South Korea

The Land of K-Pop
and Culture

Flag of South Korea

South Korea, a country in East Asia, is renowned for its blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. Home to iconic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, the ancient city of Gyeongju, and the bustling port of Busan, South Korea offers a unique mix of historical sites and modern innovations. The country's landscape ranges from mountainous regions to coastal plains, with popular attractions like Jeju Island and Seoraksan National Park.

Korean culture is deeply rooted in Confucian principles, reflected in its art, music, and globally popular K-pop and K-dramas. The cuisine is diverse and flavorful, featuring dishes like bibimbap, kimchi, and Korean barbecue. Known for its rapid economic development, technological advancements, and warm hospitality, South Korea presents a captivating destination that seamlessly blends the traditional with the ultramodern.

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Toll

Driving

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Laws

Legal

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Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into South Korea.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in South Korea (3 months for visa-exempt stays of 90 days or less).

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from over 110 nations (e.g., US, Canada, EU countries, Australia, Japan) can enter South Korea with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa for tourism or business purposes (30 days for some, e.g., China).
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from nations not on the visa-exempt list (e.g., Cuba, North Korea, some African countries) must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering South Korea through a South Korean embassy or consulate.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; visa requirements depend on nationality.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; visa requirements depend on nationality, though they may facilitate visa applications if required.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry unless from a visa-exempt country.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter South Korea using only a national ID card; a passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days (short-term visitor visa, e.g., C-3). Can be single or multiple entry, with validity up to 5 years; extendable for another 90 days with approval from the Korea Immigration Service.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days (e.g., work, study). Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit (Alien Registration Card) with approval from the Korea Immigration Service.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period, extendable with approval.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work visas (e.g., E-7) require sponsorship from a South Korean employer. All visitors must complete the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) online at least 72 hours prior to arrival if visa-exempt (except for certain nationalities like the US, Canada).
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as South Korea may reintroduce measures like mandatory health declarations or vaccination proof.
Toll

Driving in South Korea

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, the main toll roads in South Korea include:
    • Gyeongbu Expressway: Connecting Seoul to Busan, with multiple toll plazas (e.g., near Suwon).
    • Seohaean Expressway: Connecting Seoul to Mokpo.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and distance traveled. For example, a standard car may pay approximately KRW 10,000-40,000 (South Korean Won) for a full trip on the Gyeongbu Expressway. For the most current rates, visit the Korea Expressway Corporation website: https://www.ex.co.kr/
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: South Korean Won (KRW) is accepted at all toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Major cards are accepted at most toll booths.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: Hi-Pass system uses an onboard unit (OBU) with a prepaid card; available for purchase or rental at service stations or online via https://www.hipass.co.kr/.

Driving in South Korea

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40-60 km/h
    • Rural roads: 60-80 km/h
    • Highways: 100-120 km/h (e.g., Gyeongbu Expressway)
  • Road conditions are generally excellent; expressways like Gyeongbu are well-maintained, but rural roads (e.g., in Gangwon Province) can be narrow or icy in winter (December-February).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, valid for up to 1 year. A South Korean license is required for stays longer than 12 months.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: South Korea does not use a vignette system; tolls are collected at specific points on expressways.
  • Road Safety: Driving can be challenging due to aggressive drivers in cities like Seoul and Busan, heavy traffic, and winter snow in mountainous areas. Night driving is safe on major roads but riskier in rural areas due to limited lighting.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable; apps like Naver Maps and KakaoMap (preferred locally over Google Maps) work well across the country. Keep an updated physical map as a backup for rural areas.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire).

Useful Links

South Korea Currency

The official currency of South Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 KRW
  • Coins: 10, 50, 100, 500 KRW
  • Symbol: ₩ (often written as KRW)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, airports (e.g., Incheon International Airport), and authorized money changers in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju.
  • ATMs are widely available across urban and tourist areas for direct KRW withdrawals; most accept international cards.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred for small transactions, especially at markets (e.g., Gwangjang Market) and rural areas.
  • Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, malls, and larger establishments; mobile payments (e.g., Samsung Pay, KakaoPay) are common in urban areas.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases and in rural areas, as digital payments may not be universal outside cities.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the KRW fluctuates against major currencies (e.g., 1 USD ≈ 1,380 KRW as of early 2025).
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Bank of Korea website: https://www.bok.or.kr/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in South Korea

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in South Korea, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences; even small quantities (e.g., marijuana) can lead to severe charges and deportation.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol consumption is permitted (legal drinking age is 19); public intoxication can lead to fines, though enforcement is lenient unless disruptive.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, on public transport, and in designated outdoor areas (e.g., near schools, stations); vaping is regulated similarly to smoking.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Confucian and Buddhist traditions; dress modestly at temples (e.g., Bongeunsa in Seoul). Avoid discussing North Korea or political tensions openly due to sensitivities.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are legal, but same-sex marriage is not recognized. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention, especially in rural or conservative areas.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites (e.g., DMZ), government buildings, and critical infrastructure. Always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially at cultural sites or during festivals.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits (valued under USD 400).
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over KRW 10 million (approximately USD 7,250 or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, and materials deemed anti-government or offensive to South Korean culture (e.g., pro-North Korean propaganda).
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Incheon International Airport).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Korea Tourism Organization or local authorities.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., Haeundae in Busan, Jeju Island beaches) must allow free access within 5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated at major beaches and generally well-implemented.

Key Resources

South Korea Travel Safety

South Korea is generally very safe for travellers, with low crime rates, modern infrastructure, and a reputation for hospitality. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in South Korea.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets (e.g., Myeongdong in Seoul) or tourist sites (e.g., Gyeongbokgung Palace). Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: South Korea is considered very safe, with locals often helpful. Female travelers face minimal risks but should avoid isolated areas at night in urban nightlife districts (e.g., Itaewon), though incidents are rare.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging due to aggressive drivers and heavy traffic in cities like Seoul and Busan.
    • Avoid night driving in rural areas (e.g., Gangwon Province) during winter (December-February) due to snow and ice.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory and strictly enforced.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is safe to drink across South Korea, though bottled water is widely available and preferred by some visitors.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; street food (e.g., tteokbokki, kimbap) is safe if from reputable vendors.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for rural travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against rare cases of Japanese encephalitis in rural areas during summer (June-September).
  • Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Hallasan on Jeju Island at 1,947m, though rarely exceeding 2,500m). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated if hiking in higher elevations.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: High-quality facilities like Severance Hospital in Seoul and Pusan National University Hospital offer excellent care. Rural areas have clinics, but advanced care is concentrated in cities.
  • Pharmacies: Widely available in urban areas; carry essentials for remote regions like Jeju’s interior.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, though rarely needed due to robust local healthcare.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire).
  • Ambulance: 119 | Fire: 119 | Police: 112.
  • Tourist Police (Seoul): +82 2-735-0101.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Renting a car is convenient for rural areas (e.g., Jeju Island); check insurance coverage for rentals. Public transport (subways, buses) is preferred in cities.
  • Hiking: Use designated trails in national parks (e.g., Seoraksan); winter snow and summer humidity pose risks, so check weather updates.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Confucian customs; bow slightly when greeting elders and avoid loud behavior in public. Dress modestly at sites like Bulguksa Temple.
  • Air Quality: Pollution can be high in Seoul during spring (March-May) due to yellow dust; monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

Flying to South Korea

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