Seoul essentials

Visas and the K-ETA

British citizens can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or short-term business, with an onward or return ticket; the passport must be valid beyond the date you leave (GOV.UK travel advice). It is illegal to work while visiting visa-free.

Most visa-free visitors need K-ETA, an electronic travel authorisation, before departure, but British nationals are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026 (GOV.UK). If you need one, apply only on the government’s official site, k-eta.go.kr: GOV.UK warns that other sites offering K-ETA are generally scams. Approval can take up to 72 hours.

From the airport

Incheon International Airport is on an island west of the city; the AREX railway runs to Seoul Station, by express or all-stop train (airportrailroad.com). Gimpo Airport, closer in, handles domestic flights and some short international routes.

The metro, T-money and taxis

The metro is the quickest way round the city, with signs and announcements in English; tap in and out with a T-money card, sold and topped up at convenience stores and stations. Taxis are metered; GOV.UK advises using only legitimate taxis or public transport at night.

Palace days and Bukchon’s hours

Each royal palace closes one day a week, and not all on the same day; check the Royal Palaces site (royal.khs.go.kr) before you plan. Changdeokgung’s rear garden, the Huwon, is visited on timed guided tours. In Bukchon, tourist visits to Bukchon-ro 11-gil are allowed only from 10am to 5pm.

The seasons

Seoul has four distinct seasons. Spring brings cherry blossom in April, and autumn, from late September to November, clear skies and red and gold leaves in the palaces; summer is hot, humid and wet, winter cold and dry. The Lunar New Year (Seollal) and Chuseok, the autumn harvest festival, close many shops and restaurants for several days.

Customs and etiquette

Dress respectfully in temples and keep your voice down in Bukchon, where people live. Take off your shoes where others do. GOV.UK notes that under Korean law it is illegal for foreign nationals to take part in political activities, and advises avoiding large public gatherings.

Emergencies and safety

Call 119 for an ambulance or fire and 112 for the police. The 1330 Korea Travel Hotline helps in English and other languages and can interpret on three-way calls, from 7am to midnight (GOV.UK). Civil-emergency exercises sometimes sound sirens; follow any instructions from officials. See our health page for hospitals, and travel with insurance that covers medical costs.

Questions and answers