The South Korean passport ranks 2nd globally with visa-free access to 190 destinations worldwide. South Korea visa free travel countries include major destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and most of Europe. South Korean passport holders enjoy some of the strongest travel freedom available today.
Countries with free access to South Korea passport holders span across all continents, making international travel convenient and affordable. This guide covers all 190+ destinations where South Korea entry without visa is possible, including visa-on-arrival, eVisa, and ETA requirements for different countries.
- Visa-Free Countries for South Korea Passport Holders
- Visa on Arrival Countries for South Korea Passport Holders
- eVisa Countries for South Korea Passport Holders
- ETA Countries for South Korea Passport Holders
- Top Visa-Free Countries for South Korean Residents
- Benefits of Visa-Free Travel for South Korea Residents
- FAQs
Visa-Free Countries for South Korea Passport Holders
The Henley Passport Index ranks South Korea 2nd globally, tied with Japan for passport strength. Here are the countries you can visit from South Korea without a visa:
| Country | Allowed Stay |
| Albania | 90 days |
| Andorra | 90 days |
| Argentina | 90 days |
| Armenia | 180 days |
| Austria | 90 days |
| Bahamas | 3 months |
| Barbados | 90 days |
| Belarus | 30 days |
| Belgium | 90 days |
| Belize | 30 days |
| Bolivia | 30 days |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 90 days |
| Botswana | 90 days |
| Brazil | 90 days |
| Brunei Darussalam | 14 days |
| Bulgaria | 90 days |
| Chile | 90 days |
| Colombia | 180 days |
| Costa Rica | 90 days |
| Croatia | 90 days |
| Cyprus | 90 days |
| Czech Republic | 90 days |
| Denmark | 90 days |
| Dominica | 21 days |
| Dominican Republic | 30 days |
| Ecuador | 90 days |
| Estonia | 90 days |
| Fiji | 6 months |
| Finland | 90 days |
| France | 90 days |
| Georgia | 30 days |
| Germany | 90 days |
| Greece | 90 days |
| Grenada | 90 days |
| Guatemala | 90 days |
| Guyana | 30 days |
| Haiti | 90 days |
| Honduras | 90 days |
| Hungary | 90 days |
| Iceland | 90 days |
| Ireland | 90 days |
| Italy | 90 days |
| Jamaica | 30 days |
| Japan | 90 days |
| Latvia | 90 days |
| Lesotho | 14 days |
| Liechtenstein | 90 days |
| Lithuania | 90 days |
| Luxembourg | 90 days |
| Malaysia | 90 days |
| Malta | 90 days |
| Mexico | 90 days |
| Moldova | 90 days |
| Monaco | 90 days |
| Mongolia | 14 days |
| Montenegro | 90 days |
| Morocco | 90 days |
| Namibia | 90 days |
| Netherlands | 90 days |
| New Zealand | 3 months |
| North Macedonia | 90 days |
| Norway | 90 days |
| Panama | 90 days |
| Paraguay | 90 days |
| Peru | 90 days |
| Philippines | 30 days |
| Poland | 90 days |
| Portugal | 90 days |
| Romania | 90 days |
| San Marino | 90 days |
| Serbia | 90 days |
| Singapore | 90 days |
| Slovakia | 90 days |
| Slovenia | 90 days |
| South Africa | 90 days |
| Spain | 90 days |
| Suriname | 90 days |
| Sweden | 90 days |
| Switzerland | 90 days |
| Thailand | 30 days |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 90 days |
| Ukraine | 90 days |
| United Kingdom | 6 months |
| United States | 90 days |
| Uruguay | 90 days |
| Vatican City | 90 days |
| Venezuela | 90 days |
Note: This list shows countries with visa free entry to South Korea passport holders.
