- Language: Korean is official. English signage and speakers common in tourist hubs like Seoul and Jeju; use translation apps elsewhere.
- Time Zone: Korea Standard Time (KST), UTC+9
- Electricity: 220V, 60Hz. Type C/F plugs (two round pins, sometimes with side grounding)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, fire, or medical emergencies; 119 for ambulances
- Tipping: Not customary in Korea. Service is included in bills; gratuities may even be refused.
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink in major cities after basic treatment; bottled water widely available for rural areas.
- Pharmacies: Easily found; look for the red cross symbol. Many offer English-speaking service in urban areas.