Passport Atlas

Entering South Korea

South Korea playbook updated 2026-09. Openness first, then how to apply and how to stay.

Openness rank

#60

Entry openness

110

Visa free

Visa required

South Korea digital nomad visaWorkation Visa (F-1-D) · ₩84,960,000/yr (≈ US$5,168/mo)

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Country profile

Capital

Seoul

Population

51.2 million

Area

98,480 km²

Currency

South Korean won KRW

Languages

Korean

Time zone

UTC+09:00

Foreign-born

1.8 million · 2024

Migrant share

3.5%

Ethnic groups

Korean

Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.

Travel notes

Plug

Type F

Mains

230 V · 60 Hz

Driving

Right

Emergency

Police 112 · Ambulance 119

Dialing code

+82

Airports

ICN · PUS · CJU · GMP

Highlights

Gyeongbokgung
Haeundae
Seongsan Ilchulbong
Changdeokgung
Bulguksa

South Korea Passport Guides · South Korea Visa site Immigration site

How to get a visa

Tourism / short visit (C-3) or visa-free + K-ETA
Visit / tourism · Usually 30–90 days
- Visa-free nationals follow the K-ETA list if still required. Others apply on the Korean visa portal.
E-7 specialised employment
Work · 1–3 years, renewable
- A Korean employer sponsors a listed occupation with education or skills thresholds.
D-2 student
Study · Matches the course
- After admission the school issues a standard permit, then D-2. Graduates may switch to D-10 job-seeker or work status.

Immigration routes

F-2-7 residence (points)
Points / invitation
After a set period of lawful stay and enough points, a more open residence status.
Leads to PR：F-2 is a common stepping stone to F-5 PR.
F-5 permanent residence
Skilled work
Usually 5 years, shorter for high income or high points.
Leads to PR：Approval is long-term settlement status.