Korea Arrival Card: Entry Rules & How to Apply

By Bonnie
July 28, 2026

Planning a trip to South Korea as a Canadian traveller? The mandatory Korea e-Arrival Card is frequently confused with K-ETA. This guide clarifies the official e-Arrival Card timeline, temporary K-ETA exemption rules, transit passenger requirements, and accurate transportation details to help Canadians travel compliantly.
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Korea Arrival Card Basics & K-ETA Key Differences

What Is the Korea Arrival Card?
Simply put, the Korea Arrival Card is an official declaration form that shares your personal details, travel plans, and customs/health status with Korean border control. It exists to help immigration officials screen incoming visitors efficiently, track short-term stays, and enforce local customs and public health rules.
South Korea launched the official e-Arrival Card system on February 24, 2025 as an introductory, voluntary phase for foreign visitors. Per Korean government and authoritative industry sources, the e-Arrival Card becomes mandatory for all foreign nationals starting January 1, 2026. The official rule requires eligible travellers to submit the online form up to 72 hours before arrival. Traditional paper arrival cards are phased out entirely for standard entries, and pre-arrival online submission is the only valid method once the mandatory policy takes effect.
Korea e-Arrival Card vs. K-ETA: What Canadian Citizens Must Know
This is the biggest mistake I see Canadian travellers make: confusing the Korea Arrival Card with K-ETA. These are two entirely separate documents with different purposes, timelines, and rules—here’s the clear breakdown for us Canadians:
Document Type | Timeline | Core Rule for Canadian Travellers |
|---|---|---|
K-ETA | Pre-travel entry clearance | Canadian short-term visitors benefit from a temporary K-ETA exemption, currently extended through December 31, 2026. This is not a permanent policy; it is periodically renewed by Korean immigration. No application, fees or pre-approval is required for Canadian travellers during the valid exemption period. |
Korea Arrival Card | On-arrival declaration form | Mandatory for all Canadian short-term travellers, even with K-ETA exemption. Only valid approved K-ETA holders are waived from filling out the e-Arrival Card. |
Who & How to Complete the Korea Arrival Card

If you’re entering South Korea as a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident, this rule applies to you, no matter your travel purpose. I’ve confirmed this covers all short-term visitor categories:
- Tourists: Leisure travel, sightseeing, family visits, and holiday stays
- Business travellers: Work meetings, conferences, and short business trips
- Transit passengers: Strict airside transit passengers who do not pass through Korean immigration and remain in the airport international transit zone do not need an arrival card. Any traveller exiting the transit area or clearing immigration must complete the required e-Arrival Card.
- Short-term students/visitors: Any non-resident stay under Korea’s visa-exempt policy
There are no blanket exemptions for Canadian travellers. If you’re passing through Korean immigration, you need a completed arrival card.
How to Fill Out Your Korea e-Arrival Card

This is the most important part of the process. I’m walking you through every single field exactly as you’ll see it, so you can avoid mistakes and delays. Always use English only and print legibly for paper forms; double-check all details against your passport.
Personal Information Section
All details here must match your passport exactly—no nicknames or shortened names:
- Full name: Enter your first and last name as printed on your Canadian passport
- Date of birth: Use the standard YYYY/MM/DD format
- Nationality: Write “Canadian”
- Gender: Select or mark Male/Female
- Passport number: Input your full Canadian passport ID. Canadian passport numbers are alphanumeric (8–9 characters, including letters and numbers) — never enter digits only.
- Passport expiry date: Confirm your passport’s valid expiry date (critical for entry approval)
Flight & Travel Information Section
- Flight number: Input your exact arriving flight number (e.g., AC062 for Air Canada flights from Toronto to Seoul)
- Date of arrival: List the date you land in Korean local time
- Departure country/city: Write the Canadian city you departed from (e.g., Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal)
- Accommodation address in Korea: This is mandatory! Enter the full name and address of your hotel, Airbnb, or hostel. If staying with friends/family, input their full residential address in Korea.
