Visa and Immigration Procedures to South Korea

To enter South Korea, travelers must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining from the date of entry. Ensure your passport is up-to-date, as airlines may deny boarding to passengers without the required validity. Upon arrival, travelers must go through immigration clearance and present the necessary documents, including their passport and visa. You may also need to complete an arrival card with personal and travel information. Additionally, customs may require you to declare certain items. When leaving South Korea, travelers must pass through customs and immigration checks. Ensure you have all required documents, including your passport and any permits or receipts for high-value items purchased in South Korea. Be prepared for random checks, especially for duty-free goods.

South Korea - Local Climate / Weather

South Korea experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season showcases unique landscapes and weather conditions, with spring and autumn being the most popular due to mild temperatures and scenic views. Winters can be cold, especially in northern regions, with average temperatures dropping below zero, while summers are warm and humid, often accompanied by monsoon rains. Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit South Korea, with cherry blossoms in full bloom across cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Summer (June to August): Summers are warm, with temperatures from 23°C to 30°C. Be prepared for monsoon rains, which peak in July. Coastal cities like Busan are popular during summer for beach activities, but plan for humidity and potential travel disruptions. Autumn (September to November): Autumn offers cool temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 25°C, and stunning fall foliage. It’s a peak time for travel, so expect higher tourist numbers in scenic areas like Nami Island and Seoraksan National Park. Winter (December to February): South Korea’s winters are cold, with temperatures often below freezing. Snow lovers will enjoy skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Yongpyong and Alpensia, while cities light up with festive winter illuminations.

South Korea - Currency & Tipping

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Currency

South Korean Won (KRW): The official currency is the South Korean Won (₩), with bills in denominations of ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, and ₩50,000, and coins ranging from ₩10 to ₩500. It’s easy to exchange foreign currency at airports, banks, and currency exchange kiosks throughout major cities. Airports like Incheon International Airport offer competitive rates, but rates may be slightly better at banks and exchange centers in popular areas like Myeongdong. ATMs are widely available, and many accept international cards. Look for ATMs with “Global” or “International” signage for ease of use. Check with your home bank for any international transaction fees. While cash is still common, especially in small shops and markets, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in South Korea, especially in larger stores, restaurants, and hotels. Mobile payment options like KakaoPay and Samsung Pay are also popular, although they may require local banking access.

Tipping

Tipping is not necessary.

Useful Travel Information

South Korea - Voltage & Electrical Outlets

The voltage in Korea is 220V, with some areas using 110V. Electrical devices may require a transformer depending on the voltage. For plugs, 110V uses Type A, while 220V primarily uses Type SE or Type C.

South Korea - Internet Connectivity

Korea has an advanced internet infrastructure, with people of all ages using smartphones effectively. Free Wi-Fi is widely available, and in cafes, passwords are often printed on receipts or provided by staff upon request. Travelers can also rent Wi-Fi devices at an affordable rate.

South Korea - Water for Consumption (Drinking Water)

Tap water in Korea is hard water and not recommended for drinking. It's better to purchase mineral water from convenience stores or supermarkets. Free water dispensers are also available in some public facilities.

Culture, Religion & Social Etiquette

South Korea - Culture

Korean culture is rich and distinctive, with some unique customs and traditions. One notable aspect is the mandatory military service for men, which lasts around two years. The New Year is not celebrated in January but during the Lunar New Year, known as Seollal, which is one of Korea's most significant holidays. Another important holiday is Chuseok, the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving, during which most shops and businesses close, so travelers should be mindful of their travel dates. Traditional Korean clothing, the hanbok (chima jeogori), is a symbol of the country's heritage, and many tourists enjoy trying it on for commemorative photos. Korea is also famous for its thriving music culture, with K-pop gaining immense popularity worldwide.

South Korea - Religion

Religion plays a significant role in Korean society, with 53.1% of the population identifying as religious, mainly following Buddhism or Christianity.

South Korea - Social Etiquette

Korean manners and etiquette reflect deep respect for elders and hierarchy. On escalators, people stand on the left to leave the right side free for those in a hurry. Additionally, respecting elders is particularly important, and offering seats to the elderly on public transport is a common practice.

South Korea - Food Culture

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Korea is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Favorites like samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), budae jjigae (army stew), and dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) are widely enjoyed. Kimchi. For a more adventurous palate, Korea offers unique dishes such as beondegi, a traditional snack made from sweetly simmered silkworm pupae. Street food is another highlight, with treats like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and odeng (fish cake skewers) being local favorites. When it comes to desserts, Korean specialties like bingsu (shaved ice with toppings) and sweet red bean porridge (similar to oshiruko) are famous for their refreshing and comforting flavors.

South Korea - Major Tourist Attractions & UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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South Korea - Major Tourist Attractions

The country's major tourist attractions include Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower), the National Museum of Korea, Han River cruises, the Korean Folk Village, Goto Mall (a shopping mall), Insa-dong, and Dongdaemun. Shops remain open even at night, allowing you to fully enjoy shopping to your heart's content. There are also many street food stalls, making it perfect for food tours. Additionally, during winter, popular destinations include Lotte World (an amusement park), where you can enjoy ice skating rinks.

South Korea - UNESCO World Heritage Sites

South Korea offers an array of major tourist destinations and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that travelers will find captivating. In Seoul, explore iconic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace for a glimpse into royal history or stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village to experience traditional Korean architecture. Jeju Island, a popular destination for nature lovers, boasts beautiful beaches, the scenic Hallasan Mountain, and the volcanic rock formations of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a UNESCO site ideal for sunrise views. Don’t miss the ancient city of Gyeongju, often called the "museum without walls," where sites like Bulguksa Temple and the Gyeongju Historic Areas offer immersive cultural experiences, blending history with breathtaking landscapes.

South Korea- Souvenirs

When visiting South Korea, picking up unique souvenirs is a great way to remember your trip and bring home a piece of Korean culture. Shopping for souvenirs is easy, with popular spots like Myeongdong, Insadong, and Dongdaemun Market offering a variety of keepsakes. Traditional items like hanji (Korean handmade paper), hanbok-inspired accessories, and ceramic pottery make meaningful gifts that showcase Korean craftsmanship. For beauty enthusiasts, K-beauty products like face masks, skincare sets, and cosmetics from brands like Innisfree and Laneige are must-haves, offering quality and value. Food lovers can pick up Korean snacks such as honey butter almonds, seaweed packs, and instant ramyeon, which are conveniently available in markets and convenience stores. Don’t forget trendy souvenirs like K-pop merchandise and character-themed items (like Kakao Friends and Line Friends), especially if you’re shopping in Seoul’s vibrant markets. With so many unique options, souvenir shopping in South Korea is a fun experience that allows you to bring a taste of Korea back home.

Things/Items Allowed into South Korea

Things/Items Forbidden out of South Korea

Things/Items Forbidden into South Korea

South Korea Travel FAQs

South Korea - Direct Flights to Major Airports

Flight Routes to South Korea