The complete Korea pre-departure checklist includes K-ETA status, arrival card, T-money, apps, medications, packing, and what to have ready on your phone before you land at Incheon.
South Korea is one of the most visitor-friendly countries in Asia. Most of what you need to prepare is simple and quick. But a few specific things, particularly the K-ETA status for your nationality and the apps that replace tools that do not work in Korea, are worth sorting out in advance.
Months Before Travel
- Check K-ETA status for your nationality: The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is currently suspended for most Western nationalities. Check the current status; it can change. See the guides for Americans, Canadians, UK travellers, and Australians.
- Check visa requirements: Most Western nationals are visa-exempt for up to 90 days. See the Korea visa guide for your specific country. Some nationalities (India, China, Vietnam) require a visa application at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel. See the Korea visa processing time guide.
- Book accommodation: Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn (October to November) in Seoul require 3 to 4 weeks’ booking. Busan in July and August requires booking.
- Book KTX for intercity travel: Seoul to Busan takes 2.5 hours. Book at Korail. Popular weekend services sell out. See the Seoul to Busan guide.
- Book Jeju flights if needed: Seoul to Jeju is one of the world’s busiest domestic routes. Book 3 to 6 weeks ahead for good fares. See the Seoul to Jeju guide.
Weeks Before Travel
- Learn to read Hangul: 2 to 3 hours of focused study unlocks menus, subway signs, and shop names, the single best investment before a Korea trip.
- Download Naver Map: Essential Google Maps does not give walking or driving directions in Korea. Download the Korean language pack for offline use. See the Best Apps for Korea guide.
- Download Papago: Korea’s best translation app. Download the Korean offline language pack.
- Download Kakao T: Korea’s ride-hailing app. Link a credit card before arriving.
- Get a Korea eSIM: Airalo or similar eSIM provider. Activate the day before flying. Korean mobile data is fast, and coverage is excellent everywhere.
- Check medication rules: Some medications require advance approval from Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. For importing ADHD medications, controlled pain relief, and some decongestants, there is a need for checking. See the Korea what not to bring guide.
- Prepare the arrival card digitally: Submit via Visit Korea pre-registration before your flight for faster immigration. Or complete the paper form on the plane. See the Korea arrival card guide.
Days Before Travel
- Save hotel confirmations and return flight: Accessible offline for immigration if asked.
- Notify your bank: Card payments are accepted almost everywhere in Korea. Notify your bank to avoid blocks on Korean transactions.
- Get some Korean won: Cash is useful for pojangmacha tent stalls, some traditional markets, and smaller street food vendors. 50,000 to 100,000 won is a reasonable starting amount.
- Pack layers appropriately for the season: See the Korea packing list for seasonal specifics.
At Incheon Airport
- Get a T-money card immediately: at the T-money counter or at a GS25 convenience store in arrivals. Load 30,000 to 50,000 won. Covers every subway, bus, and most taxis throughout your Korea trip. See the T-money guide.
- Complete or confirm the arrival card: If not submitted digitally in advance, fill out the paper form.
- Decide on airport transfer: AREX Express to Seoul Station (43 min, 9,500 won) or AREX All-Stop to Hongdae (66 min, 4,950 won) for most travellers. See the Incheon Airport to Seoul guide for all options.
On Your Phone Before Landing
- Naver Map (offline map tiles downloaded)
- Papago (Korean offline language pack)
- Kakao T (credit card linked)
- Hotel confirmations and return flight (accessible offline)
- Arrival card digital submission confirmation (if done in advance)
- KTX booking confirmations (if intercity travel booked)
