GoSouth Korea Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Chinese citizens traveling to South Korea need to apply for visas at the Consulate General of the South Korean Embassy in China or the Consulates General in Shanghai, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Chengdu, Xi'an, Wuhan, and Hong Kong based on the division of the South Korean territory in China (excluding those who meet the conditions for visa free entry). There are various types of visas, including travel, work, business, and family visits. The visa application process and required documents vary depending on the consulate, passport and visa type, and agency in the region. Visa belongs to the sovereignty of a country, and holding a valid visa does not necessarily mean smooth entry.

The following six situations are eligible for visa free entry into South Korea: first, Jeju Province tourism visa free entry; Secondly, there is visa free transit to third countries such as the United States, Canada, and New Zealand; Thirdly, transferring at Incheon International Airport and participating in transfer sightseeing programs; Fourthly, Chinese group tourists departing from China (including Hong Kong and Macau) to Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae, Cheongju, Woan, Daegu, and Xiangyang International Airport in South Korea will travel within 5 days before transferring to domestic flights to Jeju Island; Number five is visa free entry for youth study tours; Six are Chinese group tourists who hold a Japanese group tourist visa and travel from China to Japan via South Korea, as well as Chinese group tourists who travel from Japan to China or third countries via South Korea. For visa free entry requirements, please refer to the website of the Embassy of South Korea in China（ http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/cn-zh/index.do ）.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

South Korea's entry customs review is divided into two categories: native and foreign. When Chinese citizens enter the country, they need to show valid passports (crew members need to show passports and crew identity certificates) and entry registration cards at the Alien Entry Examination Desk. In case of passport expiration, inconsistency between visa types and entry purposes, they may be refused entry. When entering, turn your phone to vibration mode and remove your hat and sunglasses in advance. After passing through the customs gate metal detector at the checkpoint, luggage can be collected and then the customs channel can be selected. If there are no declared items, you can go through the duty-free channel. If there are declared items, please go through the customs inspection channel.

Customs declaration requires filling out a declaration form for carried items and a declaration form for personal luggage. If the value of the items carried does not exceed 600 US dollars and the foreign currency held does not exceed 10000 US dollars, they can be processed at a simple tax-free counter. The scope of duty-free goods is: 1 bottle of alcohol (less than 1 liter, less than $400), 200 cigarettes, 60 ml perfume (alcohol and cigarettes are not included for those under 19 years old). If you bring more than $10000 in cash upon entry, you need to declare it. Non long-term travelers who carry foreign currency or Korean won equivalent to over 10000 US dollars when leaving Korea must obtain permission from Korean banks or customs (the declared amount upon entry does not need to be declared again).

When bringing animals or animal products into the country, it is necessary to submit a quarantine certificate issued by the animal quarantine agency of the exporting country to the National Institute of Veterinary Science and Quarantine of South Korea and undergo quarantine; When bringing plants into the country, it is necessary to present a phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country and undergo quarantine at the Korean Plant Quarantine Institute; Most raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and plants with soil are prohibited from import, and violators will be fined.

Starting from June 1, 2019, South Korea has imposed heavy fines on individuals who illegally bring livestock products into the country, with a maximum fine of up to 10 million Korean won (approximately 60000 RMB), and has taken measures such as prohibiting entry and restricting residence. Please strictly comply with relevant regulations and do not bring meat, meat products, eggs, and dairy products such as beef, mutton, pork, sausages, blood sausages, dumplings, jerky, pork ribs, duck necks, eggs, milk, etc., to avoid affecting entry and residence in Korea. For specific details, please refer to the website of the South Korean Customs Department（ https://www.customs.go.kr/kcs/main.do ）.

Residency and Naturalization

Staying in Korea is divided into short-term stay (less than 90 days), long-term stay (more than 91 days), and permanent stay based on the length of time. South Korea allows foreign citizens to join their nationality. For details, please consult the Foreigner Policy Headquarters of the Korean Ministry of Justice（ http://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration/index.do ）.

The risk level for South Korea is blue (low risk)

public security

South Korean society is stable and the security situation is good. Koreans generally attach importance to ethics, have a high level of education and a strong sense of law-abiding. Very few people fight or make noise, and it's almost impossible to see anyone crossing the road. Police officers are usually on duty at important government institutions such as the Presidential Palace.

