What is the best time to visit South Korea?

The best time to visit South Korea depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace. Check weather patterns for Asia before booking.

What currency does South Korea use?

South Korea uses the South Korean won (₩). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in South Korea?

Korean BBQ (Galbi & Samgyeopsal) is one of South Korea's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Bibimbap and Tteokbokki. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit South Korea visa-free?

62 countries can enter South Korea without a visa, typically for up to 90 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is South Korea safe for tourists?

South Korea is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea , is a country in East Asia.

Capital

Seoul

Language

Korean

Currency

South Korean won (₩)

Population

51.2M

Timezone

UTC+09:00

Visa-free access

62 countries

Travelling to South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and borders North.

South Korea is located in Eastern Asia, Asia. The capital is Seoul, and the official language is Korean. The local currency is the South Korean won (₩). With a population of 51.2M, South Korea is one of the larger country in Asia.

South Korea offers visa-free entry to 62 countries, with most stays allowed for up to 90 days. 136 more can apply for an eVisa online.

Top places to visit in South Korea

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The primary seat of the Joseon Dynasty since 1395; featuring the iconic Gyeonghoeru Pavilion resting on 48 monolithic stone pillars over a lotus pond; the architecture follows strict Confucian principles with hand-painted dancheong eaves in five traditional pigments; arrive at the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion at 9 am when the light strikes the hexagonal timber frames; the only sound is the rhythmic gravel-crunch of the changing guard.

Bulguksa Temple

An 8th-century masterpiece of Buddhist architecture representing the peak of Silla engineering with its intricate stone bridges and the Dabotap pagoda; the structure features sophisticated interlocking joints without nails; stand in the Daeungjeon courtyard at midday; the granite surfaces reflect a sharp; clinical light while the scent of old pine and heavy incense drifts from the prayer halls; the silence is absolute.

Seongsan Ilchulbong

A dramatic tuff cone formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions 5,000 years ago; rising 182 metres directly from the East China Sea with a serrated 600-metre wide crater; the basalt cliffs are perpetually moss-slicked from the ocean spray; hike the eastern ridge at 5:15 am; the sun breaks the horizon over the dark Pacific; silhouetting the volcanic crown against an indigo sky while the wind whistles through the jagged rock.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Zaha Hadid's neofuturistic landmark is a seamless aluminum-clad pod composed of 45,133 unique silver panels; the building functions as a vast; fluid landscape without a single vertical pillar; traverse the undulating exterior ramps at twilight; the 40;000 integrated LED lights pulse through the perforated skin; turning the metallic surface into a glowing; liquid texture against the chaotic neon of the surrounding district.

Seoraksan National Park

The jagged spine of the Taebaek Mountains peaks at Daecheongbong (1,708m); featuring the sun-bleached granite spires of Ulsanbawi and the 14th-century Sinheungsa bronze Buddha; hike the Cheonbuldong Valley during the autumn equinox; the low sun turns the maples a saturated blood-red against the grey; weathered basalt; the air is cold and carries the sharp; resinous scent of dwarf pines clinging to the rock face.

Hwaseong Fortress

A late 18th-century military marvel spanning 5.7 kilometres of massive brick and laterite-red earth ramparts; commissioned by King Jeongjo to house his father's remains; the architecture fuses Eastern fortress design with Western tactical principles; walk the Paldalmun battlements at dusk; the western light turns the brickwork a deep terracotta while the pre-dawn calls of magpies echo off the dragon-headed watchtowers.

See all 20 places in South Korea →

What to eat in South Korea

Korean BBQ (Galbi & Samgyeopsal)

Explore all South Korea dishes →

South Korea visa requirements

Visa-free

136

eVisa / eTA

Countries that can visit South Korea visa-free

62 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 90 days.

Europe

Asia

United Arab Emirates90d

Americas

Oceania

eVisa and eTA for South Korea

136 countries can apply online before travelling. Processing typically takes 1–7 business days.

Europe

Asia

Americas

Africa

Before you go to South Korea

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. South Korea immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Currency: South Korean won

The local currency is ₩. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: Korean

Korean is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check South Korea's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for South Korea

Select your passport for an instant result.

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South Korea 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore South Korea

20 places, 6 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · South Korea

South Korea — your questions

It depends on your passport. 62 countries can enter South Korea visa-free. 136 can apply for an eVisa online. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.