Thinking of traveling the world with your South Korean passport? You’re in luck. As a South Korean citizen, you hold one of the most powerful passports on the planet. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous beach escape, a business trip, or a long-awaited tour of Europe, your passport opens doors in exactly 190 countries.

That being said, you should note that not all visa rules are the same. In some places you would allowed in without any paperwork, others require a quick eVisa, and a few still ask you to apply the old-school way.

In this guide, I’ve broken everything down based on the following:

• Where you can go visa-free (and for how long)
• Countries offering visa on arrival
• Destinations with quick and easy eVisa options
• Places where you can get a visa either on arrival or online
• And finally, where you still need to apply in advance

Let’s make travel easier for every South Korean explorer. If you are ready, let’s dive in!

Visa Not Required (With Stay Duration)

If you’re a proud holder of a South Korean passport, you’ve got one of the most powerful travel documents in the world. This means there are many countries you can visit without needing a visa at all. Just pack your bags, show up, and enjoy the trip. You don’t need any paperwork. Neither do you have to wait. Below are the countries where you can enter visa-free, including how long you’re allowed to stay.

Visa on Arrival (for South Korean Citizens)

For these destinations, you don’t need to apply for a visa before you fly. Instead, you’ll receive a visa when you land (usually right at the airport). It’s super convenient and a great option for spontaneous trips. Here’s a list of countries where South Koreans can get a visa on arrival.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh
🇧🇴 Bolivia
🇰🇲 Comoros
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇬🇾 Guyana
🇮🇷 Iran
🇯🇴 Jordan
🇱🇦 Laos
🇱🇧 Lebanon
🇲🇻 Maldives
🇲🇭 Marshall Islands
🇲🇷 Mauritania
🇲🇿 Mozambique
🇳🇵 Nepal
🇵🇼 Palau
🇷🇼 Rwanda
🇼🇸 Samoa
🇸🇳 Senegal
🇸🇨 Seychelles
🇸🇧 Solomon Islands
🇹🇯 Tajikistan
🇹🇱 Timor-Leste
🇹🇬 Togo
🇹🇻 Tuvalu
🇿🇲 Zambia
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe

eVisa Required

Some countries still require a visa but have made it easier by moving the process online. With an eVisa, you can apply and get approved before your trip, straight from your laptop or phone. These are the countries that allow South Koreans to use an eVisa system instead of going to an embassy.

🇦🇲 Armenia
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
🇧🇭 Bahrain
🇧🇯 Benin
🇧🇹 Bhutan
🇨🇲 Cameroon
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire
🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo
🇩🇯 Djibouti
🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
🇬🇦 Gabon
🇬🇳 Guinea
🇮🇳 India
🇰🇪 Kenya
🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan
🇲🇬 Madagascar
🇲🇼 Malawi
🇲🇲 Myanmar
🇳🇦 Namibia
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇵🇰 Pakistan
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
🇸🇸 South Sudan
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
🇸🇩 Sudan
🇸🇷 Suriname
🇹🇿 Tanzania
🇺🇬 Uganda
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan

Visa Available Both on Arrival or Online

This is the best of both worlds. These countries let you choose. South Korean travelers can either apply online in advance or just get the visa at the airport when they arrive. It’s flexible and traveler-friendly. Here’s the list of countries that offer both eVisa and visa on arrival options.

🇰🇭 Cambodia
🇮🇶 Iraq
🇱🇦 Laos
🇹🇯 Tajikistan
🇻🇳 Vietnam

Visa Required in Advance

While the South Korean passport is incredibly powerful, there are still a few places that require you to get a visa before traveling. That means more planning is needed. And South Korean citizen would usually have to do this through an embassy or consulate. These are the countries where you’ll need to get a visa in advance before you can enter.

🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🇩🇿 Algeria
🇦🇴 Angola
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
🇨🇫 Central African Republic
🇹🇩 Chad
🇨🇳 China
🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo
🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo
🇨🇺 Cuba
🇪🇷 Eritrea
🇬🇲 Gambia
🇬🇭 Ghana
🇱🇷 Liberia
🇱🇾 Libya
🇲🇱 Mali
🇳🇪 Niger
🇰🇵 North Korea
🇸🇾 Syria
🇹🇲 Turkmenistan
🇾🇪 Yemen

FAQ for South Korean Passport Holders

How powerful is the South Korean passport in 2025?

Very powerful. South Korea consistently ranks among the top 5 passports in the world for visa-free travel. As of 2025, Korean citizens can visit over 190 countries either visa-free or with simplified visa processes like eVisa or visa-on-arrival.

Do South Koreans need a visa to travel to Europe?

Nope! South Korean passport holders can visit all Schengen Area countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This includes destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

What about the United States?

Yes, you can travel to the U.S. without a visa, but you must apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) in advance. It’s valid for 2 years and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit.

Can I get a visa on arrival as a South Korean traveler?

Yes, many countries like Egypt, Nepal, and the Maldives offer visa on arrival options for Korean citizens. That means you don’t have to apply before you go. You’ll get the visa at the airport when you land.

What’s an eVisa and where can I get one?

An eVisa is a visa you apply for online. It’s super convenient. You have no business visiting an embassy or doing paperwork. Countries like India, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia allow South Koreans to apply for eVisas.

Do I need to carry travel insurance?

It’s not always mandatory, but I highly recommend it. Some countries may ask for proof of insurance upon entry, and it’s always better to be protected in case of medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost baggage.

How can I find out if a country has changed its visa rules?

Visa policies can change quickly. Always double-check with the official embassy website or use trusted government travel advisories before you book your trip. I try to keep this page updated, but it’s always good to verify.

Can I work or study abroad with a visa-free entry?

In most cases, the answer is no. Visa-free entry is usually for tourism or short business visits. If you plan to work, study, or stay long-term, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit.