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Completing the Arrival Card: how it works in South Korea — first-hand

Short answer
Travelers to South Korea should complete an Arrival Card either online before departure or in paper form upon arrival to expedite the entry process. While holding a K-ETA is mandatory for visa-waiver countries, it does not exempt travelers, including minors, from the requirement to submit an Arrival Card.

From real experience

For travelers to South Korea: If you have a valid K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), you generally do not need to fill out a separate Arrival Card.
The K-ETA serves as the primary electronic entry permit. However, exceptions may apply, such as for minor children traveling with parents, who might still need to complete an Arrival Card. Travelers from countries requiring a visa for South Korea will need to obtain a visa instead of a K-ETA.
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Travelers with an approved K-ETA entering South Korea do not require an Arrival Card, unless they are traveling with children, in which case an Arrival Card may still be necessary for the children.
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For travelers arriving in Seoul, South Korea, an Arrival Card is often required.
While it can be filled out upon arrival at designated counters in the passport control area, or sometimes distributed on the plane, online pre-filling is highly recommended to save time. If you are in transit and remain within the international transit zone, the Arrival Card is typically not necessary. However, if you intend to leave the airport or will be collecting and re-checking luggage, you must complete the card. Ensure all information provided, including your personal details, purpose of visit, and accommodation address, is accurate and honest.
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In South Korea, K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel permit required for citizens of visa-waiver countries.
The Arrival Card is a separate form that all foreign visitors must complete upon entry, regardless of whether they have a K-ETA. The Arrival Card can be filled out electronically up to three days before arrival or obtained in paper form at the airport or on the airplane. Having a K-ETA does not exempt travelers from completing the Arrival Card.
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For minors (under 18) traveling to South Korea, an Arrival Card must be filled out, regardless of whether they have a K-ETA.
The Arrival Card can be completed online up to 72 hours before departure or upon arrival at the airport/on the plane. Filling it out online is recommended to save time after a long flight. Ensure the QR code generated after completion is saved for presentation to immigration officials.
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When arriving in South Korea, physical arrival cards and health declaration forms may be distributed on the plane.
These are typically collected by airport staff upon entry. While completing them is standard procedure, some travelers report not being asked for them. Filling out the electronic e-Arrival card prior to landing is also an option and can expedite the process. If you have a visa, the e-Arrival card is mandatory.
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When completing the Arrival Card for South Korea, consistency with previously submitted K-ETA information is advisable.
If a simplified address was used in the K-ETA application (e.g., omitting specific street names like 'Seogye-Dong'), it is generally acceptable to follow the same format on the Arrival Card. Dedicated desks are available at the airport for assistance with form completion if needed.
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Children under 17 do not require a separate K-ETA but should be listed as accompanying persons on an adult's K-ETA.
An Arrival Card is also required for minors and can be filled out online before travel or received on the plane. While K-ETA officially replaces the need for an Arrival Card, it is advisable to have it filled out as a precaution.
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At Seoul's Incheon Airport (ICN), staff members are available before passport control to assist travelers with completing the electronic arrival card.
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