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FACT SHEET: Republic of Korea State Visit to the United   States

President Biden of the United States welcomed President Yoon of the Republic of Korea (ROK) on April 26, 2023, for a State Visit to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. The two presidents reaffirmed their ironclad commitment to what has become a global alliance focused on deepening defense and security ties, expanding economic, commercial, and environmental cooperation, increasing digital and technology collaboration—including in the space sector—and broadening development assistance, educational exchanges, and people-to-people ties.  This fact sheet provides an overview of political understandings that were affirmed or reaffirmed during the State Visit, as well as plans for further cooperative activities between the United States and the ROK. DEFENSE AND GLOBAL SECURITY COOPERATION President Biden and President Yoon affirmed their strong, shared commitment to the defense of the people and territories of the United States and the ROK, including through deepening extended deterrence.

• Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG): The United States and the ROK launched an NCG to discuss how to plan for nuclear contingencies and cooperate on the Alliance’s approach to nuclear deterrence, given the growing threat posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The NCG will convene at the assistant secretary level.
• Strengthening the International Nonproliferation Regime: The United States and the ROK reaffirmed their enduring commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as the cornerstone for the international nonproliferation regime and the foundation for nuclear disarmament and peaceful uses.
• More Visible U.S. Strategic Asset Deployments: The United States committed to enhancing the deployment of U.S. strategic assets in and around the Korean Peninsula, in particular U.S. nuclear-capable platforms. The Alliance is also expanding the scope and scale of joint exercises and maintaining regular, senior-level defense engagements and dialogues to contend with regional threats.
• Closely Connecting ROK Capabilities with Combined Forces Command: The United States and the ROK are working to increase interconnectedness between the ROK’s new and improving strategic capabilities and the Alliance’s combined force structure to enhance joint planning and execution efforts. 
• ROK Education and Training on Nuclear Deterrence: To enhance ROK preparedness for nuclear threat scenarios, the United States welcomes participation by ROK military personnel in Department of Defense courses and trainings, which will focus on how the Alliance approaches nuclear deterrence on the Korean Peninsula, including through conventional-nuclear integration.  
• New Table-Top Exercise and Simulation:  As we improve our ability to plan for and respond to regional threats, the United States and the ROK have developed a new annual interagency and intergovernmental simulation and a separate table-top exercise with U.S. Strategic Command. These will augment similar activities already established in our bilateral engagements.
• Increasing Participation in Defense Exercises: To ensure force readiness and strengthen our joint force posture, the United States and the ROK are expanding field training exercises, including ULCHI FREEDOM SHIELD and WARRIOR SHIELD, to restore a realistic, theater-level combined exercise system. The ROK plans to join trilateral exercises with the United States and Japan as well as multilateral exercises.
• Enhancing Regional Cooperation on Maritime Security and Defense: Regional security cooperation is critical to achieving peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.  The United States and the ROK will use the Regional Cooperation Working Group (RCWG) to enhance lines of effort that increase maritime domain awareness and defense cooperation with other Indo-Pacific partners. 

ECONOMIC, COMMERCIAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION The United States and the ROK have forged enduring economic ties that reinforce every aspect of our Alliance, from mutual prosperity to commercial investment and from environmental cooperation to stronger cultural connections. President Biden and President Yoon affirmed that the United States and the ROK are committed to advancing economic, commercial, and environmental cooperation.

• Hyundai Motor Group’s $5.4 billion electric vehicle plant in Bryan, Georgia, is under construction and will create 8,100 jobs.
• SK Innovation is working with Ford to invest $11.4 billion on two electric battery parks under construction in Glendale, Kentucky, and Stanton, Tennessee, that will create 11,000 jobs. 
• Samsung Electronics semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor, Texas, is under construction and represents an investment of up to $25 billion. 
• Hanwha Q Cells is investing $2.5 billion on the expansion of its solar factories in Dalton, Georgia, which will create 3,000 jobs. 
• Netflix is investing $2.5 billion in Korean content.
• Broader Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF):  The United States and the ROK are working to advance IPEF and achieve high-standard commitments across all four Pillars. For its part, the ROK plans to host an IPEF negotiation round in Busan later this year.
• Expanded Supply Chain Security and Cooperation: The United States is deepening cooperation and engagement with the ROK on economic security measures, including through new working groups in the U.S.-ROK Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue (SCCD). Through these efforts, the United States and the ROK are increasing cooperation on semiconductor incentive programs, research initiatives, and supply chain risks, as well as strengthening cooperation on export controls.
• Expanded Cooperation for Critical Minerals Supply Chains:  The ROK Government will make available $5.3 billion during the next five years to support ROK critical minerals and battery manufacturing investments in North America.  The United States and the ROK will pursue the establishment of a more resilient supply chain, including by playing leading roles in the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP). 
• Fast-tracking E2 Visas: The United States and the ROK are committed to facilitating timely business travel in support of significant ROK investments in the United States. To ensure a smooth process for ROK investors, the U.S. Embassy in Seoul worked with the ROK government and businesses to improve visa processing procedures, resulting in a significant reduction in E2 investment visa wait times from 87 to 5 days.
• Supporting International Efforts to Counter Russia: The ROK has joined the United States and the international coalition of over 30 countries holding Russia responsible for its war in Ukraine through the imposition of sanctions and export controls.
• Joint Efforts on Green Shipping: To accelerate the de-carbonization of the shipping sector, the two nations committed to sign a joint statement on ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction goals in the International Maritime Organization, support the establishment of the U.S.-ROK Green Shipping Corridor announced by the two countries at the COP27 in 2022, and broaden technological and information sharing cooperation, particularly on green shipping. 
• Enhancing Cooperation on Clean Energy and Decarbonization: The United States and ROK held a ministerial-level meeting under the Energy Policy Dialogue (EPD) to identify priority areas for continued collaboration on economy-wide decarbonization. The EPD aims to advance policy and technical exchanges and reinforces the two nations’ commitment to advancing clean energy goals.

TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL, AND SPACE COOPERATION Our Alliance is equipped for the 21 st Century, and collaboration between the United States and the ROK has grown to include cybersecurity, critical and emerging technology, and space. We are augmenting our digital cooperation, including by improving collaboration on effective digital and telecommunications policy. We are also on a course to broaden our space cooperation across multiple sectors, including security and defense, commercial investment, and space exploration.

• New Cyber Strategic Framework: The two Presidents announced a new bilateral cybersecurity framework that institutionalizes cooperation on developing organizational culture to enhance the cybersecurity of national security networks, increasing defensive cybersecurity capabilities, and collaborating on cybersecurity capacity-building efforts.
• Launching a Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technologies Dialogue: The United States and the ROK are launching a new interagency technology dialogue, convened annually and led by the two National Security Advisors, to expand partnership in such areas as biotechnology and biomanufacturing, batteries, semiconductors, and digital and quantum technologies.
• Expanding Cooperation in Biotechnology: The United States and the ROK are increasing biotechnology and biomanufacturing cooperation, including through an MOU between the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology that supports U.S. and ROK goals to enhance infrastructure development, workforce and talent capacity, and bioeconomy-related research and development.
• Cooperation in Space Science and Exploration: NASA and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) signed a joint statement of intent at the Goddard Space Flight Center to explore further cooperation in space science and exploration.  Additionally, NASA, MSIT, and participating agencies intend to conduct a joint study on potential areas of future cooperation to explore the Moon and Mars.
• Strengthening Space- and Cyber-Related Consultations: The United States and the ROK committed to strengthen space and cyber cooperation and improve interoperability through consultative bodies such as the Civil Space Dialogue (CSD), Space Security Dialogue (SSD), Space Cooperation Working Group (SCWG) and Cyber Cooperation Working Group (CCWG).
• Strengthening the Freedom Online Coalition: The ROK is joining the Freedom Online Coalition and U.S. efforts to further strengthen and expand this Coalition dedicated to support Internet freedom and protect human rights online.
• Partnering to Combat Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse: The United States and ROK continue to work together, alongside 10 other countries and a multi-stakeholder advisory group and steering committee, to prioritize, understand, prevent, and address the growing scourge of technology-facilitated gender-based violence through the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse. 

EXPANDING DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION, AND PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIES President Biden and President Yoon highlighted the remarkable cultural connections between our two nations, and our increasing cooperative focus on development issues around the world.  They shared their intent to further strengthen our combined development work and to knit the American and Korean people even more closely together.

• Supporting Ukraine:  The ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), in close coordination with USAID, plans to contribute to USAID’s Agriculture Resilience Initiative (AGRI) for Ukraine.  This is part of the ROK’s pledge of additional assistance of $130 million on top of its $100 million contribution last year.
• Enhancing Development Cooperation: On April 25, USAID and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed a three-year MOU to support personnel exchanges to increase mutual understanding of development cooperation policy and implementation. USAID and KOICA committed to assist with marine litter monitoring systems in the Philippines, and cooperate on the Climate Resilient Cities program.  USAID will also establish a permanent presence at US Embassy Seoul in 2023 to enhance donor collaboration.
• Peace Corps-World Friends Korea MOU Supports Climate Adaption in the Indo-Pacific: Building on the example of Peace Corps volunteers who served in the education and health sectors in the ROK from 1966-1981, the ROK has developed its own overseas volunteering program, World Friends Korea. The organizations have signed an MOU to support climate adaptation and in-country volunteering initiatives with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
• New Educational Exchange Initiative: The United States and the ROK committed to engage in a new, multi-year, $60 million educational exchange program in the fields of humanities and social sciences as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program includes the largest-ever Fulbright graduate program focused on STEM research.
• Develop New Executive Training Program on Technology: The United States and the ROK committed to develop a new program focused on training the next generation of leaders to be informed, responsible stewards of critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, AI, quantum, and biotechnology. The program is intended for mid-career leaders in the public sector from the United States, ROK, India, United Kingdom, and Germany.
• Increasing Cultural and Language Exchanges: The two Presidents welcomed the renewal of an MOU that will increase the number of each countries’ annual participants in the Work, English Study, Travel program from 2,000 to 2,500.
• Deepening U.S.-ROK Health Cooperation:  The United States and the ROK have renewed an MOU to cooperate on cutting-edge cancer research and exchange information about the safe production of medical products with artificial intelligence. Expanding cooperation between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the ROK Ministry of Health and Welfare includes engagement on global health security, digital health, and universal health coverage.

