Visa Free Countries for South Korea Passport Holders [Including VOA, eVisa & ETA]

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.

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Visa-Free Countries for South Korea Passport Holders

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.