Korea Help Now

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  • Korea e-Arrival Card 2026: Official Website, Who Needs It, and How to Submit

    Korea e-Arrival Card 2026: Official Website, Who Needs It, and How to Submit

    The Korea e-Arrival Card is an online entry declaration for foreign travelers entering South Korea.

    The official service is free, and the only official website is www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr.

    Do not enter your passport or payment information on a website that asks you to pay an e-Arrival Card application fee. The Korean Ministry of Justice warned in March 2026 that fake websites impersonating the official service had been discovered.

    You can submit the form from a computer or smartphone within the official three-day submission window before immigration inspection.

    This guide was checked against official Korea Immigration Service information on September 4, 2026. Entry requirements can change, so check the official website again before traveling.

    Quick Answer: Do I Need a Korea e-Arrival Card?

    You generally need to submit an entry declaration if you are a foreign national entering South Korea and do not fall under an exemption.

    Travelers who may need to submit the e-Arrival Card include:

    • Foreign travelers entering Korea with a valid Korean visa
    • Travelers from countries temporarily exempt from applying for K-ETA
    • Travelers who are under 17 or over 65 and therefore exempt from applying for K-ETA
    • Holders of certain diplomatic or official passports
    • Some SOFA military personnel, UN passport holders, ABTC holders, and seafarers

    Use the e-Arrival Card Navigator on the official website if you are unsure.

    Who Is Exempt?

    According to the official Korea e-Arrival Card eligibility guide, excluded categories include:

    • Citizens of the Republic of Korea
    • Holders of a valid Korean Residence Card
    • Holders of a valid Korean Permanent Resident Card
    • Holders of a valid Overseas Korean Resident Card
    • Travelers who hold an approved and valid K-ETA
    • Certain group visa holders
    • Eligible visa-free group tourists at designated airports
    • Foreign airline crew members entering Korea

    Exemptions depend on the documents and immigration status you will use when entering Korea. Do not rely only on your nationality. Check the official navigator using documents that will still be valid on your arrival date.

    K-ETA Exempt Is Not the Same as Holding a Valid K-ETA

    This is one of the most important distinctions for travelers in 2026.

    Korea has extended the temporary K-ETA application exemption for eligible countries and regions through December 31, 2026.

    • K-ETA exempt: You do not have to apply for K-ETA, but you are generally still required to submit an arrival declaration.
    • Valid K-ETA holder: You are normally exempt from submitting the e-Arrival Card.

    There is an additional exception. The official eligibility guide states that travelers who hold a K-ETA but enter Korea using a visa must complete the e-Arrival Card.

    If you are uncertain, use the official navigator instead of assuming that K-ETA exemption also means e-Arrival Card exemption.

    Difference between K-ETA exemption and holding a valid K-ETA

    When Can I Submit the e-Arrival Card?

    Submit it within the three-day period shown on the official website before entering Korea.

    For example, the Ministry of Justice explains that a traveler arriving on March 31 can submit the form on March 29, March 30, or March 31.

    The e-Arrival Card remains valid for 72 hours from the time of submission. If you do not enter Korea within that period, it expires and you must submit a new declaration.

    You can also complete the declaration after arriving in Korea, but it must be submitted before immigration inspection. Completing it before your flight can help you avoid delays after arrival.

    What Do I Need Before Starting?

    • The valid passport you will use to enter Korea
    • An accurate email address
    • Your expected arrival and departure dates
    • Your flight or ship numbers
    • Your primary accommodation address and contact number in Korea
    • Your purpose of entry and occupation information

    If you will stay at several locations, enter your primary accommodation. If you do not have one primary location, enter the first place where you will stay after arriving in Korea.

    Passport, email, flight and accommodation checklist

    How to Submit the Korea e-Arrival Card

    Step 1: Open the Official Website

    Go directly to www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr.

    Check that the address ends in e-arrivalcard.go.kr before entering passport information. The official service does not charge an application or processing fee.