The Korean people are generally friendly. When getting lost, asking the police or pedestrians for directions usually receives friendly guidance. However, when traveling in South Korea, one should also have a basic sense of prevention, pay attention to keeping personal belongings safe, and not go to unfamiliar, remote, or dangerous places. In recent years, telecommunications fraud cases have frequently occurred in South Korea, and many people have been arrested and sentenced for depositing and receiving cash and property on behalf of others. Please take precautions. If cash and valuable items are lost, please report to the nearby police station and obtain a "Certificate of Theft and Loss"; If you lose your passport, please apply to the local Chinese embassy or consulate for a replacement.

natural disaster

South Korea has relatively few natural disasters, with occasional typhoons.

FDA

The food hygiene situation in South Korea is relatively good, but there are many spicy, raw and cold foods that require extra attention to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.

Urgent Help

Crime alarm: 112

Fire, accident and rescue: 119

Emergency Hospital Consultation and Hospital Guide (Emergency Medical Service for Foreigners): 1339

Foreigner Medical Consultation Center: 1577-7129

Emergency Help for Married Korean Woman: 1577-1366

Report hotline for victims of sexual violence in South Korea: 117

Korean Legal Aid Corps: 132

Maritime rescue: 122

Online fraud report: 118

Patient Transfer (Korean Rescue Association): 1577-2911

Incheon Airport Lost and Found Center: 032-741-3110

Jinpu Airport Lost and Found Center: 02-2660-4097

Xiangyang Airport Lost and Found Center: 033-634-0363

Jinhai Airport Lost and Found Center: 051-974-3776

Jeju Airport Lost and Found Center: 064-797-2521

Wu'an Airport Lost and Found Center: 061-455-2302 (9am to 6pm) 061-455-2309 (6pm to 9am the next day)

Gwangju Airport Lost and Found Center: 062-940-0315

air traffic

Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Jeju, Daegu, Cheongju and other cities in South Korea have direct flights with China, which can reach Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou and other places in China. There are flights between major cities in South Korea, such as Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Gwangju, and Jeju.

The main international airports in South Korea include Incheon, Gimpo, Busan, Jeju, Woan, Cheongju, and Xiangyang. The main modes of transportation to and from the airport include airport shuttle buses, subway lines, taxis, or self driving.

land transport

South Korea has complete transportation infrastructure, with both vehicles and pedestrians passing on the right side. There are long-distance buses operating between the capital Seoul and various local cities, and they are also connected to buses, subways, and other facilities within the city, making it very convenient. Passengers can purchase tickets and board the bus at the long-distance bus station on their own, or make reservations for tickets through the internet or phone. Depending on the destination, the operating interval for vehicles on each route is generally 15 minutes to 1 hour. Specific operating hours can be obtained from the Korea Road Corporation（ http://www.ex.co.kr/ ）Provide consultation. South Korean trains are divided into KTX, Shin Cun Express, and Infinite Flower Express, with stations in major cities.

If you hold a driver's license issued by a legitimate foreign institution, you can drive in Korea after completing the necessary change procedures. Chinese who do not have a driver's license and have lived in South Korea for more than 6 months can take the unified driving test in South Korea with a passport or alien registration certificate, and the test language can be Chinese or English. For specific procedures and required materials, please refer to the Korean government's e-government website for foreigners（ https://www.hikorea.go.kr/Main.pt ）, or call the Korean Driving Test Management Team Center at 1577-1120.

For information on self driving rental companies, please call 114 for consultation.

water communication

South Korea is a peninsula country with numerous coastal ports and a developed shipping industry. There are regular passenger and freight ferry routes between Tianjin, Qingdao, Dalian, Yantai, Weihai, Lianyungang in China and Incheon, Busan, Pyeongtaek and other places in South Korea. Operations are often affected by factors such as seasons and weather, and the timing and shipping costs may vary according to the regulations of each shipping company. Please pay attention to the notices from the shipping company before traveling.

Note: After the COVID-19, passenger routes between China and South Korea were temporarily suspended.

Urban transportation

1. Subway

Major cities in South Korea, such as Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daegu, all have subways. The subway network in Seoul is well-developed, and each line is marked with different colors. Passengers can purchase tickets at ticket counters or vending machines.

2. Bus

There are many types of buses in Korea. Green represents regional buses (operating within a single area), blue represents mainline buses (operating within two or more areas), yellow represents central buses (circulating within the city center), and red represents buses outside the city (connecting Seoul with surrounding satellite cities). You can take a long-distance bus from Seoul Bus Station to areas outside of Gyeonggi Province.

