Visa and Immigration Procedures to South Korea

Several countries maintain an entry agreement list to enter South Korea without a visa. Countries in Asia like Japan, Hong Kong, UAE and Saudi Arabia can freely enter South Korea for up to 90 days for tourism. The same agreement is extended to European Union citizens as well. For US and Canadian citizens, visitors can book their ticket to South Korea for 6 months. However, for other nationals who are looking to book an air ticket to South Korea, an application must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The application must include proof of sufficient funds, a return ticket and a valid passport. For purposes such as studying, research, working or conducting business in South Korea, you will need to contact the Korean immigration service for further information about the rules and procedures necessary to apply.

South Korea - Local Climate / Weather

Korea is geographically located in the mid-latitude temperate climate zone and has distinct seasons. Winters are quite cold, and summers are hot and humid with strong sunlight. Ondol (heated floor heating) is common in Korea, keeping the interior warm even in winter.

South Korea - Currency & Tipping

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Currency

The currency used in Korea is the W (won). There are four types of banknotes: 50,000, 10,000, 5,000, and 1,000. Coins come in six denominations: 50, 10 (old and new), 5, and 1, in addition to 500 and 100.

Tipping

Tipping is not required.

Useful Travel Information

South Korea - Voltage & Electrical Outlets

The voltage in Korea is 220V, with some 110V. Most plugs are type A for 110V, and type SE or C for 220V.

South Korea - Internet Connectivity

The Internet environment in Korea is very well developed, and everyone from the elderly to the young are familiar with smartphones. Free Wi-Fi is available in many places, and in many cafes, you can find the password on the receipt or ask the clerk for the password. Travelers from Japan can also rent Wi-Fi equipment at a discount.

South Korea - Water for Consumption (Drinking Water)

Tap water in South Korea is generally safe to drink as it meets high-quality standards set by the government. However, many Koreans still prefer to drink bottled or filtered water. In South Korea, a standard 500ml bottle of water typically costs around 500 to 1,500 Korean Won (₩), or approximately $0.40 to $1.10 USD.

Culture, Religion & Social Etiquette

South Korea - Culture

Korean culture has established the obligation for men to go to military service for about two years. Another characteristic of the Korean New Year is that it is celebrated on Lunar New Year's Day (Seolnal), with no special observance. During Chuseok, most stores are closed, so be careful not to have your travel date conflict with the holiday. The traditional Korean folk costume, chima-chogori, is also available for visitors to try on for commemorative photo shoots. Furthermore, the culture of music is thriving, and k-pop is a popular genre of music worldwide.

South Korea - Religion

The religious population ratio is 53.1%, with Buddhism and Christianity being the main religions practiced.

South Korea - Social Etiquette

On escalators, stand on the left side of the escalator and leave space on the right side for people walking on the escalator. In Korea, people are more polite to their superiors than in Japan, so be sure to give up your seat to an elderly person on a train, for example. Eating manners also differ from those in Japan, so it may be a good idea to do some research beforehand.

South Korea - Food Culture

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Korea has many gourmet foods that are popular in Japan, such as samgyeopsal, tteokbokki, samgetang, kimchi jjigae, pudae jjigae, and takgalbi. Kimchi is a particular favorite of many people in Japan. Also unique to Korea are street food such as pondaegi (a typical Korean insect dish made of chrysalis cooked sweetly), hotteok, and oden. Sweets such as pince (Korean shaved ice) and oshiruko are also famous.

South Korea - Major Tourist Attractions & UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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South Korea - Major Tourist Attractions

Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower), National Museum of Korea, Han River Cruise, Korean Folk Village, gotomall (shopping mall), Insadong, and Dongdaemun are the major tourist attractions in Korea. Stores never close at night, so you can enjoy shopping as much as you like. There are also many food stalls, making it a great place to eat and walk around. In addition, Lotte World (amusement park), where you can enjoy an ice skating rink in winter, is also popular.

South Korea - UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are 10 cultural heritage sites and one natural heritage site registered in Korea. The most popular of these is Changdeokgung-u, a palace of the Joseon Yi Dynasty, which was rebuilt in 1623. Highlights include Dunhwamun, the oldest gate in Korea, Geumcheon Bridge, and Korean landscaping techniques such as artificial ponds and pavilions. Suwon Hwaseong, a fortress reminiscent of the Great Wall of China, is also an easy place to visit, even for those who do not speak any Korean.

South Korea- Souvenirs

Particularly popular as souvenirs are Korean seaweed and cosmetic products that are well-known in Japan. Sweets are also well-liked because they are delicious, reasonably priced, plentiful, and easy to distribute. Gochujang, a unique Korean seasoning, is also recommended.

Things/Items Allowed into South Korea

Visitors may only bring into South Korea no more than 200 individual cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco. If you plan to go over these amounts, you will need to declare these items on your air ticket along with your passport when checking in with South Korean customs agents. As for alcohol, passengers aged 19 and above are allowed to bring no more than one bottle of alcohol, not exceeding 1 liter, into South Korea. For all other items, it is preferable to declare them with the South Korean customs upon arrival on your return flight in order to avoid any restrictions while leaving South Korea.

Things/Items Forbidden out of South Korea

・Narcotics ・Art and Antiques ・Sculptures ・Porn records

Things/Items Forbidden into South Korea

・Drugs ・Fruit/Produce ・Seeds ・Printed material (Counterfeit) ・Products originating from communist countries ・Firearms ・Explosives

South Korea Travel FAQs

South Korea - Direct Flights to Major Airports

Airports handling direct flights toIncheon International Airport・Sheremetyevo International Airport ・Mexico City International Airport ・Kuala Lumpur International Airport ・Charles de Gaulle Airport ・Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport

Airports handling direct flights toJeju International Airport・Hong Kong International Airport ・Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport ・Taoyuan International Airport ・Narita International Airport

Airports handling direct flights toGimpo International Airport・Haneda Airport ・Beijing Capital International Airport ・Taipei Songshan Airport ・Kansai International Airport

Airports handling direct flights toGimhae International Airport・Vladivostok International Airport ・Wattay International Airport ・Noi Bai International Airport ・Hong Kong International Airport

Airports handling direct flights toCheongju International Airport・Beijing Capital International Airport ・Ningbo Lishe International Airport

Flight Routes to South Korea

Incheon International Airport is located outside South Korea's capital city, Seoul, and is one of the largest airports in South Korea. You can easily book your direct flight air tickets to South Korea from major airports such as Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow, Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada, Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Italy, Heathrow Airport in London and many other countries over four continents. The Incheon International Airport in Korea was opened for business in 2001 and today the airport serves both domestic and international destinations. It is the biggest airport in South Korea and one of the busiest airports in the world.