Visit Purpose & Stay Duration
- Purpose of visit: Select the accurate option: Tourism, Business, Transit, Study, or Other. Stick to one primary purpose to avoid confusion.
- Intended length of stay: Write the exact number of days you plan to stay in Korea. Canadian passport holders qualify for up to 180-day visa-exempt short-term stays in South Korea, so ensure your stated stay length does not exceed this limit.
Customs & Health Declaration Section
This section is mandatory for all travellers and helps avoid customs fines or health screening delays:
- Customs declaration: Answer truthfully if you’re carrying cash or monetary instruments exceeding USD 10,000, or any restricted, prohibited, or dutiable goods (unopened commercial products, large quantities of gifts, new high-value electronics, agricultural items). Fully declare applicable items—undeclared goods may be seized, and intentional non-disclosure can result in fines.
- Health declaration: Confirm whether you have any active fever, respiratory symptoms, or other infectious illness symptoms. You will also need to disclose recent travel history to disease-affected regions, per Korea’s standard public health entry protocols.
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Korea Arrival Card Common Troubleshooting & Immigration Clearance Tips

Use Automated Immigration Kiosks (Incheon Airport)
Canadian travellers can use Incheon Airport’s Smart Entry Service (SES) automated immigration kiosks for faster clearance. Note: SES requires mandatory pre-registration on-site at the airport before your first use — Canadian passport holders do not get automatic, pre-approved kiosk eligibility. Once registered, you can complete a quick passport scan and facial recognition check to clear immigration much faster during your trip.
How to Fix Mistakes on Your Arrival Card
Since you will submit your e-Arrival Card online in advance, major mistakes should be fixed pre-travel via the official portal. If you spot errors after submission or need adjustments upon arrival, never use correction fluid or scribble heavily on any printed confirmation documents, as officials will reject altered forms.
For pre-arrival errors, resubmit a corrected online form before your 72-hour window closes. For last-minute issues at the airport, visit the immigration counter to resolve your e-Arrival Card record. A clean, accurate submission is always required for entry approval.
Standard Korea Entry Rules for Canadian Travellers

Beyond completing the Korea Arrival Card, these are the standard, long-standing entry requirements for Canadian travellers visiting South Korea for short-term stays:
Passport & Supporting Document Requirements
- Passport validity: Your Canadian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Korea. Unlike many countries, South Korea does not enforce a strict 6-month post-travel validity rule for Canadian visa-exempt visitors, but valid passport coverage for every day of your trip is a hard requirement for entry.
- Return or onward ticket: Always carry proof of a return flight to Canada or an onward flight to another country. Immigration may ask to verify you won’t overstay.
- Proof of accommodation: Have hotel bookings or residential address confirmation handy to match your arrival card details.
- Sufficient funds: Keep proof of adequate travel funds (bank statements, credit cards) to cover your stay—officials may request verification.
Visa & K-ETA Policy for Canadians
Canadian passport holders enjoy 180-day visa-free entry for tourism, business, and casual short-term visits to South Korea. The K-ETA exemption for Canadian travellers is a temporary, periodically extended policy, currently valid through December 31, 2026. The key entry update is the e-Arrival Card rule: voluntary starting February 2025, fully mandatory for all foreign visitors starting January 2026, with a required 72-hour pre-arrival online submission.
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Best Time to Visit & Korea Travel Planning

Once you’re through border control, your Korean adventure begins! As someone who’s travelled Korea multiple times and researched year-round travel norms for Canadian visitors, I’m sharing timeless, season-flexible planning tips to help you craft a smooth, enjoyable trip.
