Are you planning to visit Korea soon? Here's our guide on everything you shoud know for your entry to Korea. From visa requirements, K-ETA, Q-code to currecny exchange, check out the details for your smooth travel.

☑️ Visa There are nationals of countries/regions who are required to apply for a visa in order to enter Korea. Please visit the 'Visit Korea' official website to check your visa requirements.

• Check your Visa Requirements

☑️ What is K-ETA? As of September 1, 2021, nationals of countries/regions, who are subject to visa-free entry, need to have a K-ETA for their entry to Korea. K-ETA authorization is valid for a period of 3 years (as of July 3, 2023) from the date of issuance or until your passport expires. Generally, K-ETA approval takes around 72 hours to a week, and you can get your results through emails. However, if you have a valid visa to enter Korea, you do not need a K-ETA.

• Apply for K-ETA

☑️ K-ETA Exemptions 🇰🇷 In celebration of ‘Visit Korea Year,’ K-ETA is temporarily exempted for 22 countries/regions from April 1, 2023 to December 3, 2026. Other countries still require a K-ETA or a visa. (Please make sure to check with your local consulate for details.)

If you wish to benefit from K-ETA application, such as skipping several documents required to fill out upon arrival, you can apply for K-ETA for KRW 10,000 per person.

Make sure your passport is valid. Many people found their passports expired during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

Starting in January 2026, all travelers must submit the e-Arrival Card in advance. Paper arrival forms will no longer be available at the airport. Registration is free and opens 3 days prior to arrival (KST). ✅ Once registered, please save a digital copy (PDF/QR) or print the form. ✅ Holders of a valid Visa, K-ETA, or Alien Registration Card (ARC) are exempt.

• e-Arrival Card

For smooth quarantine procedures when entering Korea, it’s convenient to register with Q-CODE. Q-CODE stores information about your health status, recent countries visited, passport number, etc. It's easy to fill out. It’s not mandatory, so you can also fill out the "Health Questionnaire" upon arrival in Korea.

• QーCODE Official Website

Starting December 1, 2025, travelers can use the Smart Entry Service (SES) at Incheon International Airport to pass through immigration using unmanned automated gates. While a one-time registration is required upon your first use, you can continue to use the automated gates for future trips to Korea as long as your passport remains valid. Registration is available at dedicated gates within the arrival immigration area—just look for the yellow signs marked 'SES'.

Korea is safe with well-developed city infrastructure, making it an enjoyable destination even for first-time visitors. However, in the event of unexpected accidents, injuries, or illnesses, medical expenses can be high. Additionally, the risk of theft or loss is not completely avoidable. It’s reassuring to have insurance for "just in case" scenarios.

For safety reasons, electronic cigarettes, portable batteries, and lighters (disposable/reusable), which have a potential risk for fire or explosion, must be carried onboard and cannot be checked in. Starting March 1, 2025, electronic cigarettes and portable batteries can no longer be stored in overhead compartments. Passengers must keep them on their person or store them in the seat pocket.

Only portable batteries that meet the following safety standards are allowed on board. ✔️ Stored in a plastic bag ✔️ Terminals covered with insulating tape ✔️ Protective caps on terminals ✔️ Stored in a protective pouch Passengers can secure devices themselves or ask staff for tape at check-in counters, security checkpoints, boarding gates or inside the cabin. If you wish to carry more than 5 batteries under 100Wh, airline approval must be obtained at the check-in counter. For batteries over 100Wh but under 160Wh, airline approval is required regardless of the number of items.

You can exchange your currency for Korean Won at: ① Banks in your home country ② Airport exchange counters ③ Korean airport exchange counters ④ Banks in Korean cities ⑤ Authorized exchange counters in Korean cities For the best rates, bring cash in your currecny and exchange it at authorized exchange counters in Korea. Locations vary, but the ones in Myeongdong offer the best rates, followed by city banks, airports, and hotels.

Credit cards are convenient for international travel. You don’t need to carry a lot of cash, and in Korea, almost everywhere accepts credit cards, from shops to tourist attractions and taxis, with a few exceptions like traditional markets and street vendors. Even small payments at convenience stores can be made with a credit card.

📍Pay like a local in Korea! The most popular payment method for travelers to Korea these days is the "WOWPASS," a prepaid card that you can load at 180 self-service kiosks nationwide, including airports, city hotels, and convenience stores. It works like a credit card and also serves as a T-money transportation card. It comes with a mobile app where you can check your balance in both KRW and other currencies. You can apply for it in advance and pick it up at the airport Korea.