All country guides
- Capital
- Seoul (SEL)
- Dialing Code
- + 82
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +9
- Language
- Korean (Hangeul)
- Best Time to Go
- March – May & September – November
- Currency
- South Korean Won (KRW)
Travel Tips
- Do not stick your chopsticks straight up into the rice. The number 4 is considered unlucky and giving gifts in multiples 4 should be avoided
- Identification should be carried at all times
- English may be understood
- Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but bottled water may be preferred by travellers and is widely available
- Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, hotels and restaurants, but not in rural towns and small businesses
- Due to tensions between North and South Korea, it is advisable to check the local political situation
Last updated 8 October 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Embassy of the Republic of Korea
265 Melk Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181
Telephone (Embassy): 012 460 2508
Telephone (Visas): 012 762 3800
E-mail: embsa@mofa.go.kr
Website: overseas.mofa.go.kr/za-en
Monday - Friday, 08:00 - 12:00 & 13:00 - 16:00
Visa Section: 08:00 - 11:30
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1
February: 16 - 18
March: 1 - 2
May: 5, 24 - 25
June: 3, 6
August: 15, 17
September: 24 - 26
October: 3, 5, 9
Visa Requirements
South African Passport Holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days, for tourism purposes
- An ETA must be applied for when visa exempt
- For other visit purposes, apply at the Embassy: visasectionk@mofa.go.kr
- Additional visa / entry information is available at www.visa.go.kr and www.hikorea.go.kr
Entry Requirements
- You must possess a valid passport
- Application of an ETA is optional until 31 Dec 2026 - www.k-eta.go.kr. There is a cost associated with the ETA
- Visitors may complete the arrival card electonically within 3 days prior to arrival: www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
None
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy
104 Dokseodang-ro (Hannam-dong), Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04420
Telephone: + 82 (02) 2077 5900
E-mail: consular.seoul@dirco.gov.za
Website: www.southafrica-embassy.or.kr