Best Time to Visit South Korea
South Korea features four distinct, well-defined seasons, each delivering a completely different travel experience. As a Canadian traveller, your ideal visiting window depends entirely on your preference for weather, crowd levels, activities, and seasonal scenery. Below is a straightforward seasonal comparison to help you pick the best travel time for your Korean trip:
Season & Months | Weather & Crowds | Best Activities & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Spring (March–May) | Mild, comfortable temperatures; moderate tourist crowds; low rainfall. Consistently the most traveller-friendly season. | Iconic cherry blossom viewing, city sightseeing, park walks, and outdoor photography. Perfect for casual tourism and family trips. |
Summer (June–August) | Hot, humid weather; peak tourist crowds and higher accommodation prices; occasional summer rain showers. | Coastal getaways in Busan and Jeju Island, summer festivals, beach activities, and water sports. |
Autumn (September–November) | Crisp, cool, dry weather; thin crowds and pleasant temperatures; widely regarded as Korea’s most underrated travel season. | Fall foliage sightseeing, mountain hiking, city exploration, and food tours with comfortable outdoor conditions. |
Winter (December–February) | Cold, dry weather; the lowest tourist crowds and cheaper hotel rates across the country. | Skiing and winter sports at Korean ski resorts, festive city Christmas markets, quiet sightseeing with minimal lineups. |
Getting Around: Core Transportation Tips
South Korea’s public transportation system is fast, affordable, and extremely traveller-friendly for Canadian visitors. Major cities like Seoul and Busan feature English-friendly subway systems covering nearly all core tourist spots. The KTX high-speed rail delivers rapid intercity travel, with most popular city routes completed in under 3 hours (longer rural or cross-country routes may exceed this timeframe). For budget travel, intercity buses offer frequent, reliable service to small towns and rural scenic destinations nationwide.
Final Thoughts
Overall, travelling to South Korea as a Canadian visitor is straightforward once you understand the updated entry rules. By completing your e-Arrival Card within the 72-hour pre-arrival window, preparing valid travel documents, and following immigration guidelines, you can avoid common delays and enjoy a smooth, stress-free Korean trip.
[10% OFF] Best Hotels in Seoul by Travel Style
Seoul Hotels
5 star
9.4/10Amazing620 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.3km from city centre
I've been to Seoul several times, and this trip I finally got to experience the Westin Josun. The airport bus goes directly to the hotel, and the service was impeccable from the moment I got off the bus until check-out. All the staff spoke excellent English and were proactive in helping with luggage, giving directions, and even making change. The location is also fantastic; I could walk to duty-free shops, Myeongdong, and other places. The nearby BBQ restaurants were also delicious. My only minor complaint is that you have to stand in the bathtub to shower.FromUS$293
9.4/10Amazing354 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.21km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, right in the city center next to Seoul Plaza. Myeongdong, N Seoul Tower, and Gyeongbokgung Palace are all within walking distance. The City Hall subway station is right downstairs, with Line 1 and 2 intersecting there. Exit 6 of City Hall Station leads directly to the hotel's main entrance. What's more, the 6701 Incheon Airport Limousine Bus starts and ends right at the hotel entrance, making transportation incredibly convenient. From Incheon Airport, you can take the AREX express train to Seoul Station, then transfer to Line 1 for one stop to City Hall Station, and exit 6 takes you right to the hotel. I booked a Premier King Suite for a 4-day, 3-night stay. The room was a spacious 40 square meters, featuring a living room and a walk-in closet. It was incredibly clean, tidy, and very quiet – not noisy at all. The bathroom facilities were also well-maintained and spotless. The hotel staff were all very friendly, enthusiastic, and proactive in offering help. My stay was absolutely fantastic, and I'll definitely choose this hotel again when I return to Seoul.FromUS$330
9.2/10Great695 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.73km from city centre
The hotel's location is truly excellent; you can walk to Myeongdong from any direction in under ten minutes.
Reception is on the first floor, and check-in is on the seventh. Your luggage will be delivered to your room.
The hotel's overall style is very 'old money' chic.
The room cleaning is incredibly thorough, and coffee capsules are replenished daily. The bedding is very comfortable, and the conditioner is especially good.
Toothbrushes are priced, so it's best to bring your own. The shower is a seated type, which means it's quite low; if you prefer to stand, you'll need to hold the showerhead yourself.FromUS$214
8.9/10Very Good521 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.44km from city centre
Facilities: The hotel is well-equipped. Although it's located halfway up a hill, there's a shuttle bus for tourists to Myeongdong and Hannam-dong, and it's also very convenient to call an Uber or a taxi right outside. If you don't go out, you can easily spend half a day at the hotel's swimming pool and gym during the day, and the lobby bar in the evening has a great ambiance with live music.
