What to Take When Going to Korea Reddit

Terminal updated: March 31, 2022 xiv:58 ET

Latest updates: The Health tab was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

On this page

• Run a risk level
• Rubber and security
• Entry and get out requirements
• Health
• Laws and civilisation
• Natural disasters and climate
• Need help?

Risk level

South Korea - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in South Korea.

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Prophylactic and security

COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions

In an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, well-nigh governments have implemented preventative measures and restrictions.

These could include:

• curfews, movement restrictions, or lockdowns
• the obligation to wear a confront-covering, a surgical or respirator mask in some circumstances
• the obligation to present proof of vaccination or a COVID-xix exam result to access public and private services and spaces, including transportation, restaurants and cultural sites

Foreign authorities might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may demand to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document.

Earlier travelling, verify if specific restrictions or requirements are in upshot.

Foreign Representatives in Canada

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate of a sudden. Tensions may increment before, during and later on North Korean nuclear and missile tests, armed forces exercises or as the upshot of incidents or military activities at or near the inter-Korean edge.

Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. We strongly recommend that Canadians annals with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest updates.

Registration of Canadians Away

Crime

Crime against foreigners is generally low. Petty crime occurs in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites and public markets. Remain aware of your surround in crowded amusement, nightlife and shopping districts.

Avoid walking alone, especially afterward dark. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

You can study crimes to the Korean National Police Agency by dialling 112. This is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service. For non-Korean speakers, the police volition link an interpreter into the call.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment.

Safe-travel guide for women

Demonstrations

Political, labour and student demonstrations and marches may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations tin can turn violent at any time. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (big-scale events)

Road condom

The rate of fatal road accidents is very high. Check carefully before crossing the route. Vehicles may not finish at pedestrian crossings. Apply underground or above-ground pedestrian crossings, where bachelor.

Speeding, running red lights, lane changes without signalling and other risky driving behaviours are common, particularly past buses, taxis and motorcyclists. Motorcycles are sometimes driven on sidewalks.

Automobile drivers are presumed to exist at error in accidents involving motorcycles or pedestrians. Criminal charges and heavy penalties are common when accidents result in injury. Even if negligence is non proven, y'all may be subject to criminal charges.

Public transportation

The employ of public send after dark may be safer than using taxis when travelling solitary. When subway and bus services terminate for the night, use officially marked taxis just. Taxis may not be equipped with seatbelts. Drivers may speak some English, just have your destination written in Korean.

High-speed train services (KTX and SRT) link Seoul and major southern cities such as Busan, Gwangju and Mokpo.

• Volume high-speed train tickets – Korail
• Book high-speed train tickets - SRT

Air travel

We practice not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information most foreign domestic airlines

Civil emergency exercises

Civil emergency exercises are held 8 times a year for fires, earthquakes, other disasters and civil defence drills. Nationwide exercises accept place in March, May, August and September. Regional exercises occur each twelvemonth in Apr, June, Oct and November. Depending on the exercise, sirens may sound, transport may stop and authorities may ask some people to accept shelter in metro stations or basements. While company participation is not necessary, familiarize yourself with procedures and check local announcements for further exercises.

Emergency help mobile awarding

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety offers a gratuitous emergency assistance mobile application called Emergency Set up (available on Google Play and iTunes). The app allows users to contact  emergency services, locate the closest medical heart or shelter and view beginning aid videos.

• Emergency Gear up App - Google Play
• Emergency Prepare - iTunes

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Entry and exit requirements

COVID-nineteen - Entry, get out and transit restrictions and requirements

Most governments accept implemented special entry and get out restrictions and requirements for their territory due to COVID-xix.

Strange authorities might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document.

Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your electric current location and destinations accept implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation.

Restrictions imposed could include:

• entry and get out bans, particularly for non-citizens and non-residents
• quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost
• quarantines earlier your planned divergence if you test positive for COVID-xix, resulting in a delayed departure
• health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance
• border and aerodrome closures
• flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations
• suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options

Additional restrictions can exist imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without find. Your travel plans may exist severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. Consider fifty-fifty your transit points, as transit rules are in place in many destinations.

• Monitor the media for the latest information
• Contact your airline or bout operator to determine if the state of affairs will disrupt your travel plans
• Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions

You lot should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance to change your travel plans.

Useful links

• Travel restrictions and health requirements - Un World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• Strange Representatives in Canada

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot arbitrate on your behalf if you lot do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the S Korean government. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the blazon of passport you utilize for travel.

Before you travel, bank check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid beyond the date of expected departure from South Korea.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with "X" gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an "10" gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that exercise not recognize the "X" gender identifier. Before you lot leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel certificate. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required (for stays less than 180 days)
Concern visa: Not required (for stays less than 180 days)
Pupil visa: Required
Working visa: Required (must be obtained outside South Korea)

You can't change your visa status in one case yous're in South Korea.

