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Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of South Korea’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in South Korea set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .

Passport validity requirements

To enter South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days, your passport must have an ‘expiry date� after the date you are leaving South Korea.

To enter South Korea on a long-term visa, your passport should have an ‘expiry date� at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can enter South Korea for up to 90 days for short-term business or tourism. You must have an onward or return ticket. It’s illegal to be employed in South Korea while visiting visa-free, whether as a teacher or in any other capacity.

South Korea operates an electronic travel authorisation system called K-ETA. Anyone eligible for visa-free entry to South Korea is usually required to get K-ETA approval before departure. However, British nationals travelling visa-free to South Korea are temporarily exempt from requiring a K-ETA until December 31, 2025. Further information about the K-ETA exemption can be found on the .

If you need to apply for a K-ETA, you should ensure that you apply through the Korean government’s . Other sites offering K-ETA application services are generally scams. It can take up to 72 hours for K-ETA approval to be granted.

If you are travelling for any purpose other than short-term business or tourism, check visa requirements with the .

For those in South Korea on a work visa, all employment changes must be authorised by Korean Immigration.

Re-entry permits for long-term visa holders

Most foreign nationals in South Korea on long-term visas are allowed to re-enter South Korea within one year of departure without the need for a re-entry permit. Check with the .

If you are resident and intend to spend more than a year outside of South Korea, in most cases, you must apply for a multiple re-entry permit via the before departure. If you require a re-entry permit, engage early with the immigration authorities and apply for a re-entry permit at least 4 working days ahead of any planned travel.Ìý

Visas for working as an English teacher

To get a visa to teach English in South Korea, you must have a 3-year university degree. A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification alone is not enough. If you are found to have a teaching visa by deception, you will be detained and deported.

British nationals teaching English in South Korea have sometimes found living and working conditions to be below their expectation or have had difficulties getting the correct visas and residence permits. Some also report more serious problems such as breach of contract, confiscation of passport, payment being withheld and inadequate insurance.

Check all terms and conditions of your employment carefully. If possible, speak to other teachers from the place where you plan to work before accepting any offer. If you are in South Korea and in need of assistance, you should contact the British Embassy in Seoul.

Entry declaration form

Foreign nationals entering South Korea are required to submit an entry declaration form (arrivals card) to the immigration officer upon arrival. From 24 February 2025, passengers may submit an e-Arrival card online in advance instead of submitting a paper form to the immigration officers.

The e-Arrival card can be submitted up to 72 hours before arrival in South Korea. There is no fee to submit the e-Arrival card. Travellers should visit the for further details on the e-Arrival card submission process. Paper entry declaration forms will still be available until December 2025.

Health screening

All travellers arriving in South Korea from ‘Strict Quarantine Inspection Required Areasâ€� (including those who have transited in a ‘Strict Quarantine Inspection Required Areaâ€�) need to submit a health questionnaire, either through the pre-entry Q-Code system or by completing a paper-based questionnaire on arrival in South Korea.ÌýTravellers arriving in South Korea from ‘Quarantine Inspection Required Areasâ€� who exhibit symptomsÌýmust also submit a Q-Code or paper-based health questionnaire.

Failure to complete required health screenings could result in a fine of up to KRW 10 million. The UK is not currently designated as a ‘Quarantine Inspection Required Areaâ€� however travellers should check the full list ofÌý ²¹²Ô»åÌýÌýprior to travel.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in South Korea

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in South Korea, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

The level of tension and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula can change with little notice. Tensions can rise after missile tests by North Korea and during the regular South Korean-US military exercises, which take place throughout the year. Follow the advice of local authorities and keep up to date with developments, which will be reported on news broadcasts.

The demilitarised zone (DMZ) separates North Korea and South Korea. Peace has been maintained under an armistice agreement, but no formal peace treaty has ever been signed. If you’re in the area of the DMZ, you should exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities.

National service

If you are a British male of Korean origin whose name appears on the Korean family register, you may be liable for military service even if you are travelling on your British passport.

Demonstrations

Public demonstrations in South Korea are common. These gatherings are mostly peaceful and well-policed. Be aware that under Korean law, it is illegal for foreign nationals to take part in political activities when in the country.

Civil emergency exercises and advice

South Korean authorities sometimes hold civil emergency exercises. You’ll hear sirens to mark the start of the exercise. All vehicles must stop and sometimes people will have to descend into designated metro stations or basements. You do not need to participate but do follow any instructions from officials during these exercises.

Contingency planning

The government’s Emergency Ready App, available on and , explains the possible civil emergency alerts which would be pushed to your mobile in an emergency.

As part of your own contingency planning, make sure you have easy access to your passport and other important documents such as nationality documents and birth and marriage certificates, as well as any essential medication. Consider saving the contact details for the embassy so that you can access them quickly if needed. Make sure to share your contact details with your family and friends.

Crime

Crime against foreigners is rare but there are occasional thefts. Take extra care of passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas and in areas visited by foreigners, such as Itaewon.