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Glitz, glamour and 'American Pie': Memorable moments from South Korean President Yoon's state visit

WASHINGTON – Any 70-year anniversary merits a big celebration.

And when you’re observing a decadeslong friendship between two nations, an ordinary fête just won’t do.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee to the White House for an official state visit on Wednesday to mark the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the two countries.

The bond between the United States and the Republic of Korea was formed at the end of the Korean War, a conflict that cost more than 54,000 American lives.

“It’s an unbreakable bond, forged in bravery and the sacrifice of our people,” Biden said during a pageantry-filled ceremony on the White House South Lawn.

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Yoon said he traveled to Washington to celebrate “with pride, with joy – and with the American people.”

Here are some memorable moments from the South Korean leader’s visit:

A 21-gun salute and Korean tunes for ‘great friends’

State visits by foreign leaders always begin with pomp and circumstance.

On a crisp but sunny morning, the Bidens welcomed the South Korean leader and his spouse to the White House with a formal arrival ceremony in front of nearly 7,000 guests on the South Lawn.

A military band played “Hail to the Chief” as the Bidens walked out of the White House and stood on a red carpet. A few seconds later, a black SUV carrying the guests of honor pulled up the White House driveway.

There was a 21-gun salute, a formal inspection of the troops, and the playing of each country's national anthems. Young children from the Korean-American Children’s Choir in New Jersey performed a traditional South Korean song. A fife and drum corps decked out in long red coats and white pants paraded in front of the stage.

“What a beautiful day to invite great friends back to the White House,” Biden said, celebrating what he called “the ironclad alliance” between the two countries.

That alliance may have been “forged in blood,” Yoon said, speaking through an English translator, but it’s a “just” one that stands for “freedom, peace and prosperity around the world.”

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Honoring American sacrifices in the Korean War

The night before the state visit officially began, the Bidens and their South Korean guests made a quiet pilgrimage to the Korean War Veterans’ Memorial on the National Mall.

The memorial, not far from the Lincoln Memorial, commemorates the sacrifices of the 5.8 million Americans who served in the U.S. armed services during the three-year Korean War. Some 54,246 Americans were killed in the conflict.

The Bidens and their guests strolled quietly through the memorial, which features 7-foot stainless steel statues of soldiers standing in patches of juniper bushes and polished granite strips symbolizing the rice paddies of Korea. They made no public remarks, but Yoon spoke of the visit during the White House arrival ceremony the next day.

“Why did they sacrifice their lives for this faraway country and for the people they never met?” he asked of the Americans killed in the war. “That was for one noble cause: to defend freedom.”

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Gifts for the South Korean guests

When there’s a state visit, there are usually gifts.

The Bidens presented the South Koreans with a small, handcrafted table by an American furniture maker. Made of mahogany wood and inlaid with historical White House wood, the table was inspired by traditional Korean soban tables. The gift included a vase filled with handmade paper hibiscus and rose flowers by a Korean American artist and a brass plaque to commemorate the state visit.

Biden also gave Yoon a shadow box set with custom and vintage baseball memorabilia. Jill Biden presented Kim with a pendant necklace with a trio of blue sapphires designed by a Korean American designer.

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Nukes, cybersecurity and other serious business

Amid the glitz and the glamour, Biden and Yoon conducted serious business, with bilateral meetings at the White House between the two leaders and other top officials from their delegations.

Biden announced that he is increasing demonstrations of military might in the Indo-Pacific and expanding collaboration with South Korea in hopes of deterring an attack by North Korea. In exchange, Yoon reaffirmed his nation's commitment that it would not develop its own nuclear weapons.

The so-called Washington Declaration is the centerpiece of the new initiatives on cybersecurity, economic investments and more that the leaders rolled out during Yoon’s visit.

A State Dinner with South Korean flair

The main event for every state visit is the dinner, the most coveted diplomatic honor – and one reserved for the U.S.'s closest allies.

Naturally, this one had a decidedly Korean flair .

Some 200 invited guests walked by a screen evoking traditional Korean ink brush painting. Dining tables were decked out with 6-foot-tall centerpieces of blossoming cherry tree boughs intended to suggest Washington's Tidal Basin in the springtime or the streets of Jeju. The menu featured braised beef short ribs – an American take on galbi-jjim – served with butter bean grits, sorghum-glazed carrots and pine nuts.

At the start of the soirée, Biden and Yoon toasted each other. Biden raised a glass "to our partnership, to our people, to possibilities" and added, "May we do it together for another 170 years."

Yoon brought a smile to Biden's face by paying homage to his Irish roots. Speaking through an interpreter, Yoon quoted an old Irish saying that goes: "A good friend is like a four-leaf clover. Hard to find and lucky to have."

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Broadway tunes and 'American Pie'

Broadway performers provided the evening’s entertainment, but Yoon stole the show with an impromptu rendition of “American Pie.”

Singers Lea Salonga, Jessica Vosk and Norm Lewis closed out the dinner with a selection of numbers from Broadway hit shows, including “Funny Girl” and “Les Misérables." For their encore, they chose the Don McLean classic “American Pie” especially for Yoon.

When they finished, Jill Biden pushed Yoon onto the stage. “We know this is one of your favorite songs,” Joe Biden said.

Yoon, still speaking through a translator, confirmed that the song was one of his favorites when he was in school. After a bit of coaxing from Biden, Yoon took the microphone and belted out the first few stanzas – in English. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Biden, who said he had no idea Yoon could sing, joked that he was going to tap the South Korean crooner to provide the entertainment for the next state dinner. Then, he surprised Yoon with another gift: A guitar signed by McLean.

Who scored a coveted dinner invitation?

The Bidens and the guests of honor weren’t the evening's only big names. Prominent figures from the world of politics, business and entertainment scored an invitation to the state dinner.

Actress Angelina Jolie, decked out in a white dress, brought her son Maddox. Broadway performer Salonga, one of the night’s entertainers, admitted to being nervous but said the experience “feels like being in a fairytale."

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre twirled for the photographers as she made her entrance. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York showed up in a navy suit instead of the usual formal attire. "This is as tux-ey as I get," he said.

Snowboarder Chloe Kim, an Olympic gold medalist, didn’t wear her medal. “I don’t know where it is,” she admitted. She was nervous, she said, but was looking forward to the dinner. "The food's gonna be really good,” she predicted.

The dinner came a day after Biden announced his reelection bid, adding to the buzz around the dinner for his Democratic guests.

Michael Purzycki, the mayor of Biden's hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, offered to assist with campaigning, "Any way he wants me to."

Michael Collins covers the White House. Follow him on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.

Contributing: Maureen Groppe, Joey Garrison and Francesca Chambers

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South Korea Travel Restrictions

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Open for vaccinated visitors

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Not required for vaccinated visitors

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Not required in public spaces and public transportation.

South Korea entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to South Korea from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Korea.

Can I travel to South Korea if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter South Korea without restrictions.

Can I travel to South Korea without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter South Korea without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter South Korea?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering South Korea.

Can I travel to South Korea without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in South Korea?

Mask usage in South Korea is not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in South Korea?

Restaurants in South Korea are open. Bars in South Korea are .

16 things to know before heading to South Korea

Feb 18, 2024 • 10 min read

South Korea’s public-transport choices – including Busan’s Sky Capsule – are the envy of the world. As you plan your trip, count on using the nationwide network © By f11photo / Shutterstock

Has any place been on a run of late like  South Korea ?

The country is on the lips of travelers around the world, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, world-class cuisine, chart-topping pop bands and some of the most exciting movies and TV series being made anywhere. 

Add to all this centuries of tradition and copious natural blessings, all in a country scarcely larger than Ireland, and you’ve got one of the planet’s great travel destinations.

Safe, friendly and possessing superb infrastructure, South Korea is a truly easy – not to mention rewarding – place to explore. Read on for tips to make your visit even easier.

1. Complete your pre-trip registration three days before your flight

Most travelers – including citizens of the US, Australia and the UK – can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days (up to six months for Canadians). You’ll still need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization on the K-ETA website , however, at least 72 hours before departure. It’s a simple process, and your K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval.

2. Time your visit with the trees

We recommend planning your visit to South Korea for spring or fall , when the peninsula gets its most temperate weather. Bonus points if you can time it to coincide with one of the country’s two periods of arboreal magic. Korea’s cherry blossoms start blooming in mid-March on Jeju-do Island , off the south coast, and typically appear in Seoul in early April. In late October and early November, the leaves of Korea’s many ancient ginkgo trees turn into brilliant golden torches, giving Seoul and other cities a particularly regal look for several weeks.

