Your Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a South Korea Visa

From K-pop music to Korean foods like bulgogi beef and kimchi, South Korean culture has become a global juggernaut of tech, culture, music, food, and art in recent years. Suddenly a trip to South Korea, to experience its cultural exports firsthand is top of everyone’s travel list, and it’s easy to see why. Sitting at the bottom of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, South Korea blends ancient traditions and culture with cutting-edge, modernized cities and technologies.

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Changdeokgung Palace and Bulguksa Temple, immerse yourself in the global phenomenon of K-pop and Korean dramas, and indulge in diverse and delicious cuisine. Nature enthusiasts can revel in stunning national parks, coastlines, and islands, like Jeju Island. Between its safety, hospitality, and warm-hearted locals, South Korea is the perfect destination for a memorable and unforgettable journey.

Before packing your bags, use our South Korea travel resources to help plan every aspect of your trip, from getting a visa to local laws.

Essential Travel Information

  • Official language

    Korean

  • Time Zone

    Korean Standard Time (GMT+9)

  • Climate

    Continental climate (hot, humid summers and dry, cold winters)

  • Calling Code

    +82

  • Electricity

    220V/60Hz (plug types C or F)

  • Capital City and US Embassy

    Seoul

  • Currency

    South Korean won (₩; KRW); current exchange rate, 1 US dollar = 1,319.8 South Korean won (exchange rate subject to change)

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Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Travel to South Korea?

No. From April 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024, US nationals don’t need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) for entering South Korea.

South Korea Visa Requirements for US Citizens

US citizens are permitted to visit South Korea visa-free  for short-term trips related to tourism and business. For these purposes, you can enter the country visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. If you’d still like to get a visa, the multiple-entry Electronic Travel Authorization is valid for two years and permits visits of up to 90 days each trip.

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South Korea Tourist Visa

In lieu of a visa, US travelers can get an Electronic Travel Authorization  (K-ETA) to enter the country. Essentially the same as an e-Visa, you apply for the ETA online for a fast and easy application and approval process.

The K-ETA allows foreigners to visit for tourism purposes for up to 90 days each. Valid for two years, you can reenter South Korea multiple times with the same ETA.

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South Korea Business Visa

The K-ETA also allows for 90-day visits for short-term business purposes like attending conferences, seminars, and meetings.

General Travel Requirements to Enter South Korea

As US travelers aren’t required to obtain a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization, the main travel requirement you need to enter Korea is a valid passport with at least two blank pages for stamps. You’ll also need to complete customs and immigration forms upon entering and leaving the country.

Although South Korea doesn’t have any required vaccinations, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a recommended list of vaccines you should be up-to-date on.

South Korea Travel Restrictions

Before traveling to South Korea, make sure you are complying with and aware of any travel restrictions.

COVID-19 Restrictions: None

Consult the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the US embassy in Korea for the latest COVID-19 travel advisories and recommendations.

US Department of State Travel Advisory Level: Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions

Apart from the ongoing, nonviolent armistice between North and South Korea, Korea is a peaceful country with few dangers to international travelers.

Health and Safety in South Korea

As a modernized, developed country with some of the best healthcare in the world, travelers have few health and safety concerns in South Korea . While the CDC does recommend being up-to-date on all routine vaccines and having some preventative vaccinations before traveling, South Korea is a healthy nation overall, though it does have a few widespread health issues.

Travelers should be wary of eating undercooked meat, and may also want to wear masks during spring when yellow dust blows into the country from Mongolia. If you should fall ill during your time in South Korea, you can expect to find excellent medical treatment at top-notch medical facilities, especially in major cities.

Crime in South Korea is low, allowing travelers to feel safe navigating the country’s cities and rural areas. If visiting during typhoon season, between June and September, travelers should keep an eye on the weather news to be aware of any approaching storms or areas to avoid.

Local Laws for Travelers to South Korea

To avoid breaking local law, educate yourself about any rules and regulations that can impact you as a traveler, like how to handle prescription drugs at customs, when it’s appropriate to take photos of other people, and whether it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public.

If you’re arrested and imprisoned in South Korea, seek legal assistance immediately and alert your country’s embassy or consulate. Both can provide further information and advice on what to do next.

Money, Banking, and Currency in South Korea

The official currency of Korea is the South Korean won, but it’s easy to travel and pay for most things using cards as opposed to cash.

From tipping to bargaining, South Koreans have some cultural attitudes toward money you should be aware of before your trip. Our complete guide to money in South Korea has everything you need to know.

Preparing for Your South Korea Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a South Korea visa. Start your visa application process.

Essential Travel Information

  • Official language

    Korean

  • Time Zone

    Korean Standard Time (GMT+9)

  • Climate

    Continental climate (hot, humid summers and dry, cold winters)

  • Calling Code

    +82

  • Electricity

    220V/60Hz (plug types C or F)

  • Capital City and US Embassy

    Seoul

  • Currency

    South Korean won (₩; KRW); current exchange rate, 1 US dollar = 1,319.8 South Korean won (exchange rate subject to change)

Unlocking the World: Adventures Await on Your Traveler's Path

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