If you lot wish to extend the length of your visa, contact the Korea Immigration Service as soon every bit possible to apply for an extension. Authorities strictly enforce clearing laws and regulations.

More than information near visas - Korea Immigration Service

Biometrics

Foreigners must register their biometrics (fingerprints and facial scan) at their port of entry. Children younger than 17 years and diplomats are exempt from this screening.

Screening measures

The Korea Immigration Service will screen your body temperature upon your arrival at the airport. They may examination yous for infectious diseases including cholera and Zika virus. In some cases, authorities may quarantine you for medical observation if you testify flu-similar symptoms or exam positive for an infectious disease.

Children and travel

Learn near travel with children.

Xanthous fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

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Health

Related Travel Health Notices

Consult a wellness care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you lot travel.

Vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Be certain that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Vaccines to Consider

You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this land. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-xix) is an infectious viral illness. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing astringent illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-xix. While vaccination provides better protection confronting serious illness, you may still be at take chances of infection from the virus that causes COVID-nineteen. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased take chances of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-nineteen and is at greater chance for severe illness when travelling internationally.

For destination entry and get out requirements, including for COVID-nineteen vaccination requirements, please check the Entry/exit requirements section.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a wellness care professional earlier travelling to make sure you lot are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a illness of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may exist exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical handling, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should become vaccinated.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu flavour usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year circular in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or past touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the influenza shot.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection that tin can crusade swelling of the encephalon. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Take a chance is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher take a chance may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at college take a chance if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to owned areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (due east.k., entomologists)

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread chop-chop from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at take a chance of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where y'all are going, talk to a wellness care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Rabies

Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (due east.g., are children, accept an occupational chance, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities).

Tick-borne encephalitis

Risk

• Tick-borne encephalitis is nowadays in some areas of this country.
• Information technology is a viral disease that affects the central nervous arrangement (encephalon and spinal cord).
• It is spread to humans past the seize with teeth of infected ticks or when you swallow unpasteurized milk products.

Recommendation

• Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to ticks during outdoor activities.
• A vaccine against TBE does be but is only available in countries where the disease is present.
• Learn more on what you can do to prevent tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)?

Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements

Yellow fever is a illness caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a state or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

• There is no risk of yellowish fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is non required to enter this state.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

About Yellowish Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

*Information technology is of import to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your hazard of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(due south) you will be visiting to verify whatsoever additional entry requirements.

Food/H2o

Nutrient and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to whatsoever destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Due east Asia, food and h2o can also carry diseases similar cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Exercise safe food and water precautions while travelling in East asia. Remember: Boil information technology, cook information technology, peel information technology, or get out it!

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread past contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, specially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

Insects

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Eastern Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, Lyme illness, malaria, and tick-borne encephalitis.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Chikungunya

In that location is currently a risk of chikungunya in this state. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the seize with teeth of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can exist severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. In that location is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Malaria

Malaria

• There is a express risk of malaria in this country.
• Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the seize with teeth of an infected mosquito. In that location is no vaccine against malaria.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in enclosed, air-conditioned accommodations. Y'all may also consider pre-treating habiliment and travel gear with insecticides and sleeping nether an insecticide-treated bednet.

Animals

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in Eastern Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Hand, foot and mouth affliction

Hand, pes, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects infants and children.  Travellers are at increased gamble if visiting or living in overcrowded conditions.  In that location is no vaccine or medication that protects confronting this illness.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by leaner and commonly affects the lungs.

For virtually travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should hash out pre- and mail-travel options with a health care professional.

Loftier-take a chance travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical services and facilities meet Canadian standards. Private hospitals and clinics located in cities are often improve staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Payment is expected at time of service. Korean medical institutions will not charge insurance companies straight.

Brand sure y'all get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and infirmary stays.

Travel health and condom

Go along in Heed...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is likewise responsible for his or her ain personal rubber.

Be prepared. Practice not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, specially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

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Laws and civilisation

You must abide by local laws.

Larn nigh what yous should do and how nosotros can help if you lot are arrested or detained abroad.

Police may confiscate your passport and/or detain you during an investigation.

Overview of the criminal police system in Republic of korea

Illegal activities

Drugs

Penalties for possession, employ or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders tin can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines and deportation. Minor violations, including smoking pocket-sized quantities of an illegal drug such as cannabis (even in a individual home) can result in pre-trial detention.

• Booze, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Support for anti-regime organizations

S Korea's National Security Police prohibits statements and materials that praise anti-government organizations.

Photography

Photography of armed forces installations and government buildings is illegal.

