South Korea Visa RequirementsFor Australia passport holders
Australian passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days but must obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before travel, costing USD 10.
Great news! Australia passport holders can enter South Korea without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
Australian passport holders do not need a full visa but must apply for a K-ETA before departure at the official Korea ETA website (k-eta.go.kr). The fee is approximately KRW 10,000 (around USD 10). The K-ETA is typically approved within 72 hours and is valid for two years and multiple entries, up to 90 days per stay. Note: the K-ETA was temporarily waived for certain periods in recent years, so check the current requirement before travel.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Australia to South Korea: What You Need to Know
South Korea is an immensely popular destination for Australians, combining cutting-edge technology, vibrant K-pop and food culture, Buddhist temples, and dramatic natural landscapes. Seoul is among the most dynamic cities in Asia. The country is very safe with low crime rates, though the political situation on the Korean Peninsula and occasional tensions with North Korea are monitored by Smartraveller.
Practical Tips
The T-money card is essential for using Seoul's excellent subway, bus, and even some taxis. Buy one at the airport on arrival. Korean cuisine is extraordinary: try bibimbap, Korean BBQ, tteokbokki, and makgeolli. The Naver Maps app works better than Google Maps in Korea. Duty-free shopping is exceptional at Incheon Airport, one of the world's best airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa for South Korea?
Australians do not need a full visa but must obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure. It costs approximately USD 10, is applied for online at k-eta.go.kr, and is valid for two years with multiple entries up to 90 days each.
What is the K-ETA and how do Australians apply?
The K-ETA is South Korea's electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt nationalities including Australians. Apply online at k-eta.go.kr, pay the fee (around USD 10), and receive approval within 72 hours. You must have it before boarding your flight to Korea.
What is the best way to get around Seoul?
Seoul has one of the world's best public transport systems. The subway covers the entire city and most tourist sites. A T-money card (available at Incheon Airport) can be used on the subway, buses, and some taxis. The airport express (AREX) connects Incheon to central Seoul in under an hour.
Is Korean a difficult language for Australians to navigate?
The Korean alphabet (Hangul) can be learned in a few hours and subway signs, menus, and street signs often include romanisation. English signage is common in Seoul. Google Translate's camera function is very helpful for reading Korean menus and signs in less touristy areas.