Korea Trip Checklist: What to Sort Out Before You Fly

Seven things to check before a trip to Korea — entry rules, travel insurance, internet, money, apps, getting from the airport and luggage — with a printable table at the end.

1. Entry: K-ETA, visa or neither?

Whether you need a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), a visa or neither depends on your nationality, your passport and the purpose of your trip — and the rules and temporary exemptions change. Don’t rely on a blog post (including this one): check the official sites before you book, and again a few weeks before you fly.

• Check the official K-ETA website to see whether your nationality needs a K-ETA or is currently exempt.
• Check the Korea Visa Portal or your nearest Korean embassy if you may need a visa.
• Make sure your passport is valid for your whole stay (your airline may have its own rules — ask them).

Official sources: K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) · Korea Visa Portal

2. Travel insurance

Korean hospitals are good, but treatment, tests or an emergency stay can add up quickly. It’s worth comparing policies that cover medical treatment, trip delays and lost luggage — for example on EKTA (affiliate link).

Read what each policy excludes (pre-existing conditions, some sports) and keep the policy number and emergency phone number on your phone.

3. Internet: eSIM, SIM or pocket Wi-Fi

You’ll want data from the moment you land — for maps, taxi apps and translation. If your phone supports eSIM, installing one at home is the least hassle.

Not sure which to pick? See Korea eSIM vs SIM vs pocket Wi-Fi.

4. Money: cards, cash and tax refunds

• Bring a Visa or Mastercard plus a backup card, and some cash for markets and street food — details in Paying in Korea.
• Tell your bank you’re travelling, and keep your home SIM reachable if it sends one-time codes by SMS.
• Planning to shop? Keep your passport with you and estimate your tax refund.

5. Apps to install before you go

Install a map app (Naver Map or Kakao Map), a taxi app (Kakao T or Uber) and Papago for translation before you fly.

What works without a Korean number: Using Korean apps without a Korean number.

6. Arrival: getting from the airport

Know how you’ll get to your hotel before you land — especially if you arrive late at night. Compare the AREX train, limousine bus, taxi and pickup in Incheon Airport to Seoul.

7. Luggage: the gap between check-out and your flight

Early arrival, late flight home? Plan where your bags will be between check-out and the airport.

Checklist at a glance

Last checked: September 2026. Entry rules and services change — always confirm on the official site or the provider’s page.

FAQ

Do I need a K-ETA for Korea?

It depends on your nationality, and exemptions can be temporary. Check the official K-ETA website (k-eta.go.kr) before you book — and apply only there, not through look-alike sites.

Is travel insurance required to enter Korea?

Tourists are generally not asked to show it at the border, but Korea’s national health insurance doesn’t cover short-term visitors, so without travel insurance you usually pay medical bills yourself.

What should I install on my phone before flying to Korea?

A map app (Naver Map or Kakao Map), a taxi app (Kakao T or Uber), Papago for translation and your eSIM if you use one. Sign up while you still have Wi-Fi and your home number.

How much cash should I bring?

Cards work almost everywhere in cities; a small amount of cash for markets and street food is usually enough. See Paying in Korea.

Related guides

• Korea eSIM vs SIM vs pocket Wi-Fi
• Incheon Airport to Seoul: AREX vs bus vs taxi vs pickup
• Paying in Korea: cards, cash, T-money
• Flight delayed or cancelled to/from Korea? What to do