Official pages checked on Oct. 23, 2026: U.S. passport holders can enter Korea for a short visit without a K-ETA until Dec. 31, 2026, but still need to file an e-Arrival Card. Rules change, so re-check the official sites before you fly.
K-ETA: waived through the end of 2026
A Korean consulate notice dated Dec. 24, 2025 says the temporary K-ETA waiver, which covers the U.S., is extended from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026 (KST).
You can still apply for a K-ETA voluntarily and then skip the arrival card. The fee is non-refundable: the official site lists KRW 10,000, with review usually within 72 hours.
e-Arrival Card: file within 3 days of landing
Without a K-ETA, complete the e-Arrival Card within the 3 days before you arrive. The official site, e-arrivalcard.go.kr, says no fee is required.
Look-alike paid agent sites show up in search results. The K-ETA site itself warns about fake agencies charging high 'express' fees, and applications are only at k-eta.go.kr or the K-ETA app.
Plugs: two round pins, and a different voltage
Korea runs on 220 V with Type C and F sockets, two round pins. The U.S. is 120 V with Type A and B plugs, so yours won't fit without an adapter.
A charger labelled 100-240 V needs only the adapter. A 110 V-only device needs a step-down transformer.