Suggested Read: South Korea Visa Extension for Indian Travelers
Visa on Arrival Countries for South Korea Passport Holders
Here are visa-on-arrival countries for South Korea passport holders:
| Country | Stay Duration | Visa Fee (USD) | Visa Fee (KRW) |
| Bahrain | 2 weeks | $25 | ₩34,259 |
| Bangladesh | 30 days | $51 | ₩69,889 |
| Burundi | 30 days | $90 | ₩123,333 |
| Cambodia | 30 days | $35 | ₩47,963 |
| Comoros | 45 days | — | — |
| Egypt | 30 days | $25 | ₩34,259 |
| Ethiopia | 90 days | $52 | ₩71,259 |
| Iran | 21 days | — | — |
| Jordan | 30 days | $56 | ₩76,741 |
| Kenya | 90 days | $51 | ₩69,889 |
| Kuwait | 30 days | — | — |
| Laos | 30 days | $35 | ₩47,963 |
| Lebanon | 30 days | — | — |
| Madagascar | 90 days | $37 | ₩50,704 |
| Maldives | 30 days | FREE | FREE |
| Mauritania | 30 days | $55 | ₩75,370 |
| Nepal | 90 days | FREE | FREE |
| Oman | 14 days | $20 | ₩27,407 |
| Pakistan | 30 days | $60 | ₩82,222 |
| Papua New Guinea | 60 days | $50 | ₩68,519 |
| Rwanda | 30 days | $50 | ₩68,519 |
| Samoa | 60 days | — | — |
| Saudi Arabia | 90 days | $80 | ₩109,630 |
| Seychelles | 90 days | FREE | FREE |
| Somalia | 30 days | $60 | ₩82,222 |
| Tanzania | 90 days | $50 | ₩68,519 |
| Timor-Leste | 30 days | $30 | ₩41,111 |
| Togo | 7 days | $35 | ₩47,963 |
| Tuvalu | 30 days | AUD 100 | — |
| Uganda | 90 days | $50 | ₩68,519 |
| Zambia | 30 days | $50 | ₩68,519 |
Suggested Read: South Korea Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Citizens
eVisa Countries for South Korea Passport Holders
There are 24 eVisa countries for South Korea passport holders:
| Country | Stay Duration | Cost |
| Angola | 30 days | USD 120 (₩164,444) |
| Azerbaijan | 30 days | USD 26 (₩35,630) |
| Benin | 30 days | USD 50 (₩68,519) |
| Burkina Faso | 30 days | USD 105 (₩143,889) |
| Cameroon | 90 days | USD 220 (₩301,481) |
| Congo (Dem. Rep.) | 30 days | USD 100 (₩137,037) |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 90 days | USD 73 (₩100,037) |
| Djibouti | 90 days | USD 90 (₩123,333) |
| Equatorial Guinea | 30 days | USD 100 (₩137,037) |
| Gabon | 90 days | USD 100 (₩137,037) |
| Guinea | 90 days | USD 80 (₩109,630) |
| India | 60 days | USD 25 (₩34,259) |
| Ivory Coast | 90 days | USD 73 (₩100,037) |
| Liberia | 30 days | USD 74 (₩101,407) |
| Libya | 30 days | USD 25 (₩34,259) |
| Malawi | 90 days | USD 75 (₩102,778) |
| Myanmar | 28 days | USD 50 (₩68,519) |
| Nigeria | 30 days | USD 160 (₩219,259) |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | 30 days | USD 60 (₩82,222) |
| Sierra Leone | 30 days | USD 80 (₩109,630) |
| South Sudan | 30 days | USD 100 (₩137,037) |
| Suriname | 90 days | USD 40 (₩54,815) |
| Tajikistan | 60 days | USD 50 (₩68,519) |
| Vietnam | 90 days | USD 25 (₩34,259) |
Suggested Read: How to Check South Korea Visa Status for Indians
ETA Countries for South Korea Passport Holders
Here are the countries where South Korea citizens need an ETA:
| Country | Stay Duration | Cost |
| Australia | 3 months | AUD 20 |
| Canada | 6 months | CAD 7 |
| Israel | 90 days | USD 6 (₩8,222) |
| Kenya | 90 days | USD 30 (₩41,111) |
| New Zealand | 3 months | NZD 17 |
| Sri Lanka | 30 days | USD 20 (₩27,407) |
| United Kingdom | 6 months | £10 |
Note: When returning to South Korea, visa-exempt foreign nationals must obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before entry. This electronic authorization is valid for up to 2 years or until passport expiration.
