South Korea Holidays
Jeju Island's volcanic beaches, Busan's Haeundae shore, and east coast surf along the Sea of Japan. Plan your South Korea beach trip with flights and tips.
Today
Weather in South Korea
Sun
Mon
Tue
SPF level in South Korea
Autumn
SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 15
Entry requirements for South Korea
You can enter South Korea visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days but you must have an onward or return ticket.
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in South Korea.
British nationals are temporarily exempt from needing the K-ETA electronic travel authorisation until December 31, 2026.
You must submit an entry declaration form, which can be done online as an e-Arrival card up to 72 hours before arrival.
If you have any symptoms of illness, you must submit a health questionnaire (Q-Code or paper-based) on arrival.
Good to know:
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty on entry.
It is illegal to be employed, including as a teacher, while visiting South Korea visa-free.
Safety in South Korea
South Korea is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry some form of identification, as this is legally required in South Korea.
Keep passports, cards and cash secure in crowded areas and nightlife districts.
At night, travel with care and use only legitimate taxis or public transport.
Do not use or carry illegal drugs, including small amounts of marijuana.
If driving, carry both a 1949 IDP and your UK driving licence.
Bonus tips:
Drink-driving can bring prison and fines; South Korea's limit is below England's.
During typhoon or heavy-rain periods, monitor forecasts and follow local advice.
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Driving in South Korea
A UK driving license is generally accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
100-120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50-60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Remember: South Korea drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in South Korea
As a British tourist, you'll need travel insurance to cover healthcare costs in South Korea. The GHIC/EHIC card is not applicable in South Korea.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions before travelling to South Korea. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance. Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but bottled water is readily available. Be aware of air pollution, particularly in urban areas.
Cards & payments
Card payments are widely accepted in South Korea, particularly in larger establishments and cities. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards. Smaller shops and markets may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
Tipping in South Korea
Tipping is not a standard practice in South Korea, and service charges are typically included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. Attempting to tip can sometimes be awkward or even refused. However, there are a few exceptions where small gratuities are appreciated but not expected.
Restaurant
Not customary. Service charge usually included.
Bar/Café
Not customary. No need to tip.
Taxi
Not customary. No need to tip. Rounding up is unnecessary.
Hotel Porter
1,000-2,000 KRW may be appreciated for exceptional service.
Hotel Housekeeper
Tipping is not customary.
Tour Guide
A small tip (5,000-10,000 KRW) is appreciated for private tours or exceptional service.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile phone users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in South Korea. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card or using Wi-Fi where available.
Local SIM
10 GB for 30,000 KRW (~£18)
Network coverage
4G LTE, 5G
Electrical in South Korea
Voltage
220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is widely available in South Korea, especially in Seoul and other major cities. Many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi. There are also dedicated Wi-Fi hotspots available.
Average speed
100 Mbps
South Korea has excellent internet infrastructure, with fast and reliable Wi-Fi widely accessible, particularly in urban areas. Free Wi-Fi is available at many locations.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
112
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling South Korea
Country code
82
To call South Korea from abroad, dial 82 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
4th Floor, Jeongdong Building, 15-15 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04517, Republic of Korea
Phone
+82 (0)2 3210 5500
Website
Incheon International Airport
Jeju International Airport
Gimpo International Airport
Gimhae International Airport
Daegu International Airport
Cheongju International Airport
Recent updates
No recent updates for South Korea.
Beaches in South Korea
Anmok Beach
Daecheon Beach
Gangmun Beach
Gwangalli Beach
Gyeongpo Beach
Haeundae Beach
Hamdeok Beach
Ilgwang Beach
Jeju Udo Hongjo Nodule Beach
Jeongdongjin Beach
Namhangjin Beach
Ongjin Baekryeongdo Nampo-ri Kongdol Beach
Sodol Beach
Songdo Beach
Waon Beach
Yeongildae Beach
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.