Korea Trip Essentials — Arrival, Transport & Must-Knows

e-Arrival Card: Most short-stay visitors must submit the free e-Arrival Card online within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival. It replaced the paper arrival card in January 2026.

If you have an approved K-ETA, you do not need the e-Arrival Card — it's one or the other. Use the official portal; it is free of charge.

K-ETA (travel authorization): Many nationalities are exempt from K-ETA through 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027, K-ETA is required for all visa-free travelers (fee KRW 10,000, apply up to 72 hours before departure).

Check whether your nationality currently needs a K-ETA on the official site — exemption lists change.

Documents to have ready: a passport valid for your stay, a return or onward ticket, and your accommodation address (you'll need the address for the e-Arrival Card).

AREX (Airport Railroad): Incheon Airport to Seoul Station takes about 43 minutes on the Express train (reserved seat, around KRW 13,000), or about 56–60 minutes on the All-Stop train (13 stops including Hongik Univ., around KRW 9,500).

Airport limousine buses and taxis are also available — note the late-night taxi surcharge.

Transit card: A T-money card works on subway, buses, and many taxis. Buy and recharge it at airport machines, convenience stores, or in the app.

Pay by phone: Visitors can load MobileTmoney into Apple Wallet with a Mastercard and tap an iPhone or Apple Watch at subway gates, buses, and taxis. Android users can use the KOREA TOUR CARD app.

Information only — not an endorsement of any card or carrier. A physical T-money card still works for everyone.

Travel help: The Korea Travel Helpline 1330 (run by the Korea Tourism Organization) is free, available 24 hours, and offers support in 8 languages, plus live interpretation (3-way interpretation 7am–midnight).

Dial 1330 from any phone in Korea.

Payment: Cards are widely accepted, but cash is still handy at traditional markets and small shops. Exchange rates in the city are often better than at the airport.

Connectivity: Compare a prepaid SIM, eSIM, or pocket Wi-Fi at the airport or convenience stores.

Compare options for yourself — no specific provider is recommended here.

Finding your way: Google Maps walking and transit directions are limited in Korea — a local map app is usually more accurate.

Compare local map apps; we don't single one out.

Palaces & hanbok: Wearing full traditional hanbok gives you free admission to Seoul's four major palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, all year round.

Rental shops near the palaces handle the fitting; standard adult admission to Gyeongbokgung is otherwise about KRW 3,000.

What to do: K-pop and K-drama filming locations and fan spots, palaces and historic sites, traditional markets and street food.

Etiquette basics: sort your trash for disposal, keep your voice down indoors and on transit, and leave priority seats for elderly and disabled passengers.