3. Mind these two major holidays

The two periods that can cause travelers real problems are the multi-day Lunar New Year and Chuseok (fall harvest) holidays. On these two occasions every year, Koreans hit the road en masse, making booking a bus or train ticket nearly impossible. The dates change each year, so be sure to check when these are before making travel plans. 

If you can’t avoid a holiday, base yourself in Seoul or Busan for its duration. Plenty of businesses stay open, and the cities can be surprisingly peaceful with everyone out of town.

4. Take advantage of Korea’s world-class public transportation

Korea’s subways, trains and buses are clean, convenient and efficient . It can sometimes seem like a new station is added to the Seoul metro every month, and the rail and intercity bus networks will take you to every corner of the country. Public transportation is cheap: bus and subway fares in Seoul start at just ₩1250. In all of South Korea, Jeju-do is the only place where renting a car might make sense, and even there it’s probably not necessary.

With plentiful English information and sensible design, public transportation in Korea makes getting from here to there a breeze. To get moving, start by picking up a T-money transit card at a convenience store or from a vending machine in any subway station. Separate kiosks can be used to load money onto your card. Tap your card both when you board and get off the subway or bus. Fares are calculated by distance, so if you forget to tap when disembarking, you’ll be charged more and won’t be able to transfer for free. You can also use T-money cards in most taxis.

When traveling longer distances, it’s simple enough to just buy intercity bus or train tickets at stations. For the high-speed KTX train and some of the more popular routes and times – departing Seoul on Saturday morning, for example – it’s a good idea to purchase in advance. Bus tickets are typically readily available for purchase from machines and counters in bus stations. Buy train tickets on the website of  KORAIL , the national operator.

5. Stay connected with these essential apps

Wi-fi is so prevalent in Korean cities that you can do without a local SIM card, but if you decide that you want one just in case, or if you plan to head to rural areas, the easiest place to pick one up is at one of the many  telecom roaming centers at Incheon Airport upon arrival. You can also rent a phone if you didn’t bring your own.

Helpful apps to download include Naver Map ( iOS and Android ), which works better than Google Maps in South Korea; MangoPlate ( iOS and Android ) for finding restaurants and cafes; Subway Korea for navigating cities’ metro systems; and Kakao T ( iOS and Android ), which is like Uber but for taxis.

6. Get out of town

There are two Koreas. We don’t mean North and South, but rather Seoul and everything else – or, a bit more broadly, urban Korea and rural Korea. The country has a reputation for being a hyper-paced, highly wired pop-culture dynamo, but its hinterlands present a much different picture, and you’d be missing out big time if you skip them. 

The Korean countryside is beautiful, mountains and rivers make for beautiful vistas, and life is lived differently here than in the cities. The population is older – most people under 40 have decamped to the cities – and the pace is slower. At least once on your trip, get out of the cities and immerse yourself in this more traditional side of Korea.

7. Learn your ga , na , da , ra , ma , bas

Basic English is widely understood in Korea by folks under 50, and signage is almost always in both Korean and English. Yet it’s still a good (and respectful) idea to learn a bit of the language. 

Beyond memorizing a few essential Korean words and phrases, learning hangul, the Korean alphabet, is like gaining access to a secret bonus level of Korean travel. If you can sound out the letters, you’ll find that you already know what things like 카페 모카 ( ka-pe mo-ka ), 비빔밥 (bibimbap) and 사우나 ( sa-oo-na ) are. 

Hangul is easy to learn. King Sejong the Great, who oversaw its creation in the 15th century, declared that a wise man could pick it up before noon and even an idiot could learn it in 10 days.  Let’s Learn Hangul  teaches the Korean alphabet in an interactive, easy-to-follow way.

8. Roll with the nudges

Koreans live life in a hurry, and they do so in a densely populated country, so you shouldn’t expect the same sense of personal space or public courtesies you find in your home country. Koreans won’t hold doors open for you or apologize if they bump into you when walking. When getting on or off the subway, they likely won’t say, “Excuse me” – they’ll just nudge you aside. They’re not being rude, though. 

When you live in a city as crowded as Seoul, it’s just not practical to say sorry every time you knock shoulders with someone – you’d be apologizing constantly. This can be maddening to outsiders, but just accept it and roll with the nudges.

9. Be ready to get personal

The typical greeting here is a quick bow – nothing dramatic, just a head nod deep enough for your gaze to meet the floor – but you’ll sometimes be offered a handshake instead. If you are, expect more of a gentle clasp than the old squeeze-and-pump.

You’ll likely be asked questions more personal than you’re accustomed to by someone you just met. At the top of this list is your age. This data point is essential to Koreans, as it informs how they talk to one another: how formal their verb endings should be and whether to use honorifics. Inquiries about marital status, occupation and your opinion of Korea are also common. Answer politely, and feel free to return the question.

10. Wear what you like, but don’t pack anything too risqué

As a traveler, you can feel free to dress for the weather and comfort. Koreans are pretty relaxed about attire, even if they’re more modest than you might expect. If visiting a temple , while shorts are fine, tank tops and miniskirts are not. Both men and women frequently wear t-shirts at the beach (though it’s best to leave the Speedo or thong at home). Korean women almost never wear low-cut tops, and female travelers could find that doing so brings unwelcome looks. Tattoos are now common among young people, yet even still some bathhouses will deny entry if you show any ink.

11. Eat with others and don’t be afraid to shout for service

Eating is a communal activity in Korea, and many restaurants, especially barbecue joints, don’t offer single servings. So if you’re traveling solo, you might either have to drag someone from your hostel along with you (not a tough sell) or loosen your belt and order pork belly for two (poor thing).

At restaurants, servers won’t come check up on you, and most places have call buttons on each table. Give it a push, and someone will be right over. Otherwise, to grab the waitstaff’s attention, raise your hand and shout, “ Yogiyo !” (“Over here!”) Water is usually self-service, and occasionally side dishes are, too. If your server doesn’t set a bottle of water on your table, look around for a water dispenser and stacks of metal cups. At the end of your meal, take the check to the front counter to pay. There’s no tipping.

12. Is North Korea a concern?

Despite international headlines, South Koreans don’t worry about an attack from  North Korea  – and neither should you. Military clashes are very rare, and danger to civilians is rarer still. A guided tour to the  DMZ can be a fascinating and truly find-it-nowhere-else experience. From afar, North Korea can seem almost comical in its eccentricities, but when you’re looking at South Korean soldiers looking at North Korean soldiers looking at you, the geopolitical stakes hit different. Plus, many tours offer what may be your only chance to actually step foot in the world’s most secretive country.

13. Monitor the air quality

Even in post-pandemic times, it’s a good idea to always carry a mask, as air quality can occasionally drop to pretty nasty levels. This is especially true in spring, when dust blown off the deserts of Mongolia and northern China combines with local pollution to create unhealthy air. Download an app like IQAir Air Visual (for iOS or Android ) to keep track of current conditions and the upcoming forecast across the country.

14. You might have to be flexible about your diet

If you have food allergies or a specific diet, you may have a hard time finding places to eat or getting clear information about ingredients. Vegetarianism and veganism are slowly gaining popularity in Korea, but not many restaurants cater to these diets. Even dishes that you might think are vegetarian are often made with anchovy broth or fermented shrimp.  

15. Recognize that LGBTQI+ acceptance still has a long way to go 

While attitudes are slowly changing, Korea remains a conservative society in many respects, and anti-LGBTQI+ prejudice is common. Even so, LGBTQI+ travelers are more likely to be on the receiving end of curious – if misinformed – questions than any sort of open hostility. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon (though this goes for straight couples, too).

Seoul has small gay districts in Itaweon and Jongno-3-ga, while the Hongdae-Sinchon-Ewha university corridor is another place where LGBTQI+ Koreans feel comfortable being themselves. 

16. Use common sense and keep these numbers handy, just in case

Theft and violent crime are rare in South Korea. Scams and pickpockets targeting travelers are virtually nonexistent, and Koreans typically go out of their way to be hospitable to visitors. Nonetheless – as anyone should anywhere – do exercise basic caution and common sense. South Korea has strict drug laws, and don’t even think about trying to sneak past them. Nightlife often revolves around heavy drinking, so know your limit to avoid putting yourself in a sketchy situation.

If you do have an emergency, call 112 to reach the police, 119 for emergency services or 1330 to reach the Korea Travel Hotline, where an operator will connect you to the appropriate service and serve as an interpreter. That number can also be used to reach the Korea Tourist Police .

This article was first published July 2022 and updated February 2024

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South Korean-American pie: Unpacking the US-South Korea summit

Subscribe to the center for asia policy studies bulletin, andrew yeo and andrew yeo senior fellow - foreign policy , center for asia policy studies , sk-korea foundation chair in korea studies @andrewiyeo hanna foreman hanna foreman research assistant - center for asia policy studies @foreman_hanna.

April 28, 2023

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol just completed a six-day visit to the United States commemorating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. This week’s summit marked the fifth meeting (and second summit) between U.S. President Joseph Biden and Yoon in less than a year, and it is only the second state visit hosted by Biden.

Yoon’s travel to Washington also included a speech delivered during a joint session of Congress, a visit to NASA’s Goddard Space Center, a forum with U.S. and South Korean businesses hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and a White House state dinner where Yoon crooned a few lines of Don McLean’s 1971 hit, “American Pie.”

