Country guide
South Korea
Visa
No visa needed
Vaccinations
None required
Currency
South Korean Won (KRW)
Time zones
UTC / GMT +9 (7 hours ahead of South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 82
Best time to go
March – May (spring) and September – November (Autumn)
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but bottled water may be preferred by travellers and is widely available.
Travel tips
- The number 4 is considered unlucky and giving gifts in multiples 4 should be avoided.
- Identification should be carried at all times.
Visa guide
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
Visa requirements
South African Passport Holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days, for tourism purposes. NOTE: 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
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
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
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
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