Starting from June 1, 2022, visa-free entry for foreign tourists to Korea through Jeju and Yangyang International Airports will resume. The visa free entry will apply to citizens from 180 countries and the period of time they will be allowed to remain in Korea is 30 days. A reminder that beginning on February 4, 2020, in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, visa-free entry was suspended.
What is Visa Free Entry
There are a number of countries that have mutual visa free entry agreements with South Korea. People from 49 countries can already enter Korea for a limited time without a visa, from any point of entry. These countries include; the United States (90 days), Canada (6 months), and Saudia Arabia (30 days). For a full list, Click Here and see the section titled Nationals of countries/regions allowed for visa-free entry. If your nationality does not fall under this category, you will need a visa to enter Korea.
However, with special visa free entry the list of countries is expanded. Foreigners are allowed to visit Jeju and Yangyang for tourism and business purposes without obtaining a short-stay visa for up to 30 days. However, they cannot leave these designated special tourism zones during their stay.
Exemptions
While the Jeju visa free entry program applies to most nationalities, there are a few exemptions. Passport holders from the following countries/regions cannot enter Jeju without a visa:
Iran, Sudan, Syria, Macedonia, Cuba, Kosovo, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Ghana, Nigeria, Yemen, Egypt, Gambia, Senegal, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Nepal, Cameroon, Sri Lanka, Myanmar.
Additionally, there are 10 nationalities that have been temporarily suspended from the visa free waiver program. This includes; Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau.
Jeju Visa Free Entry Program
Jeju is an island off the coast of South Korea. It is largely referred to as Koreaโs Hawaii. Jeju is an island in the East sea that was formed by a volcano. It has a tropical climate in summer but, it does snow in winter. However, it is warmer than mainland Korea.
Jeju is famous for its pristine natural environment and amazing food. You can find unique species of fruit, seafood, and green tea on the island.
With the Jeju visa free entry program, you are allowed to remain on the island for up to one month. You cannot travel to the mainland or any other islands without applying for a visa. Additionally, you cannot get a job in Korea. This program is simply meant for travel and leisure.
Yangyang Restrictions
Yangyang is located in Gangwon province on Koreaโs East Coast. It is famous for its beaches and is a water sports destination.
As Yangyang is located on the mainland visa free entry is extremely limited. It only applies to tour groups of five or more people from Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Mongolia. Additionally, visitors can only stay for up to 15 days.
While restrictive, there are advantages to visiting Yangyang instead of Jeju. The main one is price. Jeju is on an island, so shipping costs are greater which also affects the price. Additionally, Jeju has itsโs own culture that is separate from mainland Koreaโs. And so, if you want to experience what mainland South Korea is like on a budget, traveling to Yangyang is a great option.
Best Time to Visit Jeju
The climate here is milder and warmer than on the mainland. In winter, the daytime temperature ranges from 8 ยฐC to 10 ยฐC, at night it is only 2-3 ยฐC colder. However, up near the summit of the islandโs volcano, it does get below freezing in winter and it occasionally snows. Summer is hot and humid. The warmest months are July, August, and September. In August the average is 27 ยฐC during the day, and 24 ยฐC at night. However, it is the rainy season so it can be extremely humid.
The water temperature near the coast in June and October is 20 โ 21 ยฐC, in July-September it is above 24 ยฐC. For a beach vacation, it can be considered quite comfortable from June to mid-October. But if your plans are only walking around the city and visiting cafes, the ideal time is from September to November, and April to June.
On the first full moon of the new year according to the Korean calendar (the first half of March), the traditional Fire Festival takes place in Jeju. It all starts with a huge wooden fireset on the hill Sepyol Orym (20 km from the city center). Three days of festivities โ music, dancing, games, various contests, and competitions. And, every evening there are fire shows.
Basically, Jeju is a good place to visit during the whole year, so just pick your dates and fly over!
Best Time to Visit Yangyang
Yangyang is the ideal summer location. From May until the beginning of October is the ideal time to visit. You can enjoy activities such as boating, swimming, and surfing at one of the regionโs many beaches.
Yangyang also has two main festivals each year. It has a Matsutake mushroom festival in September and a salmon festival in October.
Conclusion
Are you going to take advantage of South Koreaโs Visa free entry to Yangyang and Jeju Island? Let us know in the comments below!
To read more articles about Yangyang, Click Here. Or, to read more articles on visiting Jeju, Click Here.