Washington rolled out the red carpet for Yoon to highlight the strength of military, economic, and people-to-people ties between the United States and South Korea. The fanfare also reflected the Yoon government’s increasing role and contribution in sustaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific with like-minded partners. Additionally, Congress’s invitation to Yoon was in part an acknowledgment of the more than $100 billion in South Korean investments directed toward the United States since Biden first took office.

The state visit comes at a time when support for U.S.-South Korea relations remains high in both countries. However, Yoon faces growing domestic criticism over recent foreign policy statements and actions related to revelations of U.S. spying on the South Korean president’s office, the recent South Korea-Japan rapprochement , and South Korean military assistance for Ukraine.

The second Biden-Yoon summit covered a wide range of issues and will have a long-term positive impact in reinforcing the ironclad nature of the bilateral alliance. In the near term, however, Yoon may hope that his presence at the highest level of diplomacy can staunch, if not reverse, his sagging domestic approval ratings.

Ensuring extended deterrence amid North Korean aggression

One result of the summit, touted by both the Biden and Yoon governments, was greater U.S. commitment and reassurance to boost extended deterrence against Pyongyang. Framed under the new Washington Declaration , the two leaders unveiled a series of measures to reaffirm U.S. commitments to strengthen extended deterrence against North Korean provocations.

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More specifically, the two sides initiated a Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) to address nuclear contingencies and provide greater transparency on plans to counter North Korea’s growing threat. Most notably, the United States pledged to give South Korea a central role in the strategic planning of a nuclear response strategy during a potential conflict with North Korea, as well as regular consultations and improved information sharing, in exchange for a commitment from Seoul to not pursue its own nuclear weapons program. The declaration also includes plans to dock U.S. nuclear-armed submarines in South Korea for the first time in over 40 years, visibly showcasing U.S. strategic assets in the region.

Securing democracy in a rules-based international order

Freedom, democracy, human rights, and support for a rules-based international order were central themes throughout the visit. When addressing Congress, Yoon repeatedly invoked memories of the Korean War and South Korea’s subsequent meteoric economic development to emphasize that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is well-positioned to be a linchpin in safeguarding global democracy and prosperity.

Against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine, South Korea has emerged as a major arms exporter . Biden and NATO have continued to press Yoon to provide direct military support Ukraine beyond humanitarian and economic aid . However, South Korea’s Foreign Trade Act , which bans the sale of lethal weapons to countries at war, and its fears of antagonizing Russia given Moscow’s influence over North Korea, have contributed to Seoul’s hesitancy to arm Ukraine directly. Before the visit, Yoon signaled willingness to potentially send weapons to Ukraine. This may satisfy U.S. requests for more support in the short term.

On the Indo-Pacific, Biden and Yoon emphasized alignment in their Indo-Pacific strategies to address global challenges and preserve regional stability. It was notable that both leaders reaffirmed their commitments to preserve peace across the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Yoon and Biden emphasized a new chapter in the alliance that involves both allies taking a leadership role in addressing timely global issues, including climate change, economic development, energy, and food security.

Coordinating on emerging technologies and economic security

In both the joint statement, and during Yoon’s congressional address, the two governments proclaimed an “alliance in action towards the future.” Expanding beyond traditional defense issues, the future of the alliance – one powered by batteries, semiconductors, and emerging technology – was on full display. During Yoon’s three full days in Washington, significant discussion revolved around themes of economic security, science and technology, space, cybersecurity, and climate change. Two key deliverables in this area included the establishment of an annual bilateral dialogue on next generation critical and emerging technologies, and a bilateral Strategic Cybersecurity Cooperation Framework.

On economic security, the two leaders briefly acknowledged in their joint statement recent efforts to address South Korean concerns about the implementation of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the CHIPS and Science Act, as well as the provisions related to tax subsidies for electric vehicles, and restrictions on advanced semiconductors sold or manufactured in China. Although no concrete steps were announced publicly, the two presidents pledged to continue close consultations to ensure that both acts encouraged “mutually beneficial corporate investment in the United States by creating predictable conditions for business activities.”

At the non-governmental level, a delegation of 122 business leaders , including the heads, of South Korea’s largest companies, accompanied Yoon to Washington. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Korea Business Council hosted Yoon along with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to discuss collaboration on economic security, critical and emerging technologies, and digital transformation, among other topics.

Several new business deals were also signed, including a $2.5 billion deal from Netflix to produce additional Korean dramas, movies, and reality shows for the next four years reflecting growing demand for Korean content.

Domestic messaging and constraints

The Yoon government hopes that images of a beaming Biden during Yoon’s rendition of “American Pie,” and a lengthy standing ovation and bipartisan applause in Congress will help boost flagging domestic support at home. Yoon has already received some flak from South Korean media, including an editorial in the conservative Chosun Ilbo, criticizing the Washington Declaration and new defense commitments as insufficient to protect the country from North Korea’s growing nuclear threat, and for keeping South Korea “shackled” to the United States. Although the deal was designed to clarify U.S. commitments, the Yoon government may need to further sell the declaration to an increasingly vocal South Korean public clamoring for their own nuclear weapons.

Yoon’s summit with Biden will be followed by his attendance at the G-7 summit in Japan and likely the NATO summit in Lithuania which may further boost South Korea’s global reputation. It remains to be seen whether Yoon’s performance on the highest international stages will strengthen his position at home, enabling him to follow through on some of his ambitious foreign agenda aimed at strengthening global democracy and a rules-based international order.

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Visa Application Forms (Online Reservation for Visit Requested)

! Starting 12/21/2020 all applicants must  pre-book an appointment online (Consul 24 ☜click)  before they can come in to drop off the application packet in person.

!! Online reservation (DC, VA, MD, WV residents only)  Please select “Embassy of Korea in the US” for the selection of the jurisdiction location for your consular service needs.

!!! Appointments can be booked at the following time slots: 9AM-12PM  or   3PM-5PM

(Visa applicants are strongly encouraged to book between 9AM-12PM. Afternoon appointments may cause further delays in visa processing.)

     □ General Visa Information

   Welcome to the Visa Service Section of Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA.

  **   On November 17, 2008, the Republic of Korea joined the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). As a result, on reciprocity, U.S. citizens can visit the Republic of Korea without a visa for duration of up to 90 days or less if the purpose of the trip is for tourism, business meeting, attendance at a conference or visiting families or relatives. (Extension of stay is not permitted) 

   A U.S. citizen, who is not qualified with VWP or not eligible to enter to Korea without a visa, is kindly requested to apply for an appropriate entry visa.

   A U.S. citizen, who wishes to work, or to engage in profit making activities, is kindly requested to apply for an appropriate entry visa.

   For U.S. citizens(only who was Korean or either of your parents/gradparents was Korean), a five year valid multiple entry F-4 Visa is issued. This visa holder can stay up to 2years each time he/she visits the Republic of Korea until their visas expire.

If you are not a resident of one of the states(Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, West Virginia), please contact directly other Jurisdiction Korean Consular Office in your area.

 For list of the Countries Under Visa Exemption Agreements, more detailed information, visit

http://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/index.do

www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10102

** Do not require a visa but must apply for K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). 

  Please refer to the K-ETA ->  www.k-eta.go.kr

 □ Important Notice: 

A person with multiple nationalities who has both Korean nationality and foreign nationality is considered a Korean national, not a foreigner in Korea. The applicant’s visa hereby could be cancelled if he/she is proved to be a Korean national and not be a foreigner anymore even though the visa has been issued from the Korean government. Korean government may ask you to submit additional documents related to you and your parents’ nationality when you apply for a visa to check it.

** Please note that there can be additional documents required by the Consulate after the Consulate reviews your application. Any inconsistencies or false information within the submitted documents may result in visa denial.

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• How to Plan Your Trip to South Korea 2024/2025 (6 Easy Steps)

South Korea is a popular destination for many travelers, especially for families with teenagers and couples. Besides its history, nature, and modernity, South Korea offers unique and lively experiences, such as K-pop, the hanbok, Hanok hotels, bibimbap, and more, which continue to draw travelers from all over the world.

In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know to plan a wonderful trip to South Korea, including the top places to visit, how long you should spend there, the best times to visit, and the costs.

• 1. Do I Need a Visa to Visit South Korea
• 2. Top 4 Places to Visit in South Korea
• 3. Best Times to Visit South Korea
• 4. How Many Days to Spend in South Korea
• 5. How Much Does a Trip to South Korea Cost
• 6. How to Get To and Around South Korea

Do I Need a Visa to Visit South Korea?

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter South Korea, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Most travelers could stay in South Korea without a visa for 90 days.

Top 4 Places to Visit in South Korea

With so many wonderful destinations in South Korea, we know it could be difficult to narrow down where to visit. Below are some recommended places to visit for your first trip, based on our knowledge and feedback from our clients.

1) Seoul — Capital City with a Perfect Blend of History and Modernity

As the bustling capital city of South Korea, Seoul is a must-see city when planning a first trip to South Korea. It offers plenty of experiences that would enrich your trip.

If you want to explore history-filled attractions to deepen your understanding of South Korea, don't miss a visit to one of the oldest royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung, and the quiet Korean traditional village of Bukchon Hanok.

Beyond the representative attractions, you could also wear a traditional hanbok and stay in Korean-style accommodation to enrich your trip.

If your children are interested in K-pop, you could see the idols at the famous broadcasting buildings and visit the renowned Korean Wave music companies.

2) Busan — Bustling Seaside City

Busan is a charming seaside city known for its glistening beaches. You could enjoy the comfortable sea breeze and feed seagulls at Haeundae Beach and sample fresh seafood.

