🇰🇷 South Korea visa requirements for North Korean citizens
North Korean citizens need an e-visa for South Korea, which can be applied for online before traveling.
Entry rules for North Korea passport holders
Before traveling to South Korea, North Korean citizens must apply for an electronic visa through the official South Korea government portal. Processing usually takes from a few hours to a few business days, so apply well before your flight. Print a copy of the approval to show at check-in and on arrival.
Entry rules can change at short notice. Always confirm current requirements with the official South Korea immigration authority or your nearest embassy before booking.
How this compares
The North Korean passport ranks #187 worldwide, opening 40 destinations without a visa arranged in advance (9 visa-free, 29 with a visa on arrival and 2 with an eTA). South Korea is not among them — it is one of the 109 destinations that still require an embassy visa or an application before departure.
In the other direction, South Korean citizens traveling to North Korea face a different rule: visa required.
Across Eastern Asia as a whole, 1 of 7 destinations are open to North Korean travelers without arranging a visa in advance.
About South Korea
- Capital
- Seoul
- Region
- Eastern Asia
- Currency
- South Korean won (₩)
- Languages
- Korean
Planning a trip to South Korea?
- Compare flights →
- Tours and activities →
- Airport transfers →
- Claim flight compensation →
- Rent a car locally →
- City attraction passes →
Some links above are affiliate links — booking through them supports this site at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do North Korean citizens need a visa for South Korea?
North Korean citizens need an e-visa for South Korea, which can be applied for online before traveling.
Can North Korean citizens apply online for entry to South Korea?
Yes. South Korea offers an online e-visa for North Korea passport holders. Apply through the official government portal before your trip.
What currency is used in South Korea?
The currency in South Korea is the South Korean won (₩). The capital city is Seoul.
Is this information up to date?
Current status: e-Visa for North Korean citizens traveling to South Korea. This page is built from the open Passport Index dataset, which was last updated on 2025-01-12. Visa rules can change between dataset updates, so always confirm with the South Korea embassy or immigration authority before booking.
More of Asia for North Korean passport holders
Going the other way? North Korea visa requirements for South Korean citizens →
Source data last updated 2025-01-12.