Best Time to Visit Korea from Singapore: What to do, weather, visas, and more
Wondering when the best time to visit Korea from Australia is? Learn more about weather, seasons and what to do throughout the year in Korea.
Travelling to South Korea from Singapore? Here’s what you need to know
If you’re planning to travel to Korea from Singapore, you’ll need to be aware of the Singapore to Korea travel requirements, including visa information. No matter what you’re planning on your trip to Korea, this guide has you covered.
We’ll look at how best to travel to Korea from Singapore, the current visa and document requirements, and also highlight Wise as a smart way to cut the costs of spending in KRW, so your money goes further on your trip.
Korea entry requirements from Singapore - visas and documents
For entry to Korea from Singapore you’ll usually need either a K-ETA visa waiter or a visa, depending on your citizenship and the reason for your visit. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in April 2023 that citizens from 22 countries, including Singapore, are exempted from getting the K-ETA or visa, for trips to Korea from April 1 2023,¹ and this has now been extended through to the end of 2026.² That could make it the perfect time to travel to Korea if you’re planning a trip soon.
If you’re not a Singapore passport holder, you’ll need to check whether the exemption applies to you, based on your citizenship. Many major countries are covered, including Australia, the US and UK, Japan and several other European countries, so it’s well worth checking if you can save yourself time by using the waiver if it’s available.
While citizens from K-ETA exempt countries don't need a K-ETA, they do need to complete the mandatory e-Arrival Card within 3 days before arrival.³
All that said, if you’re headed to Korea for a longer visit or for work, you’ll probably need to get an appropriate visa lined up in advance of travel. This can be done through one of the appointed visa agents listed on the Korean Embassy website. You’ll also find a wealth of information here about visa types and other related questions, making a great place to start if you’re still researching your trip.⁴
Korea customs requirements
As with all countries, Korea has rules on what items can be freely imported into the country, and what needs to be declared. Some items are also completely prohibited, so importing them - even accidentally - can result in fines or criminal proceedings. Check out the Korean customs rules in advance of travel, so you know what you can and can’t put in your packing.⁵
Returning to Singapore
One final note. As we’ve seen, while you may not need a visa or visa waiver to get to Korea, there's still some information you need to register before you travel. It’s helpful to remember that the same goes for coming back to Singapore. Complete your SG arrival card before you head home, to make sure you can get through Changi without delay.⁶
How to travel to South Korea from Singapore
You can fly direct from Singapore to South Korea, to Seoul or to Busan. The Singapore to Korea flight time, direct to either destination, is about 6 and a half hours. There are then plenty of connecting flight options once you’re in Korea if you’re planning on visiting several cities on your trip.
Travelling to Korea? Get the Wise card to spend KRW without losing on exchange rates and foreign transaction fees
Planning to hit the shops hard once you arrive in Seoul? Or maybe you just need some spending money to get your fill of delicious Korean food during your trip? Make your money go further in Korea, with Wise.
Open your Wise account before you travel and order a Wise card for convenient spending and withdrawals in KRW, and 50+ other currencies. You can add money to your Wise account in SGD and start spending instantly in KRW, with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees from 0.43%. Use your card at ATMs as you travel, and get some fee free withdrawals every month¹, with low, transparent withdrawal charges after that.
See how much more you can do with Wise - in Korea and further afield - today!
| Want to see how Wise compares with other travel cards like YouTrip and Revolut? Compare here 👀 |
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- Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals up to 350 SGD , but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.
Sources:
- Temporary Exemption of K-ETA for 22 countries/regions
- South Korea Travel Requirements: No K-ETA Needed Until End 2026 - Klook Travel Blog
- Visa Requirement 목록 | Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Singapore
- 전자입국신고서
- 영문사이트
- ICA | SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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