출처 : SONOW
The Republic of Korea maintains specific entry requirements for international travelers, including enhanced protocols related to COVID-19. All visitors must comply with current documentation and health requirements as established by the Korean Ministry of Justice and relevant government agencies.
Valid Passport Requirements for All Travelers
All travelers entering Korea must possess valid passports meeting specific criteria. Dual citizens holding both Korean and foreign nationality must enter Korea exclusively using their Korean passport, without exception.
Foreign nationals must present foreign passports with minimum 3-month validity from the date of intended entry into Korea. Passport validity requirements ensure sufficient time for planned stays and potential extensions without documentation complications.
Passport condition and readability are essential for smooth immigration processing. Damaged, worn, or altered passports may cause entry delays or require additional verification procedures at immigration checkpoints.
Visa or K-ETA Authorization for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals must obtain appropriate entry authorization through either valid visas or K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) permits before arrival. Visa-free entry is available only to citizens of specific countries under bilateral agreements.
Travelers should verify their eligibility for visa-free entry through official sources:
K-ETA Information:
https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewboarddetail.do?bbsSn=7010&pageIndex=2
Visa-Free Entry Details:
https://www.hikorea.go.kr/info/InfoDatail.pt?CAT_SEQ=161&PARENT_ID=135
Special Note: European Union UN Laissez-passer (UNLP) holders may enter Korea without visa or K-ETA authorization and may stay for up to 30 days upon entry.
K-ETA Application Process and Support
K-ETA system issues and approval matters cannot be resolved through Korean embassies abroad. Travelers experiencing technical difficulties or requiring application status updates must contact official K-ETA support channels directly.
K-ETA Support Contact:
https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewemailcontact.do
For complex issues, travelers may contact Korean Ministry of Justice Immigration offices directly. Embassy staff cannot access K-ETA system information or provide technical support for application processing.
Official Visa Application Resources
Travelers requiring traditional visas must apply through appropriate Korean consular offices in their country of residence. Official visa application information and procedures are available through Korean embassy websites.
K-ETA Application:
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ch-ko/brd/m_8037/view.do?seq=1346849&srchFr=&srchTo=&srchWord=&srchTp=&multi_itm_seq=0&itm_seq_1=0&itm_seq_2=0&company_cd=&company_nm=&page=1
Visa Application Information:
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ch-en/brd/m_20340/view.do?seq=25&srchFr=&srchTo=&srchWord=&srchTp=&multi_itm_seq=0&itm_seq_1=0&itm_seq_2=0&company_cd=&company_nm=&page=1
Q-Code Health Information System (Recommended)
Pre-arrival health information registration through the Q-Code (Quarantine Information Pre-Entry System) is strongly recommended for all international travelers. This system streamlines health screening procedures upon arrival in Korea.
The Q-Code system requires travelers to register health information before departure and generates QR codes for use during immigration and health screening processes. While recommended rather than mandatory, Q-Code registration significantly reduces processing time at entry points.
Q-Code Registration:
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ch-ko/brd/m_8037/view.do?seq=1346833&srchFr=&srchTo=&srchTo=&srchWord=&srchTp=&multi_itm_seq=0&itm_seq_1=0&itm_seq_2=0&company_cd=&company_nm=&page=1
Updated COVID-19 Testing Protocols
Effective October 1, 2022, mandatory PCR testing on the first day after entry has been eliminated for Korean nationals and long-term foreign residents. This policy change reflects Korea's adapted approach to COVID-19 management and reduced restrictions on international travel.
Travelers who voluntarily wish to undergo PCR testing within 3 days of arrival may access free testing services at local health centers (community health centers). This optional testing accommodates personal health preferences and specific travel or work requirements.
Current health protocols may be subject to change based on global health conditions and Korean public health policy updates. Travelers should verify the most current requirements through official government sources before departure.
Official Information Sources and Updates
All entry requirement information should be verified through official Korean government sources, as policies may change based on international conditions, bilateral agreements, and public health considerations. Embassy websites, immigration service portals, and ministry announcements provide the most current and authoritative information.
Travelers should avoid relying on third-party websites or unofficial sources for critical entry requirement information, as outdated or incorrect information may result in entry delays or complications at Korean immigration checkpoints.