South Korea
South Korea travel guide for Americans
US citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. No ETA or K-ETA is required. Land at Incheon (ICN), carry a passport valid beyond your stay, and check the US State Department advisory before booking.
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GuideSouth Korea
Key facts
- Visa required
- No, for tourism up to 90 days
- K-ETA required
- No, US citizens are exempt
- Passport validity
- Must be valid for the duration of stay
- Currency
- Korean won (KRW, ₩)
- Plugs
- Types C and F, 220 V 60 Hz
- Tipping
- Not expected anywhere
- Emergency numbers
- 112 police · 119 fire/ambulance · 1330 travel helpline
Quick answer
US citizens do not need a visa for South Korea for tourism stays up to 90 days. You also do not need a K-ETA. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. For longer stays, work, or study, you need a visa from the South Korean embassy.
Check the US State Department travel advisory for South Korea before you book, and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts.
Entry requirements for US citizens
US citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. You do not need a K-ETA. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Have proof of onward travel and accommodation ready; immigration may ask.
For stays longer than 90 days, or for work, study, or other purposes, apply for a visa at the South Korean embassy in Washington, DC, or a consulate before you travel.
South Korea uses an electronic arrival card (K-ETA is not required, but the arrival card is). You can fill it out online before arrival or on the plane.
| Requirement | US citizens |
|---|---|
| Visa for tourism | Not required (up to 90 days) |
| K-ETA | Not required |
| Passport validity | Valid for duration of stay |
| Proof of onward travel | Recommended |
| Arrival card | Electronic (K-Arrival Card) or paper |
US Embassy in South Korea
The US Embassy in Seoul is at 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu. It handles passports, notarials, and emergency assistance for US citizens. Consulates are in Busan and Jeju. For emergencies, call the embassy duty officer; for routine matters, use the online appointment system.
Register with STEP to receive security alerts and make it easier for the embassy to contact you in an emergency.
- US Embassy Seoul: 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- US Consulate Busan: 15th floor, 24 Beopil-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
- US Consulate Jeju: 2nd floor, 738 Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju
Costs in USD
A typical 7-day trip for one person: budget $50–80/day, mid-range $100–150/day, luxury $200+/day. These are 2026 estimates. Seoul is the most expensive city; Busan and smaller cities are cheaper.
Flights from the US to Seoul (ICN) range from $800–1,500 round-trip depending on season and departure city. Within South Korea, the KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Busan is about $50 one way.
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $20–40 | $60–120 | $200+ |
| Meals (per day) | $15–25 | $30–50 | $80+ |
| Local transport (per day) | $5–10 | $10–20 | $30+ |
| Attractions (per day) | $5–15 | $15–30 | $50+ |
| Total per day | $50–80 | $100–150 | $200+ |
2026 estimates. Prices in KRW at the airport and in tourist areas are often higher.
Flights from the US
Most US flights land at Incheon International Airport (ICN), about 50 km west of Seoul. Direct flights from Los Angeles take about 12 hours; from New York, about 14–15 hours. From other US cities, expect one connection, often in LA, San Francisco, or Seattle.
From ICN, take the AREX express train to Seoul Station (about 43 minutes) or a taxi (about 60–90 minutes depending on traffic). The airport limousine bus is another option.
| From | Direct flight time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | ~12 hours | Direct flights available |
| New York (JFK) | ~14–15 hours | Direct or one stop |
| San Francisco (SFO) | ~12 hours | Direct flights available |
| Chicago (ORD) | ~14 hours | Usually one stop |
Electricity and plugs
South Korea uses types C and F plugs, 220 V, 60 Hz. US devices with type A or B plugs need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage, but check before plugging in. If your device is 110 V only, you need a voltage converter.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in South Korea. In restaurants, hotels, and taxis, the bill is the bill. Some upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge. Do not tip; it can confuse or be refused.
Emergency numbers
Dial 112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. The 1330 travel helpline (Korea Travel Hotline) provides English-speaking assistance for travel issues, 24/7. For US citizens, the embassy duty officer can be reached after hours for emergencies.
FAQ
Sources
Questions people ask
Do Americans need a visa for South Korea?
No. US citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. You do not need a K-ETA. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. For longer stays or work/study, you need a visa.
How much does a trip to South Korea cost in USD?
A 7‑day trip for one person: budget $50–80/day, mid‑range $100–150/day, luxury $200+/day. Flights from the US to Seoul are about $800–1,500 round‑trip. These are 2026 estimates.
Where is the nearest United States embassy in South Korea?
The US Embassy is in Seoul at 188 Sejong‑daero, Jongno‑gu. Consulates are in Busan and Jeju. For emergencies, call the embassy duty officer; for routine matters, use the online appointment system.
What plug type and voltage does South Korea use?
South Korea uses type C and F plugs, 220 V, 60 Hz. US devices need a plug adapter; check if your charger is dual‑voltage or use a converter for 110 V‑only items.
Is tipping expected in South Korea?
Tipping is not expected. Restaurants, hotels and taxis include service in the bill. Some upscale venues add a 10 % charge, but additional tips may be refused.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
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