South Korea
About
| The capital Seoul stretches out along the Han River in the centre of the Korean Peninsula. With a population of over 10 million people, it is one of the largest cities in the world and has become an increasingly useful Asia-Pacific stopover point, or a hub for a three-centre Korea-China-Japan cultural trip. Shop until you drop in the countless markets and malls of Seoul with many shops providing special duty-free prices for foreigners. Hike in the three national parks, Seoraksan, Odaesan and Chuwangsan, each accessible from the East Coast highway. Seoraksan National Park, the northernmost, is widely considered to offer the most beautiful scenery in Korea. For winter sports, there is the Alps Ski Resort, and another 12 ski resorts within four or five hours of Seoul. The city of Pyeongchang has plenty of action, such as the Dragon Valley (Yongpyong). Odaesan National Park is also known for its ski resorts. |
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| Official Name: | Republic of Korea |
| Local Official Name: | Taehan-min'guk |
| Local Name: | Han'guk |
| Capital: | Seoul (SEL) |
| Currency: | South Korean Won (KRW) |
| Language: | Korean (Hangeul). English may be understood. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 82 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +9 (7 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | March – May (spring) and September – November (Autumn) |
| Best For: | Religious Sites and Temples, National Parks, Theme Parks |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 60Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but bottled water may be preferred by travellers and is widely available. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities in the major cities, however visitors are required to pay for these services upfront. In more rural areas, healthcare facilities may less frequent. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. English may not be understood in the hospitals. |
| Customs: | The concept of “saving face” is very important in Korean culture - avoid confronting, embarrassing or offending people. Shoes should be removed before entering homes, temples and guesthouses. 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. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Identification should be carried at all times. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | 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. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into South Korea by travellers aged 19 and over without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes • 1 bottle of alcohol up to 1L • 60ml of perfume • Other goods to the value of US$400 |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited and restricted goods include weapons, food (small quantities allowed, but you must declare it), counterfeit goods and money, publications infringing upon the constitution and public peace, narcotics and endangered species. |
| Prohibited Exports: | The export of counterfeit goods is taken very seriously and can be subject to a prison sentenc |
Travel Alerts
The Republic of Korea Government extended the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) exemption for South African citizens for 30 days or less for business or tourism until December 31, 2026.
This Information is intended as a Guideline.
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the Republic of Korea
265 Melk Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181
Tel (Embassy): 012 460 2508
Tel (Visas): 012 762 3800
E-mail:embsa@mofa.go.kr
Web: 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: Jan 1; Feb 16-18; Mar 1-2; May 5, 24-25; Jun 3, 6; Aug 15, 17; Sep 24-26; Oct 3, 5, 9
Visa Requirements
South African Passport Holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days, for tourism purposes.
For other visit purposes, apply at the Embassy: visasectionk@mofa.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
Additional visa / entry information is available at www.visa.go.kr and www.hikorea.go.kr
SA Representative
South African Embassy
104 Dokseodang-ro (Hannam-dong), Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04420
Tel: + 82 (02) 2077 5900
E-mail: consular.seoul@dirco.gov.za
Website: www.southafrica-embassy.or.kr
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
