South KoreaHow long can I stay in Korea without a visa?
Most nationalities can stay in South Korea for 30 to 180 days without a visa, depending on citizenship and purpose of visit.
What the Law Says
South Korea’s visa exemption rules are governed by the Immigration Act and related enforcement decrees. Eligibility and duration depend on nationality, passport type, and entry purpose (e.g., tourism, transit, business).
The Immigration Act authorizes the Minister of Justice to designate countries whose nationals may enter Korea without a visa for short stays. These exemptions are implemented through the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act and official notifications from the Ministry of Justice.
Visa-free entry does not permit employment or long-term residence. Stays must be strictly for permitted activities such as tourism, visiting family, or short-term business meetings.
Overstaying a visa-exempt period is a violation of the Immigration Act and may result in fines, deportation, or future entry bans.
Statutory TextForeign nationals of countries designated by the Minister of Justice may enter the Republic of Korea without a visa for a period not exceeding ninety days.
— Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Art. 6-2 — Designation of Visa-Exempt Countries
Statutory TextThe period of stay for visa-exempt foreign nationals shall be determined according to agreements with the country of nationality or by notification of the Minister of Justice.
— Immigration Act, Act No. 5344, s. 7 — Entry and Stay of Foreigners
What to Do
Check your nationality against the latest visa exemption list published by the Korean Ministry of Justice or HiKorea website.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Confirm your purpose of visit aligns with visa-free activities (no work, study, or paid services).
Enter through an authorized port of entry and receive an entry stamp indicating your permitted stay period.
Depart before your visa-free period expires — extensions are generally not allowed for visa-exempt entrants.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.