As well as beautiful sea views, Busan has many culture-rich attractions. Visit Korean Buddhist temples with stunning sea views, such as Haedong Yonggung Temple, and enjoy the unique art of Gamcheon Culture Village with its multicolored houses.

You can just tell us your preferences and requirements, and we will customize a tour for you.

3) Gyeongju — Ancient Capital with a Long History

Gyeongju, the ancient and medieval capital of South Korea , has a rich history that spans thousands of years and has well-preserved ancient buildings. There, you could explore some UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Bulguksa Temple, which has stood for over a millennium, and Yangdong Folk Village, which is home to the largest hanok village in Korea with Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) buildings.

4) Jeju Island — Formed by Volcanic Activity and Suitable for Relaxation

Known all over the country for its picturesque natural views, Jeju Island is one of the most popular destinations for travelers to escape from the country's larger cities and relax for a few days.

Jeju Island was formed by volcanic activity, resulting in various natural landscapes, such as the Manjanggul lava tube, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You could enjoy exciting sea outdoor sports, such as surfing, deep diving, and snorkeling. Additionally, you could relax by basking in the wonderful sunrise or sunset on the sandy beaches.

Best Times to Visit South Korea

South Korea has four distinct seasons and it's suitable to visit all year round.

The best times to travel to South Korea are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) , when you could enjoy pleasant weather, clearer days, and the best scenery. In spring, you could admire the blooming cherry blossoms and in autumn, you could view the vibrant red foliage.

Summer (June to August) is hot and humid in South Korea, and it is the rainy season as well. But it does not rain every day and you could still enjoy a flexibly planned trip. Compared with July and August (the summer vacation months), June is cooler and less crowded, which makes it a better time for families to visit South Korea.

Winter (December to February) is cold and dry in South Korea, making it a good time to bathe in the hot springs. Christmas and New Year are two of the busiest periods to travel so we suggest that you plan ahead at least 3–6 months in advance as hotels are easily booked up.

Just contact us  if you are thinking of a trip to South Korea. We'd like to create a wonderful trip based on your needs and interests, whatever the weather.

How Many Days to Spend in South Korea

For a first trip to South Korea, we recommend a 10-day trip to explore the highlights in the top cities from north to south covering Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island.

Below are three well-selected South Korea itineraries ideal for vacations of three popular lengths (7, 10, and 14 days), each offering authentic activities to enrich your trip.

1) 7-Day Essence Itinerary: Explore Seoul and Busan

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–4: Seoul
• Days 5–7: Busan

7 days are enough to explore South Korea's top two cities of Seoul and Busan. You could wear a traditional hanbok to stroll around culturally-rich Bukchon Hanok Village and stay at a traditional Hanok hotel in Seoul, take a day trip to explore well-preserved UNESCO sites in Gyeongju, and relax with the sea breeze in Busan.

2) 10-Day Classic Itinerary: the Most Chosen Korea Tour Plan

• Days 1–3: Seoul
• Days 4–5: Gyeongju
• Days 6–7: Busan
• Days 8–9: Jeju Island
• Day 10: Departure

This 10-day itinerary is based on the 7-day itinerary with the addition of Jeju Island. It's perfect for first-timers to explore the best of South Korea without rushing and to enjoy its natural beauty.

On Jeju Island, you could explore unique volcanic landscapes, enjoy sunrise or sunset on a sandy beach, and enjoy some free time doing outdoor activities such as snorkeling and surfing.

3) 14-Day South Korea and Japan Itinerary

14 days is ideal for a trip to both South Korea and the neighboring country of Japan, spending 1 week in each country. Not only could you immerse yourself in Korean culture, but also you could experience kid-favored anime elements, stay at a ryokan with an onsen, and watch a geisha performance in Japan.

• Days 4–5: Busan
• Day 6: Fly to Osaka in Japan
• Days 7–9: Kyoto
• Days 10–11: Hakone
• Days 12–14: Tokyo

Week 1 in South Korea: Seoul–Busan

Start your wonderful trip in South Korea. Experience traditional activities in Seoul, such as trying on a hanbok to meander around Bukchon Hanok Village, and relax on a sandy beach and feed some seagulls in Busan.

Week 2 in Japan: Osaka–Kyoto–Hakone–Tokyo

Fly to Osaka to continue your trip in Japan. In the impressive medieval capital of Kyoto , you could dress up like a ninja to learn techniques from a ninja master, wear a kimono to visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, and feed friendly deer in Nara.

Take the Shinkansen to Hakone , the well-known home to hot springs, and stay at a Japanese-style ryokan with an onsen.

In Tokyo, the capital city perfectly combines history and modernity. You could meander around the Asakusa district with its Edo-era vibe, make sushi with an experienced chef, and buy your favorite anime products at Pokémon Center.

Check more details about plan a 12-Day or 2 Week Itinerary in South Korea and Japan.

How Much Does a Trip to South Korea Cost?

The private tour cost in South Korea is about US$400–500 per day per person based on a family of 3–5 people , including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, private cars, and private guides.

Travel costs are typically one or two times higher in peak times such as the cherry blossom season in March to April, Christmas, and New Year. Therefore, we recommend that you plan your trip at least 3–6 months in advance.

How to Get To and Around South Korea

Most flights from international starting points, such as North America, Europe, and Australia, land at Incheon International Airport in Seoul or Gimhae International Airport in Busan . These airports are conveniently close to their corresponding cities and are international hubs for some of South Korea's leading airlines.

Most cities in South Korea are conveniently connected by the KTX (South Korea's high-speed railway) , which is the most comfortable and efficient way of traveling. For instance, the journey from Seoul to Busan takes approximately 2½ hours.

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• 16-Day South Korea and Japan Cultural Adventure Tour
• 8-Day South Korea Tour to Visit Highlights of Seoul, Busan and Jeju
• 10-Day South Korea Tour to Visit Seoul, Sokcho, Andong and Suncheon
• 17-Day Classic South Korea and Taiwan Tour
• How to Plan a 12-Day Trip in Japan and South Korea
• How to Plan a 2-Week Itinerary in Japan and South Korea
• 10 Days in South Korea: Best 4 Itineraries for a First Visit 2024/2025
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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to South Korea.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to South Korea. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to South Korea.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of South Korea take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for South Korea.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

South Korea is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

Avoid bug bites

Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis at your destination .

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥1 year of age. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet, avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in South Korea, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although South Korea is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in South Korea include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call South Korea’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Malaria is a risk in some parts of South Korea. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in South Korea, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for South Korea for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Entry Requirements for South Korea: A Comprehensive Guide for US Travelers

Are you considering a visit to the Republic of South Korea? Now is the perfect time to go, asSouth Korea is celebrating its travel year.From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, US citizens traveling for short-term business ortourism purposes will not need the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) beforeentering South Korea.This travel guide is packed with helpful information and travel advice to help you make the mostof your visit.

Can US citizens travel to South Korea right now?

What travel documents do american citizens need to enter south korea, can us citizens go to south korea without a passport, can us citizens get a south korean visa on arrival, who can travel to south korea without a visa, how do i obtain or apply for a valid visa for south korea.

How much is a South Korean visa for US citizens

How long is my South Korean visa valid?

What happens if i overstay my visa in south korea, how do i obtain an entry and exit form, what health requirements and screenings are required when entering south korea.

FAQs on South Korea travel requirements Online resources for travelers to South Korea

Online resources for travelers to South Korea

Always travel well-informed with CIBTvisas

Asa US citizen planning to travel to South Korea, you cannot obtain a visa on arrival. US citizens don't require a tourist visa to enter South Korea. Normally, you must apply for a K-ETA before entering Korea for short-term stays. However, that requirementhas been lifted through December 2024.

Travelers planning long-term stays of more than 90 days must obtain a visa from a Korean Government diplomatic office, like the nearest embassy or consulate, before traveling for longer stays or going to South Korea to study or work. Plan ahead and obtain the necessary visa to avoid any inconvenience during your trip

How much is a South Korean visa for US citizens?

The duration of validity for a South Korean visa varies depending on the type of visa that has been granted. The K-ETA visa is valid for two years from the date of issuance and includes an automatic reentry permit. Travelers can make multiple trips to visit South Korea for short-term(90-day) stays within its validity period. Be sure to review your visa details for precise trave linformation and validity.

An entry and exit form is not required for US citizens traveling to South Korea.

There are currently no special requirements or screenings to enter Korea. Travelers should check the CDC’s travel guidance on South Korea for updates.

Vaccinations

Travelers to South Korea are not required to receive mandatory vaccinations. However, it is generally recommended that most travelers get vaccinated for diseases such as hepatitis A andB, typhoid, and rabies. To determine which vaccinations you may need and for other travel health tips, consult the CDC's recommendation .

Prescriptions

As a traveler, you can bring prescription drugs for personal use into Korea. You should carry adoctor's note or prescription and ensure the medicine is in its original packaging.If you need medication while in Korea, you must visit a local doctor and obtain a prescription before it can be filled by a Korean pharmacy. While Korean pharmacies do sell mostprescription medications (even though the brand names may differ), they may not have psychotropics available.

Since COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, there are no COVID-19 testing, vaccination, orquarantine requirements for entry into South Korea. According to the CDC, internationaltravelers should be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations before traveling abroad. Because the COVID-19 situation could change with little or no notice, travelers are advised tocheck theSouth Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency for updates before departing. A list of some COVID-19 testing facilities in South Korea and further information can be found on the Korean Embassy website , should travelers need testing for travel to other countries.

