Situation
Before you fly
Last verified
What to check before you leave: entry paperwork, your phone number and SMS, your cards, and the apps you plan to use for transport, maps and restaurants.
These are the checked questions you can settle at home, in this order: entry first, then your phone and cards, then the apps and bookings that use them. Each question keeps its own verdict, sources and checked date.
How to read these labels
Verdict
- Works Works in the conditions described.
- Partly Some of it works and some doesn’t. The details say which.
- Doesn’t work Doesn’t work in the conditions described.
- Not confirmed No answer yet. The evidence isn’t enough to say.
- Unknown The evidence is overdue for a re-check, so no answer is shown until it’s checked again.
Evidence
- Confirmed source Solid outline. Backed by an official source or a test by the founder.
- Tested by a friend — unverifiedcommunity_reported, unverified Dotted outline. A friend’s test or a community report, not checked independently.
- Not confirmed Grey outline. No qualifying source yet. Unknown labels are grey too.
Each source shows its own date. Last verified is the oldest of those dates.
Entry paperwork
2 questions
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
Your phone number and SMS
2 questions
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
Your cards and payments
4 questions
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
-
Payments
Can I use Kakao Pay as a visitor?
Partly · Confirmed sourceChecked
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
Getting around
6 questions
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
- Doesn’t work · Confirmed source · Official source (EN) dated , checked
Checked
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
Maps and restaurant bookings
4 questions
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
- Partly · Confirmed source · Official source (KO) dated , checked
Checked
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
Where you stay and what you visit
2 questions
- Partly · Confirmed source
Checked
- Partly · Confirmed source · Official source (KO) dated , checked
Checked
Sources
-
[S10]Official source (EN) Observed: · Checked:Details
The K-ETA notice extends the temporary exemption for the listed countries and regions through 2026-12-31. Exempt travellers may apply voluntarily, for a fee, to avoid filing an arrival card.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S11]Official source (EN) Observed: · Checked:Details
The Swiss embassy notice gives the same K-ETA exemption end date, 2026-12-31, and includes Switzerland and Liechtenstein in its country list.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S77]Official source (EN) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
The government guide describes free online e-Arrival Card filing from three days before arrival and identifies it as a separate system from K-ETA.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S71]Official source (EN) Observed: · Checked:Details
KT's July 2026 visitor SIM/eSIM guide describes a 010 number and free incoming calls and SMS after entry verification. Voice and SMS are restricted beforehand. Online entry checks are once per passport; the guide also directs users to airport KT roaming centres.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S72]Official source (EN) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
SK Telecom presents data-only eSIM plans separately from plans with voice and text. The plan categories do not establish success in an app identity check.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S91]Official source (EN) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
WOWPASS describes overseas-card app top-ups and offline IC-chip payments from its payment balance, excluding online and delivery-app payments. Its separate Tmoney balance is tapped for transit and is topped up offline with Korean won cash.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
The FAQ gives inconsistent reissue fees, so no fees are quoted. The cash condition applies to offline Tmoney top-ups; it is not a claim about every app transfer route.
-
[S84]Official source (EN) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
Tmoney describes physical-card top-ups using Korean won cash at convenience stores and station machines or information centres. The guide also describes transfer discounts.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
This is the physical-card guide; it does not establish overseas-card payment at every top-up channel.
-
[S89]Official source (EN) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
Tmoney lists the physical Climate Card at KRW 3,000, warns that foreign cards may be declined or surcharged, and limits short-term reloads to after expiry. The card is not for shop payments.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
These are operator conditions, not a successful foreign-card or refund test.
-
[S73]Official source (EN) Observed: · Checked:Details
JCB's ATM partner list, current to 2026-09-15, says foreign-issued cards in Korea are limited to Global ATMs. It names Korean partner institutions and notes that limits may differ.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S92]Official source (KO) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
Kakao Pay’s merchant page describes an Alipay+ connection at offline Kakao Pay merchants for foreign tourists’ payments.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
Merchant-facing information about the Alipay+ route does not establish that a visitor is eligible for a Kakao Pay account or that every wallet and shop is covered.
-
[S67]Official source (KO) Observed: · Checked:Details
Article 6, effective 2026-01-02, sets immediate-refund purchase limits: under KRW 1,000,000 per tax-inclusive transaction and up to KRW 5,000,000 in total after entry. Goods must leave Korea within three months.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S68]Official source (KO) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
Global Tax Free describes in-store passport checks for immediate-refund eligibility. It lists purchases from KRW 15,000 to below KRW 1,000,000, a KRW 5,000,000 total limit and foreign visitors staying less than six months.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S88]Official source (EN) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
Seoul lists 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- and 7-day passes at KRW 5,000, 8,000, 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000. Validity starts on the charging day. The page sets service boundaries and excludes Sinbundang and airport or intercity buses; 30-day reloads ended on August 31, 2026.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
No publication date was supplied. The page’s card-acceptance start date conflicts with the March 17, 2026 release; no start date is asserted here.
