South Korea travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealanders can enter South Korea without a visa for tourism stays up to 90 days. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return or onward ticket. No visa application is needed for short visits, but check the latest entry rules before you fly.

South Korea grants visa-free entry to New Zealand passport holders for tourism, business visits, and short stays up to 90 days. You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.

If you plan to stay longer, work, or study, you need a visa from a South Korean embassy or consulate before you travel. The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is not required for New Zealanders, but check current rules as they can change.

New Zealand has an embassy in Seoul. It provides consular services for New Zealand citizens, including passport renewals, emergency assistance, and notarial services. If you need help, contact the embassy directly.

A trip to South Korea costs roughly NZ$150–250 per day for a mid-range traveller, covering accommodation, food, local transport, and some activities. Budget travellers can manage on NZ$100–150 per day with hostels and street food. Flights from New Zealand are the biggest cost, often NZ$1,200–2,000 return.

Direct flights from Auckland to Seoul (Incheon) take about 11 hours. Airlines such as Korean Air and Air New Zealand operate on this route. From other New Zealand cities, you'll connect through Auckland or an Asian hub like Singapore or Hong Kong, adding 3–6 hours. Time difference: South Korea is 3 hours behind New Zealand in winter, 2 hours behind in summer (NZ daylight saving).

South Korea uses types C and F plugs, standard 220 V, 60 Hz. New Zealand uses type I plugs at 230 V, so you'll need a travel adapter. Voltage is similar, so most devices work, but check your charger's rating.

Tipping is not expected anywhere in South Korea. In restaurants, hotels, and taxis, service is included and tipping can even be seen as awkward. Just pay the bill as it is.

In an emergency, call 112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. For travel help, the Korea Travel Helpline at 1330 offers English-speaking assistance 24/7. Save these numbers in your phone.