FAQs on South Korea travel requirements

Do i need to wear a mask in south korea.

Per the current COVID-19 guidelines, wearing a mask in public places is voluntary in majorcities in South Korea, except in certain hospitals and other medical care facilities. However,many South Koreans still wear masks outdoors and on public transport.

Are restaurants and bars open in South Korea?

Restaurants and bars are open in South Korea and operating normally.

Will my phone work in South Korea?

Most US carriers work in South Korea, but roaming charges may apply. Check with your service provider for data, text, and voice roaming charges. You can buy a local SIM card on arrival atSouth Korean airports or at a local shop. High-speed Wi-Fi is readily available in South Korea.Keeping your phone in flight mode and using Wi-Fi to connect is a cost-effective alternative to roaming.

What kind of plugs do I need in South Korea?

South Korea uses type C and F plugs, as found in Europe. US travelers willneed a traveladapter. The standard voltage is 220V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. You may also want to pack a power converter if you use any electrical devices that aren’t rated for dual voltage.

What should I wear in South Korea?

South Korea is modern and cosmopolitan. People dress smartly and well in professional settings, and there is a general preference for modest dress. It is especially advisable to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Can I smoke or drink alcohol in public in South Korea?

Smoking is prohibited in many public places and only permitted in designated areas. Drinking in public is allowed, but public drunkenness is frowned upon by local authorities. Local laws impose fines and penalties for causing disruptions to the public peace. To avoid visiting the local police station, it’s best to drink in moderation.

Is it safe for LGBTQ+ travelers in South Korea?

Although younger generations in South Korea are increasingly tolerant, many gays and lesbians still opt to keep their sexual orientation hidden from their families and employers. Those who choose to publicly share their orientation while traveling in South Korea should be prepared for possible negative reactions

Online resources for travelers to South

• US Department of State: International Travel to South Korea
• US CDC Traveler’s Health: South Korea
• Embassy of South Korea in the US: Visa Guidance
• Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency: Public Health News and Alerts
• South Korea Tourism: Visit Korea

Make sure your travel documentation is in order, and get ready to immerse yourself in South Korea's vibrant mix of tradition and innovation. An experienced visa specialist can help you navigate the complexities of border crossing requirements. Contact CIBTvisas for a quote today.

Anjeonhan yeohaeng doeseyo! Safe travels!

Travel well-informed with VisaCentral

An experienced visa specialist can help you navigate the complexities of border crossing requirements. Contact VisaCentral for a quote today.

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South Korea Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Apply online for a south korea visa from the usa.

If you’re an American citizen traveling to South Korea, you must meet the country’s entry requirements for your nationality. This may include having the correct documentation, like a visa or visa waiver.

The South Korean visa waiver from the U.S. is available online . U.S. passport holders can apply for the Korea ETA in minutes.

Important information about South Korean entry requirements for American citizens and the K-ETA can be found below.

Documents Required for Americans to Enter South Korea

U.S. citizens traveling to South Korea without a visa must have the following documents:

Valid U.S. passport

Return or onward travel ticket

Americans are also eligible to enter with a K-ETA visa waiver . Though this is not a mandatory document, U.S. visitors with an ETA are exempt from submitting an arrival card.

Travel to South Korea from the United States

Depending on the time of year, there are direct flights to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) from several U.S. cities including:

• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Minneapolis Saint Paul Airport (MSP)

Passengers on flights from the U.S. to Korea no longer need to fill out an arrival card if they are traveling with a K-ETA. Border checks are also faster thanks to visa waiver pre-screening.

U.S. Embassy Registration for Travelers in South Korea

American travelers are strongly advised to register with the U.S. Embassy in South Korea. U.S. nationals who sign up for the service can be sent important South Korea travel information by the government.

Embassy Registration can help tourists plan a safe trip to South Korea and stay up to date with the latest advisories.

It also ensures the traveler can be easily reached in the unlikely event of an emergency in South Korea or back home.

U.S. passport holders can register with the U.S. Embassy in South Korea when applying for their ETA through this site . Applicants will find the option to opt-in on the payment page.

South Korean Embassy in the United States

U.S. citizens who apply for the K-ETA do not need to go to a South Korean Embassy . Americans can complete the process online and receive the approved permit by email.

If the ETA does not fit your travel plans, or you wish to stay for longer than the visa-free time period, you’ll need to get a visa at an embassy.

The Republic of Korea Embassy in the United States is located at the following address:

2450 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., 20008 DC, Washington, United States

FAQ About US Citizens Traveling to South Korea

Can u.s. citizens travel to south korea.

U.S. citizens can visit South Korea as long as they have the relevant documents for their trip. Americans need a valid passport and South Korea visa waiver if they wish to be exempt from an arrival card.

Can U.S. citizens get a visa on arrival in South Korea?

No, Americans cannot get a visa on arrival in South Korea. Travel visas are only available at the South Korean Embassy.

Can U.S. passport holders visit South Korea without a visa?

U.S. citizens can visit South Korea without a visa and stay for up to 90 days with just their passport. With the optional K-ETA, they can avoid completing an arrival card.

Can a US green card holder travel to South Korea?

Us green card holders can travel to South Korea, providing they have the correct documents. Visitors with a green card can stay for up to 30 days visa-free , providing South Korea is not their final destination.

Premium South Korea

9 days | dive into the history, culture and cuisine of south korea.

On this nine-day Premium adventure, you’ll explore the culture and cuisine of South Korea from unique perspectives with a local leader who has all the insights. Start in Seoul with a bowl of steaming hot pot and meet with a North Korean defector to learn their fascinating story. Wander through Gyeongbukgung Palace before heading to a local home for a private food lecture. Enjoy a bibimbap in Jeonju and learn about the town’s rich art culture. Walk through bamboo forests before heading for Mt Gaya’s Hainesa Temple, where you’ll stay overnight, meditate like the monks, and chat with a local monk over tea. Visit iconic sites in Mokpo and then explore Purple Island at your own pace – before ending it all on Jeju Island – where you’ll chat with a local Haenyno woman and visit UNESCO’s Seongsan Ilchulbong for the most scenic views in Korea!

Trip overview

• Visit the home of Daniel Gray, a food expert and food tour pioneer who worked on Netflix’s Steet Food Asia Seoul, for a fascinating lecture on local cuisine, food history and a homemade meal.
• Immerse yourself in the local way of life for Korean monks at your Premium Feature Stay in Hainesa Temple on Mt Gaya – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Three Jewels Temples representing Dharma.
• Visit Jeju Island, where you’ll visit Seongsan Ilchulbong or Jeju Seongsan Sunrise Mountain/Castle – a volcanic peak nicknamed Sunrise Peak with sweeping panoramic views that earned Korea its first ever UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Enjoy the vibrancy of Purple Island near Mokpo, where the colours of lilac and lavender fields have spread to the entire town.
• Meet a local Haenyno – one of the local women divers who go diving for shellfish 10 m under the sea on Jeju Island. Learn about the local fishing culture and why these women, some in their 80s, still practice diving.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
• Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. You will visit the Hainesa Temple and the DMZ on this trip, and this requires a level of modesty. Be sure to bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees.
• South Korea is best explored on foot. In fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.

Eoseo oseyo! Welcome to Korea. An airport transfer is included in this trip to take you to your hotel. Your adventure begins in Seoul, where you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After meeting your fellow travellers and trip leader, you’ll head out on a short walking tour of modern Seoul and the Gongdeok entertainment district. Attend a group welcome dinner of Korean hotpot – a delicious favourite full of mixed vegetables, meat and noodles. Learn more about Korean local food over your dinner and drinks and then after, maybe walk along the tranquil Cheonyecheon stream or visit the Gwangjang or Dongdaemun night market.

• Lotte city Mapo or similar (1 night)
• Seoul - Orientation Walk

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, you will visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty which dates back to 1395, and Bukchon – the North Village – which is home to many restored traditional Korean houses known as hanok. From here you will head to the home of Daniel Gray – the food expert that worked on Netflix's Street Food Asia Seoul. Sit down for an exciting lecture on Korean food history and then take the opportunity to help make your lunch while you taste local delicacies and drinks from all over the country. After returning to your hotel, you will have the opportunity to meet with a North Korean defector and to hear their harrowing tale of struggle, but ultimately triumph. The evening is then yours to enjoy. One option is a visit to Myeongdong, Soeul’s famous shopping street and a great place to sample some Korean street food.

• Seoul - Gyeongbukgung Palace
• Seoul - Korean Food Lecture and Homemade Lunch
• Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village
• Seoul - North Korean Defector meeting

Please note that meetings with defectors are notoriously difficult to arrange. This meeting may take place on a different day or location to guarantee the best possible experience. The meeting will cover a number of sensitive topics including torture, abuse and human trafficking. You can very easily opt of this activity should you wish.

Rising early, it’ll be a thought-provoking morning as you visit the South Korean side of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). After stopping for breakfast on the way, you’ll learn how this peninsula has been divided ever since the devastating Korean War. You’ll visit to points of interest including the Third Tunnel of Aggression and Imjingak Peace Park. After some free time for lunch, a private transfer will take you to the picturesque village of Jeonju. Dinner will be at a traditional bibimbap restaurant – the bibimbap here is listed as the representative bibimbap of Korea.

