South Korea travel guide for the Irish

Irish citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. This covers holidays, visiting friends and family, and short courses. If you plan to work, study or stay longer, you need a visa before you travel.

At immigration, have your passport, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. The entry process is usually quick, with automated gates available at Incheon for eligible travellers.

Irish citizens do not need a visa for South Korea for tourism stays of up to 90 days. There is no ETA or K-ETA requirement for Irish passport holders at the moment, but always check the latest official guidance before you book, as rules can change with little notice.

Your passport should be valid for the entire period you plan to stay. Entry is usually straightforward, but border officials may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation and sufficient funds, so have those ready.

Ireland does not have an embassy in South Korea. The nearest Irish embassy is in Tokyo, Japan, and it covers South Korea for consular assistance. For emergencies, the embassy in Tokyo can help Irish citizens, but for urgent issues contact the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.

For visa and entry questions, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ireland, based in Dublin. Use the embassy tool to find the right contact for your situation.

South Korea is moderately priced for Irish travellers. A budget traveller can get by on about €50–70 per day, covering a hostel bed, street food and public transport. A mid-range trip with hotels and restaurant meals runs €100–150 per day, and a comfortable trip with nicer hotels and some fine dining starts around €200 per day.

Flights from Ireland to Seoul usually cost €600–1,000 return in economy, depending on the season and how far ahead you book. Internal transport is efficient and cheap: a KTX train from Seoul to Busan costs about €40–50 one way.

There are no direct flights from Ireland to South Korea. You will connect through a European hub such as London, Paris, Frankfurt or Amsterdam. Total flight time is typically 13–16 hours, plus a layover.

Most flights land at Incheon International Airport (ICN), about 50 km west of Seoul. From Incheon, the AREX train reaches Seoul Station in about 43 minutes and costs around ₩9,500 (about €6). Taxis are faster but much more expensive.

South Korea uses 220 V, 60 Hz electricity with plug types C and F, the same as Ireland. Your Irish devices will work without a voltage converter, but you may need a plug adapter if your plugs are the UK type (type G). Most hotels provide adapters on request.

Tipping is not expected anywhere in South Korea. In restaurants, cafés, taxis and hotels, service charges are included and staff do not expect a tip. Leaving a tip can sometimes cause confusion or be politely refused. Rounding up a taxi fare is fine but not necessary.

In an emergency, dial 112 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance. The 1330 travel helpline provides English‑speaking assistance for tourists, including translation help and information. Save these numbers in your phone before you travel.