3. Taxi

Korean taxis are divided into three types: regular taxis, large taxis, and model taxis, all of which can be booked. Model taxis generally have a black body and gold stripes, which charge higher than regular taxis (white, silver, orange, etc.), but provide attentive service and comfortable ride. In addition, you can also enjoy ride hailing services through Uber and KakaoT.

major city

1、 Seoul Special City

The capital of South Korea and the largest city in the country. Located in the central western part of the peninsula, about 30 kilometers from the west coast and about 70 kilometers from the military demarcation line in Panmunjom. The total area is 605.77 square kilometers, with 25 districts under its jurisdiction. The Han River divides the city into two parts from east to west. The population is 9.428 million people (as of September 2023). Ancient Seoul was founded during the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC to 660 BC) and was then known as the cities of Waili and Hanshan; During the Goryeo period (918-1392), it was called Nanjing and Hanyang; After the founding of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the capital was relocated to Hanyang and renamed as Hancheng; After Japan annexed Korea in 1910, it was renamed Jingcheng. After the liberation of the Korean Peninsula in August 1945, it was renamed as Seoul, and its Chinese translation remained as Seoul; In January 2005, the Chinese translation was changed to "Seoul". Seoul is the political, economic, cultural, and educational center of South Korea. The main industries include textiles, chemicals, machinery, electronics, and food. Famous historical sites include Jingfu Palace, Changde Palace, Deshou Palace, and Changqing Palace.

2、 Incheon Metropolitan City

Incheon Metropolitan City is located in the central western part of the peninsula, adjacent to the West Sea (Yellow Sea), about 28km from Seoul, with an area of 986.45 square kilometers and a population of 2.967 million people (as of September 2023). It was upgraded to a direct controlled municipality on July 1, 1981, and renamed as a wide area city on January 1, 1995. The tertiary industry accounts for a large proportion, with 7 industrial parks including Nandong Industrial Park and Fuping Industrial Park in the city, and more than 7400 enterprises. Incheon International Airport is the largest international airport in South Korea and also the largest civilian airport in the country. Incheon Port has developed transportation and is the second largest seaport in South Korea after Busan Port.

3、 Daegu Metropolitan City

Daegu Metropolitan City is located in central western South Korea, covering an area of 539.85 square kilometers and a population of 1.446 million people (as of September 2023). It was originally part of Chungcheongnam do and was renamed Metropolitan City in 1989. Daegu has convenient transportation and is a transportation hub in the central region, located at the intersection of the Gyeongbu Line, Hunan Line, Gyeongbu Expressway, and Hunan Expressway in South Korea. Daejeon is the center of science and technology in South Korea, where research institutions such as the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) are located. The World Expo was held in 1993.

4、 Shizong Special Autonomous City

Sejong Special Autonomous City is located approximately 120 kilometers south of Seoul, with an area of 465 square kilometers and a population of 384000 people (as of September 2023). It was established on July 1, 2012, and is located at the border of Yanqi County and Gongju City in Chungcheongnam do.

During the Roh Moo hyun government, an administrative center city plan was formulated to build a new city to replace Seoul as the administrative capital, named Sejong City. During the Lee Myung bak administration, the plan was temporarily interrupted. At present, in addition to important state organs such as the Presidential Office, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court of South Korea, other government agencies have gradually relocated here. Shizong City is committed to developing cutting-edge urban industries such as green agriculture, clean energy, IT, and biotechnology.

5、 Busan Metropolitan City

Busan Metropolitan City is located at the southeastern end of the peninsula, with an area of 765.6 square kilometers and a population of 3.318 million people (as of September 2023). It has 16 administrative districts. Busan was originally a fishing village, known as Donglai during the Silla era. During the reign of King Goryeo Gongmin, it was named Busan because the mountains in the area resembled pots. It was established as a commercial port in 1443, an international trade port in 1876, and the capital of Gyeongsangnam do in 1929. In 1949, it was renamed Busan City, upgraded to a direct controlled municipality in 1963, and renamed as a wide area city in 1995. Busan has developed light industry and logistics industry, as well as a certain scale in shipbuilding, automotive and parts industries, and has the largest seafood trading market in South Korea.

