South Korea Visa RequirementsFor India passport holders
Indian citizens need a visa to visit South Korea. The South Korean tourist visa (C-3) allows stays of up to 90 days and costs approximately $40. South Korea has been a rapidly growing destination for Indian travelers, driven by the global Korean Wave (K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean food). Seoul, Jeju Island, and Busan are the most popular destinations.
India passport holders require a visa to enter South Korea.
Apply for a South Korean tourist visa through the Korean Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate Generals in Mumbai or Chennai. Online applications can be submitted via the Korea Visa Application website (visa.go.kr). The visa fee is approximately KRW 45,000 (around $40 USD). Required documents: valid passport, visa application form, photo, flight and accommodation bookings, bank statements (3 months), and employment proof. Processing takes approximately 5 to 7 working days.
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
India to South Korea: What You Need to Know
South Korea has seen a dramatic surge in Indian tourist arrivals in recent years, fueled by the Hallyu (Korean Wave) cultural phenomenon. Indian fans of BTS, BLACKPINK, and popular K-dramas have made Seoul a bucket-list city. Beyond pop culture, South Korea offers ancient Buddhist temples, high-tech cities, exceptional street food, and a very efficient public transit system. South Korea operates a reciprocal visa policy and does not yet offer visa-free access to Indian passport holders.
Practical Tips
Air India, IndiGo, Korean Air, and Asiana Airlines operate flights between India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai) and Seoul Incheon International Airport. Flight time is approximately 7 to 8 hours from Delhi. Seoul's metro system is extensive, clean, and affordable. T-money card (transit card) is essential for getting around. Visit BTS's favorite spots in Itaewon and Hongdae; see cherry blossoms in April; ski at Pyeongchang resorts in winter. The Korean Won (KRW) is the currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for South Korea?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a South Korean tourist visa (C-3 category), costing approximately KRW 45,000 (around $40 USD). Apply at the Korean Embassy in New Delhi or consulates in Mumbai or Chennai, or online via visa.go.kr. Processing takes 5 to 7 working days. Required documents include passport, application form, photo, flight bookings, bank statements, and employment proof.
What K-pop and K-drama related things can Indian fans do in Seoul?
Seoul is a paradise for Korean Wave fans. Visit SM Town COEX Artium, HYBE Insight Museum (BTS exhibit), Line Friends Store, and K-star Road in Gangnam. Catch live performances at music shows (MBC Music Core, KBS Music Bank) through lottery applications. Visit filming locations from popular dramas like Goblin, Crash Landing on You, and Descendents of the Sun through dedicated drama tour operators.
Are there direct flights from India to South Korea?
Yes. Air India, IndiGo (via codeshare), Korean Air, and Asiana Airlines operate direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN). Korean Air also connects Chennai. Flight time from Delhi is approximately 7 to 8 hours. Incheon is consistently ranked one of the world's best airports and is an excellent hub for onward East Asian travel.
What is the best time to visit South Korea?
Spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms (especially along the Han River and at Gyeongbokgung Palace) and autumn (September to November) for fall foliage are the most popular times. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid with a rainy monsoon season. Winter (December to February) offers skiing at Pyeongchang and Yongpyong resorts and features beautiful snowscapes at temples and palaces.