Planning a trip and want to know what’s changed? This is my round-up of the latest Korea travel news for tourists: new entry rules, transport changes and anything else that affects your trip, newest first, each with a link to the official source.
The most important date right now is 31 December 2026, when Korea’s temporary K-ETA exemption is due to end. If you’re travelling in 2027, read the first section before you book.
I’ve lived in and travelled around Korea since 2015, and the rules and prices for visitors change more often than you’d think. I keep this page updated so you don’t get caught out when you arrive.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.
Coming Up: The K-ETA Exemption Ends On 31 December 2026
Travellers from the countries and regions on Korea’s temporary exemption list, including the USA, don’t currently need a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). The Ministry of Justice extended that exemption to run from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026 (Korean time).
As of 20 October 2026, none of the official notices say whether it will be extended again. If your trip is in 2027, check the official K-ETA website before you go, and apply only there.
If you’re exempt and don’t apply for a K-ETA, you submit an e-Arrival Card instead (see February 2025 below). With a K-ETA, you don’t need to submit an arrival card, unless you’re entering on a visa. Everything else, including how to apply, is in my K-ETA guide.
Coming Up: Tap A Foreign Card At Seoul Subway Gates (2027)
Seoul plans to replace the payment terminals on subway Lines 1–8 in 2027 so you can tap an overseas credit card at the gates, then extend this to town buses, private railways and transfers across the metropolitan area between 2028 and 2030. In the meantime, my T-money guide covers how to pay for transport today.
Korea Travel News 2026
October 2026: Smaller Climate Card Tourist Pass Area
Since 1 October 2026, the Climate Card Tourist Pass (the 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7-day passes) is valid for travel within Seoul and for trips ending at Incheon International Airport. Gimpo Airport Station, which is in Seoul, is still covered, but Gimpo, Goyang, Gwacheon, Guri, Seongnam, Hanam and Namyangju no longer are. Not sure a pass is worth it? Try my Climate Card vs T-Money calculator.
September 2026: 30-Day Climate Card Ends, Climate Pass Is For Residents
Seoul has discontinued the 30-day Climate Card. Prepaid cards could be recharged until 31 August 2026 and used until 29 September, and postpaid cards until 30 September. Its replacement, the Climate Pass, was scheduled to launch on 1 September 2026 and is only for Seoul residents, so visitors use the Tourist Pass. More in my Climate Card Tourist Pass guide.
September 2026: Record Visitor Numbers
Korea had 15.05 million international visitors from January to August 2026, up 21.6% on the same period of 2025, and August alone brought 2.25 million, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Expect busy sights, and book accommodation early.
On my recent trips, public transport has felt busier than ever, and the autumn leaves have been beautiful.
August 2026: Hanok Stays And Homestays Must Show Their Prices
Since 4 August 2026, foreign-tourist urban homestays must post their room rates at the property and on any online booking page they use, and keep to the posted rates. Hanok stays that offer overnight stays must post their rates at the front desk and on any online booking page they use. Businesses that were already registered had one month to comply.
May 2026: Visa-Free Pilot For Indonesian Tour Groups
A visa-free entry pilot for Indonesian group tourists began on 28 May 2026.
March 2026: Foreign Cards Accepted At 440 Subway Ticket Machines
Since 17 March 2026, the 440 new ticket machines at 273 stations on Seoul subway Lines 1–8 accept overseas credit and debit cards for buying a Climate Card, charging its short-term passes and buying single-ride tickets, with a service fee averaging 3.7%. Seoul’s announcement doesn’t mention topping up a regular T-money card with an overseas card.
March 2026: Easier Multiple-Entry Visas For Southeast Asian Visitors
From 30 March 2026, the requirements for multiple-entry visas were eased for nationals of 11 Southeast Asian countries. Check the details for your nationality with the Korean embassy in your country.
Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.
Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa, but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Until the end of 2026, citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and many European countries, don’t need either one.
How To Stay Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.
Where To Stay: For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).
Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.
Korean Tour Operators: Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.
Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.
