Entry Rules and Necessary Documents: how it works in South Korea — first-hand
Short answer
Prior travel to North Korea typically does not affect K-ETA approval, which is usually processed within a few hours to three business days. When traveling with a minor who is not a relative, carry a notarized parental consent form and birth certificate to navigate stricter immigration and airline policies.
From real experience
Visiting North Korea prior to applying for a K-ETA for South Korea generally does not negatively impact the application.
The K-ETA system primarily assesses information related to the applicant's intended travel to South Korea and their background. Past travel to North Korea is typically not a factor that would automatically lead to a K-ETA denial, as immigration authorities may not have direct access to or consider such travel history in the K-ETA assessment.
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When traveling to South Korea with a minor who is not a direct relative, a notarized consent form from both parents is required, along with the child's birth certificate.
Past experiences indicate that having these documents in order generally leads to smooth border crossings without issues, even if the minor is not a close relative of the accompanying adult.
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For travelers involving minors (under 18) in South Korea, be aware of potential restrictions on joint accommodation with unrelated adults.
While hotels might not always strictly check documents upon check-in, immigration and airline policies are stricter. A notarized parental consent for travel is usually required, and it's advisable to confirm specific airline regulations regarding unaccompanied minors or minors traveling with non-relatives. Korean border control may question the arrangement if the minor is traveling with an unrelated adult, even with a consent form. It's recommended to verify requirements with the airline and potentially have a notarized power of attorney for accompaniment.
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K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) processing times can vary, but approval is often received within a few hours, typically ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
In some cases, it may take up to 3 business days. It is generally advisable to apply well in advance of travel to ensure timely approval. For short layovers, check the K-ETA status promptly after application.
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For travel to South Korea, a passport valid for 6-7 months at the time of travel is generally sufficient, even if it expires shortly after the intended departure date.
However, it's advisable to check specific entry requirements.