Ambiance: The hotel has a very old-money feel. The window views are beautiful, and the colors of the mountain forest change with the seasons, which I imagine would also change one's experience of the hotel. The rooms are very beautiful; I highly recommend a mountain-view room.
Service: The service is exceptionally attentive, breaking away from traditional Korean service. There are staff members at every point, especially in the gym and dining areas, who guide you, so you won't feel lost or confused when you go by yourself.FromUS$396
8.6/10Very Good409 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|4.43km from city centre
Mondrian Seoul Itaewon was such a great surprise. The design of the hotel is stunning — every corner feels thoughtfully curated and different from the usual hotel experience.
The atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxed, and the overall experience feels very premium without being too formal. Everything from the rooms to the common areas has a cool, modern edge that we really enjoyed.
Definitely a perfect spot if you’re looking for a hotel with personality in Seoul. Would happily come back.FromUS$230
Business travel
8.8/10Very Good963 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.17km from city centre
The location of New Seoul is excellent, with subway lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 nearby. There's a very enthusiastic woman at the front desk who speaks Chinese. You can only top up your Wowpass at the front desk, not your Tmoney. There's a conveniently located Olive Young not far from the hotel. Cheonggyecheon Stream is just a 3-5 minute walk away, perfect for an evening stroll. Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace are about a 15-minute walk, and you can exit through the side gate of Gyeongbokgung to reach Bukchon Hanok Village. Myeongdong is also roughly a 15-minute walk, and Lotte Duty Free is very close to the hotel. The bedding is very comfortable.FromUS$68
9/10Great1589 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.9km from city centre
While Ctrip shows this hotel opened in 2024, it's likely an older hotel that's been rebranded or renovated. The facilities are a bit dated and the lighting is dim. However, its prime location is a big plus. The sandwiches at the TWO SOME cafe downstairs are delicious. You can walk directly to the hotel from Seoul Station by following the overhead walkway, and you even get a view of Namsan Tower. Namsan Hanok Village is also nearby and worth a visit.FromUS$166
8.9/10Very Good1671 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.61km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, very close to the subway and bus stops. You can easily walk to the Hanok village near Changdeokgung Palace, and Gwangjang Market is also very nearby. At the eastern end of the market, there are fruit shops, so you can really indulge in fresh fruit. Downstairs, there's a supermarket that seems to be open all the time, so no matter how late you come back, you can always find something to buy. We were given a room facing north, which offered fantastic views of the mountains and the palace. The bed in the room was large, and there were no strange odors, making it perfect for a family trip.FromUS$84
8.1/10Very Good1568 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.05km from city centre
The downside is that there were former employees striking outside the hotel the entire time. It seems this hotel treats its staff very poorly. The daily room cleaning was also done very late, probably because they laid off so many employees. For these reasons, I wouldn't recommend this hotel.
The location, however, is excellent. It's super convenient for getting to major shops in Myeongdong like Olive Young (though a bit far from the duty-free shop). The subway station is right downstairs, and there's also a very large 7-Eleven downstairs with spacious seating for instant noodles. Other stores like GS25 are also nearby, and a 12-story Daiso is just across the street. The hotel doesn't provide disposable dental kits, so you can just buy them directly from Daiso.
