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5,504 mi away
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Today
12:03 pm
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Weather & climate
Weather in South Korea
South Korea
28°
Overcast
Wed
17°
28°
Thu
18°
22°
Fri
17°
29°
Sat
19°
29°
Sun
19°
30°
Mon
19°
32°
Tue
21°
33°
SPF level in South Korea
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for South Korea
What British travellers need to know
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
Tips when travelling
South Korea is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take extra care of your passport, credit cards, and money in crowded areas and places popular with foreigners.
Be aware of the risk of assault, including sexual assault, particularly around bars and nightlife areas, especially when travelling alone at night.
Carry some form of identification with you at all times, as this is a legal requirement.
Do not possess, use, or traffic any illegal drugs, including small amounts of marijuana, as this can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Do not drink and drive, as the legal alcohol limit is very low and penalties include prison and heavy fines.
Bonus tips:
If you injure someone in a road accident, you are likely to face criminal charges and heavy penalties.
Keep easy access to your passport and any essential medication as part of your own contingency planning.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in South Korea
A UK driving license is generally accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of 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
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling South Korea
Country code
+82
To call a Seoul number (e.g., 02-1234-5678) from the UK, you would dial 00 82 2 1234 5678.
The country code for South Korea is 82. The international exit code from the UK is 00.
Language in South Korea
Korean(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Seoul
4th Floor, Jeongdong Building, 15-15 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04517, Republic of Korea
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Entry declaration form
- The date "24 February 2025" is no longer specified for when passengers may submit an e-Arrival card in advance.
Health
- The UK is now currently designated as a 'Quarantine Inspection Required Area', without the previous mention of the designation starting "as of 1 August 2025".
Airports in South Korea
Beaches in South Korea
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can typically enter South Korea for tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
The spring (April-May) with cherry blossoms and autumn (September-October) with vibrant foliage are considered the best times to visit South Korea. The weather is pleasant during these seasons, and many festivals take place.
South Korea is generally a very safe country with a low crime rate. However, like any travel destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Respect for elders is paramount. Use two hands when giving or receiving items. Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or traditional guesthouses. Tipping is not customary.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. While South Korea is modern, showing too much cleavage or wearing very short skirts might attract unwanted attention. Dress more conservatively when visiting rural areas.
Be wary of unofficial taxi drivers or those who don't use a meter. Also, be cautious of street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Always clarify the price before agreeing to a service.
Don't miss out on trying kimchi, bibimbap, Korean BBQ, and street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). Explore the diverse range of dishes available in local restaurants and markets.
South Korea has an efficient and extensive public transportation system, including subways, buses, and high-speed trains (KTX). Using a T-money card can make travel even more convenient. Many signs and announcements are in English in major tourist areas.
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.