    Step 2: Choose an Individual or Group Declaration

    The portal provides separate options for individual and group declarations. An individual declaration can include up to nine travelers, while the portal provides a separate group function for larger groups.

    If you are submitting forms for family members, the official guidance says they should share the same arrival date and flight number.

    Step 3: Enter Your Email Address

    Accept the required terms and enter an email address you can access. Your issuance number and expiration information can be sent to this address, so check the spelling carefully.

    Step 4: Enter Your Passport Information

    Upload a clear image of your passport information page or enter the information manually when the system permits it.

    When uploading an image, include the entire Machine Readable Zone at the bottom of the passport page. If it is cut off or unclear, the system may not read your information correctly.

    Make sure your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport expiration date, and other details match the passport you will present at immigration.

    Step 5: Enter Your Travel and Accommodation Information

    Enter the arrival, departure, flight or ship, and accommodation details requested by the form. Use confirmed information from your booking instead of guessing.

    If your accommodation, occupation, or purpose of entry changes after submission, you can edit the declaration before completing immigration inspection.

    Step 6: Review and Submit

    Review every field before submitting. Pay particular attention to your passport number, full name, arrival date, flight or ship number, accommodation address, and email address. Incorrect information can delay immigration inspection.

    Is the Official e-Arrival Card Free?

    Yes. The Korean government’s official e-Arrival Card service is free.

    The Ministry of Justice issued a warning on March 9, 2026 after discovering websites impersonating the official service. The warning states that any website requesting payment information is not the official service.

    Do not assume that the first sponsored or advertised search result is the government website.

    Warning that the official Korea e-Arrival Card is free

    Do I Have to Wait for Approval?

    The e-Arrival Card is an entry declaration, not a travel authorization application.

    After properly submitting the declaration, you do not need to wait for a separate approval decision. This is different from K-ETA, which is an electronic travel authorization.

    Submitting an e-Arrival Card does not guarantee entry. The final immigration decision is made during entry inspection.

    Do I Need to Print It?

    No. According to the official Ministry of Justice guide, you can complete immigration inspection without presenting a downloaded PDF or screenshot of the e-Arrival Card.

    Keeping your issuance number, confirmation email, PDF, or screenshot can still be useful if you need to check or edit the declaration.

    Can I Edit the Form After Submission?

    Yes. You can check and edit a submitted e-Arrival Card before immigration inspection by using your issuance number or email verification in the official Check/Edit service.

    If you submit another declaration using the same personal information before the original expires, only the newest submission will be accessible.

    Can Someone Else Submit It for Me?

    The official guidance states that a third party may submit the declaration when a traveler cannot complete it because of unavoidable circumstances.

    However, the information is treated as if it were provided by the traveler. Incorrect information may cause delays or other problems during entry inspection, so the traveler should check all details.

    Do I Need a New Card Every Time I Enter Korea?

    Yes. The e-Arrival Card is valid for one entry. You must submit a new declaration when entering Korea again unless you qualify for an exemption at that time.

    Before You Fly: Final Checklist

    • Confirm whether you must submit an entry declaration.
    • Use the official navigator if you are uncertain.
    • Use only the official government website.
    • Never pay an e-Arrival Card submission fee.
    • Prepare your passport, email, travel, and accommodation information.
    • Check your passport number before submitting.
    • Save your issuance number or confirmation email.
    • Submit a new form if the 72-hour validity period expires.
    • Recheck the official requirements before departure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the Korea e-Arrival Card mandatory in 2026?

    Foreign travelers who are required to submit an entry declaration must complete it before immigration inspection. Travelers with a valid Korean residence card, valid K-ETA, or another recognized exemption may not need it. Use the official navigator to confirm.

    Do K-ETA-exempt travelers need an e-Arrival Card?

    Generally, yes. Temporary exemption from applying for K-ETA is different from holding an approved and valid K-ETA.

    Do valid K-ETA holders need an e-Arrival Card?