Suggested Read: India Visa for South Korean Citizens
Top Visa-Free Countries for South Korean Residents
| Country | Visa Type | Stay Duration | Attractions |
| Schengen Area | Visa Free | 90/180 days | Access to 27+ countries in Europe: France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, and Spain. |
| United States | ESTA | 90 days | New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, and Chicago. |
| Japan | Visa Free | 90 days | Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. |
| United Kingdom | ETA | 6 months | London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, and Oxford. |
| Canada | ETA | 6 months | Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. |
| Australia | ETA | 3 months | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. |
| Thailand | Visa Free | 30 days | Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Koh Samui. |
| Singapore | Visa Free | 90 days | Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Island, Gardens by the Bay, and Universal Studios. |
| Malaysia | Visa Free | 90 days | Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Malacca, and Kota Kinabalu. |
Suggested Read: Top 10 Beaches in South Korea: Your Ultimate Guide to Fun and Serenity
Benefits of Visa-Free Travel for South Korea Residents
Here are the benefits of South Korea travel without visa for citizens:
- Cost Savings: Visa application fees can be expensive. A UK visitor visa costs £115. South Korea residents can save money and spend it on travel experiences instead.
- Spontaneous Travel: No visa required countries for South Korea allow for last-minute travel plans. Citizens can book trips to 190+ destinations without lengthy visa processing times.
- Simple Planning: South Korea visa free countries list eliminates complex visa applications. Travelers can focus on planning their itinerary rather than on paperwork.
- Quick Entry: Countries with visa free entry to South Korea passport holders offer faster immigration processing at airports and borders.
- Business Opportunities: South Korea citizens can attend international conferences, meetings, and explore business opportunities in visa-free destinations without bureaucratic delays.
Suggested Read: Experience South Korean Cuisine: 20 Must-Try Traditional Dishes
FAQs
Which countries allow visa-free entry for South Korea passport holders?
South Korean passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Schengen Area countries, Japan, Canada, and Australia. The South Korea visa free countries list includes major destinations across all continents.
Do I still need a return ticket for visa-free travel?
Yes, in most cases, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration officials in countries with free access to South Korea may request proof of your intent to leave the country.
What is the maximum visa-free stay allowed for South Korea passport holders?
The maximum visa-free stay varies by country. Countries with visa free entry to South Korea passport holders offer different durations:
- Schengen Area: 90 days within any 180-day period
- United States: 90 days under the ESTA program
- Canada: 6 months with eTA
- United Kingdom: 6 months with an ETA
Can South Korea passport holders travel to Europe without a visa?
Yes, South Korea entry without visa is allowed in most European countries within the Schengen Area for short stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Starting in 2026, an ETIAS authorization will be mandatory for visa-exempt travelers to the Schengen Area.
What documents should I carry when traveling visa-free?
Documents may vary based on the country’s requirements. Here is a generic list of documents needed:
- A valid passport
- A return or onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Accommodation details for your stay
- Travel insurance is also highly recommended
What should I do if visa policies change after I have planned a visa-free trip?
Check the official embassy or consulate websites of your destination country for the most up-to-date information. Contact their consular services directly or consult a reputable travel agent for current requirements.
Is it safe to travel visa-free from South Korea to other countries?
Yes, South Korea travel without visa is safe to most destinations. However, the South Korean government has banned travel to certain countries for safety reasons, including Afghanistan, Gaza Strip, Haiti, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Yemen.
Do South Korea passport holders get a visa on arrival in most countries?
Over 30 countries offer visa-on-arrival facilities for South Korean citizens. Combined with no visa required countries for South Korea, this gives South Korean passport holders access to 190+ destinations without advance visa applications, making visa free countries for South Korea one of the most powerful travel documents globally.
