Welcome to Republic of Korea

Take advantage of the Republic of Korea’s resilience and experience the country’s rich history, culture, art, music and technology.

With an eye toward the future and overcoming the obstacles the country has faced, South Korea enchants travelers, from its bustling cities to its rural villages. Wander through Seoul’s vibrant downtown or charming Insa-dong neighborhood, ducking into a family-owned restaurant for kimchi and bulgogi.

Visit the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea for a peek at recent history, or venture to Gyeongju, the “museum without walls” for a look into the ancient Silla Kingdom. Try scrumptious seafood in Busan at the country’s largest fish market, visit monastic temples in the mountains, lounge on the beach in Jeju or Taketomi or go on a subterranean adventure to the Manjanggul Cave lava tube. This energetic, innovative country is eager to show off its 5,000 years of rich history.

Unique Facts

• South Korea boasts the world’s fastest average internet connection speed. Go ahead, send an email, text a photo to relative back home, but then, put the phone down and enjoy your surroundings.
• South Korea has more than 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the impressive Changdeokgung Palace Complex, the ornate Buddhist Bulguksa Temple and the stone-and-brick Hwaseong Fortress.
• If you’re a diver, don’t miss Gangneung/East Sea, Uljin, Jeju Island and the South Sea in South Korea, known for its clear waters. Aim for autumn when the ocean has warmed up a bit.
• Despite its technology and modernity, more than half of South Korea is covered in forest. Ski at Pyeongchang, hike through the Seoraksan mountains or check out the cone-shaped volcanoes near Jeju Island’s Halla Mountain.
• Come hungry and be prepared to try gochujang, the country’s number one condiment. It’s a red-pepper paste and it’s served with just about everything, from soup to meat, bibimbap to rice dishes.

Language

The Republic of Korea’s official language is Korean.

When To Go

The best time to go to South Korea and Seoul is from March to May and from September to November. If you’re skiing, visit between December and February. Avoid the summer months, if possible, since that is monsoon season.

Airports

Incheon International Airport, Seoul

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting the Republic of Korea: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Won

Getting Around

Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. Use caution if driving because motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Public transportation is safe and reliable throughout South Korea. The KTX high-speed train system offers options for country-wide travel along the Gyeongbu and Honam lines. Several Korean cities operate modern subway systems, including Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Incheon.

Public bus service is available in major cities. High-speed (gosok) buses operate over long distances. Shioe buses operate over shorter distance with more stops. Local bus service includes jwaseok, on which each ticket gets you a seat, and the ilban, with fewer and less comfortable seats, with standees permitted.

Driver’s License

Foreign visitors must obtain an international driving permit.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Seoul
188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu,
Seoul 03141, Korea
Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114)
DSN:721-4114
Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101
seoulinfoACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Incheon International Airport Tourist Information Center
Incheon International Airport
Unseo-dong
Jung-gu, Incheon (in front of Exit 5 and Exit 10)
Tel: +82-32-743-3270, 743-3272

Seoul City Hall Tourist Information Center
110 Sejongdae-ro, Jung-gu
(Seoul City Hall 1st Basement Floor, at the Information Desk)
Tel: +82-2-739-7755

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 1339
Police: 112
Fire: 119

Safety and Security

South Korea is generally a very safe country for travelers.

Avoid demonstrations and rallies, as they can turn violent and confrontational. Petty crime occurs occasionally in major metropolitan areas, crowded markets and popular tourist sites.