    Valid K-ETA holders are normally excluded. However, a person holding K-ETA who enters Korea using a visa must complete the e-Arrival Card.

    How much does the e-Arrival Card cost?

    The official service is free. A website requesting payment information is not the official government service.

    How early can I submit it?

    Use the three-day submission window displayed on the official website. The declaration is valid for 72 hours from submission.

    Can I submit the form after arriving in Korea?

    Yes, but it must be completed before immigration inspection.

    Do I need to print the confirmation?

    No. A printed copy, PDF, or screenshot is not required for immigration inspection.

    Can I change my hotel after submitting?

    You can edit permitted information before immigration inspection through the official Check/Edit service.

    Can I complete the forms for my family?

    Yes. An individual declaration can cover up to nine travelers. Family members submitted together should have the same arrival date and flight number.

    Official Information

    Last checked: September 4, 2026. Immigration requirements, exemptions, and website procedures may change. Verify the official information again before traveling.

  • Seoul Fireworks Festival 2026: Best Subway Stations, Road Closures, and Exit Plan

    Seoul Fireworks Festival 2026: Best Subway Stations, Road Closures, and Exit Plan

    The 2026 Seoul International Fireworks Festival takes place at Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Parks on Saturday, September 5.

    The main fireworks show runs from 8:00 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. Admission to the main public viewing areas is free, but the entire Nodeul Island viewing area requires a paid ticket.

    The most important advice is simple: do not plan to drive to Yeouido or depend only on Yeouinaru Station. Major roads will close, nearby parking will be restricted, and Yeouinaru Station may be skipped or have its entrances closed if it becomes overcrowded.

    Use Yeouido, Saetgang, or Mapo Station instead, and decide how you will leave before entering the park.

    Information was checked against Seoul Metropolitan Government notices updated on September 3, 2026. Transport controls may change according to crowd and traffic conditions.

    Festival Date, Time, and Location

    • Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
    • Festival activities: 1:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
    • Fireworks: 8:00 p.m.–9:10 p.m.
    • Main areas: Yeouido Hangang Park and Ichon Hangang Park
    • Participating teams: United Kingdom, United States, and South Korea
    • Admission: Free in the main public viewing areas
    • Nodeul Island: Paid ticket holders only

    A preliminary event is also taking place on Friday, September 4. Some transport restrictions and facility closures therefore begin before the main festival day.

    Quick Answer: Which Subway Station Should You Use?

    Avoid making Yeouinaru Station your only plan.

    Seoul may have Line 5 trains pass through Yeouinaru Station without stopping or close station entrances if the platforms and exits become dangerously crowded. This is expected to be possible between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

    Use one of these alternatives:

    Station Lines Recommended exits
    Yeouido Station Lines 5 and 9 Exits 4 or 5
    Saetgang Station Line 9 and Sillim Line Exits 2 or 3
    Mapo Station Line 5 Exits 1 or 4

    These stations require more walking than Yeouinaru Station, but they give you more options if the closest station is restricted.

    Save the station names in both English and Korean:

    • Yeouido Station — 여의도역
    • Saetgang Station — 샛강역
    • Mapo Station — 마포역
    • Yeouinaru Station — 여의나루역
    Alternative stations showing Yeouido, Saetgang and Mapo stations and their recommended exits

    How to Reach the Festival Without Getting Stuck

    Step 1: Choose your arrival and return stations separately

    Your best arrival route may not be your best return route.

    For example, you can enter through Yeouido Station but leave toward Saetgang or Mapo Station after the show. This reduces the risk of joining the largest crowd moving toward one station.

    Take a screenshot of both routes before entering the park. Mobile service can become slower when a very large crowd gathers in one area.

    Step 2: Do not drive into the Yeouido festival area

    Yeouidong-ro, between the southern end of Mapo Bridge and the front of the 63 Building, will be fully closed from 3:00 p.m. until midnight on September 5.