6、 Ulsan Metropolitan City

Ulsan Metropolitan City is located in the southeastern part of the peninsula, 415 kilometers away from Seoul. It borders Busan to the south, Gyeongju to the north, and the East Sea (Sea of Japan) to the east. The area is 1057 square kilometers. The population is 1.111 million people (as of September 2023). It became a special industrial zone in 1962 and was upgraded to a wide area city in July 1997. There are five industrial parks in the city, including Weipu, Ulsan Petrochemical, and Wenshan, with developed industries such as automobiles, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals. The petrochemical factories of major corporations such as Hyundai Motor, Hyundai Heavy Industries (Shipbuilding), and SK are all located here. Ulsan Port is the largest heavy chemical industrial zone port in South Korea, with an annual throughput of 160 million tons, ranking alongside Incheon, Gwangyang, and Busan ports as the four major ports in South Korea with a throughput of over 100 million tons

7、 Daegu Metropolitan City

Daegu Metropolitan City is located in the central mountainous basin on the east side of the middle reaches of the Lodong River, with an area of 884.1 square kilometers and a population of 2.364 million people (as of September 2023). Daegu was formerly known as Dachuhuo County and Dafu City. In the 16th year of King Silla Jingde's reign (757 AD), it was renamed Daqiu. In 1419 AD, it was upgraded from a county to a county. In August 1949, it was renamed Daegu City, and on July 1, 1981, it was upgraded to a direct controlled municipality. In 1995, it was renamed as a wide area city. Daegu has a developed fiber industry and a certain scale in the mechanical, metal, and automotive parts industries.

8、 Gwangju Metropolitan City

Gwangju Metropolitan City is located in the southwest of the peninsula, with an area of 501.3 square kilometers and a population of 1.431 million people (as of September 2023). Gwangju is the central city and transportation hub of the southern region of South Korea (including Jeollanam and North Jeolla provinces), with daily travel to and from various parts of the country. It was established as a direct controlled municipality on November 1, 1986 and renamed as a wide area city in January 1995. The main local celebrations include the Gwangju Biennale (Fine Arts Exhibition), Gwangju Design Biennale, Lim Fong wai National Music Festival, Gwangju Kimchi Culture Festival, Gwangju Zheng L ü cheng International Music Festival, etc.

9、 Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

Located in the south of the peninsula, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is composed of Jeju Island, the largest island in South Korea, and its 26 affiliated islands, with an area of 1850 square kilometers and a population of 678000 (September 2023). It has jurisdiction over two cities, Jeju and Xiguipu, with Jeju City as its capital. Han Lang Mountain in the center of the island has an elevation of 1950 meters and is the highest peak in South Korea. The main industries are tourism and agriculture, and the main celebrations include the Xiguipu Rapeseed International Hiking Conference, Rapeseed Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, Citrus Marathon, Wildfire Festival, etc.

Commodity prices

The basic currency unit in South Korea is the Korean won, which is divided into two types: paper currency and coins. The denominations of banknotes are 1000, 5000, 10000, and 50000 respectively. The coin denominations are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 Korean won, with 1 yuan and 5 yuan denominations being rarely circulated. The exchange rate in South Korea fluctuates greatly, please refer to the real-time exchange rate information of various banks. In South Korea, the price of goods usually includes a 10% additional tax, and some goods are exempt from tax. Foreign tourists can fill out a tax refund form at designated tax refund points and handle the tax refund procedures at the airport.

Commercial banks in South Korea, as well as financial institutions such as the Agricultural Cooperative and the New Rural Treasury, can open personal accounts to handle deposit and withdrawal transactions. The business hours are generally from 9am to 4:30pm from Monday to Friday, and are closed on holidays. The Bank of Korea implements the real name system. Foreigners need to carry their registration cards and passports. If you need to exchange currency, you can go to a bank with the Exchange logo to handle it. Several Chinese banks, including Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, have branches in major cities in South Korea. In 2005, China UnionPay launched its Korean service. At present, many merchants and ATM machines in South Korea can accept UnionPay card consumption, withdrawals, etc. Please refer to the official website of UnionPay for specific usage instructions.

Insurance Medical

1、 Medical institutions

Each city in South Korea has pharmacies, medical stations, clinics, general hospitals, specialized hospitals, and comprehensive hospitals. Patients usually seek medical treatment at community medical stations or clinics first, and then go to general hospitals, specialized hospitals, or comprehensive hospitals according to their condition needs. Large comprehensive hospitals have advanced equipment, complete diagnosis and treatment departments, and generally have a large number of patients seeking medical treatment. Personal clinics such as pediatrics and internal medicine, established by a small number of specialist doctors, are often located around the community, which is very convenient. There are also Korean hospitals similar to TCM clinics in South Korea, which often use traditional medical methods such as acupuncture and moxibustion and massage to diagnose and treat patients. Health clinics are public medical institutions supported by the government, providing free tuberculosis testing, blood pressure measurement, blood tests, vaccination, and regular check ups for children.

South Korea implements prescription management for the sale of pharmaceuticals, and hospitals generally do not sell drugs. Patients need to bring a doctor's prescription to the pharmacy to purchase them themselves. Commonly used cold medicines, digestive agents, fever reducing drugs, painkillers, and various ointments can be purchased without a prescription. Korean pharmacies are scattered throughout the streets and alleys, many of which are open 24 hours a day and have dedicated pharmacists.