• Jeonju Ggotsim hotel or similar (1 night)
• Seoul - DMZ Tour and Imjingak Peace Park

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

For breakfast this morning, you’ll enjoy a local delicacy – Jeonju beansprout rice soup. You’ll then hop in a private transfer and drive to Damyang where you’ll head out on a scenic bamboo forest walk. Try some of the popular bamboo ice cream and for lunch, try another local delicacy – tteok galbi – marinated and charcoaled beef. You can then continue the culinary delights with an optional visit to a local roastery café, famous for their baked goods. Or, you can stretch your legs on a walk around Damyang, stopping in at the local shops and parks. Visit a brassware store and workshop and learn about the craft from the craftsman himself, and then walk around the Hanok village and learn about Jeonju's art culture. Head back to Damyang, where the evening is then free for you to choose your own adventure.

• Damyang - Bamboo Forest Walk
• Jeonju - Hanok Village
• Jeonju - Brassware Workshop

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you’ll start the drive to Gayasan National Park on Mt Gaya to check out Haeinsa Temple – your incredible Exclusive Feature Stay for tonight! This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the Three Jewels Temples representing Dharma or the Buddha’s teachings. When you arrive, you’ll have some tea with one of the monks to learn about his life here, the history of the temple and his story. Following the temple’s schedule for the rest of a day, take an afternoon orientation and tour the temple with a local guide and then sit down for dinner as a group. As per the temple’s schedule, you’ll also take part in an evening meditation before bed.

• Haeinsa temple or similar (1 night)
• Haeinsa - Tea with a monk
• Haeinsa - Temple Tour and Dinner
• Haeinsa - Evening Meditation

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Haeinsa Temple is a National Temple so if there is a holiday or special meeting on the day we are meant to visit, another temple will be arranged.

Bidding your farewells to Haeinsa Temple, you’ll head to the island archipelagos of Mokpo. When you arrive, you’ll have a homemade lunch at a local’s home and learn about life in South Korea’s southern regions. Finally, a tranquil drive will take you to the beautiful Purple Island. Famous for its blooming lilacs and lavender, the iconic purple bridge leading into town is said to have been built by a legendary monk looking to unify the islands. Then it’s back to your accommodation in Mokpo, where you’re free for the evening. It is recommended you take the sprawling cable cars that span the city and harbour or go for a walk on the beach and visit a local café, bar, or music club.

• Lahan hotel Mokpo or similar (1 night)
• Shinan - Purple Island Visit
• Mokpo - Dinner with a local family

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive to Mokpo Harbor and take a ferry to Jeju Island. After checking in to your accommodation, your leader will take you on a tour of the island’s eastern coast. You will visit an orange farm for a citrus-themed refresh, then head to Seongsan Ilchulbong (translating to castle mountain). Nicknamed Sunrise Peak, this gorgeous viewpoint was created by volcanic activity in the sea about 5000 years ago. This is also the first site in Korea ever registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is now one of the most popular scenic destinations in Korea. Take your time enjoying the panoramic views of the ocean, Udo Island, Hallasan Mountain and the volcanic landscape. On the way back to the hotel, you will visit a Jeju folk village before a free evening to enjoy as you wish.

• Lotte city Jeju or similar (1 night)
• Mokpo - Ferry to Jeju
• Jeju - Orange Farm
• Jeju - Jeju Folk Village
• Jeju - Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) Visit

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

This morning after breakfast, your exploration of Jeju Island will extend to the island’s west. You will visit Jeju Green Tea Farm – the tea culture in Jeju is strong, and you can take pictures in the rolling fields. Take in the impressive sight of Sanbansan Mountain this afternoon – a huge lava dome often circled with clouds, which creates a mystical atmosphere. The impressive natural wonders will continue with a walk along the Olleh hiking trail, the layers of stacked sandstone creating an otherworldly scene. Finally, you’ll meet with a local Haenyno – one of the local women divers within the community who go diving for shellfish 10 m under the sea. Learn about the local fishing culture here and why these women, some in their 80s, still practice diving. Head out to a final dinner with your group at a local black pork BBQ restaurant to celebrate a trip well-travelled.

• Jeju - Osulloc Teahouse
• Jeju - Sanbang-san Mountain
• Jeju - Haenyno Meeting
• Jeju - Farewell Dinner

After breakfast, there are no activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to stay in South Korea for longer, just speak to your booking agent.

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

Public Transit, Private Vehicle, Ferry

Hotel (7 nights), Feature Stay (1 Night)

• Arrival airport transfer
• Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
• Luggage transfer
• Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
• 24/7 on-ground support

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. Breakfast culture is quite different in South Korea. Hotel breakfasts are often either not available or quite disappointing. Because of this, hotel breakfasts are not included on this tour. Instead, you will receive a daily $10 cafe voucher to use at local cafes and coffee shops. You may choose to use one voucher per day, or save them up and use multiple at once. Your trip leader can assist you with choosing cafes and using vouchers. 2. The trip ends on Jeju Island which is served by an international airport. For your onward journey, direct flights are available to Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Osaka and Singapore, as well as Seoul. 3. Luggage porterage on this trip is limited to your travelling between accommodation. Porterage is not found in South Korean hotels, so it is not available within your accommodation.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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US, South Korea outline visions for cost-sharing on troops, US negotiator says

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China's coast guard said on Tuesday it "expelled" a Philippine coast guard ship and another vessel from waters adjacent to the Scarborough Shoal, Chinese state media reported.

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Pro-China Sogavare out of the race as Solomon Islands votes for next leader

Manasseh Sogavare, the Solomon Islands prime minister who drew his nation close to China, sharpening the United States' focus on the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands, has bowed out of the race for leader after an inconclusive election.

The United States on Monday blasted a Cuban court's decision to sentence a group of protesters to as many as 15 years in jail, calling the recent judgment "unconscionable" and "outrageous."

Seoul seeks high-level talks with Beijing before trilateral summit involving Tokyo

F oreign Minister Cho Tae-yul is considering visiting China in May ahead of a trilateral summit between South Korea, China and Japan in what appears to be a sign of warming ties after a frosty period of tension between the two countries.

If realized, it would be Cho’s first visit to Beijing since taking office in January.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is currently discussing the date for Cho’s visit.

“The two countries have been communicating closely based on a common interest. We agreed on the importance of high-level exchanges. We are discussing possible dates for Cho’s visit,” a ministry official said in a statement, Sunday.

This follows Cho’s phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, who invited him to Beijing. Cho agreed to discuss the matter through diplomatic channels.

Cho has been expressing his wish to meet with Wang.

“I look forward to meeting my Chinese counterpart sooner rather than later,” he said during the 2024 Korea National Diplomatic Academy Meets Ambassadors event held in Seoul, April 12.

The last meeting of the two countries' top diplomats took place in Busan last November as part of trilateral talks that included Japan.

The move comes as both sides try to improve bilateral relations following tensions over Taiwan and North Korea. The relationship has been stalled since President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed opposition to “any attempts to alter the status quo of the Taiwan Strait by force” in an interview with foreign media in April last year.

In June last year, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming warned Seoul against aligning with Washington, saying “those who bet on China’s loss in its rivalry with the United States will definitely regret it.” China has been deepening its ties with North Korea with its No. 3 official Zhao Leji meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang earlier this month.

In a sign of easing tensions between South Korea and China, Cho held talks with Hao Peng, Chinese communist party secretary of the province of Liaoning, in Seoul last week. The trilateral foreign ministers’ summit is expected to take place in late May.

Ukraine-Russia war latest: At least four dead in daytime missile strike on port city - as massive building on fire

It is likely to be a "very difficult summer" for Ukrainian forces in the face of increased Russian attacks, military analyst Sean Bell says. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.

Monday 29 April 2024 22:48, UK

• At least four killed in daytime missile attack on Odesa
• Watch: Massive building in flames after attack
• Ukraine in for 'difficult summer' as Russia preparing 'major offensive'
• North Korea expresses 'concern' over US sending long-range missiles to Ukraine
• Explained : Why is Chasiv Yar the next target for Russia?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Big picture : What you need to know as a new week begins
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

As we reported a short time ago, the Duchess of Edinburgh has met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine, in what marks the first visit to the country by a member of the Royal Family since the war begin.

Sophie met the Ukrainian president and first lady Olena Zelenska and delivered a message to them on behalf of the King, Buckingham Palace said.

You can watch footage from her trip here...

Throughout the day, we've been reporting on a Russian attack on the city of Odesa in Ukraine, which has killed at least four people. 

These images show a burning educational institution building, which was struck. 

Airline Finnair has said it is pausing flights to Tartu in eastern Estonia for the next month, due to GPS disturbances in the area.

"Finnair will suspend its daily flights to Tartu, Estonia, from 29 April to 31 May, so that an alternative approach solution that does not require a GPS signal can be put in place at Tartu Airport," the Finnish airline said in a statement.

Finnair last week had to divert two flights back to Helsinki after GPS interference prevented the approach to Tartu airport, although a spokesperson said the company did not now where the interference came from.

However, Tallinn seems certain as where the issues are originating. 

"It is a fact that Russia affects GPS devices in our region’s airspace," Estonia's foreign minister said via a spokesperson.

Margus Tsahkna added that Estonia will raise the issue of GPS interference with its neighbours, and intends to discuss it with the EU and NATO. 

GPS jamming and spoofing have grown worse in eastern Europe, the Black Sea and the Middle East, all areas close to conflict zones, according to industry group OpsGroup. 

More than 30 Ukrainian conscripts have died while trying to cross the border illegally to avoid mobilisation, a Ukrainian official has said.

Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service,  told Ukrinform that some men are prepared to pay "large sums" of money to groups promising to smuggle them across the border safely.

"Then they are faced with the fact that the route runs along a mountain river," he said.