Myeongdong Cathedral is right behind the hotel, and there are quite a few historical attractions in the vicinity. Luggage storage is very convenient, and check-in is self-service.FromUS$85
8.7/10Very Good2353 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.14km from city centre
First off, this is a legitimate hotel, not a guesthouse or a self-built inn. It has all the standard hotel amenities. It's definitely a suitable place to stay. Now, regarding the location, don't trust some of the online guides. This area isn't a commercial district or where tourists would typically want to go. It's a wholesale market hub, much like Beijing's Zoo Market or Chengdu's Lotus Pond Market – places that open at night for stocking up and close during the day. Within a two-kilometer radius, there are tens of thousands of tailor shops. Of course, there are some malls that are open during the day, but they're very few, so it's not recommended for tourists to stay here. I chose this place because I was returning to China from Busan, wanted a good night's rest, and needed to go to Gimpo Airport the next day. For everyone else, it's probably best to stick to hotels near Myeongdong; having Lotte Department Store right outside is the way to go. The hotel doesn't provide toothbrushes or toothpaste; you have to buy them from a vending machine. They really don't offer them at all, unlike other hotels where they might not actively provide them but will give them to you if you ask, like a razor. The two beds are roughly the size you'd find in a student dormitory. The breakfast *looked* like it would be good, but the reality was that it ended at 10 AM, with last entry at 9:30 AM. I went around 8:40 AM, and all that was left was sliced bread, sliced baguette, and instant noodles. As for scrambled eggs, bacon fried rice, which should have been there, I didn't see any – they were gone by at least 8:30 AM, and they didn't restock at all. The small pots for dishes in my pictures were all empty. I only managed to eat four small mushrooms. The hotel description mentioned sausages and other items, but there was absolutely nothing. In the end, I had a cup of instant noodles and a glass of grape juice.FromUS$59
Family friendly
8.9/10Very Good1561 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.22km from city centre
The location is excellent! Right downstairs is the 6701 airport shuttle bus stop, and the subway entrance is just outside, super convenient. We booked a room for four people this time, and it was quite spacious – enough to open all three of our suitcases. The service was also great; they cleaned the room daily, and the front desk staff spoke fluent English, making check-in and check-out very smooth! I just forgot to take pictures of the room! I only got shots of the exterior. The Seoul Finance Center is right across the street, you can see N Seoul Tower, and there are tons of restaurants and convenience stores nearby. Plus, there are two Olive Youngs, a Daiso, and even a Chabaidao tea shop!FromUS$75
8.8/10Very Good2118 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.67km from city centre
Stayed for three nights in Seoul, right in the Myeongdong area. It was super convenient for food and shopping, with several great restaurants nearby. It's also very close to the subway station and Lotte Department Store, perfect for dropping off your shopping and heading back out. The hotel facilities are a bit old, but everything else was good.FromUS$72
8.7/10Very Good3241 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.57km from city centre
Big shoutout to the front desk guy who spoke Chinese! Communication was a breeze, and he was super nice, even helped us with a taxi. The location is great, with subway lines 3, 4, and 5 all nearby. Lines 4 and 5 are the closest, which is really convenient; it's just one stop to Myeongdong. But since we enjoy walking, we often just walked to Myeongdong anyway – it's not too far, maybe three blocks. The hotel has a CU convenience store, which is perfect for breakfast or a late-night snack. Our room was newly renovated, very comfortable, tidy, and clean. The soundproofing was excellent; even when people next door had their door open, we couldn't hear a thing with our door closed. The facilities are also great – there's an ice machine, hot and drinking water, and a microwave. The only downside is that the price was a bit high during the summer holidays.FromUS$124
9/10Great3006 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.61km from city centre
The room size was just right, not too big, not too small, and it had a balcony with a great view for watching the sunrise – absolutely stunning! I’ve uploaded pictures of the view at different times of the day for everyone’s reference. The transportation is incredibly convenient; there are several subway lines right downstairs to choose from, and as soon as you step out, there are all sorts of dining options. The mall is also right downstairs, making it super easy to buy anything you need! Most importantly, I love to run, and this hotel is very close to Cheonggyecheon Stream, which is a dream come true for running enthusiasts! It's a 5km one-way run, making it 10km round trip! Fantastic! The hotel breakfast was also a highlight; the fried chicken, noodles, and mixed salads were absolutely delicious! Plus, the front desk staff were very friendly. When we arrived, there was even a guide who spoke Chinese, which was very nice! I'll definitely choose this place again next time! Unforgettable Seoul, you brought me endless surprises!FromUS$88
9/10Great1172 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.48km from city centre
## Location: Perfect Score
Right across from Lotte Duty-Free and less than a 5-minute walk to Shinsegae Duty-Free, making it incredibly convenient for shopping. Its location is comparable to the Aloft nearby but significantly better than Voco (which requires a bit of a detour). If you're here for serious shopping, this location will definitely save you time and effort.
