Founding guide · Issue 00
Before You Book Korea: 3 checks that can save you time at arrival
Entry rules, holiday dates, and the small transport-card detail most guides mention too late.
Korea trip planning often begins with places. Start with three less glamorous checks instead. They affect whether your arrival feels orderly, whether key offices are open, and whether you leave money sitting on a transit card.
Check your entry path—not somebody else’s checklist.
Korea Tourism Organization says passport holders from designated countries and regions are temporarily exempt from K-ETA through December 31, 2026. The list includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, but your exact requirements still depend on your passport and travel purpose.
The official e-Arrival Card service says eligible travelers can submit the form within three days before arrival, and the official form is free. Its navigator also makes an important distinction: travelers with a valid K-ETA or a valid Korean residence card generally do not need an arrival card, while valid visa holders may still need one.
- Open the official K-ETA site from the government or KTO page.
- Use the official e-Arrival Card navigator for your status.
- Submit only through the official free e-Arrival Card site.
Put Chuseok in your calendar before you book appointments.
In 2026, Chuseok’s public-holiday period runs September 24–26. KTO notes that offices and banks close on official holidays, and that millions of people travel to their hometowns during major traditional holidays.
That does not mean Korea closes completely: many visitor attractions and shops remain open. It does mean you should verify opening hours and avoid assuming an office, school, clinic, or service provider will follow its ordinary schedule.
- Confirm office or school appointments directly.
- Check intercity transport early if your dates overlap the holiday.
- Keep one flexible day around any time-sensitive task.
Know how you will empty your transport card.
VISITKOREA’s transportation-card guide was updated in August 2026 and shows that refund rules differ by card and balance. For example, Tmoney balances above ₩50,000 require a designated location; EZL convenience-store refunds are limited to balances below ₩20,000; and WOWPASS cash balance can be withdrawn at its kiosks.
The practical lesson is simple: do not wait until you are standing at the airport gate. Check your card type and remaining balance the day before departure, then follow the issuer-specific instructions.
The Korea Travel Helpline is +82-2-1330. The official guide lists support in multiple languages, including English.
Grace’s note
The useful question is usually hiding behind the obvious one.
“Do I need K-ETA?” is not really one question. It depends on your passport, visa status, and date of travel. Korea Inside Weekly will keep separating those cases, linking the source, and telling you exactly when the information was checked.
Source register
Read the original guidance.
Entry and visa rules can change and are applied case by case. Recheck the relevant official service for your nationality, status, and travel date before booking or submitting documents.