Foreign tourists, businessmen, migrant workers, etc. in South Korea can use 1339 foreign emergency medical services in case of accidental injury or sudden illness. You can make direct calls using your mobile phone or landline, and an ambulance can also be dispatched in case of emergency. In addition, there are also foreign medical consultation centers that can introduce medical institutions, diagnosis and treatment procedures and other information for foreign patients, and accept complaints and complaints. 24-hour hotline: 1577-7129 (providing Chinese services).

2、 Insurance Services

The healthcare security system in South Korea is sound, and the national medical insurance benefits every person with residency in South Korea. As long as one has legal residency, they can join the national medical insurance system with a rate of 3.9% of their income.

（1） Foreigner health insurance

According to the National Health Insurance Law of South Korea, foreigners who hold visas D, E, F, G and H and have stayed in South Korea for more than 6 months in a row must join the national health insurance, and the insurance expense is calculated according to their personal income. After joining the National Health Insurance, foreigners in Korea can enjoy Korean national treatment in terms of medical treatment, hospitalization, intensive care, physical examination, etc. According to relevant requirements, eligible individuals are required to pay the insurance premiums for the following month before the 25th of each month. If not paid on time, it may affect the subsequent extension of residence. For more information, please call the National Health Insurance Corporation at 1577-1000.

（2） Foreign Labor Industrial Disaster Compensation Insurance (Industrial Disaster Insurance)

Industrial disaster insurance mainly targets workers who suffer from work-related injuries, illnesses, disabilities, or deaths, providing treatment and guaranteeing their income during the treatment period in order to maintain the normal life of their families. Regardless of whether the residency status in Korea is legal or not, one can enjoy property and casualty insurance. After an accident occurs, if the owner of the work unit does not acknowledge the accident and does not declare the property accident insurance, the victim can submit an application to the labor welfare association office within the jurisdiction of the work unit to demand compensation. During the treatment period, two types of compensation can be received: treatment fees and lost wages, which are 70% -90% of the average salary. In addition, depending on the situation, compensation such as injury and illness compensation annuity, disability compensation, and accompanying expenses can also be obtained.

For specific details, please refer to the official website of the Korean Labor Welfare Association Headquarters（ https://www.kcomwel.or.kr/kcomwel/main.jsp ）Official website of the National Health Insurance Corporation（ https://www.nhis.or.kr/retrieveHomeMain.xx ）.

Customs taboos

In South Korea, Christians and Buddhists make up about half of the total population. The South Korean government stipulates that South Korean citizens must respect the national flag, anthem, and national flower. When the national anthem is played before important events, attendees must stand up. If foreigners show too little respect in the above places, they will be considered disrespectful. South Korea has implemented a comprehensive smoking ban in public places. Smoking must be done in designated areas and cannot be done while walking.

Influenced by Confucianism, respecting elders, filial parents, and teachers is a social custom in South Korea that values status, seniority, and age. Respect elders with high status and seniority, use respectful language when speaking, greet each other first when meeting, and make way when traveling together. When handing over items to teachers and individuals with status, one should use both hands and bow in salute. Take off your shoes when entering Korean residence or Korean restaurant. When dining in a traditional Korean restaurant, it is necessary to cross legged on a heated kang. When crossing legs, never stretch or spread your legs apart. Koreans like to pour wine to each other instead of themselves. Young people should take the initiative to pour wine for the elderly.

Important festivals in South Korea include New Year's Day (January 1), the Spring Festival (the first day of the first lunar month), the Independence Movement Memorial Day (March 1), the Buddha's Day (the eighth day of the fourth lunar month), the Loyalty Day (June 6), the Constitutional Day (July 17), the Guangfu Festival (August 15), the Mid-Autumn Festival (the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month), the Day of Beginning (October 3) and Christmas Day (December 25).

Communications Power

South Korea has a well-developed communication network and fast internet speed. Major hotels and most guesthouses and inns provide internet services, and free wireless internet can also be used in public places such as airports, universities, and cafes. After enabling international roaming on domestic mobile phones, they can be used in Korea. International long-distance calls in Korea can be made using low-cost numbers such as 001, 002, 00345, 00700, 00770, etc.

The voltage in South Korea is the same as in China, usually 220V, and the current frequency is 60Hz. The power socket is a two-phase round plug. When bringing electrical appliances purchased from China to South Korea for use, a power adapter is required.

contact information