How To Get Around: For public transport, grab a T-Money Card. Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass. To see more of Korea, there are many rental car options from Klook, EconomyBookings, and RentalCars.
Travel Money: Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.
Flights To Korea: I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.
Travel Insurance: It is important to insure your trips to protect yourself against the unexpected. World Nomad is a specialized travel insurance provider with options for different coverage for travellers from around the world. You can also purchase cover when you are already travelling.
How To Learn Korean: The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.
Korea Travel News 2025
June 2025: Seoul Subway Fares Rise
Since 28 June 2025, an adult subway ride in Seoul costs ₩1,550 with a transport card and ₩1,650 with a single-ride ticket, for the first 10 km. My T-money guide explains how to get a card.
March 2025: Buy A Climate Card With A Foreign Card
Since 20 March 2025, Climate Cards can be bought and recharged with international credit and debit cards. For other ways to pay as a visitor, see my guide to paying in Korea.
February 2025: The e-Arrival Card
Since 24 February 2025, foreign visitors can submit their arrival card online on the official e-Arrival Card website. It’s free, and you can submit it from 3 days before you arrive. Travellers who are exempt from the K-ETA, and visa holders, need to submit one (group-visa tourists don’t). If you have a K-ETA, you don’t, unless you’re entering on a visa. Use only the official website.
Earlier Korea Travel News
July 2024: The Climate Card Tourist Pass Launches
Seoul’s Climate Card Tourist Pass started on 1 July 2024. It now comes as a 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7-day pass (₩5,000 to ₩20,000), plus ₩3,000 for the card.
January 2024: Bigger Immediate Tax Refunds
From 1 January 2024, the limit for the immediate tax refund that participating shops give foreign tourists at the till doubled to ₩1 million per purchase and ₩5 million in total, up from ₩500,000 and ₩2.5 million.
August 2023: Seoul Bus Fares Rise
Since 12 August 2023, an adult fare on Seoul’s regular (trunk and branch) city buses is ₩1,500, the same whether you pay by card or cash.
February 2023: Seoul Taxi Fares Rise
Since 1 February 2023, a regular Seoul taxi starts at ₩4,800 for the first 1.6 km during the day, then ₩100 for every 131 m or every 30 seconds.
Where To Check Official Korea Travel Updates
- K-ETA: the official site for applying and for exemption notices
- e-Arrival Card: the official, free arrival card
- Korean embassies and consulates: visa and K-ETA notices for your country
- Seoul Metropolitan Government: fares, the Climate Card and transport changes in Seoul
For everything else you need before your first trip, start with my South Korea travel guide.
Korea Travel News: FAQ
Do I need a K-ETA to visit Korea in 2027?
If your country is on Korea’s temporary K-ETA exemption list, you don’t need one until 31 December 2026 (Korean time). As of October 2026, the official notices don’t say whether the exemption will be extended again, so check the official K-ETA website before a trip in 2027.
Do I need an e-Arrival Card for Korea?
Travellers who are exempt from the K-ETA, and visa holders (except group-visa tourists), submit an e-Arrival Card. If you have a K-ETA, you don’t need one, unless you’re entering on a visa.
How early can I submit the e-Arrival Card?
From 3 days before you arrive in Korea. It’s free on the official e-Arrival Card website.
How much is the Seoul subway in 2026?
Since 28 June 2025, an adult subway ride in Seoul costs ₩1,550 with a transport card and ₩1,650 with a single-ride ticket, for the first 10 km.
Can I pay for Seoul transport with a foreign credit card?
Yes, at the new ticket machines on subway Lines 1–8 (since 17 March 2026) you can buy a Climate Card, charge its short-term passes or buy a single-ride ticket with an overseas card, for a service fee averaging 3.7%. Seoul plans to replace the payment terminals on subway Lines 1–8 in 2027 so you can tap an overseas card at the gates.
Support In My Korea
Thanks for reading. If you want to help me to create more great content in the future, why not buy me a coffee? A strong coffee helps me write more and is a simple way to show gratitude for this free content.
Liked This? Pin It For Others
If you enjoyed reading this article, then please share this with your friends on Pinterest.
