South Korea Visa RequirementsFor Greece passport holders
Greek citizens can travel to South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa. A bilateral agreement provides visa-free access for Greek nationals.
Great news! Greece passport holders can enter South Korea without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required for stays up to 90 days. Present a valid Greek passport at South Korean immigration. Ensure your passport has adequate validity. Fill in the arrival card on the plane. A return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation may be requested.
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
Greece to South Korea: What You Need to Know
South Korea and Greece have a bilateral visa exemption agreement allowing Greek nationals to enter for tourism or business for up to 90 days. South Korea is a highly popular destination for its technology, K-pop culture, cuisine, temples and cosmopolitan cities. Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island and the DMZ are top attractions.
Money & Banking
South Korea uses the South Korean won (KRW). ATMs are widely available, including at Incheon Airport. Withdrawal from machines accepting foreign cards (Global ATM) is straightforward. T-money transit cards are useful for public transport. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Practical Tips
Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) is one of Asia's busiest hubs. Direct or one-stop flights connect Athens to Seoul via Middle Eastern hubs. South Korea has an excellent public transport network including KTX high-speed trains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Greek passport holders need a visa for South Korea?
No. Greek nationals can visit South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa.
Do Greek citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
No. South Korea grants Greek citizens visa-free entry for stays up to 90 days. The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) that was introduced and abolished is not required for Greek citizens through at least 2025.
What currency does South Korea use?
South Korea uses the South Korean won (KRW). ATMs accepting international cards (marked Global ATM) are available at Incheon Airport and major banks.
What is the connection between Greek shipping and South Korean shipbuilding?
South Korean shipbuilding companies (Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean, formerly DSME) are the world's leading builders of large commercial vessels. Greek shipping companies, which operate the world's largest combined merchant fleet, are among the biggest clients of these Korean shipyards. Greek shipowners place multi-billion-dollar annual orders for tankers, bulk carriers, and LNG carriers at Korean yards.
Are there direct flights from Greece to South Korea?
No direct flights operate from Greece. Connections from Athens to Seoul Incheon (ICN) typically transit via Middle Eastern hubs.
How do I get from Greece to South Korea?
There are no direct flights from Greece to South Korea. Connections via the Middle East (Asiana, Korean Air via various hubs, Qatar via Doha, Emirates) or other Asian hubs are standard. Korean Air also flies from European hubs directly to Seoul Incheon (ICN). Total journey 14-17 hours.
What is K-ETA and does it apply to Greek passport holders?
K-ETA was a Korean electronic travel authorisation. As of 2023, Greek nationals are exempt from K-ETA for tourism; no pre-authorization is needed. Check current status at the Korean Embassy before travel.
What are the top experiences in Seoul?
Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village (traditional Korean architecture), Myeongdong shopping and street food, the Han River parks (cycling, picnicking), N Seoul Tower on Namsan hill, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) day tour (sobering and fascinating), and the nightlife districts of Hongdae and Itaewon are Seoul highlights.
What are the top destinations in South Korea?
Seoul (Gyeongbok Palace, Myeongdong, Hongdae), Busan, Jeju Island, the DMZ tour, Gyeongju and the Korean countryside are the top destinations for foreign visitors.
What is Korean cuisine and how is it different from Greek food?
Korean cuisine centers on fermented foods (kimchi), rice, grilled meats (galbi short ribs, bulgogi beef), soups (doenjang jjigae, samgyetang chicken ginseng soup), and the communal dining experience of Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal pork belly). It differs from Greek food in flavor profiles (Korean food often spicy, fermented, umami-forward) but shares the communal eating tradition and respect for fresh, quality ingredients.
How efficient is public transport in South Korea?
South Korea has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. The Seoul metro is extensive, and KTX high-speed trains connect major cities quickly and affordably.
What is the best day trip from Seoul?
The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) tour, 1 hour from Seoul, is the most uniquely Korean day trip. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO, 30 min by subway), Nami Island (scenic seasonal beauty, 2 hours), and the traditional market town of Jeonju (Korean bibimbap food culture, 2 hours by KTX) are other popular options.
What are the best digital travel apps for South Korea?
KakaoMap is better than Google Maps for navigation in Korea. Naver Map is also excellent. KakaoTaxi (linked to your account) and regular taxis with meters are reliable. T-money IC card covers all Seoul transit. Papago (Naver's translation app) is useful as English is less universally spoken outside tourist areas than in Japan or Singapore.