Ready to dust off your passport?
Finally, after two years of travel restrictions, Australians can begin to travel abroad again… and one of the destinations you might be super curious to know whether you can travel to is South Korea! If binging K-dramas and listening to K-pop during quarantine made you long to travel to Korea, then daydream no more and start planning your trip!
Experience the beauty and culture of South Korea. Image credits tawatchai07 on Freepik
Before you pack your suitcases, here’s everything you need to know on travel to South Korea from Australia:
Can I travel to South Korea from Australia?
Yes! Vaccinated Aussie citizens and residents can travel to South Korea from Australia.
But before you leave Australia you need:
Proof of negative pre-departure COVID-19 test results
Travellers must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR test result in English or Korean. The COVID-19 test must be taken a maximum of 48 hours (2 days) before the date of departure, and the result should be negative.
Mandatory proof of vaccination
You must have proof that you've been fully vaccinated with an internationally-recognised COVID-19 vaccine. If you were vaccinated in Australia, you can get your International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) from the MyGov portal. Travellers who don't have valid proof of vaccination must apply for an exemption to travel overseas.
Do Australian citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
Yes, you need "Electronic Travel Authorisation" or "Visitor Visa" to travel to South Korea with an Australian passport. This K-ETA program between Australia and Korea allows Australian citizens to get a visa waiver called Korea ETA or K-ETA that allows them to stay for tourism and business purposes for at most 90 days and is valid for up to 2 years.
Apply for your K-ETA here.
How long is a flight from Australia to Korea?
A nonstop direct flight will go for about 10 hours and 15 minutes from Sydney to Incheon International Airport (the primary airport serving Seoul)
What happens when I land in Korea?
Upon arrival to a Korean airport, travellers will be required to submit to temperature checks or fill out health questionnaires.Travellers who show COVID symptoms will be subjected to a COVID-19 test and, if positive, hospitalisation. Those who do not exhibit symptoms and/or test negative may continue their adventure.
Is quarantine required in South Korea?
There is no longer a requirement for quarantine when visiting South Korea, but you must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival and isolate at hotel until you get a negative result.
Australians need register their proof of vaccination through the Quarantine COVID-19 Defence (Q-Code) system before departure and scan the provided QR code upon arrival.
Is it safe to travel to South Korea?
Tourists report feeling safe during their travel to Korea. Image credits tawatchai07 on Freepik
South Korea is a very safe country to travel to. Crime rates against foreigners are low, and downtown areas of cities have a strong police presence that mitigates petty crime. Korea also has a Tourist Police stationed at major tourist attractions that not only address the concerns of tourists but also provide them with important information.
For further details, visit the Australian Gov's SmartTraveller site.
What are the must-visit cities in Korea?
SEOUL
Seoul is definitely a top destination amongst those who travel to Korea, thanks to its one-of-a-kind blend of modern technological and structural marvel and Korean traditions. Here are the attractions you can’t miss when you visit Seoul:
- Lotte World
Have a magical time in one of Korea’s most famous theme parks! Image credits @kathi.wanderlust.21 on Instagram
If you love Korean pop culture, chances are you’ve already heard about Lotte World. Located in the heart of Seoul, it’s the country’s top theme park with over 50 attractions. This includes the thrilling Gyro Swing, French Revolution (their famous indoor roller coaster), and the iconic Magic Castle.
- Han River Sevit Island Yacht Experience
Live it up as you cruise in Korea’s most famous river!
Cruise along the Han River in Seoul on a luxury yacht without breaking the bank! Bring your friends and fam and get comfortable onboard as you tour Seoul via its most famous river. Ride past stunning city skylines and watch the sunset on this Han River yacht experience.
- Alive Museum & Dynamic Maze in Seoul
You’ll have the wackiest photos after visiting Alive Museum and Dynamic Maze!
A visit to Alive Museum and Dynamic Maze is guaranteed fun for all ages and a treat for your camera roll! Immerse yourself in interactive artworks by Van Gogh, Manet, and Picasso and take hilarious photos at the optical illusions in Alive Museum. Then navigate through the obstacles and puzzles in Dynamic Maze.
JEJU
Jeju Island, dubbed as the Hawaii of South Korea, is another go-to for tourists who love nature, beaches, and picture-perfect scenery. Aside from frolicking in nature and exploring the beachfront cafés, make sure to check out these activities when you travel to Jeju:
- Jeju Camellia Hill
The bright Camellias make for a beautiful backdrop for your photos! Image credits @camelliahilljeju_ on Instagram
You’ll be in awe of the thousands of colourful fauna and flora in Camellia Hill, an attraction that nature lovers can’t miss while in Jeju. Marvel (and pose with) the vibrant Camellia flowers that are in bloom all year round, even in the cold winter!
- Wind 1947 Cart Riding Experience
Feel the rush when you go-cart riding in Jeju! Image credits @jeju_wind1947 on Instagram
While Jeju is famous for its nature, you can also get your dose of thrill at the Wind 1947 Jeju Extreme Circuit. Challenge your friends and race down a 1,947-metre track, one of the longest in South Korea! All the while, you’ll feel the fresh breeze of Jeju and get a scenic view of Mount Halla.
- Jeju Shinhwa World Ticket
You can also have a theme park and water park experience in Jeju at Shinhwa World!
Double the fun and thrill at Shinhwa World, Jeju’s premier integrated resort and theme park. Shinhwa Theme Park has three zones and 15 rides and attractions that guarantee fun for all ages. You can also head to Shinhwa Water Park to get a dose of adrenaline on Asia’s first 230-metre water slide!
BUSAN
This coastal city is a seafood lover’s dream. It has no shortage of fantastic beaches and traditional markets! Check out these top attractions that you can’t miss out on during your trip to Korea:
- SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium
At SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, fish are friends, not food
The sea is part of Busan’s culture. What perfect way to learn more about the waters’ fascinating dwellers than a visit to SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium? Home to 250 marine species, there’s plenty to see in SEA LIFE, including a glass tunnel where you can walk amongst the fish on the ocean floor and a shark tank where you can feed the friendly sharks.
- Museum DAH
It’s like stepping into a whole new artistic world when you enter Museum DAH!
Museum DAH is not your ordinary museum. This ultra-modern attraction is Korea’s most prominent digital art museum, where there’s art in every corner. Step into interactive art made up of thousands of LED lights and marvel at the interactive images.
- Busan Night Tour with Songdo Cable Car, The Bay 101, Gwangalli Beach, and Yeongdo Seaside Park
Tour Busan at night when all the city lights twinkle like stars!
Experience the heart and soul of the city and go on a three-hour Busan Night Tour, where you’ll stop by all the must-see sights. These include Illumia Park with its magical light displays, sandy Gwangalli Beach, Gwangan suspension bridge, and more!
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