Before you go
Entry rules and prep
What's actually worth knowing before you book: visa, budget, trip length, where to sleep. Sourced from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and travellers who have made the trip several times.
Entry and stay
The electronic travel authorisation is temporarily suspended until 31 December 2026 for short tourist stays, so you don't need to apply for now. If it becomes compulsory again, only apply on the official site — unofficial sites charge far more or issue documents that won't get you in.
Many nationalities are exempt from a visa for tourist stays under 90 days (this is confirmed for French passport holders). Check the specific rule for your own nationality before booking.
A valid passport is generally enough — Korea does not require six months of validity beyond your exit date for short stays, though this can depend on nationality. Just make sure it isn't damaged or torn, or entry can be refused.
Required for any foreign visitor without a resident card, filed online up to 3 days before arrival (free), or on paper on arrival. Not needed if you hold a valid K-ETA.
Some medications that are common in Europe are not allowed into South Korea. Check before packing large quantities or having any shipped by mail.
Checked against France Diplomatie (French government), current as of 30 June 2026 — reconfirm before you fly, these rules change.
How long, how much
There's no fixed minimum — it depends on whether Korea is a one-off trip or the start of wanting to come back. A week is enough to get a real feel for Seoul, two weeks lets you add Busan or Sokcho, three weeks means you can properly slow down.
Daily budget (lodging, food, transport, activities, excluding flights) varies hugely by travel style: roughly €30 to over €100 per person per day depending on the comfort level you're after.
Based on the detailed cost breakdowns from Rokusan, across several trips to South Korea.
Where to sleep
The classic option, via the usual platforms. Plenty of choice in Seoul, thinner outside the big cities.
An official national programme: sleep in a Buddhist temple, for one night or a multi-day retreat, taking part in ceremonies.
Traditional wooden-structure houses, bookable as a guesthouse room or as a whole house. Bukchon in Seoul and Jeonju hold some of the best-preserved villages.