North Korea passport → South Korea

Do North Korean citizens need a visa for South Korea?

eVisa (apply online)

North Korean passport holders need an eVisa for South Korea. You apply and pay online before you travel.

Apply on the official site: visa.go.kr

What this means for your trip

Apply through the official channel (the government portal, or the airline or agent it names) and keep a printed copy of the approval.
Processing usually takes a few working days; apply at least two weeks ahead.
Check that the eVisa type matches your purpose of travel.

Get trip-ready for South Korea

South Korea eSIMData the moment you land. Skip the SIM queue and roaming bills.See data plans →Things to do in South KoreaTours, attraction passes and airport transfers, often cheaper booked ahead.Browse experiences →Flights to South KoreaCompare hundreds of airlines and agencies in one search.Find cheap flights →Flight delayed or cancelled?You could be owed up to €600. Check your flight in two minutes.Check compensation →

Partner links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

South Korea at a glance

Capital: Seoul
Currency: South Korean won (KRW)
Languages: Korean
Calling code: +82
Region: Eastern Asia

Read the South Korea travel guide →

단풍으로 물든 가을옷을 입은 경복궁 향원정의 풍경

KR37.0°N · 127.5°EPhoto: 우승민 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Palaces, K-culture and late-night street foodGyeongbokgung Palace · Bukchon Hanok Village · Jeju Island

South Korea for other passports

North KoreaeVisa
IndiaVisa required
United StatesVisa-free90 days
United KingdomVisa-free90 days
United Arab EmiratesVisa-free90 days
ChinaeVisa
SingaporeVisa-free90 days
PakistanVisa required
BangladeshVisa required
Sri LankaVisa required
NepalVisa required
NigeriaVisa required
PhilippinesVisa required

Nearby in Eastern Asia for North Korean passport holders

MacaoVisa on arrival30 days
Hong KongeVisa
ChinaVisa required
MongoliaVisa required
TaiwanVisa required
JapanNo admission

Common questions

Do North Korean citizens need a visa for South Korea?

North Korean passport holders need an eVisa for South Korea. You apply and pay online before you travel.

How long can North Korean citizens stay in South Korea?

The allowed stay depends on the visa you are granted. Check the decision letter or entry stamp.

Can North Korean citizens get a visa on arrival in South Korea?

Not under the standard rules.

How many countries can North Korean citizens visit without a visa?

36 destinations allow entry without a visa arranged in advance (visa-free, visa on arrival or eTA). The North Korea passport ranks #87 of 93 (passports with equal scores share a rank).

Source: Passport Index Data. Updated weekly. Rules can change, so give the official site a quick look before you fly.