South Korea
South Korea travel guide for Canadians
Canadians do not need a visa for South Korea for stays up to 90 days for tourism. Arrive at Incheon (ICN) with a passport valid for the length of stay, fill the K-ETA if required, and budget about CAD 150–250 per day for a comfortable trip.
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GuideSouth Korea
Key facts
- Visa required
- No, for tourism stays up to 90 days
- K-ETA
- Electronic travel authorisation; required for most visa‑free visitors
- Passport validity
- Must be valid for the duration of your stay
- Currency
- Korean won (KRW); CAD 1 ≈ ₩1,000 (2026 estimate)
- Plugs
- Types C and F, 220 V 60 Hz
- Tipping
- Not expected anywhere
- Emergency numbers
- 112 police · 119 fire/ambulance · 1330 travel helpline
Quick answer
Canadians can travel to South Korea visa‑free for tourism up to 90 days; obtain a K‑ETA if required, then budget about CAD 150–250 per day.
Entry requirements for Canadians
South Korea grants Canadians visa‑free entry for tourism and short business visits of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire period of your stay. The K‑ETA is an electronic travel authorisation that most visa‑free visitors, including Canadians, need. Verify the current status on the official K‑ETA site or with the embassy before you travel.
On arrival you will go through immigration and may be asked for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Carry a printed or digital copy of your return ticket and hotel booking. If you are transiting through Incheon to a third country, you generally do not need a visa for a short layover, but confirm transit rules with your airline.
| Requirement | For Canadians | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Not required for tourism up to 90 days | Check K‑ETA requirement |
| K‑ETA | Required | Apply online before flying |
| Passport validity | Valid for length of stay | Recommended 6 months |
| Proof of onward travel | May be asked | Return ticket or onward booking |
| Vaccination | No mandatory vaccines | Routine vaccines recommended |
Rules can change; confirm with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Canada or the official K‑ETA site before departure.
Canadian embassy in South Korea
The Embassy of Canada in Seoul is located at 16‑19 Yongsan‑gu, Seoul. Phone: +82‑2‑3783‑6000. It provides consular assistance, passport services and emergency help to Canadians.
After hours, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1‑613‑996‑8885 (collect).
Cost of a trip in CAD
A typical mid‑range trip to South Korea costs about CAD 150–250 per day per person, covering accommodation, food, transport and activities. Budget travellers can manage on CAD 80–120 a day, while luxury stays exceed CAD 400 daily.
Flights from Canada to Seoul (Incheon) cost roughly CAD 900–1,600 round‑trip from Vancouver and CAD 1,100–1,900 from Toronto, depending on season and airline. Internal transport is inexpensive: a KTX train Seoul‑Busan costs about CAD 45–60 one‑way, and Seoul subway rides are CAD 1.50–2.50 per trip.
| Item | Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flight (round trip) | 900–1,900 | From Vancouver or Toronto (2026 estimate) |
| Accommodation (per night) | 40–150 | Hostel to mid‑range hotel |
| Meals (per day) | 20–60 | Street food and casual restaurants |
| KTX Seoul–Busan | 45–60 | One‑way, second class |
| Subway ride | 1.50–2.50 | Single trip with T‑money card |
| Attractions | 0–20 | Palaces, museums, temples |
Prices are 2026 estimates; check current rates before booking.
Electricity and plugs
South Korea uses Type C and Type F plugs, 220 V at 60 Hz. Canadian travellers should bring a universal adapter and, if their devices are not dual‑voltage, a step‑down converter.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in South Korea. Service charges are usually included in restaurant bills and hotels. If you receive exceptional personal service, a small rounded‑up or a few hundred won is appreciated but not required.
Emergency numbers
Dial 112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance, and 1330 for the Korea Travel Hotline (English). Keep the numbers saved on your phone.
Questions people ask
Do Canadians need a visa for South Korea?
No, Canadians can enter South Korea visa‑free for tourism and short business stays of up to 90 days. You need a passport valid for your stay and, depending on current rules, a K‑ETA approved before flying. For longer stays or work, apply for a visa at the Korean embassy in Canada.
How much does a trip to South Korea cost in CAD?
A mid‑range trip costs about CAD 150–250 per day per person, including accommodation, food, transport and activities. Budget travellers can do CAD 80–120 a day. Flights from Canada cost CAD 900–1,900 round‑trip, and a KTX train Seoul‑Busan is about CAD 45–60.
Where is the nearest Canada embassy in South Korea?
The Embassy of Canada in Seoul is at 16‑19 Yongsan‑gu, Seoul, phone +82‑2‑3783‑6000. It provides consular services to Canadians. After hours, call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1‑613‑996‑8885 (collect).
Is the K‑ETA required for Canadians?
The K‑ETA requirement has changed over time. Canadians have been exempt at times and required at others. Check the official K‑ETA website or the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Canada before booking your flight. If required, apply at least a few days before departure.
What is the best time to visit South Korea?
April to June and September to November offer mild weather and clear skies. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid with monsoon rains; winter (December–February) is cold but good for skiing and fewer crowds. Cherry blossoms peak in late March to early April.
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