Travelling to South Korea from Australia: Visa, Flights, Tips [2025]

Whether drawn by a love of Korean BBQ, K-pop music, a thriving beauty industry or even a fascination triggered by watching Netflix’s Squid Game, South Korea is fast becoming a must-see destination for Australians.

Confirmed as a trending travel hot-spot for Aussies in 2025 based on recent data insights into the top destination searches¹, whether for tourism, study or work, South Korea has much to offer. From buzzing, modern metropolises to breathtaking natural landscapes, a rich culture, diverse dining options and more, you’ll never run out of things to do, see and eat!

Whether you’re a lover of all things Korean, or completely new to this often lesser-known Asian destination, we’ve got the details you need. From understanding visa requirements to sorting out your finances and insurance, here’s what to expect when heading abroad to South Korea.

We'll also introduce to you Wise Travel Card that can help you save on international transactions with currency conversions at mid-market exchange rates.

Table of contents
Australia to South Korea Travel Requirements South Korean Visa from Australia Applying for a South Korean Visa Flying to South Korea from Australia Checklist for Australia to South Korea Travel Travel Insurance for South Korea Making Payments in South Korea

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Australia to South Korea Travel Requirements

Australian passport holders can travel to South Korea for tourism purposes visa-free for up to 90 days. While a visa waiver (K-ETA) was previously required, this has been temporarily suspended until 31 December 2024.²

For travel in 2025, it is likely the K-ETA requirement will be reinstated. We recommend checking the most up-to-date advice for this on the official K-ETA website before booking your travel.

South Korean Visa for Australian Citizens

Student Visas

To study in South Korea for more than 90 days, international students need a D-2 student visa (or a D-4 visa for short-term training). This can be obtained from a Korean embassy or consulate in Australia after receiving a Certificate of Admission from a Korean university and supplying other relevant documentation.³ The cost and duration of a student visa will vary based on which type is applied for.

Working & Extended Stay Visas

To work or stay in South Korea long-term, a visa will be required. For those aged between 18 and 30, a Working Holiday Visa is available. This visa allows you to live and work in South Korea for up to 1 year, though several rules and conditions apply regarding eligibility and what is permitted.⁴ You can apply for this visa directly with your nearest South Korean embassy or consulate.

For all other work-related or long-stay visas, we recommend reviewing your options via the official South Korea Visa Portal website. There are numerous visa classes and subclasses available that you may be eligible to apply for based on your circumstances.

South Korean Visa for Australian Resident Permit holders

Should you be travelling as a tourist to South Korea as an Australian resident on a foreign passport, you will need to review whether your country is counted as visa-exempt by South Korean immigration law. You may be required to obtain a K-ETA as mentioned above or a separate tourist visa; we recommend contacting your local South Korean embassy for current advice.

For student or working and long-stay visas, the same rules and methods for application apply for Australian residents as for Australian citizens. However, your eligibility for different visa types and classes may differ depending on your passport nationality.

Applying for a South Korean Visa from Australia

As noted above, currently no visa or K-ETA is required for travel to South Korea for Australian passport holders or other visa-exempt nations when staying under 90 days.

For all foreign passport holders who are not visa-exempt, you will be required to obtain a tourist visa by following these steps⁵:

1. Determine which Korean embassy or consulate can accept your application, as this varies based on your state or territory.
2. Complete the visa application form available on the applicable consulate/embassy's website.
3. Provide a passport-sized photo.
4. Submit your original passport (valid for at least 6 months).
5. Include proof of residence status and other relevant documents.
6. Attach travel-related documents such as flight tickets and accommodation.
7. Pay the applicable visa fee.
8. Apply in person or by post to the Korean Embassy (include a reply paid envelope for the latter).
9. Wait for processing (5-7 days).
10. Once issued, you can then collect your passport with the visa, or it will be mailed back to you if submitted by post.

Flying to South Korea from Australia

Who you can fly with and how long it will take to get from Australia to South Korea will vary based on where you depart from and whether you opt for a direct option or one with a stopover.

To give an idea of what to expect, below are some of the most popular options for departures from major Australian cities to South Korea’s main airport, Incheon, which is in the country's capital, Seoul. Currently, direct flights are only available between cities on Australia’s East coast. However, regardless of where you depart from, opting for a flight with a stopover on the way can be a great way to explore another destination on the same trip.

Departure City	Arrival City	Airlines	Flight Duration	Stopovers
Sydney	Seoul	Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific	Approximately 10h+ (direct) or 13h+ (with stopovers)	Direct flights available; stopovers in Singapore or Hong Kong
Melbourne	Seoul	Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific	Approximately 10h+ (direct) or 13h+ (with stopovers)	Direct flights available; stopovers in Singapore or Hong Kong
Brisbane	Seoul	Korean Air, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific	Approximately 9h+ (direct) or 13h+ (with stopovers)	Direct flights available; stopovers in Singapore or Hong Kong
Perth	Seoul	Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Korean Air	Approximately 12h+	No direct flights; typical stopovers in Singapore, Hong Kong, or Kuala Lumpur

What can I bring into South Korea

Similar to Australia, South Korea has strict customs regulations that all visitors must adhere to. While personal items such as clothing, toiletries, personal electronics and prescribed medications are typically allowed to be brought in without issue, it's important to be aware of items that are restricted or prohibited.