Driving

You must carry an International Driving Permit or a South Korean driver's licence.

Penalties for drinking and driving are astringent. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. If the police suspect yous of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver's licence on the spot. If yous're convicted, you can await heavy fines and a jail sentence.

More about the International Driving Permit

Teaching English

Carefully review any contract to teach English in S Korea before signing it, even when arranged by a Canadian recruiter. In that location have been reports that some contracts have been modified after the fact. Ensure that all terms and weather condition of employment are clear before accepting an offer. Ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements.

The Korean government investigates the utilize of fraudulent documents, degrees and English-equally-a-2nd-linguistic communication (ESL) certificates. Penalties for using fraudulent documents include arrest, deportation and restrictions on re-entry. Exist enlightened that written contracts may not exist binding documents. Verbal agreements ofttimes accept precedence over written agreements.

Guide for education English in Korea

Dual citizenship

South Korea legally recognizes dual citizenship. If you lot're a denizen of Canada, but as well a citizen of South Korea, our ability to offer yous consular services may exist limited while you're in that location. Yous may too be subject area to different entry/exit requirements.

The S Korean government considers children born from a Korean and a not-Korean parent to be South Korean citizens until age xviii, fifty-fifty if they weren't built-in in Southward Korea. Onetime Koreans over 65 who wish to live their remaining years in Republic of korea may exist granted citizenship.

A male person dual citizen whose name appears on the Korean family relation certificate may be bailiwick to compulsory military service, fifty-fifty when entering Southward Korea on a Canadian passport. Earlier travelling to South korea, Canadian males of Korean origin may need to renounce their Korean citizenship or have their names removed from the Korean family relation certificate to avoid this requirement.

Korean authorities will only recognize y'all as a Canadian-South Korean citizen if yous run into certain criteria. If yous retrieve you may accept a merits to S Korean citizenship, contact the Diplomatic mission of the South korea or one of its consulates.

• Entry/leave requirements
• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. Information technology can help parents with the return of children who accept been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and South korea.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in S Korea, and if the applicable weather condition are met, y'all may apply for the render of your child to the South Korean courtroom.

If you are in this situation:

• human action as quickly every bit yous tin
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application nether The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in S Korea to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• study the situation to the nearest Canadian government office away or to the Vulnerable Children'southward Consular Unit of measurement at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your kid was removed from a state other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another land's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• Listing of Canadian Central Government for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Individual International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

LGBTQ2 travellers

Although the laws of Republic of korea do non prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not socially tolerated. Same sex marriages are non legally recognised in South Korea. LGBTQ2 travellers should advisedly consider the risks of travelling to South Korea.

General safety data and advice for LGBTQ2 travellers abroad

Money

The currency in S Korea is the won (KRW). Some major banks accept ATMs that accept international debit or credit cards. The amount allowed per withdrawal may be quite depression, making the service charge excessive. Most ATMs that let withdrawal of coin from Canadian bank accounts offer English instructions.

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Natural disasters and climate

Rainy and typhoon seasons

The rainy season extends from tardily June until Baronial. July is usually the wettest calendar month. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides.

Typhoons occur in August and September. These severe storms can cause significant loss of life and extensive harm to infrastructure. They can hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to South Korea during the rainy or typhoon seasons:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to alter your travel plans on short notice, including cutting brusk or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local government

Useful links

• Korea Meteorological Administration
• Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad

Air pollution

Air pollution, including yellowish grit pollution, is common in South Korea throughout the year and especially in March, Apr and May.

Air pollution in South Korea - World Air Quality Index

Bush and forest fires

Bush-league and woods fires are common in the spring months, merely are generally contained within inaccessible areas. The air quality in areas near agile fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. In example of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, peculiarly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• monitor local media for up-to-appointment information on the situation

Useful links

• National Fire Bureau - Korean Ministry of the Interior and Condom
• Korea Forest Service - Ministry for Agronomics, Nutrient and Rural Affairs

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Demand help?

Local services

Emergency services

In case of emergency, punch:

• police: 112
• medical assistance: 119
• firefighters: 119

An English interpretation service is bachelor.

Consular assistance

Due to the ongoing pandemic, our consular services could be limited. Contact u.s.a. by email or telephone before visiting our offices.

Seoul - Diplomatic mission of Canada

Busan - Consulate of Canada

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Republic of korea and follow the instructions. At any fourth dimension, you may likewise contact the Emergency Sentry and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Disclaimer

The decision to travel is your pick and you are responsible for your personal rubber away. We take the rubber and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely data in our Travel Communication to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we brand every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of whatever kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not presume responsibility and will not be liable for whatsoever damages in connexion to the data provided.

If you need consular assist while abroad, we volition make every effort to help you. However, in that location may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services.

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Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-korea