1. COVID-19 Requirements
2. Travel Documents
3. Health Insurance
4. Currency
5. Culture and Etiquette

COVID-19 Requirements

The South Korea Government presently does not enforce any specific COVID-19 requirements for travelers arriving in or departing South Korea.

Nonetheless, COVID-19 remains a health concern both within South Korea and globally. We highly recommend that travelers receive vaccinations when undertaking international travel. It is important to maintain proper cough and hand hygiene and, wherever feasible, maintain physical distancing from others.

Travel Documents

Korea Travel Authorization

European Union member states  Antigua and Barbuda  Argentina  Australia  Bahamas  Barbados  Botswana  Brazil  Chile  Colombia  Costa Rica  Dominica  Dominican Republic  Ecuador El Salvador

Grenada  Guam  Guatemala Haiti  Hong Kong  Iceland  Israel  Jamaica  Japan  Kuwait  Macao  Morocco  Nicaragua  Norway Panama

Peru Qatar  Saint Kitts and Nevis  Saint Lucia  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  Serbia  Singapore  Taiwan  Thailand  Trinidad and Tobago  Turkey  United Arab Emirates  United Kingdom  United States  Uruguay  Venezuela

Health insurance

For travelers coming to South Korea without Medicare eligibility, we strongly advise arranging private health insurance independently, regardless of whether it is a visa requirement. This ensures comprehensive coverage for any unforeseen medical or hospital care needs during your stay in South Korea.

While in South Korea and in need of healthcare assistance, individuals without adequate private health insurance, as non-residents and non-citizens of South Korea, will be categorized as private patients. Consequently, they will be responsible for covering all associated costs at the time of treatment, whether seeking medical care in the public or private healthcare systems in South Korea. For routine medical treatment, consulting a general practitioner for out-of-hospital care is typically the most cost-effective option.

Currency

South Korea's currency is the South Korean won (KRW), symbolized by ₩ and internationally denoted as KRW. The won has a rich history that mirrors the country's economic development and historical challenges. It was first introduced in 1902 during the Korean Empire but was replaced several times due to Japanese colonization, war, and inflation. The modern won, as it is known today, was reintroduced in 1962 as part of South Korea's efforts to stabilize its economy during a period of rapid industrialization.

The South Korean won is issued by the Bank of Korea, the country's central bank, which is responsible for monetary policy and financial stability. Banknotes come in denominations of ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, and ₩50,000, while coins are available in smaller values, such as ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, and ₩500. The banknotes feature prominent figures in Korean history, such as the philosopher Yi Hwang and the renowned King Sejong the Great, reflecting South Korea's rich cultural heritage.

South Korea operates under a managed floating exchange rate system, allowing the value of the won to fluctuate within a certain range based on market forces, with occasional interventions by the Bank of Korea. This system has helped South Korea maintain economic stability and competitiveness in the global market, particularly in the face of external shocks such as the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997.

The strength of the won has varied over time, influenced by factors such as South Korea's export-driven economy, geopolitical tensions, and global economic conditions. The currency plays a crucial role in the everyday lives of South Koreans, impacting everything from international trade to the cost of living. As South Korea continues to be a major player in the global economy, the won remains a vital symbol of the nation's financial and economic identity. 

Culture and Etiquette

South Korean culture is deeply rooted in traditions, respect, and social harmony, influenced by centuries of Confucianism, which emphasizes hierarchy, family values, and respect for elders. Here are some key points about South Korean culture and etiquette:

1. Respect for Hierarchy and Elders:

   • South Korean society places a high value on age and status. Elders are treated with great respect, and it's customary to bow slightly when greeting someone older or of higher status. In conversations, younger people often use honorific language to show respect.

2. Group Orientation and Harmony:

   • South Korea has a collectivist culture where the group’s needs often take precedence over individual desires. Maintaining harmony within the group is important, and there is a strong emphasis on politeness and avoiding conflict in social interactions.

3. Gift-Giving:

   • Gift-giving is an important aspect of South Korean etiquette, particularly during holidays, special occasions, and when visiting someone’s home. It’s customary to bring a small gift, such as fruit, sweets, or a high-quality item, when invited to someone’s house. Gifts should be presented with both hands and received in the same manner.

4. Dining Etiquette:

   • Meals are an important part of South Korean culture. When dining, it’s polite to wait for the eldest person to start eating before others begin. It’s also considered respectful to pour drinks for others rather than yourself, particularly for elders and superiors. When receiving a drink, hold your glass with both hands.

5. Business Etiquette:

   • In a professional setting, formal attire is expected, and punctuality is highly valued. Business cards are exchanged with both hands, and it’s polite to take a moment to study the card before putting it away. Building relationships is crucial in South Korean business culture, so trust and mutual respect are often prioritized over quick transactions.

6. Language and Communication:

   • Communication in South Korea is often indirect, with people avoiding confrontation and using subtle hints or suggestions rather than direct statements. Silence can also be a powerful form of communication, and it's important to be mindful of non-verbal cues.

7. Public Behavior:

   • In public, South Koreans tend to be reserved and polite. Loud or boisterous behavior is generally frowned upon, especially in more formal settings. Additionally, maintaining personal space and queuing properly in public places are important aspects of everyday etiquette.

Understanding these cultural norms and practices can greatly enhance social interactions and relationships in South Korea, whether for business or personal purposes.