These include⁶:

• Illegal or dangerous drugs
• Indecent or obscene goods
• Certain foodstuffs, particularly meat, milk, fish or related products
• Products derived from endangered species
• Counterfeit items
• Prescription medicines not accompanied by a doctor's authorisation
• Firearms, weapons, fireworks, or explosives
• Live or dead animals, fish, birds or plants

To avoid issues upon arrival and remain compliant with South Korean legislation, it's advisable to exclude restricted or prohibited items from your luggage or declare them if necessary. For comprehensive and official information, please refer to the Korea Customs Service's guidelines.

Duty-free allowances

Currently, when traveling to Korea, you can bring in goods worth up to US$800 without paying taxes. You can also bring in 2 bottles of liquor (up to 2L, valued at US$400), 200 cigarettes, 20ml of e-cigarette liquid (with less than 1% nicotine) and 100 ml of perfume.⁶

Documents to carry before flying to South Korea

To ensure a stress-free journey to South Korea and a smooth arrival, make sure you have the following:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from your intended return date.
• Where required, either proof of your relevant visa approval or evidence of your visa waiver.

Vaccination records or proof of insurance are not generally required for short-term visitors. However, if you have recently visited a country designated as a 'quarantine inspection required area' you may be required to register with the Korean quarantine system before departure.²

This generally means any country where cholera, polio, plague, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), or Avian Influenza Human Infection may be present. Check with your local embassy or consulate for advice regarding this as needed.

Checklist for Australia to South Korea Travel

Ready to start your adventure in South Korea? Here are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your trip:

• Power adapters & electronics. South Korea uses type C and type F outlets, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 60Hz. Be sure to bring the right adapter and check if your devices support 220V to avoid needing a voltage converter or damaging your electronics.
• Mobile connectivity. Check with your mobile provider for affordable roaming options. Alternatively, you can opt for a local prepaid SIM card or an eSIM for better rates, just be sure your phone supports eSIM activation before you go.
• Seasonal packing. South Korea has distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) can be hot and humid, while winters (December–February) are cold and snowy, particularly in the northern regions. If you plan to visit temples or other religious sites, long clothing that covers shoulders, arms and legs is required, regardless of season.
• Health and safety. It’s a good idea to get travel insurance before you go and share important documents with a trusted contact in case of emergencies. If you need prescription medications, carry them with a doctor’s note and make sure you bring enough for the duration of your trip. Due to proximity to North Korea and frequent political protests, it’s wise to stay informed about any government travel advisories via Smartraveller.

Travel Insurance for South Korea

An essential for any trips overseas, travel insurance is strongly recommended for travel to South Korea. Emergency medical care of a good standard is readily accessible throughout the country but can be expensive and payment may be required upfront.² As such, comprehensive insurance for medical care, alongside cancellations, theft and more, should be arranged before departing.

Also a popular destination for medical tourism, if you are travelling to Korea for this reason, be sure to check your policy covers any emergencies related to complications from this.

Managing Your Finances in South Korea

Both cash and card can be used in South Korea, though card payments are often preferred, especially in larger cities. Whichever method you choose, you’ll be subject to fluctuating exchange rates and often several different fees. To help your money go further, it’s wise to spend some time researching ways to minimise these added costs and access the best rates while away.

Cash Considerations

While South Korea is a card-friendly country, it's always smart to have some local currency for street food vendors, local markets, or transport top-ups. Whether you withdraw this on arrival or arrange it beforehand, you'll want to ensure you’re getting the best exchange rate with minimal fees.

A dedicated travel money card can be an ideal solution for this. It allows you to track exchange rates, convert funds from AUD to South Korean Won (KRW) when the rate is good, and then hold that balance to withdraw from ATMs as needed. Look for a provider that uses the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups and low, transparent fees for ATM use abroad. This helps you maximise your budget and avoid travelling with large amounts of cash.

Best Ways to Get Foreign Currency 👉

The Hidden Costs of Using Your Australian Bank Cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in South Korea, meaning your Australian-issued debit or credit card will likely work for most payments. However, digital wallet support can be different from Australia. Google Pay is not currently supported, and Apple Pay acceptance is limited, with local Korean platforms being preferred. It's always a good idea to carry a physical card.

While convenient, using your home bank's card abroad can come with several costly fees, including:

• Currency conversion fees, often 3% or more of the transaction amount.
• Overseas ATM withdrawal fees from both your bank and the local ATM provider.
• Poor exchange rates with hidden markups on top of the fees.

For this reason, it is important to review your card provider's terms and conditions for not only the foreign transaction fees but also the currency conversion rate. This is usually marked up from the mid-market exchange rate you usually see on Google—and the one used by Wise.

Heading to South Korea? Maximise your KRW spending with the Wise Card

Don't let high bank fees and poor exchange rates eat into your South Korean travel budget. With the Wise card, you can hold, spend, and withdraw KRW like a local. The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 7x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up AUD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in AUD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

🚀 Get your Wise card

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This general advice does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Savings claim based on our rates vs. selected Australian banks and other similar providers in Jan 2025. To learn more please visit https://growth-layer.live/au/compare%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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Sources:

1. SBS News - Top Travel Destinations For 2025
2. Smartraveller - South Korea
3. Korean Embassy Canberra - Student Visas
4. Korean Embassy Canberra - Working Holiday Visas
5. Korean Embassy Canberra - Tourist Visas
6. Korea Customs Service - Customs Rules

Sources checked on 19 September 2025