Last checked: October 20, 2026 · Sources: Korea Immigration Service, Incheon Airport, Korea Customs Service, MFDS and the three mobile carriers’ official pages, through our guides linked below.
Before you land in Korea, sort out three things: whether you need a K-ETA or only the free e-Arrival Card, how you’ll get mobile data, and whether your medicine is allowed. After landing, allow 1–2 hours to clear immigration, then take AREX, a limousine bus or a taxi into the city.
Before you fly
- Entry form. Your passport decides whether you need a K-ETA or the e-Arrival Card. The e-Arrival Card is free and is submitted in the 3 days before you land. e-Arrival Card vs K-ETA.
- Data. If your phone is unlocked and takes an eSIM, KT, SK Telecom and LG U+ list 18,000 won for 3 days of unlimited data. eSIM vs USIM vs pocket WiFi.
- Apps. Most visitor apps now work without a Korean number. Install Naver Map before you land. Apps without a Korean number.
- Medicine. Ordinary medicine for personal use: up to 6 bottles or 3 months’ supply. Narcotic or psychotropic ingredients need an MFDS permit applied for at least 10 business days before you land. Bringing medicine into Korea.
- Customs. Duty-free: US$800 in goods, plus alcohol up to 2 L and US$400, 200 cigarettes and 100 ml of perfume. Declare meat, fruit and plants. Korea customs duty-free allowance.
- Food. Meat, egg and dairy products need the exporting government’s quarantine certificate, and fresh fruit is destroyed. Not declaring costs 1,000,000 won for meat the first time and 100,000 won for fruit. Can you bring food into Korea?
At Incheon Airport
- Immigration, then bags and customs on the first floor. SIM counters, exchange and tourist desks are in the arrival hall. Incheon arrival step by step.
- Cash: use a Global ATM, choose English and pay in won, not your home currency. ATMs with a foreign card.
- Into Seoul: AREX all-stop 4,750 won or express 13,000 won to Seoul Station.
- Heavy bags? At T1, ZIMCARRY stores a large suitcase for 10,000 won per 24 hours or sends it to your hotel from 35,000 won (drop by 14:00). Luggage storage and delivery.
- Only connecting? With a layover of 24 hours or less you can join the airport’s transit tours, most of them free. Incheon layover and transit tours.
- Going straight to Busan? Direct buses run to Haeundae (about 5 hours 40 minutes, from ₩58,400), or take AREX and then a KTX. Incheon Airport to Busan.
Landing at Gimpo instead? The AREX all-stop train takes about 23 minutes to Seoul Station for 1,750 won by card. See Gimpo Airport to Seoul.
Landing at Gimhae in Busan? The light rail and Metro Line 2 get you to Seomyeon in about 22 minutes of riding, for 1,600 won by card. See Gimhae Airport to Busan.
On your first day
Get a transit card for the subway and buses, and set up a taxi app. Our getting around Korea guide helps you choose.