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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
South African passport holders can visit South Korea for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism purposes, but they must apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before traveling.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Spring (March to May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C. Cherry blossoms bloom in April.
Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Includes a rainy period in July and August (monsoon season).
Autumn (September to November): Cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Autumn foliage is a highlight.
Winter (December to February): Cold, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 5°C. Snow is common in northern and mountainous regions.
Best Time to Travel: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather and beautiful natural scenery.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | South Korea |
| Capital City: | Seoul |
| International Airports: | Incheon International Airport (ICN) Gimpo International Airport (GMP) |
| Area: | 100,032 square kilometres |
| Population: | 52 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone: | Korea Standard Time (KST; UTC+9) |
| Religion: | Predominantly Buddhism and Christianity, with a significant number of people identifying as irreligious. |
| Language: | Korean |
| Currency: | South Korean Won (KRW) |
| Exchange Rate: | Variable; as of the last update, approximately 1 USD = 1,320 KRW (check current rates for accuracy) |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Widely accepted |
| ATM Accessibility: | Readily available, with many ATMs accepting international cards |
| Dialling Code: | +82 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | 220V, 60Hz. Plug types C and F |
| Water: | Safe to drink |
| Business Hours: | Typically, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday |
| Banking Hours: | Usually 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday |
| Photography Restrictions: | Few restrictions but be mindful of private properties and sensitive locations like military areas. |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary and generally not expected. |
| Vaccination Requirements: | Standard vaccinations as per the home country’s health recommendations. No specific vaccinations required. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | Generally casual to smart casual Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and adhere to local customs. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | Bowing: A traditional form of greeting and showing respect. Handshakes are also common but may be combined with a bow. Shoes Off: It is customary to remove shoes before entering homes and certain indoor areas such as traditional restaurants and temples. Chopstick Etiquette: Avoid sticking chopsticks upright into rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual. |
FESTIVALS
- Seoul Lantern Festival: Held annually in November along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul, featuring vibrant lantern displays.
- Boryeong Mud Festival: A summer event held in July in Boryeong, known for its mud wrestling and other mud-related activities.
- Jeju Fire Festival: Held in February on Jeju Island, this festival involves large bonfires and traditional ceremonies to drive away evil spirits and ensure a good harvest.
- Chuseok: Also known as the Korean Harvest Festival, occurring in late September or early October, celebrated with traditional foods, family gatherings, and cultural performances.
MAP
“My favourite place in South Korea is Jeju Island: it’s a tropical paradise with sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the magnificent Geomunoreum lava tube system of underground caves.”
– Lee Hyeon-seo