South Korea Travel News

South Korea set a new H1 record with 10.7 million visitors in 2026, on pace for 22 million full-year, driven by K-culture, medical tourism, and the weak won.

Aero K suspends its Hualien-Incheon route from end of July 2026 due to rising fuel costs, with resumption planned via Cheongju airport.

Flash flooding hit Seoul on July 18, 2026, during peak monsoon season. Subways were disrupted and low-lying areas flooded. What travellers need to know.

South Korea launched the F-1-D digital nomad visa in June 2026, allowing remote workers at overseas companies to live legally in Korea for up to one year.

South Korea suspended its express visa service at the Shanghai consulate from 20 July 2026. Applicants must now use standard processing. What this means.

Seoul Garden Show now offers evening programs at Seoul Forest through August, featuring free outdoor cinema and live performances.

Seoul's Hangang Summer Festival runs 26 July–24 August 2026 with 18 activities: Hangang Cinema Splash, a Liberation Day ship race, and night swimming.

The Boryeong Mud Festival returns to Daecheon Beach from 24 July to 9 August 2026, with mud slides, pools, concerts and nightly fireworks.

Super Typhoon Bavi and peak monsoon season caused 44 cancellations and 416 delays across Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae, and Jeju airports on 8–9 July 2026.

WATERBOMB Seoul 2026 runs July 24–26 at KINTEX Ilsan with DIPLO, ZICO, KARINA and more. K-pop, EDM, and open-air water gun battles across three days.

South Korea has extended the K-ETA exemption for 67 eligible nationalities until December 31, 2026. From January 2027, the ETA becomes mandatory.

Jeju Air, Jin Air, and Korean Air are reducing regional flights from South Korea due to soaring jet fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict in 2026.

South Korea's Gangneung Danoje UNESCO festival peaked 18–20 June 2026 in Gangwon Province with shamanic rites, mask dances, and folk games.

With all BTS members back from military service, South Korea is seeing a K-pop tourism surge in 2026. Seoul and Busan lead the fan-driven travel boom.

The Busan One Asia Festival marked its 10th anniversary with a Big Concert on 27–28 June 2026. The 11th edition is expected in late June 2027.

South Korea's digital e-Arrival Card is now mandatory for all foreign visitors, replacing paper forms. Complete it online within 3 days before arrival.

South Korea and China have agreed to raise weekly passenger flights from 608 to 664 - the first expansion in bilateral flight rights in seven years.

Jeju Purple Week 2026 ran 5–20 June with stamp trails, cultural workshops, and Hallyu-themed rewards. The 2027 edition is expected in a similar format.

New direct routes from Taipei and Taichung to Busan launched on 1 June 2026, expanding the city's growing international flight network for summer 2026.

From 28 May 2026, Indonesian citizens in groups of three or more can enter South Korea visa-free, targeting growing K-culture tourism.