## Room & Facilities
The room size is similar to Aloft's – both are on the 'compact' side. It's a bit smaller than Voco, so if you have a lot of luggage, you might want to reconsider. The hotel is located within a mixed-use building, so you'll need to go to the 9th-floor lobby for check-in. Waiting for elevators during peak hours can be a bit of a pain. There are free luggage lockers on the 9th floor lobby, which are very convenient to use.
## Service & Details
The service was adequate, neither exceptionally good nor bad. However, there's a noticeable drawback: my Trip.com reservation explicitly requested a 'high floor,' but I was given the 11th floor (guest rooms are on floors 10-18). This compromised both the view and the quietness. I recommend calling ahead to confirm or actively requesting a higher floor upon arrival. The central air conditioning noise from the adjacent building runs 24/7, which somewhat affected my sleep.
## Alternatives
Next door is Ibis. If you're not sensitive to floor level or room size, you could compare prices for the same location and pick whichever is cheaper.
## Summary:
If you're looking for ultimate convenience and don't mind a smaller room or the occasional elevator wait, this place is worth considering. However, if a great view, spacious rooms, or a high-floor experience are important to you, I suggest lowering your expectations or looking elsewhere.FromUS$134
Hot spring
8.7/10Very Good1844 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.5km from city centre
This hotel is fantastic! To get there, take airport bus 6015 and get off at Namdaemun Station. The hotel is located in the alley directly opposite where you get off. Just cross the road via the underpass, and it's a maximum 10-minute walk. It's also incredibly close to Myeongdong. If you exit the other end of the alley, it's a three-minute walk, and a right turn will lead you to an underground shopping center. From there, you can access Lotte Department Store through several entrances, or keep walking to exit 18 which leads directly to Myeongdong Shopping Street – perfect for avoiding the sun during the day. I highly recommend this hotel; the breakfast is excellent with a self-service ramen machine, and there were many Western guests. They provide disposable slippers and two bottles of mineral water. The room is cleaned, but they don't fold the duvet. Check-in was easy; even with a bit of gesturing and guessing, there were staff who spoke Chinese, though you might not always encounter them. I didn't experience any unfriendliness. This hotel is far superior to the Ibis I stayed at later near Myeongdong. If you're going to Seoul, this hotel is highly recommended for its convenience to attractions and shopping, plus direct airport bus service for your return. Lotte, Shinsegae, and Myeongdong Shopping Street are all within a 10-minute walk.FromUS$86
8.4/10Very Good1098 Reviews
Insadong / Bukchon Seoul|1.15km from city centre
I enjoyed living at Hotel Venue G Seoul. The hotel was clean, especially the lobby area which smelled amazing and the staffare friendly! The room was cleaned daily and luggage storage is available if you have a later flight. There is a deposit, but if you use your credit card, they don't process payment, they just store your details upon check in. I'll definitely be back.FromUS$51
9/10Great3064 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.16km from city centre
For this Seoul trip, I chose Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong 2, and after a 3-night stay, I'm very satisfied overall. The location is excellent, right next to Euljiro 3-ga Station, just a 3-5 minute walk away, making transfers on lines 2 and 3 super convenient. It's about a 10-minute walk to the main shopping streets of Myeongdong, offering a perfect balance of being 'quiet amidst the hustle and bustle'—not as noisy as the core Myeongdong area, but still very accessible. The room was quite spacious for Seoul city standards, around 26 square meters, allowing us to fully open two 28-inch suitcases without them getting in the way. The bedding was clean, and soundproofing was good, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. The ground floor lobby has direct access to a GS25 convenience store, so if you want a late-night drink or snack, you don't even have to leave the building. Front desk communication was smooth in both English and Chinese, check-in and check-out were quick, and they even helped us store our luggage. The value for money in the Myeongdong area is truly competitive, and I would definitely consider staying here again next time.FromUS$100
9/10Great1074 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.72km from city centre
I chose this hotel again, and it felt like rooms were a bit tight during the summer. This time I booked a king-size room; the bed was quite large, but the room itself was a bit small. In hindsight, the first room I stayed in was the most spacious, even though it didn't have a view.