    Wonhyo Bridge has a longer restriction:

    • September 4, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: One northbound lane and the sidewalk closed
    • September 5, 9:00 a.m.–September 6, 3:00 a.m.: Road and sidewalks fully closed
    • September 6 morning: Another partial restriction is scheduled

    Access between Parc1 Tower and the Yeouido Community Service Center intersection will also be limited to residents and authorized festival vehicles from 3:00 p.m. until midnight.

    The entrance from Olympic-daero and Nodeul-ro toward the 63 Building may be controlled according to real-time conditions.

    Step 3: Check live traffic before your final transfer

    Open Seoul TOPIS before entering Yeouido. It provides current road conditions, closures, bus changes, and traffic-camera information.

    Map and navigation applications may reflect closures, but the official TOPIS information should be used for last-minute confirmation.

    Parking Restrictions

    Driving is not recommended.

    The parking area in front of the 63 Building is closed from 6:00 p.m. on September 4 until midnight on September 5.

    Yeouido Hangang Park Parking Lot 1 will not allow normal entry or exit during the restriction period. Other parking lots around Yeouido, Ichon, and Banpo may operate, but police can restrict the approach roads when they become full.

    Parking or stopping on nearby bridges and roads to watch the fireworks is prohibited. Vehicles that ignore enforcement instructions may be towed.

    A parking space outside the immediate festival district does not guarantee that you will be able to drive through Yeouido after the show.

    Subway and Bus Changes

    Seoul plans to operate 18 additional Line 5 trains and 65 additional Line 9 trains on September 5.

    Extra trains do not mean every nearby station will remain accessible. Yeouinaru Station can still be skipped or have entrances closed when crowd levels become unsafe.

    Twenty-four bus routes that normally use Yeouidong-ro or Wonhyo Bridge will be temporarily diverted.

    Sixteen bus routes will also skip four stops on Hangang Bridge, including the two Nodeul Island stops, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.

    Additional buses serving Yeouido Transfer Center and Yeouido Station are planned during these periods:

    • 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
    • 10:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

    Because diversions can change according to conditions, verify your bus through TOPIS or a current transit application immediately before boarding.

    Do Not Depend on a Rental Bike or E-Scooter

    Rental and return services for Seoul Bike Ddareungi, private shared bicycles, and personal mobility devices will be suspended around Yeouido and Ichon from 8:00 a.m. on September 4 until 7:00 a.m. on September 6.

    Bicycles may also be prohibited inside dense crowd-control areas on the main festival day.

    Do not plan to leave the festival by renting a bicycle or e-scooter after the fireworks.

    Can You Use the Hangang Bus or a Cruise?

    Do not assume that normal river transportation will operate.

    Hangang Bus schedules and operating sections are changed from September 3 through September 5. Water access between Seogang Bridge and Hangang Bridge will also be restricted in stages.

    Check the official Hangang Bus website before using any river service.

    A private cruise or boat should only be treated as available when the operator confirms that specific departure. River restrictions can affect routes even when an ordinary booking page remains visible.

    What to Know About Nodeul Island

    Nodeul Island is not a free alternative viewing area in 2026.

    The entire island is being operated as the paid Orange Play Zone. Only visitors with advance tickets can enter.

    Bus stops on Hangang Bridge serving Nodeul Island will be skipped from 4:00 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. This restriction matters even if you already have an admission ticket.

    Do not travel to Nodeul Island expecting to enter without a ticket.

    Toilets, Medical Help, and On-Site Assistance

    Seoul is adding 94 temporary toilet units around Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Parks.

    Two general information centers in Zones B and E of the Yeouido site can help with toilet locations, emergency medical assistance, lost children, and lost property.

    Six emergency medical stations will operate in the Yeouido and Ichon areas. Ambulances, firefighters, and medical staff will also be deployed.

    For urgent help in Korea:

    • 119: Ambulance and fire
    • 112: Police
    • 120: Seoul city information and transport guidance
    • 1330: Korea Travel Helpline
    Emergency contact card showing 119, 112, 120 and 1330

    Important Rules and Safety Notices

    Do not leave an unattended mat to reserve space

    Seoul has asked visitors not to occupy areas for long periods or sell reserved spaces. Unattended mats may be collected and removed.

