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Table of Contents
▼South Korea has a number of international airports, ferry terminals, and seaports used daily by travelers arriving from all over the world.
Most visitors enter through Incheon International Airport, which serves South Korea’s capital city. Whichever border crossing point you use, you need to present the required documents in order to be granted entry.
This post contains an Incheon airport arrival guide for 2026, as well as details on other key entry points and the documentation required at South Korean border control.
South Korea’s Major International Airports
Most foreign visitors enter South Korea by air. The main airport you choose depends on your final destination, airline route, and whether you are traveling to Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or another region.
The main entry airports for international travelers include:
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Best for Seoul, long-haul flights, and most international connections
- Gimhae International Airport (PUS): Best for Busan and southeastern Korea
- Gimpo International Airport (GMP): Best for short-haul regional routes and domestic transfers near Seoul
- Jeju International Airport (CJU): Best for direct travel to Jeju Island
Daegu, Cheongju, Muan, and Yangyang are smaller airports that mainly serve regional Korea. They also have selected international routes, which vary by season and airline schedule.
Incheon International Airport (ICN): Major travel hub
Incheon International Airport is South Korea’s main international airport. It’s the most common arrival point for travelers flying from North America, Europe, and other long-haul destinations.
On average, 18,000 flights depart from Incheon every week. It’s the best destination airport if you’re visiting:
- Seoul
- Incheon
- Gyeonggi-do
- Central Korea
- Multiple Korean cities by train or domestic transfer
Incheon has Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Your arrival terminal depends on the airline, so check your flight ticket before departure. You can move between terminals by shuttle bus or airport railroad if needed.
Gimhae (PUS) and Gimpo (GMP): Regional alternatives
Gimhae International Airport is the main air gateway for Busan and southeastern Korea. It’s the best destination airport if your itinerary covers:
- Busan
- Gyeongju
- Ulsan
- Southern coastal destinations
- Southeast Korea without passing through Seoul
Gimpo International Airport is only about 15 miles from central Seoul, making it closer than Incheon and a handy option if you prefer a shorter transfer.
It’s also useful for selected international routes from nearby countries, especially Japan, China, and Taiwan, particularly if you have a domestic connection to make, like an onward flight to Jeju.
Apply for Korea e Arrival Card
Entering by Sea: South Korea’s International Ferry Terminals
It’s possible to enter Korea by ferry through international terminals in major port cities. The most popular of these include Incheon, Pyeongtaek, Busan, and Donghae. Most connections depart from China, Japan, and Russia.
Entry via Busan International Ferry Terminal
Busan Port International Passenger Terminal is the main ferry entry point for travelers arriving from Japan.
Ferry routes connect from here to Japanese ports such as Fukuoka, Shimonoseki, Osaka, Hitakatsu, and Izuhara. The terminal is also convenient for onward travel to Busan Station, Daegu, Gyeongju, and other parts of southeastern Korea.
Incheon International Ferry Terminal
Incheon International Ferry Terminal is a popular entry point for passengers arriving from China. As a major transport hub, the port also receives numerous cargo ships from across China.
From Incheon Ferry Port, you can reach downtown Seoul, Incheon, and Gimpo International Airport, and other areas in Gyeonggi-do by public transport.
South Korea Entry Requirements at Airports and Ports in 2026
South Korea’s entry requirements are generally the same whether you arrive by airport, ferry terminal, or cruise port.
The documents you need depend on your nationality, purpose of travel, and length of stay. Check the requirements in advance, so you can prepare what’s required in your case.
Before you travel, make sure you have the following documents ready to present at immigration controls on arrival:
- Valid passport
- Approved K-ETA or South Korea visa, depending on your nationality and travel purpose
- Completed e-Arrival Card
- Address and contact details for your stay in Korea
- Return or onward travel details
You might also need to fill out a customs declaration if you’re bringing items that exceed restricted amounts.
K-ETA exemption 2026 update: South Korea has extended its temporary K-ETA exemption for visa-free travelers until December 31, 2026.
If you’re covered by the exemption, you can enter Korea without applying for K-ETA, but all travelers must still complete the Korea e-Arrival Card before arrival.
Apply for Korea e Arrival Card
Even if you’re exempt from the K-ETA, you can still choose to apply to benefit from some advantages it gives you, such as not having to submit a separate Arrival Card, and moving through border controls more quickly.
Getting From Your Entry Point to Your Destination
Transport from South Korea’s major airports and seaports is usually straightforward thanks to well developed public transit links and established taxi ranks and private transport hubs.
The table below shows the main options for onward travel at each of South Korea’s major border crossing points.
Need help understanding South Korea’s visa rules? Check our guidance on visa types to see what’s needed based on your travel plans.