Aside from the slightly smaller room, everything else was great. The view outside the window was nice too. I'm not sure if it's because I stay here often, but this time they even gave me complimentary chocolates, which was a lovely surprise.
I was very satisfied with the softness of the bed; it was super comfortable to sleep on. The air conditioning in the room was also incredibly powerful; sleeping under the duvet was so refreshing. The room temperature was perfect, to the point where I always had the illusion that it wasn't hot outside, even though Seoul has been scorching recently.
The room cleaning was also very timely and done very well. Overall, I still feel it's a great place, and given its excellent location, I'm thinking I'll probably choose to stay here again next time.FromUS$133
8.9/10Very Good2579 Reviews
Seoul|3.88km from city centre
I took my daughter on a trip to Korea, and a friend recommended this hotel before we left. Although the price was a little high, I still booked it.
**Transportation:** From Incheon Airport, if you don't have too much luggage, you can easily take the subway. It's very convenient. A subway ticket is around 5,000 Korean won, which is cheaper than a bus ticket. After exiting the subway, it's about an 8-minute walk to the hotel.
**Service:** There's a young man at the front desk who can communicate in Chinese. The staff clean the rooms daily and provide two bottles of water in the fridge. Everyone is very polite.
**Amenities:** There's a power outlet on the desk that accepts plugs from my home country (only one, see my photo). There's a slow-charging Type-C port by the bed. The room has a mini-fridge, hairdryer, and kettle. The hotel lobby has a self-service currency exchange machine where you can exchange RMB for Korean won (cash only, no Alipay, etc.). However, the exchange rate is slightly higher than at home.
**Dining:** Behind the hotel, there's a food street. There are many reviews on Xiaohongshu. I tried chicken soup, Lee Garden, potato and pork bone soup, and tteokbokki. All were delicious. The tteokbokki was very spicy. The portions were generous!
**Local Transport:** I used the subway for all my travels (Gongdeok Station and Mapo Station are both accessible); I didn't use buses. Korea has shared bicycles, so those who can download the app might want to try it.
Overall, the hotel is good.
**P.S.:** Trip.com's service was also good. They helped me communicate with the hotel regarding my booking, which was very helpful.FromUS$86
Breakfast
9.2/10Great719 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.58km from city centre
The hotel has a simple yet stylish design, and the rooms are very clean. The bed and pillows were incredibly comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep. The room also gets good natural light, with pleasant sunshine during the day. Plus, being on a high floor, I had a great view of the Myeongdong streetscape.
The location is super convenient, right below the Myeongdong shopping district. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and convenience stores, and it's really lively at night. The subway station is also very close by.
The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful, and both check-in and check-out were smooth. I'd definitely choose this place again on my next trip to Seoul; it's perfect for first-time visitors to Korea.FromUS$235
9.1/10Great1707 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.2km from city centre
The room was very clean and tidy, and the price was just right. It was also very conveniently located, with four subway lines nearby and a convenience store just a short walk away. David at the front desk was very accommodating; even though it wasn't yet 3 PM for check-in, he told us we could check in early because a room was already cleaned. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. It was excellent, and I'll definitely come back again.FromUS$66
8.7/10Very Good1123 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.02km from city centre
I stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong for one night before flying out of ICN. My only requirement was that the hotel have easy access to the airport limousine route. While there is a stop a few steps from the hotel, we found that, given the time of our flight the following morning, we ultimately needed to use a different stop. We trekked the extra 10 minutes in the morning with our luggage, which was less than ideal, but ultimately worked out fine. The hotel was easy to access, tucked into a quiet corner of Myeongdong. While we arrived quite late in the evening, the staff was glad to receive us. The check-in instructions were simple and easy. We received a room on the 20th (I think) floor with a lovely view of the city. It was clean and well-appointed with space for four suitcases, which was necessary as we prepared to depart Korea with many new purchases. The famous Myeongdong walking street was only a 7-minute walk away, which is a major selling point. I would definitely recommend this hotel for a solo traveler, a pair, or a couple. The room is small, but clean, and the location is prime.FromUS$96
8.6/10Very Good1024 Reviews
Seoul|7.39km from city centre
Upon entering to check-in, there was no proactive greeting. The attitude during check-in was also just so-so. I chose this hotel specifically because it was advertised as a 'Chinese selection,' but I felt their attitude towards Chinese guests was indifferent. Other explanations were general, mainly emphasizing the 11 AM check-out time, warning of a penalty otherwise. Personally, I think the hot water issue, which I'll mention next, is more important than that.
