South Korea travel guide: visas, best time to go and top sights

South Korea blends ancient palaces and Buddhist temples with some of the most modern cities in the world. In a single day you can stroll among the traditional houses of Bukchon, have dinner at a buzzing street market and watch Seoul light up from Namsan Tower. The country is safe, clean and very easy to travel around – as long as you know a few important things in advance. We have gathered them in this guide.

Visas and entry requirements for Bulgarian citizens

The information below is based on the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the official Korean portals as of November 2026. Citizens of other countries should check the rules for their own passport.

• Visa: not required. Bulgarian citizens with a valid passport can stay up to 90 days without a visa for tourism, visiting or business meetings – but not for work. Longer stays or employment require a visa issued in advance by a Korean embassy.
• K-ETA (electronic travel authorisation): normally required for visa-free travellers, but Bulgarian citizens are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026. As of November 2026 there is no official decision on whether the exemption will continue in 2027 – if you travel after New Year, check the official website k-eta.go.kr and, if it is required, apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
• e-Arrival Card: submitted free of charge on the official website e-arrivalcard.go.kr up to 3 days before arrival. If you hold an approved K-ETA, you do not need it.
• Passport: an ordinary passport valid for your entire stay (we recommend at least 6 months of validity). An ID card is not accepted. Fingerprints and a photo are taken at the border (except for children under 17).
• Health insurance: not mandatory, but strongly recommended. There is no healthcare agreement between Bulgaria and Korea, the EHIC is not valid, and medical care is paid on the spot and is expensive.
• Vaccinations: no vaccinations are required when arriving from Bulgaria.
• Customs: cash over 10,000 US dollars must be declared. Keep your medicines in their original packaging and, for less common medication, carry a prescription or a doctor's note in English.
• Driving: a Bulgarian driving licence is not valid in Korea. If you plan to drive, check the international driving permit requirements in advance – although public transport is so good that a car is rarely needed.

Important: apply for K-ETA and submit the e-Arrival Card only through the official websites k-eta.go.kr and e-arrivalcard.go.kr. Many intermediary sites look official but charge extra fees. Always check the current requirements before you travel.

When to travel to South Korea

Korea has four distinct seasons, much like Bulgaria, and each has its own charm:

• Spring (April – May): cherry blossoms, mild weather and perfect conditions for walking. One of the most beautiful and popular times of the year.
• Summer (June – August): hot and humid, with a rainy season from late June through July. A good time for the beaches of Busan and Jeju Island.
• Autumn (September – November): clear skies, pleasant temperatures and mountains in red and gold. Many consider it the best time to visit.
• Winter (December – February): cold and dry, with ski resorts, winter festivals and fewer tourists.

How to get to South Korea

There are no direct flights from Sofia, so the trip involves a connection at a major hub such as Istanbul, Doha, Dubai or one of the large European airports. Most international flights land at Incheon Airport, about an hour from central Seoul. From there the easiest way into the city is the AREX express train, an airport bus or a taxi.

Korea is 7 hours ahead of Bulgaria in winter and 6 hours ahead in summer.

What to see

Seoul

The capital is the natural starting point. Don't miss Gyeongbokgung Palace and the changing of the guard, the traditional Bukchon neighbourhood with its hanok houses, Insadong street with tea houses and galleries, lively Myeongdong for shopping and street food, and Namsan Tower with views over the whole city. Renting a traditional hanbok outfit is popular, and wearing one often gets you free entry to the palaces.

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The border with North Korea can only be visited on an organised tour. It is one of the most unusual experiences in the country – bring your passport, as it is checked.

Busan

The country's second city is a seaside metropolis with Haeundae Beach, the colourful hillside Gamcheon Culture Village and the huge Jagalchi fish market. It is about 2.5 hours from Seoul on the high-speed KTX train.

Gyeongju

The ancient capital of the Silla kingdom is often called a "museum without walls". It is home to Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and dozens of royal burial mounds.

Jeju Island

This volcanic island is a favourite holiday spot for Koreans themselves: waterfalls, lava tubes, Hallasan – the highest peak in the country – and the Seongsan Ilchulbong crater, a famous place to watch the sunrise.

Practical tips

• Money: the local currency is the South Korean won (KRW). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for street markets. Tipping is not expected.
• Transport: get a T-money card – it works on the metro and buses and even in shops. The Seoul metro is fast, clean and signposted in English.
• Navigation: Google Maps offers only limited directions in Korea. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap before your trip.
• Internet: free Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere, and an eSIM or local SIM card is easy to buy at the airport.
• Power: sockets are the same as in Bulgaria and most of Europe (220 V, type C/F), so no adapter is needed.
• Food: try Korean barbecue, bibimbap, kimchi and the street snacks. Most dishes are shared at the table.
• Etiquette: take off your shoes when entering homes, temples and some restaurants. Keep your voice down on the metro and leave the seats reserved for elderly and pregnant passengers free.
• Safety: South Korea is one of the safest countries in Asia. There is a Bulgarian embassy in Seoul if you need consular assistance.

Need help planning?

South Korea is a long-haul destination, and a well-planned itinerary makes a big difference – from choosing a flight with a convenient connection to splitting your days between Seoul, Busan and Jeju. The Clio Travel team will help you put together a trip that suits your interests and budget, remind you of the documents you need and take care of flights, hotels and transfers.