Do you need a visa or K-ETA for South Korea in 2026? +
No, not for French and most EU citizens. South Korea extended the K-ETA exemption for 67 nationalities, including France, until December 31, 2026: a tourist stay of up to 90 days requires no prior K-ETA application. However, since January 1, 2026, the e-Arrival Card (free online arrival declaration) is mandatory for all travelers, to be filled within 3 days before arrival. Holders of a valid K-ETA are exempt from it.
How many days do you need in South Korea? +
Minimum 1 week for the Seoul + Gyeongju + Busan combo via the KTX train. 2 weeks is ideal to add Jeonju and Jeju island. 1 month allows including Seoraksan park, Andong and a slow-travel pace, or a combo with Japan.
When to go to South Korea? +
The two best windows are April-May (cherry blossoms late March to early April, mild weather) and September-November (clear skies, blazing autumn foliage in October). July-August combine the Jangma monsoon and typhoon season with heavy heat. Winter (December-February) is cold and dry (often sub-zero in Seoul), but offers mountain snow and ski resorts.
What budget should you plan for South Korea? +
Roughly €40-50 per day as a backpacker (hostel, street food, public transport), €100-130 in comfort (3-star hotel, mixed restaurants, KTX), and €250 and up at the high end. A direct Paris-Seoul flight costs €650-850 depending on season. Korea is cheaper than Japan on accommodation and dining.
How to get around South Korea? +
The KTX high-speed train links Seoul to Busan in 2h40 (about €45). The Seoul and Busan metros are dense and cheap. The rechargeable T-money card works on metros, buses and taxis nationwide. For Jeju, domestic flight from Seoul or Busan (1h, from €40) or ferry from Busan.
Should you avoid national holidays like Seollal and Chuseok? +
Yes, to some extent. Lunar New Year Seollal (around January 29, 2026) and the harvest festival Chuseok (around September 25, 2026) are the two biggest family holidays. Trains and domestic flights are packed, many city businesses close for a few days, and getting around is difficult. Book well ahead or shift your trip by a few days.
Is South Korea safe for tourists? +
Yes, it's one of the safest countries in Asia: very low crime, reliable transport, high safety even at night in big cities. The North Korea border (DMZ) can only be visited on an organized tour and remains calm. The main risks are climate-related (typhoons in August-September, ice in winter).
Can you combine South Korea and Japan? +
Yes, it's one of the most convenient East Asia combos. Seoul-Tokyo or Seoul-Osaka flight in about 2h (from €80), or Busan-Fukuoka ferry. Three weeks allows a comfortable loop: Seoul, Busan, then Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Try to align seasons: cherry blossoms in early April in both countries.
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in South Korea? +
Late March to early April depending on region, from south to north. In 2026, the bloom is expected 3 to 8 days earlier than usual. Jeju and Busan flower first (around March 25-30), then Seoul (early April). The Jinhae festival, near Busan, is the country's most famous.
