How to Get a K-ETA: Bangkok to Seoul Flight and Korea Entry

We're moving from Thailand to South Korea! After Bangkok and Pattaya, our next stop is Seoul. In this post I share how we booked the flight, what we paid and, most importantly, the one thing you must sort out before flying to Korea: the K-ETA.

In short: If your country has visa-free access to Korea, you usually need a K-ETA (electronic travel authorization) before boarding. The fee is 10,000 won (about US$7–8). Some nationalities are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026. Only apply on the official website: k-eta.go.kr.

Bangkok to Seoul: About 6 Hours with VietJet

We flew from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Seoul's Incheon International Airport (ICN) with VietJet.

• Departure: Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok
• Arrival: Incheon International Airport, Seoul
• Airline: VietJet
• Flight time: About 6 hours
• Ticket price: Around 9,000 Turkish lira per person

VietJet is a low-cost airline, so check the baggage allowance included in your fare before you pay. Adding extra baggage during booking is usually cheaper than paying for it at the airport.

Curious how we got from Bangkok to Pattaya before this? Read our Bangkok to Pattaya transport guide.

What Is the K-ETA? Is It a Visa?

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is not a visa. It is an online pre-travel authorization for citizens of countries that can enter South Korea without a visa.

The idea is simple: Korea screens visa-free travelers before they board. You submit your personal details and travel plans in advance, and once approved you can board your flight.

We applied before our flight, got approved, and passed passport control in Korea without any issues.

Who Needs a K-ETA in 2026?

• Visa-free nationals (for example, citizens of Türkiye) need an approved K-ETA before boarding.
• Korea has temporarily exempted a group of countries and regions from the K-ETA until 31 December 2026 (KST). The list includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, among others.
• Exempt travelers can still apply for a K-ETA voluntarily (the normal fee applies). Otherwise they must submit an e-Arrival Card before arrival (see below).
• If you plan to work, study long-term or stay longer than your visa-free period allows, a K-ETA is not enough; you need a visa.

Exemption lists can change, so always confirm your nationality on the official K-ETA website before you travel.

How Much Does the K-ETA Cost?

The official fee is 10,000 Korean won, roughly US$7–8, paid by credit or debit card during the application.

• The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
• Any site asking for much more than this is almost certainly not the official one.

Warning: Fake and Middleman K-ETA Websites

This is the most important part. Search "K-ETA application" and you'll see many websites that look official but charge US$30, US$50 or even over US$100. Some submit your application to the official system and pocket the difference. Others take your personal and card details without applying at all.

To protect yourself:

1. Only apply on the official site: https://k-eta.go.kr (Korean government sites end in .go.kr.)
2. Skip "Sponsored" / "Ad" results in search engines.
3. If the payment screen doesn't show around 10,000 won, stop.
4. Ignore promises like "express approval" or "guaranteed approval". Only the Korean authorities decide.

How to Apply for a K-ETA: Step by Step

The application is fully online and takes about 15–20 minutes.

1. Open the official site: k-eta.go.kr (available in several languages).
2. Choose individual application. Group applications are possible for families or friends.
3. Accept the terms and verify your email address.
4. Enter your passport details exactly as they appear in your passport. A single typo can cause problems.
5. Upload a photo: a clear, passport-style photo with a plain background.
6. Fill in travel details: purpose of visit, address in Korea (hotel name and address is enough), occupation and contact details.
7. Pay the fee (10,000 won).
8. Check the result. You may get an email, but the safest way is the check application result section on the website.

When to Apply and How Long It Takes

• Results usually come within 72 hours, often much faster.
• Apply at least 72 hours before your flight. The easiest option is to apply right after booking.
• You may not be allowed to board without approval, so don't leave it to the last day.

How Long Is the K-ETA Valid?

• An approved K-ETA is generally valid for 3 years from approval, or until your passport expires if that comes first.
• You can enter Korea multiple times during that period without reapplying.
• How long you can stay per visit depends on your nationality's visa-free period (for example, up to 90 days for citizens of Türkiye).
• If you renew your passport or your name or other details change, you need a new K-ETA.

Tips for Entering Korea

• A K-ETA does not guarantee entry. The immigration officer makes the final decision. Keep your return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready.
• Make sure your passport is valid for your whole trip.
• Arrival card: Travelers with an approved K-ETA are exempt from the arrival card. Travelers without a K-ETA, such as those from exempt countries, must fill in the e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within 3 days before arrival.
• Make sure the details in your application (passport number, hotel address, etc.) match your real details exactly.

Cost Summary

Item	Cost
Bangkok (BKK) – Seoul (ICN) flight, VietJet	~9,000 TRY per person
K-ETA application fee	10,000 won (~US$7–8)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the K-ETA a visa?

No. The K-ETA is not a visa. It is an electronic travel authorization for citizens of countries with visa-free access to South Korea. Working or long-term study requires a separate visa.

Who is exempt from the K-ETA in 2026?

Korea has temporarily exempted a list of countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan and Australia, until 31 December 2026. Exempt travelers must submit an e-Arrival Card unless they apply for a K-ETA voluntarily. Check the official K-ETA website for the current list.

How much does the K-ETA cost?

The official fee is 10,000 Korean won, roughly US$7–8. It is non-refundable even if the application is rejected. Sites charging much more are not official.

Where do I apply for the K-ETA?

Only on South Korea's official website, k-eta.go.kr. Middleman sites in search results charge much higher fees and can put your personal data at risk.

How long does K-ETA approval take?

Results usually arrive within 72 hours and often sooner. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.

How long is the K-ETA valid?

An approved K-ETA is generally valid for 3 years and allows multiple entries. If your passport expires sooner or you get a new passport, you need to apply again.

How long is the flight from Bangkok to Seoul?

A direct flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Incheon Airport takes about 6 hours. We flew with VietJet and paid around 9,000 Turkish lira per person.

Conclusion

If you're planning a trip to Korea, check whether you need a K-ETA right after booking your flight, and if you do, apply on the official website. Don't trust sites charging more than the official 10,000 won, and don't wait until the last day.

Official K-ETA application link: https://k-eta.go.kr/portal/newapply/index.do?locale=EN

Posts about our days in Seoul are coming soon, so stay tuned. Drop your questions in the comments. See you soon!