While most reported crimes are thefts, there have been cases of assault, including sexual assault, particularly around bars and nightlife areas. Take care when travelling alone at night and only use legitimate taxis or public transport.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

It is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification, but people are rarely asked to show it.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

If you’re convicted of possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs you can face a long jail sentence and heavy fines. This applies even to personal use of small amounts of marijuana. British nationals have been detained solely on the basis of drug tests.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in South Korea, see information on driving abroad and read the . The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You’ll need to have both the 1949 international driving permit (IDP)Ìýand your UK driving licence with you in the car when you drive in South Korea. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

The police take the position that car and motorbike drivers are at fault in accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians. If you injure someone in an accident, you are likely to face criminal charges and heavy penalties, even if guilt is not proved.

The legal limit for alcohol in South Korea is less than half the limit in England, and penalties for drink-driving include prison and fines.

Taxis

Taxi drivers tend to speak little or no English. It is helpful to have your destination written in Korean � if possible with a map.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

If there is a natural disaster, or the threat of one, the South Korean government will publish updates in Korean and English to the .

The government’s Emergency Ready App, available on and , explains the possible alerts which would be pushed to your mobile.

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Typhoons

The typhoon season normally runs from June to November. Monitor the progress of approaching storms with the or call 131 in Korea to get an accurate weather forecast in English. Always follow any advice given by the local authorities. ÌýÌý

Flooding and landslides

South Korea has heavy rainfall across the country during the summer rainy season, usually in June and July. Torrential rain may cause flooding near rivers and creeks, including in built-up areas. Flash floods are common in areas downstream from large reservoirs or rivers, even after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly and mountainous areas.

Monitor forecasts for heavy rainfall with the and follow any advice given by the local authorities.

Earthquakes

Strong earthquakes are unusual in South Korea but do happen. Most earthquakes in South Korea are relatively weak. The publishes information on earthquakes.

Read up on the any guidance from local authorities on safety procedures in an earthquake and check the safety tips from the .

Forest fires

Forest fires may occur in South Korea. Pay attention to warnings from local authorities and follow any safety instructions that they issue. Korean-language emergency alerts will automatically be sent to your mobile phone if you are in an affected area, and English-language translations of emergency alerts can be accessed on the and in the .

You can track the location and progress of fires through the Korea Forest Service website in and .

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 119 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the

See what health risks you’ll face in South Korea, including tick bites and tick-borne encephalitis. Read more aboutÌý.

Air pollution, including yellow dust pollution, is common, especially during spring months. Follow local media reporting and check the website. On days when concentrations are high, most residents will stay indoors or use face masks outside. It’s also important to drink plenty of water.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

South Korean customs authorities allow you to bring small amounts of medication for your personal use, if it is kept in carry-on baggage. Take an English language prescription from your doctor at home for both your prescription drugs and non-prescription medicines. Consult the website of the before you travel to South Korea.

Read .

Healthcare in South Korea

Medical and dental care in South Korea is usually of a good standard, but can be expensive. Staff may not speak English. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need to stay in a South Korean hospital, particularly if your condition is severe, the hospital may ask you to bring a guardian or ‘bohoja� to assist you with basic care needs such as trips to the bathroom, washing and exercise. It is possible to find agencies who will provide a caregiver or ‘ganbyungin� for a fee, but these caregivers generally do not speak English. If you know that you may need to enter a Korean hospital, you should try to organise a guardian such as a friend or relative in advance.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in South Korea where some staff will speak English.Ìý

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in South Korea.

Doctor shortage

South Korea is experiencing an ongoing doctor shortage which could cause disruption and delays at hospitals nationwide, including at large hospitals with international clinics. Patients may experience postponed surgeries and cancelled medical appointments. Some hospitals are prioritising access to emergency care based on the severity of injury or illness, which may result in complications accessing emergency care. Private hospitals and clinics are generally less affected but may still experience some disruptions.

The South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) maintains an (in Korean) of emergency services at available medical centres nationwide.

Medical tourism

If you are travelling to South Korea for elective treatment, such as cosmetic surgery or a dental procedure, consider that no medical procedure is risk-free. Make sure that your travel health insurance covers complications that may arise and repatriation to the UK if required.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in South Korea

Ambulance: 119

Fire: 119

Police: 112

English language support

The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) operates a hotline to provide assistance in multiple languages, including English. The hotline also offers interpretation services, including support for three-way calls (e.g. between British nationals, the hotline and emergency services) from 7am to midnight. Call 1330 to contact the travel hotline.

Remote interpretation services may be helpful in the case of emergency or out of hours support. The following call centres offer interpretation support, including three-way calls, to foreigners in South Korea:

• Dasan Call Centre (+82 2 120) â€� available 9am to 6pm Monday-Friday
• Danuri Call Centre (1577 1366) â€� available 24/7

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speakingÌý,ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýÌýin South Korea
• dealing with aÌýdeath in South Korea
• ²ú±ð¾±²Ô²µÌýarrested or imprisoned in South Korea
• getting help if you’re aÌývictim of crime
• what to do if you’reÌýin hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in South Korea on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.