South Korea entry requirements for Hungary passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Hungarian passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy has been stable for years and continues in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Hungarian passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in South Korea. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry evidence of at least ₩1,000,000 (roughly €700) or a credit card with a reasonable limit. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter South Korea. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to board.
No visa needed for 90 days
Hungarian passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free for tourism or business for up to 90 days. This is a straightforward process — just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), print or save your return ticket and first-night hotel booking, and arrange travel insurance. Download an eSIM so you're connected immediately.
2
Arrival at Incheon or other airport
Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and completed arrival card (given on the plane) ready. The officer will check your passport, ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying, then stamp you in.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Hungary Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost₩40,000 (~$30 USD)
For stays up to 90 days; must apply at South Korean embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost₩70,000 (~$52 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
Requires a job offer from a South Korean employer and relevant qualifications.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized South Korean institutions.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For skilled professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For international students enrolled in a degree program at a South Korean university. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For foreign investors who invest at least ₩100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a South Korean business. Requires a detailed business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory pre-arrival authorization for visa-free travel; valid for 2 years. | ₩10,000 (~$7.50 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension is not available for visa-free stays; this fee applies only if eligible under special circumstances. | ₩60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays beyond 90 days; requires application at embassy. | ₩40,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 1 year; for longer or frequent visits. | ₩70,000 (~$52 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap varies; overstay can lead to deportation and ban. | ₩100,000–₩200,000 (~$75–$150 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Korea
No transit visa needed
Hungary passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South Korean airports, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa or K-ETA may be required.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter can be high, especially in winter; consider masks if sensitive.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid raw or undercooked foods.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk in rural areas during spring/summer.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Gonghang-daero, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid long waits.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
50, Centum 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa-related matters for the Busan region.
Practical information for HU travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,494.42 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to South Korea
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a visa (e.g., tourist visa or long-stay visa) before you travel, or leave the country and re-enter after a short break.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering South Korea. The fine is typically around 100,000–200,000 KRW per day overstayed, plus possible deportation. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
Yes. You'll receive an arrival card on the plane. Fill it out before landing — it asks for your name, passport number, flight number, and address in South Korea. Hand it to the immigration officer along with your passport.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. You cannot work (including remote work for a foreign employer) without the appropriate work visa. If caught, you risk deportation and a ban.
Yes. If you want to stay more than 90 days, you need a visa. Options include the C-3-9 tourist visa (up to 90 days, but not extendable) or a long-stay visa like the D-2 student visa or E-7 work visa. Apply at the South Korean embassy in Budapest.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Not usually for Hungarian passport holders, but immigration officers can ask. It's wise to have a credit card or bank statement handy just in case. No specific amount is required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.