Aside from these points, the hygiene was acceptable. The facilities are a bit old. There's a convenience store nearby, and the bus stop downstairs is also very convenient.FromUS$48
8.7/10Very Good645 Reviews
Samseong-dong Seoul|9.79km from city centre
Good experience over all. Very close to the Coex mall. Lobby is on 20 floor, which is different from others. Recently SamSung station has been remodeling, made it little noise when cars drive over the steel covered road. But it is reasonable price being in the center of Gangnam-gu. One of the pros was I made a reservation under my daugter's name, which I didn't recognised that time. they couldn't find the reservation a bit long time, and they was wrong where I booked it through. The trip.com.. not ***********. the room is clean. I would like to recommend to stay this hotel. Over all reasonable. There are many restuarants in the Coex mall and shopping spots too.FromUS$100
Korea Arrival Card FAQs
-
Do Canadian citizens need to fill out a Korea Arrival Card?
Yes, all international travellers entering South Korea, including Canadian citizens, are required to complete a Korea Arrival Card upon arrival. The card must be submitted to a Korean immigration officer when passing through passport control. It is typically distributed on your inbound flight or available at designated counters inside the arrival hall at Korean airports such as Incheon International Airport. -
Is the Korea Arrival Card the same as the K-ETA?
No, they are two separate requirements. The Korea Arrival Card is a paper or digital form you complete upon arrival at a Korean airport, covering personal information, travel details, and customs declarations. The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a pre-travel electronic authorization that eligible travellers, including Canadians, were required to obtain before departure. As of recent policy updates, the K-ETA requirement has been temporarily suspended for many nationalities — always check the latest requirements with the Embassy of Korea in Canada before your trip. -
What information do I need to complete the Korea Arrival Card?
To complete the Korea Arrival Card, you will need: your full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number and expiry date, your flight number, the address of your accommodation in South Korea (hotel name and address), your purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business), intended length of stay, and answers to customs and health declaration questions. Having your hotel booking confirmation handy before landing makes this much easier. -
Do children need their own Korea Arrival Card?
In most cases, each traveller — including children — is required to complete their own Korea Arrival Card. However, young infants or children who cannot complete the form independently may be included on a parent or guardian's card in certain circumstances. It is best to confirm the current policy with Korean immigration authorities or your airline before travel, as practices can vary. -
Do Canadians need a visa to visit South Korea?
Canadian passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes under a bilateral visa exemption agreement. This means you do not need to apply for a visa in advance for short stays. However, you will still need to complete the Korea Arrival Card upon arrival and comply with all other entry requirements. For stays longer than 90 days or for purposes such as work or study, a visa must be obtained in advance through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ottawa.
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Korea Arrival Card
- 1. Korea Arrival Card Basics & K-ETA Key Differences
- 2. Who & How to Complete the Korea Arrival Card
- 3. Korea Arrival Card Common Troubleshooting & Immigration Clearance Tips
- 4. Standard Korea Entry Rules for Canadian Travellers
- 5. Best Time to Visit & Korea Travel Planning
- 6. [10% OFF] Best Hotels in Seoul by Travel Style
- 7. Korea Arrival Card FAQs
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