South Korea Travel Document Guide

Citizens of Canada or Western European countries can enter South Korea and stay up to 6 months without a visa. For less lucky folks, the visa-free period extends only for 30 days, after which you have to apply for an extension. Nationals of most of the CIS countries, most Asian countries, Nigeria, Ghana and Cuba have to apply for visas beforehand- you can’t enter the country unless you have a valid visa.

Most visa extensions are for periods up to three months, and if you’re going to have to stay in the country for beyond 15 days, it’s best to get a longer visa before you enter the country. In any case, it makes sense to check with the nearest South Korean embassy before your trip.