    Do not fly a drone

    Unauthorized drone flights are prohibited around Hangang Park. Flying near the fireworks zone can result in penalties under Korean aviation-safety rules.

    Do not enter controlled areas

    Follow police officers, safety staff, barriers, and one-way walking instructions. A route that appears shorter on a map may be unavailable at the venue.

    Take your rubbish with you

    Official food trucks will operate near the Mulbit Stage plaza. Seoul advises visitors to avoid unauthorized street vendors and remove their rubbish after the event.

    Consider a mask if you have respiratory problems

    Fireworks may temporarily increase fine-dust concentrations. Seoul recommends that children and people with respiratory conditions prepare a KF80-or-higher protective mask.

    The Safest Way to Leave After the Fireworks

    The fireworks end at approximately 9:10 p.m., when a large part of the crowd will begin moving at once.

    1. Confirm which stations are operating in your live transit application.
    2. Do not automatically follow the crowd toward Yeouinaru Station.
    3. Walk toward your preselected alternative: Yeouido, Saetgang, or Mapo Station.
    4. Follow official pedestrian controls even when they differ from your map.
    5. If the route is dangerously crowded, wait in a safe open area instead of forcing your way into the flow.
    6. Keep your group together or use a meeting point selected before the show.
    7. Allow extra time for walking, station entry, and transfers.

    Seoul is promoting a “10 Minutes Slowly” campaign to spread departure times after the show. Waiting briefly in a safe location can be more practical than entering the first wave of people leaving the park.

    Five-step safety plan for leaving the Seoul fireworks festival

    Before You Leave: Final Checklist

    • Save Yeouido, Saetgang, and Mapo Stations in your map application.
    • Screenshot your arrival and return routes.
    • Check Seoul TOPIS for current restrictions.
    • Add enough balance to your transportation card before entering the festival area.
    • Do not depend only on Yeouinaru Station.
    • Do not plan to park near the venue.
    • Do not depend on a rental bicycle, e-scooter, or normal Hangang Bus service.
    • Confirm that everyone in your group knows the meeting point.
    • Keep emergency numbers 112 and 119 accessible.
    • Check the official festival website again on the event day.

    Can You Watch Online?

    Yes. Seoul states that the fireworks will be livestreamed through Live Seoul and Hanwha TV.

    Use the streaming links provided through the official Seoul festival notice. This is the safest alternative if you cannot comfortably manage a very large outdoor crowd.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the 2026 Seoul Fireworks Festival free?

    The main public viewing areas around Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Parks are free. Nodeul Island is different: the entire island requires a paid advance ticket in 2026.

    What time do the fireworks start?

    The international fireworks show is scheduled from 8:00 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. on September 5, 2026.

    Will Yeouinaru Station close?

    It is not scheduled to remain closed for the entire day. However, trains may pass through without stopping or station entrances may close if the station becomes overcrowded, particularly between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

    Which station is the best alternative to Yeouinaru?

    Seoul officially recommends Yeouido Station, Saetgang Station, and Mapo Station. The best choice depends on your destination after the show.

    Can I park at Yeouido Hangang Park?

    Parking and road access will be severely restricted. The official recommendation is to use public transportation.

    Can I enter Nodeul Island without a ticket?

    No. Nodeul Island is a paid-ticket area for the 2026 festival.

    Will buses operate normally?

    No. Some buses will be diverted, while several stops on Hangang Bridge will be skipped. Check TOPIS or a live transit application immediately before traveling.

    Where can I get help in English?

    Call the Korea Travel Helpline at 1330. For Seoul transport information, call 120. Use 112 for police and 119 for medical or fire emergencies.

    Official Information

    Last checked: September 4, 2026. Road controls, station access, bus diversions, river services, and livestream links may change according to weather, crowd levels, or official safety decisions.