Travel Essentials: Visas, Arrival, Emergencies & Etiquette

Before you fly and in your first days on the ground, a handful of things matter more than the rest. Here is what to sort out, in order, with the official links to confirm your own case.

Entry: K-ETA and visas

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay. Many passport holders can enter visa-free for short-term tourism, and most of them must first obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) online before boarding. Apply on the official K-ETA site a few days ahead, not at the airport.

Some nationalities are temporarily exempt from K-ETA and some are not eligible for visa-free entry at all. These lists change, so confirm your status on the official visa portal and K-ETA site close to your travel date.

Staying to work, study, or join family needs a matching visa (for example the D, E, or F categories). Apply through a Korean embassy or consulate before arrival, and check requirements on HiKorea, the government immigration portal.

  • Apply for K-ETA at least 72 hours before departure.
  • Keep a printed or offline copy of your K-ETA approval and accommodation address.
  • Passport should be valid for the length of your stay.

After you land: registration for longer stays

For short visits, clearing immigration is usually all you need. If you are staying longer than 90 days, you will generally need to register with immigration and obtain an Alien Registration Card (ARC), which becomes your main ID in Korea for banking, phone contracts, and public services. The full resident setup - ARC, bank, phone, and housing - is covered in Living in Korea, and health insurance in Healthcare & Support.

Book your immigration office visit through the HiKorea portal in advance - walk-in slots are limited. Bring your passport, visa, photos, and any documents your visa category requires.

  • Reserve your immigration appointment early through HiKorea.
  • An ARC unlocks a Korean bank account and mobile plan.

Emergencies and healthcare

Korea has fast, reliable emergency services. Dial 112 for police and crime, and 119 for fire, medical emergencies, and ambulances - 119 operators can connect interpretation for foreign languages.

For travel questions, lost items, or help in your language, call 1330, the Korea Travel Hotline run by the Korea Tourism Organization. It runs 24 hours a day and offers English, Japanese, Chinese, and more.

Pharmacies (look for the green cross) handle minor issues, and clinics are widespread and affordable for many treatments. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as visitors pay out of pocket without it.

  • 112 - police. 119 - fire and ambulance. 1330 - travel help, 24/7, multilingual.
  • Save 1330 in your phone before you arrive.

Everyday etiquette

A few habits go a long way. Offer and receive things - money, cards, drinks - with two hands or a supporting hand, especially with older people. Take your shoes off when entering homes and many traditional restaurants and guesthouses.

On public transport, priority seats are genuinely kept for the elderly, pregnant, and disabled. Keep calls quiet, and stand on the right of escalators. Tipping is not expected anywhere in Korea and can cause confusion.

  • Two hands when giving or receiving shows respect.
  • No tipping - the listed price is what you pay.

Quick answers

How long can I stay without a visa?
Visa-free periods vary by nationality, commonly up to 30, 60, or 90 days for tourism. Your exact allowance is shown on the official visa portal - check it for your passport before booking.
Is tap water safe to drink?
Seoul tap water is treated to be safe to drink, though many residents prefer filtered or bottled water by taste. Restaurants serve free, safe drinking water.
Do I need to carry my passport everywhere?
Carry ID. Short-term visitors should keep their passport or a clear copy. Residents carry their Alien Registration Card, which is accepted as official ID.

Last updated: 2026-07-08