South Korean passport holders, as of July 2023, have the privilege of visa-free travel to 149 countries, placing the South Korean passport 26th globally in the VisaGuide Passport Index. However, this does not guarantee unrestricted travel to all countries. To enter certain countries, a South Korea visa application is necessary prior to travel.

Countries with Visa-Free Access for South Korean Citizens

As of mid-2023, citizens of South Korea can enjoy visa-free travel to an impressive 149 countries and territories, which include but are not limited to the following:

It's worth noting that a valid passport, usually with a minimum of six months validity post departure date, is mandatory for visa-free travel. Additionally, purchase of travel health insurance may be required by the destination country.

Countries Issuing eVisa to South Korean Citizens

Eight countries provide eVisa facilities for South Korean passport holders. These are:

 apply for e-Visa application processes are similar to those of traditional visas, but with the advantage of being able to complete the application and payment online. Once approved, an eVisa confirmation email is sent, which should be printed and carried during travel.

Countries Offering Visa on Arrival to South Korean Passport Holders

In 38 countries, South Korean citizens can obtain a visa on arrival. These include Azerbaijan ,Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia ,Burundi ,Cambodia ,Cabo Verde ,Comoros Egypt ,Guinea-Bissau ,India ,Jordan ,Kuwait ,Lebanon ,Madagascar ,Malawi ,Maldives ,Marshall Islands ,Mauritania ,Namibia ,Nepal ,Palau ,Papua New Guinea ,Rwanda Samoa ,Saudi Arabia ,Seychelles ,Sierra Leone ,Solomon Islands,Saint Helena ,Tajikistan Tanzania, Timor-Leste ,Togo ,Tonga ,Tuvalu ,United Arab Emirates ,Zimbabwe.

Countries South Korean Passport Holders Cannot Enter

South Korean citizens are prohibited from entering Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen due to threats of terrorism and ongoing conflict.

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) and Visa-Free Entry

South Korean citizens holding an APEC business card can enter the following countries visa-free: Australia, Brunei ,Chile ,China, Hong Kong ,Indonesia ,Japan Malaysia ,Mexico ,New Zealand ,Papua New Guinea ,Peru ,Philippines ,Russia ,Singapore Thailand ,Taiwan ,Vietnam

Visa Requirements for South Korean Citizens

To enter 24 countries, South Korean passport holders must apply for a visa in advance. These countries include: 

Visa Application Procedure for South Koreans

The application process involves making an appointment at a local visa application center, preparing the required documents, and submitting the application. Some documents may need to be verified with an apostille stamp or by a foreign office.

Documentation Needed for Visa Application

While the document requirements may vary depending on the destination, most countries will likely requirea Six valid South Korean passport, a filled visa application form, passport pictures, travel health insurance, proof of paid visa fee, a detailed travel itinerary, a letter of invitation, proof of return flight booking, proof of booked accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and civil status documents.

Health Considerations for South Korean Travelers

When preparing for international travel, South Korean citizens should take into account the health risks and recommended vaccinations for their destination countries. This is particularly significant for travelers visiting developing nations or those with ongoing health issues. 

Visiting a travel health clinic or consulting a healthcare provider 4-6 weeks before departure can be helpful in ensuring necessary vaccinations are up-to-date and providing advice on health and safety precautions.

Furthermore, certain countries may require proof of vaccination against specific diseases, such as Yellow Fever, for entry. Therefore, it is advised to research well in advance and prepare accordingly. 

Additionally, maintaining comprehensive travel health insurance is critical, covering not only emergency medical costs but also potential costs associated with medical repatriation if necessary.

Safety Considerations for South Korean Travelers

Before traveling, South Koreans should check the current travel advisories issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea or other international bodies like the U.S. Department of State. These advisories provide essential information on safety conditions in each country, including crime rates, political instability, or natural disaster risks.

In addition, travelers are advised to register their travel details with the South Korean embassy or consulate in their destination country. This will facilitate communication and assistance in the event of an emergency.

Benefits of Being a South Korean Passport Holder

Holding a South Korean passport has several advantages. As discussed earlier, it offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 149 countries, granting South Koreans considerable ease and flexibility in their global travel.

Moreover, South Korea is a member of the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), and South Korean APEC Business Travel Card holders enjoy even more benefits, such as fast-track immigration lanes at airports in other APEC economies.

FAQ

How many countries can South Korean passport holders visit without a visa?
As of July 2023, South Korean passport holders can travel visa-free or obtain a visa-on-arrival to 149 countries worldwide.

What countries require a visa for South Korean citizens?
As of the current update, 24 countries require South Korean citizens to have a valid visa before arrival, including Algeria, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, China, among others.

Are there any countries South Korean citizens are not allowed to visit?
Due to ongoing conflict and safety concerns, the South Korean government advises its citizens against visiting Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen.

What is the process for South Korean citizens to apply for a visa?
The visa application process typically involves making an appointment at the visa center in South Korea, preparing all necessary documents (like the application form, health insurance, and passport), and submitting the application, potentially including an interview or biometrics.

What documents do South Korean citizens need when applying for a visa?
Most countries require a valid South Korean passport, a completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photos, travel health insurance, proof of paid visa fee, a detailed travel itinerary, and various other documents, depending on the specific country and visa type.