Question 1

How long can I stay in Korea visa-free, and can I leave and come back (visa run)?

Accepted Answer

Your visa-free stay is the period the immigration officer stamps in your passport on arrival. Whether you get a new period when you leave and come back is decided by the officer each time, so a visa run is not guaranteed and entry can be refused.

Question 2

What can I bring into Korea? Duty-free limits, food, medicine and e-cigarettes

Accepted Answer

The duty-free allowance is USD 800, 200 cigarettes, and 20 ml of e-cigarette liquid under 1% nicotine. Psychotropic medicines must be declared, and meat products and fruit go through quarantine. Some sleeping pills, melatonin and foreign cold medicines can be stopped.

Question 3

I lost something in Korea. How do I find it or report it?

Accepted Answer

Contact the place where you lost it first (subway station office, taxi company, shop). At the same time search and report on Lost112, or go to the nearest police station to get a report receipt.

Question 4

Can I leave Incheon Airport during a layover? (free transit tour)

Accepted Answer

Incheon Airport runs free transit tours for foreign passengers with a layover of 24 hours or less; the shortest outside course is about 3 hours. You must be allowed to enter Korea (visa-free with K-ETA, or a visa) and register at least 30 minutes before the tour.

Question 5

How do I book KTX trains and use the KORAIL PASS?

Accepted Answer

The KORAIL PASS is for foreigners only and you buy it with your passport and a credit card. Seats are reserved separately on the KORAIL site (MY TICKET). If seats are sold out, you can still ride standing.

Question 6

Can international students work part-time in Korea?

Accepted Answer

D-2 students and D-4-1 language students must first get part-time work permission from the immigration office. Working without it can lead to heavy penalties, so start only after permission is granted.

Question 7

Do I get free palace entry in Korea if I wear hanbok?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreigners in hanbok enter the palaces for free, but you need both a top (jeogori) and a bottom (skirt or trousers). Only a coat over your clothes, or a jeogori with jeans, will not count.

Question 8

Where can I store or send my luggage in Seoul?

Accepted Answer

T-Luggage at six Seoul subway stations stores bags from KRW 3,000 for 4 hours and delivers same-day within Seoul from KRW 17,000 (weekday, small bag). Open 09:00 to 22:00 every day.

Question 9

Is Korea safe for solo female travelers? What about hidden cameras?

Accepted Answer

In an emergency call 112; English and Chinese interpretation is available. If you find a hidden camera, don't touch it; report it to the police as evidence. Illegal filming is a crime in Korea.

Question 10

Can I drink tap water in Korea?

Accepted Answer

Seoul says its tap water (Arisu) is safe to drink. If you dislike the chlorine smell, let it sit or boil it. Worried about an old building? Seoul offers a free water test.

❓ Questions people ask about Korea