South Korea Visa RequirementsFor Germany passport holders
German citizens can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. South Korea and Germany are both G7-adjacent democracies with strong economic and cultural ties.
Great news! Germany passport holders can enter South Korea without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required. Passport must be valid for duration of stay. Return or onward ticket required. K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) was required until 2023 but has been waived for most nationalities; verify current status.
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
Germany to South Korea: What You Need to Know
Germany and South Korea have a bilateral visa exemption for 90-day stays. South Korea has grown rapidly as a tourism destination fueled by Hallyu (Korean Wave: K-pop, K-drama, Korean cuisine). Seoul, Jeju Island, Busan, Gyeongju, and the DMZ are popular destinations. Lufthansa and Korean Air offer direct flights from Frankfurt to Seoul Incheon. Korea's high-speed KTX rail network connects Seoul to Busan in 2.5 hours.
Practical Tips
The T-money card covers all Seoul metro, bus, and convenience store payments. Korean food culture is exceptional; explore local jjigae (stew), Korean BBQ, and street food at Gwangjang Market. Jeju Island requires a separate domestic flight from Seoul (1 hour). The DMZ day tour from Seoul is sobering and highly recommended. Naver Maps is more accurate than Google Maps in Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
No. German citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. A valid passport is required; the K-ETA (which was previously required) has been waived for German citizens. Verify the latest requirements at the Korean Embassy website before travel.
What is the K-ETA and do German citizens still need it?
The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) was temporarily required for visa-exempt visitors during 2021-2023 but was waived indefinitely for most nationalities including Germany. Check the official Korean Embassy or Hi Korea portal for the current status before your travel date.
What transport card do I need in Seoul?
The T-money card is South Korea's universal transit card. Load it at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) and use it on all Seoul metro lines, city buses, and even taxis. It also works on KTX trains and intercity buses. A Kakao T-money card can be loaded digitally via the app.
What are the must-see attractions in South Korea?
Seoul highlights include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, the DMZ (demilitarized zone day tour from Seoul), Insadong, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and Jeju Island (domestic flight, 1 hour). Busan offers Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Jagalchi fish market. Gyeongju is Korea's ancient capital with numerous UNESCO-listed historic sites.