South Korea Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. South Korea has surged in popularity with NZ travellers driven by K-pop, Korean food culture, and the country's mix of ultra-modern cities and traditional heritage.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter South Korea without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) consistently ranks as one of the world's best airports. K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) was previously required but has been suspended for NZ citizens as of 2024 (verify current status before travel). For stays beyond 90 days, a D-type visa must be applied for in advance.
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
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from South Korea, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in South Korea.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in South Korea.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended for all international travel, covering medical emergencies.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to South Korea: What You Need to Know
South Korea has experienced a dramatic rise in popularity with New Zealand visitors over the past decade. Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island, and the DMZ are major attractions. Korea's food scene is world-class: Korean BBQ, bibimbap, and Korean fried chicken have become household names in NZ. The country is also an excellent transit point for onward travel to Japan or Southeast Asia.
How to Get There
Air New Zealand does not fly direct to Seoul; Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, and Cathay Pacific are common carriers via Singapore or Hong Kong. Flight time Auckland-Seoul is approximately 12-13 hours. The KTX high-speed train connects Seoul to Busan (2.5h) and Gyeongju (2h). Jeju Island has its own domestic airport and ferry connections from Busan. Seoul is excellent combined with a Tokyo leg: KTX to Busan, then ferry to Fukuoka Japan (3h).
Money & Banking
South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW). Currently around 800-900 KRW per NZD. South Korea is moderately priced. A bowl of street tteokbokki costs KRW 3000-5000. A Korean BBQ dinner for two costs KRW 40,000-80,000. Card payments are near-universal; credit cards accepted almost everywhere including small restaurants.
Practical Tips
Seoul is extremely well connected by public transport: the metro covers the entire metropolitan area with signs in English. T-money card works on Seoul metro, buses, and some taxis. Kakao T app is excellent for taxis. The Arex express train connects Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in 43 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for South Korea?
No. NZ citizens can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. No prior application is needed: simply present your NZ passport at Korean immigration on arrival.
What is K-ETA and do NZ citizens need it for South Korea?
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) was introduced for some visa-free nationalities including NZ but was suspended for NZ citizens as of 2024. Verify the current status on the Korea Immigration Service website before travel as policies change.
What are the must-see places in South Korea for NZ visitors?
Seoul (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, Gangnam, Insadong), Busan (Gamcheon Culture Village, Haeundae beach, Jagalchi fish market), Gyeongju (ancient Silla kingdom capital), Jeju Island (volcanic landscapes, beaches), the DMZ (demilitarized zone with North Korea).
What is the best Korean food to try?
Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal, galbi), bibimbap, kimchi, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew), Korean fried chicken, japchae (glass noodles), and bingsu (shaved ice dessert). Seoul's food scene is extraordinary: Gwangjang Market for traditional snacks and Hongdae for street food.
How does the T-money card work in South Korea?
The T-money card is a rechargeable transit card that works on Seoul Metro, buses, taxis, and convenience stores throughout Korea. Buy at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) or at Incheon Airport. Load credit at machines in subway stations or at convenience stores. Tap on and off at metro gates and bus readers.
What is the best time to visit South Korea?
Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and mild temperatures is very popular. Autumn (September-November) for beautiful foliage is also excellent. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid with a rainy season (monsoon) in late June-July. Winter (December-February) is cold but beautiful with skiing in Pyeongchang and Gangwon Province.
Can NZ citizens work in South Korea?
Not under the standard tourist entry. NZ citizens can apply for a South Korean Working Holiday Visa (H-1) for stays up to 12 months with work rights. NZ citizens aged 18-30 can apply at the Korean Embassy in NZ. The annual quota is limited.