-
[S86]Official source (EN) Observed: · Checked:Details
Seoul describes a 2025–2030 open-loop payment programme, placing bus EMV modules and back-office work in 2025–2026. It also describes overseas-card reloads in the Android Korea Tour Card app and a planned Apple Pay reload route.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
This is a dated rollout plan. It does not establish a current Apple Pay reload service or a confirmed direct-tap launch date.
-
[S85]Official source (EN) Observed: · Checked:Details
Seoul announced international Visa and Mastercard payments at 440 new machines in 273 stations on Lines 1–8 for Climate Card purchases, short-term reloads and single-journey tickets, with a fee of about 3.7%.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
The date is the city release date. A conflicting start date in the general Climate Card page is not used. No machine transaction was tested.
-
[S87]Secondary source Observed: · Checked:Details
The Korea Herald reports a planned 2027 launch for foreign contactless-card payments on Seoul city buses, following development and testing through the end of 2026.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
News is secondary evidence. This report alone does not confirm an operator launch date or a live payment result.
-
[S57]Official source (KO) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
Kakao Mobility describes k.ride signup through Google, Apple or email and payment with foreign-issued cards, Alipay or GrabPay. It lists English, Japanese and Chinese interfaces for visitors booking taxis in Korea.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S56]Official source (KO) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
Kakao T signup uses a Kakao account and phone-number verification by SMS. Its FAQ gives three minutes to enter the code; foreign-number success is not established here.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S55]Official source (KO) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
Kakao T lists foreign-issued Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex cards for taxi, bike and pet services. The cardholder and account holder must match, and issuer restrictions may prevent registration. Regular taxi calls also have a pay-the-driver option.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S15]Reddit report — signal only Reported: · Checked:Details
The recorded Reddit discussion raises an identity-verification issue during Kakao T payment registration. It is a research signal, not a general rule for foreign cards.
Recorded research checked on 2026-10-18; the Reddit body was blocked. This signal is based on the recorded search material, not a fresh reading of the thread.
-
[S58]Official source (EN) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
KORAIL lists credit-card payment on its foreign-language ticketing site. Purchased reservations are retrieved with the email and password used for the purchase.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S59]Official source (EN) Observed: · Checked:Details
A KORAIL notice dated 2026-08-21 announces a temporary interruption to foreign-credit-card services. Only the title and date were readable; the affected scope and end date are not confirmed.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
Only the notice title and date were readable. No present outage or restoration is inferred.
-
[S60]Official source (EN) Observed: · Checked:Details
The Google Play listing from Korea Railroad Corporation identifies KORAIL+ as its official multilingual app and describes camera input for card numbers. The listing was updated on 2026-10-12.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S69]Official source (KO) Observed: · Checked:Details
Google said on 2025-08-05 that Google Maps directions were unavailable in Korea and that discussions with the government were ongoing. This is a dated statement, not confirmation of present coverage.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S70]Secondary source Observed: · Checked:Details
The August 27, 2026 news report described turn-by-turn navigation as still unavailable in South Korea and reported Google plans for fuller features. It does not provide a launch date.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S65]Official source (EN) Observed: · Checked:Details
CATCHTABLE Global lists remote waitlists without a Korean phone number and describes email and credit-card payment. Its Google Play listing was updated on 2026-08-19.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in Phase D and sources.md; no new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
-
[S79]Official source (KO) Observed: · Checked:Details
The lodging categories in Article 4 distinguish general lodging without cooking facilities from residential-style lodging with cooking facilities.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
observed_at is the effective date of the cited decree, not a property inspection date.
-
[S80]Official source (KO) Observed: · Checked:Details
Article 2 lists tourism hotel categories, including tourist hotels, family hotels, hostels and small hotels. It also lists foreign-tourist urban homestays and hanok experiences as separate types.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
observed_at is the effective date of the cited decree. No individual lodging registration was checked.
-
[S81]Official source (KO) Observed: · Checked:Details
The MOIS lodging file dataset lists license dates, operating status, business names and addresses. Its page describes daily updates with data from two days earlier.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
observed_at is the dataset page modification date. A business-type field within individual records has not been verified.
-
[S82]Official source (KO) Observed: · Checked:Details
MOIS offers a separate tourism-lodging record API with daily updates. Access needs a service-key application.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
observed_at is the API page modification date. No service key was requested and no API record was retrieved.
-
[S83]Official source (KO) Observed: Not confirmed · Checked:Details
A government consumer notice reports a 2022 survey of six lodging booking platforms. It found advertising among prominent listings, with some ads identified by an AD label or a recommended-order setting.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
The survey year is 2022. The supplied research gives no month or day, so observed_at is omitted rather than inventing a date. Current app labels have not been checked.
-
[S93]Official source (KO) Observed: · Checked:Details
The official notice set the 2026 second-half Gyeongbokgung night season for September 2–October 2, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. It listed NOL Ticket booking and 300 daily on-site tickets for foreigners, limited to two per person with a passport.
Based on the operator research recorded on 2026-10-18 in phaseD/p1_plan.md and sources.md, with local snapshots where available. No new network request or app test was made while writing this record.
This season ended before the October 18 check date. These are historical entry rules, not confirmation of a new season.