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Visa requirements for South Korea

Who can enter South Korea, by nationality. Tourism. Data as of October 19, 2026.

Passport holders from 154 countries can enter South Korea without a visa in advance. 66 have full visa-free access; 88 more can get a visa on arrival or use an electronic travel authorisation. Everyone else needs a visa, or an e-visa where one is offered, before travelling.

66 visa-free
0 on arrival
88 eTA
0 e-visa
88 visa required

242 nationalities

Visa-free entry

66 nationalities

Electronic travel authorisation

88 nationalities

Visa required in advance

88 nationalities

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Korea

South Korea has 18 sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Baekje Historic Areas
Changdeokgung
Gaya Tumuli
Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
Gyeongju Historic Areas
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
Hwaseong Fortress
Janggyeon Panjeon of Haeinsa
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
Jongmyo
Namhansanseong
Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies

Source: Wikidata, community-maintained and not the official UNESCO count.

Nearby destinations

North Korea China Japan Mongolia Hong Kong Macau

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit South Korea?

It depends on your passport. 154 nationalities can enter South Korea without arranging a visa in advance (visa-free, on arrival, or eTA); everyone else needs a visa or e-visa. Use the tables below to check a specific passport.

What currency is used in South Korea?

South Korean won (KRW). 1 USD is approximately 1332.1 KRW.

What side of the road does South Korea drive on?

South Korea drives on the right.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does South Korea have?

18: Baekje Historic Areas, Changdeokgung, Gaya Tumuli, Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats, Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites, Gyeongju Historic Areas, Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong, Hwaseong Fortress, and more.

What is the emergency number in South Korea?

112 / 113 / 119.

What time zone is South Korea in?

Seoul (UTC+9).

What is the nearest airport to Seoul?

Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP), about 15 km away.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia. It extends over the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and includes the adjacent islands. It borders North Korea to its north along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, with the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east.. It has a population of about 52 million, of which half live in the Seoul metropolitan area, the world's ninth most populous metropolitan area; its other major cities are Busan, Daegu, and Incheon.

CapitalSeoul

RegionEastern Asia

Population51.7M

Area100,210 km²

CurrencySouth Korean won (1 USD ≈ 1332.10 KRW)

LanguagesKorean

Calling code+82

Drives on theright

TimezoneSeoul (UTC+9)

Nearest airportSeoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP), 15 km

Emergency number112 / 113 / 119

UNESCO sites18

Income levelHigh income

GDP per capita$36,227 (2025)

Tourist arrivals2.5M (2020)

Climate in Seoul

Warmest August, coolest December, driest December, sunniest April.

Monthly climate normals for Seoul, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	4.9°C	-4°C	64mm	218h
February	6°C	-3.4°C	60mm	224h
March	11.3°C	-0.2°C	18mm	304h
April	15.6°C	4.1°C	24mm	319h
May	22°C	12°C	114mm	261h
June	27.4°C	18.1°C	140mm	275h
July	26.3°C	19.5°C	330mm	214h
August	28.4°C	23.1°C	548mm	218h
September	23.5°C	16.1°C	216mm	252h
October	17.9°C	7.6°C	12mm	279h
November	11.2°C	1.6°C	66mm	219h
December	2.5°C	-6°C	3mm	244h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia. Known as the "Land of the Morning Calm", Korea has served as a cultural bridge between its neighbors, China and Japan, for a long time. In the 2nd half of the 20th century, South Korea emerged from the shadows of its turbulent past and achieved impressive economic growth, making it one of the world's most affluent countries today. South Korean pop culture, especially K-pop, is incredibly popular worldwide, driving higher levels of tourism to this nation. Despite their modernity and love for high technology, Koreans also take great pride in their history and traditions, and there many well-preserved historical sites that can give history buffs a glimpse into the ancient past.

Upcoming public holidays

December 25, 2026크리스마스

January 1, 2027새해

February 6, 2027설날

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