Thailand to South Korea visa requirements

Thai ordinary passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days, but must obtain an approved K-ETA online before boarding — Thailand is not on Korea's temporary K-ETA exemption list. Thai ordinary passport holders may enter the Republic of Korea without a visa for short visits and stay up to 90 days per entry. The official K-ETA eligible-country list shows Thailand with an allowed stay of 90 days, and Thailand's MFA visa-exemption list also lists Korea (ROK) at 90 days for ordinary passports. However, visa-exempt travelers must normally obtain K-ETA before boarding. Korea extended its temporary K-ETA exemption through 31 December 2026, but only for the 22 countries/regions already on that list — including Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Macao in Asia, but not Thailand. Thai travelers must therefore apply for and receive an approved K-ETA before departure; airlines may deny boarding without it. The official fee is KRW 10,000 plus a separate online payment fee; approval is usually within 72 hours and the authorization is valid for up to three years or until passport expiry. K-ETA approval exempts holders from submitting the arrival declaration; travelers without a valid K-ETA must complete Korea's free e-Arrival Card from 3 days before arrival. Visa-free entry covers tourism, visiting, events, conferences, or short business without commercial activities; work, study, or longer stays require the appropriate visa.