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Korea travel glossary (EN)

Short definitions plus official links for K-ETA, e-Arrival, T-money, maps, translation, and messaging apps.

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Entry & documents

TermMeaning
K-ETAKorea Electronic Travel Authorization — online pre-boarding authorization for many visa-free short visits. Official site only: www.k-eta.go.kr (fee ~KRW 10,000). Check your passport; temporary exemptions exist.
Temporary K-ETA exemptionDesignated nationals may enter without K-ETA until 31 Dec 2026 (KST) per current official notices. Lists change — confirm on K-ETA / Visit Korea. Exemption ≠ “no forms”: e-Arrival often still required.
e-Arrival cardFree electronic arrival declaration at www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr only. Generally required if you do not hold a valid K-ETA (including many temporary-exemption travelers). Submit from 3 days before arrival (KST); validity 72 hours after submit. Separate from K-ETA.
Visa-free stayAllowed stay length varies by nationality; confirm on visa.go.kr / immigration sites.
HiKorea / 1345Immigration info: Hi Korea (EN); dial 1345 inside Korea (or +82-1345 from abroad).

Transit

TermMeaning
ICNIncheon International Airport — airport.kr.
GMPGimpo Airport (more domestic / some regional).
AREXAirport Railroad Express (ICN ↔ Seoul Station area) — arex.or.kr.
T-moneyReloadable transit card for Seoul subway/buses (and some other uses) — t-money.co.kr.
Korail / KTXNational rail & high-speed trains (separate from city T-money) — book via korail.com EN tickets (letskorail.com redirects to Korail).
Transfer windowTime limit for discounted transfers between bus/subway — check current rules in transit apps.
Seoul MetroCity subway operator visitor info — seoulmetro.co.kr/en.

Everyday apps & platforms

App / siteWhat it’s forOfficial link
Naver MapWalking, transit, and place search (often better than Google in Korea)map.naver.com
KakaoMapMaps + Kakao ecosystem (taxis, places)map.kakao.com
PapagoTranslation; photo mode helps with menuspapago.naver.com
KakaoTalkMessaging most hosts and small businesses useKakaoTalk
Visit KoreaOfficial tourism guides & noticesenglish.visitkorea.or.kr
Visit SeoulCity guides for Seoul neighborhoods & eventsenglish.visitseoul.net
WOWPASSOptional tourist prepaid card (transit + payments). One of several products travelers mention — compare fees; not requiredwowpass.io
1330 Korea Travel HotlineMultilingual traveler assistance (phone)See Visit Korea / 1330 guide

Install tips

  1. 1
    Install Naver Map (or KakaoMap), Papago, and KakaoTalk before you fly; log in on Wi-Fi.
  2. 2
    Download offline Korean language packs and save hotel pins while you still have home data.
  3. 3
    Prefer the official websites above (or App Store / Google Play search for the exact brand name). Avoid look-alike “agency” sites for K-ETA or arrival cards — Korea Immigration has warned about fake e-Arrival websites that ask for payment; use only the official links above.
  4. 4
    Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) are where many visitors buy or top up T-money and pick up SIMs.
Tip
Not legal advice. Store listings and app features change; official sites win when wording differs.

Sources

Official & trusted links

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