Many conscripts have lost their lives after realising they didn't have the strength to swim the river, Mr Demchenko added.

"In total, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, about 30 people have died trying to cross the border illegally," he said.

Such attempts occur "every day", he said.

For context: Ukraine has been under martial law since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

It lets draft officers call up men of a certain age to fight on the front line.

In April, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed off a new law lowering the age of draft-eligible men from 27 to 25, in a bid to boost troop numbers in his depleted ranks.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine, in what marks the first visit to the country by a member of the Royal Family since the war begin.

Her visit is aimed at demonstrating "solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war and in a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence", the palace said.

Three women and a man have died after a Russian attack on Odesa.

A further 28 people have been injured, including two children aged five and 16. A pregnant woman has also been hurt.

This video shows the aftermath of the attack. 

Debris recovered from a missile that landed in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv on 2 January was North Korean, the Reuters news agency is reporting.

Citing a United Nations sanctions monitor, Reuters said debris recovered was from a Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile - made in North Korea.

Three sanctions monitors travelled to Ukraine earlier this month to inspect the debris - and found no evidence that the missile was made by Russia. 

They "could not independently identify from where the missile was launched, nor by whom". 

"Information on the trajectory provided by Ukrainian authorities indicates it was launched within the territory of the Russian Federation," they wrote in an April 25 report to the UN Security Council's North Korea sanctions committee. 

"Such a location, if the missile was under control of Russian forces, would probably indicate procurement by nationals of the Russian Federation," they said, adding that this would be a violation of the arms embargo imposed on North Korea in 2006. 

International leaders have long accused North Korea of supplying Russia with weapons.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the accusations, but vowed last year to deepen military relations. 

The situation in Odesa is fast-moving after the city in southern Ukraine came under Russian missile attack this afternoon.

Three women and a man have died, bringing the total number of people killed to four, according to regional governor Oleg Kiper.

He said a further 28 people have been injured, including two children aged five and 16. A pregnant woman has also been hurt.

Four people are "fighting for their lives," he said in a Telegram post .

A big building housing part of the Odessa Law Academy is ablaze after the strike...

The number of people injured in Russia's missile attack on Odesa has increased.

Regional governor Oleg Kiper said he was aware of 17 injured people, of whom at least two are in a "serious condition". Separately, Odesa mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov said at least 20 people were hurt.

Emergency services continue to work at the scene, Mr Kiper said. Earlier, he reported that at least two people had been killed in the attack (see 17.46 post).

The Odesa region has been repeatedly targeted by Russia during the war.

Last month, a Russian ballistic missile attack on a residential area killed at least 20 people and wounded more than 70.

Ukrainian troops are still defending their positions on the frontline while grappling with depleted weapons supplies and increased Russian attacks.

Western support is on full display in the pictures below, with soldiers of the Ukrainian army's 25th separate airborne brigade operating a German-made Marder infantry fighting vehicle.

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US, South Korea Outline Visions for Cost-Sharing on Troops, US Negotiator Says

FILE PHOTO: South Korean Anti-Aircraft Gun Wheeled Vehicle System participates in the joint river-crossing exercise conducted for South Korean and US soldiers in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province, South Korea, 20 March 2024. JEON HEON-KYUN/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. and South Korean officials outlined respective visions for a new agreement on sharing the cost of keeping American troops in South Korea in talks this week and will continue to consult as necessary, the chief U.S. negotiator said on Friday.

The allies named envoys last month to launch early talks for a new deal to take effect in 2026. South Korean media said the aim was for an agreement before any November election comeback by former President Donald Trump, who during his presidency accused Seoul of "free-riding" on U.S. military might.

Ahead of a first round of talks in Hawaii from Tuesday to Thursday on a so-called 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA), chief U.S. negotiator Linda Specht said Washington was seeking "a fair and equitable outcome."

In a brief statement on Friday, Specht said: "The United States and Republic of Korea outlined their respective visions for the 12th SMA ... We will continue to consult whenever necessary to further strengthen and sustain the Alliance under the 12th SMA."

A senior Biden administration official told Reuters last month the talks were on track and ahead of schedule but the U.S. did not see November as a "hard deadline."

More than 28,000 American troops are stationed in South Korea as part of efforts to deter nuclear-armed North Korea.

South Korea began shouldering the costs of the deployment, used to fund local labor, the construction of military installations and other logistics support, in the early 1990s.

During Trump's presidency, the sides struggled for months to reach a deal before Seoul agreed to increase its contribution by 13.9% over the previous 2019 pact under which Seoul had paid about $920 million annually. It was the biggest annual rise in nearly two decades.

Trump had demanded Seoul pay as much as $5 billion a year.

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, from 2016 through 2019, the U.S. Defense Department spent roughly $13.4 billion in South Korea to pay military salaries, construct facilities, and perform maintenance, while South Korea provided $5.8 billion to support the U.S. presence.

The current deal expires in 2025, with negotiations on a successor pact usually held just before the end of the existing one.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Sandra Maler)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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North Korea sends a delegation to Iran in a growing effort to break its diplomatic isolation

FILE - In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, meets Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress of China, in Pyongyang, North Korea on April 13, 2024. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)

FILE - Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, attends a wreath-laying ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 2, 2019. A high-level North Korean economic delegation is traveling to Iran for what would be the two countries’ first talks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the heavily sanctioned nations align in face of their separate confrontations with the United States. (Jorge Silva/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield speaks during a press conference at the American Diplomacy House in Seoul, on April 17, 2024. A high-level North Korean economic delegation is traveling to Iran for what would be the two countries’ first talks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the heavily sanctioned nations align in face of their separate confrontations with the United States. (Jung Yeon-je/Pool Photo via AP, File)

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A high-level North Korean economic delegation was on its way to Iran, the North’s state media said Wednesday, for what would be the two countries’ first known talks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Embracing the idea of a “new Cold War,” North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is pushing to build up cooperation with countries confronting the United States, as his intensified weapons tests prompted the U.S. and South Korea to expand their military drills.

Pyongyang’s delegation led by Yun Jung Ho, North Korea’s minster of external economic relations, flew out Tuesday for the trip to Iran, official Korean Central News Agency said Wednesday. State media did not immediately provide further details.

Pyongyang and Tehran are among the few governments in the world that support Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and both have been accused of providing Russia with military equipment .

The last known time North Korea sent senior officials to Iran was in August 2019, when a group led by Pak Chol Min, vice chair of Pyongyang’s rubber-stamp parliament, made a weeklong visit. The two countries had active diplomatic exchanges until North Korea sealed its borders in an effort to stave off the pandemic, before a cautious reopening in 2023.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry, which handles affairs with the North, did not immediately comment Yun’s visit to Iran.

North Korea has made efforts for months to boost the visibility of its ties with Russia and China as Kim attempts to break out of diplomatic isolation and join a united front against the U.S.

In 2023, Kim visited Russia’s Far East for a rare summit with Putin , which highlighted the countries’ expanding military cooperation, including the North’s alleged transfers of artillery shells, missiles, and other munitions to Russia.

Earlier this month, Kim hosted top Chinese official Zhao Leji , who heads the ceremonial parliament and ranks third in the ruling Communist Party hierarchy. It was the highest-level meeting between the countries in years.

On Wednesday, Kim Yo Jong , the North Korean leader’s powerful sister, slammed the latest rounds of U.S.-South Korean joint military drills and insisted that the allies will never break the North’s determination to build up “our overwhelming and most powerful military muscle.”

The statement comes a week after U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield called for the international community to be alert to the possibility of military cooperation between North Korea, Iran and Russia. Iran has been accused of providing drones to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine.

“We are concerned about … the Iranians providing weapons to the Russians and the Russians also supporting efforts to help (North Korea) expand their own research into developing weapons. And certainly, that would be the case with Iran as well,” she said.

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North Korea says it tested ‘super-large’ cruise missile warhead and new anti-aircraft missile

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea said Saturday it tested a “super-large” cruise missile warhead and a new anti-aircraft missile in a western coastal area as it expands military capabilities in the face of deepening tensions with the United States and South Korea.

North Korean state media said the country’s missile administration on Friday conducted a “power test” for the warhead designed for the Hwasal-1 Ra-3 strategic cruise missile and a test-launch of the Pyoljji-1-2 anti-aircraft missile. It said the tests attained an unspecified “certain goal.”

Photos released by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency showed at least two missiles being fired off launcher trucks at a runway.

North Korea conducted a similar set of tests Feb. 2, but at the time did not specify the names of the cruise missile or the anti-aircraft missile, indicating it was possibly seeing technological progress after testing the same system over weeks.

KCNA insisted Friday’s tests were part of the North’s regular military development activities and had nothing to do with the “surrounding situation.”

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest in years, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un dialing up his weapons demonstrations, which have included more powerful missiles aimed at the U.S. mainland and U.S. targets in the Pacific. The United States, South Korea and Japan have responded by expanding their combined military training and sharpening their deterrence strategies built around strategic U.S. assets.

Cruise missiles are among a  growing collection of North Korean weapons  designed to overwhelm regional missile defenses. They supplement the North’s vast lineup of ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles aimed at the continental United States.

Analysts say anti-aircraft missile technology is an area where North Korea could benefit from its  deepening military cooperation with Russia , as the two countries align in the face of their separate, intensifying confrontations with the U.S. The United States and South Korea have accused North Korea of providing artillery shells and other equipment to Russia to help extend its warfighting in Ukraine.

The Associated Press