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South Korea

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

South korea - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for South Korea.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.   
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

No – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy seoul.

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, Korea Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114)  DSN:721-4114 Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate in Busan

Lotte Gold Rose Building #612, Jungang-daero 993, Jin-gu Busan 47209, Korea Telephone: (+82) 51-863-0731 Email:  [email protected]

The Embassy and Consulate are closed on weekends and on  American and Korean holidays .  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +82 (2) 397-4114.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the  Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)  is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
• Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

• In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the  Korea Immigration Service (KIS)  before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

• Consult  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide , and follow all instructions.
• Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
• Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
• Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months .

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy  (Including family members/dependents):

• Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency.  Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements. 
• TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do  not  require Korean visas and do  not  require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using  Department of State's eCC system  or  DOD APACS system .

HIV/AIDS Restriction:  The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

• Visit the  Embassy of Korea  website for current visa information. Please read our  Customs Information page .

COVID-19 Requirements :

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
• Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Safety and Security

Public Demonstrations:  Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK):  An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our  Fact Sheet on North Korea .

Weather-related Events:  Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  website.

Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ):  To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP. 

If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.

Crime:  For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets.

• Take routine safety precautions.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Report any concerns to local police.

Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant:

• Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts.
• If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups.
• Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.

Victims of Crime:  Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to police;
• Contact relatives or friends on your behalf;
• Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States;
• Replace a lost or stolen passport.

Sexual Assault:   The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security.  Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.

Domestic Violence:  Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if widely available.  It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States. The  Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice  has more information.

Avoid fraud and scams:  See  Department of State  and  FBI  websites for more information.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

• Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation.
• There is little tolerance for illegal drugs.
• If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.
• Commercial disputes may lead to criminal charges being filed under local laws.

Be aware that some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Dual Nationality and Military Conscription:  Dual national males (including U.S. service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate or the  Korean Military Manpower Administration  regarding potential citizenship obligations  before entering South Korea .

Passport Seizures and Exit Bans:  If you are involved in a criminal investigation or commercial dispute, authorities may seize your passport and/or block your departure. While we may reissue a passport, we cannot lift an exit ban.

Exit Permits:  Exit permits are not generally required. However, if a parent requests a travel restriction on his/her child, Korean authorities may prevent that child from departing even when traveling with the other parent. As of June 1, 2020, foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at the  www.hikorea.go.kr  website.

International Child Abduction:  See our website for information related to the  prevention of international child abduction . 

Working in South Korea:  If working, including teaching or modeling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status without leaving the country. If you begin work without the appropriate visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported. If you are working without a valid work permit and get into a contractual dispute with your employer, you have little legal recourse.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

ROK National Security Law:  Authorities may detain, arrest, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state,” including statements deemed to praise the political system and/or officials of the DPRK. 

Customs Regulations: There is strict enforcement of regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, narcotics and prescription drugs, non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. Importation of materials deemed to be obscene, subversive, or harmful to the public peace is also restricted.

• Amphetamines are illegal in Korea. Do not bring amphetamines or other prescription narcotics into the country without obtaining advance permission in writing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. See the  U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page .
• Traveling with Pets: See  Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency  website.

See the  Korean Customs Regulations website for complete information.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTI-oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTI issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Korean citizens can legally change their gender identity.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Mobility Issues:  Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Cross walks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include Korean Braille information. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward.

Quality of Care : Western-style medical facilities are available in most large cities. However, not all doctors and staff, are proficient in English. A  list of hospitals  and medical specialists who speak English is available on our website. For emergency ambulance service dial 119. Ambulance services are widely available. For information on medical evacuation from South Korea, please see the State Department’s brochure on  Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers . 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Verify your health insurance coverage before traveling overseas. See our webpage for information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.

Medication:  Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Most prescription medications, except psychotropic types, can be obtained at Korean pharmacies (brand names often differ). Local pharmacies will require a prescription from a Korean doctor.

Update  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For further health information go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents.

Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Traffic Laws include:

• International driving permit (or ROK license) is required for all drivers.
• Left-hand turns prohibited except with green arrow.
• Seat belts and car seats are mandatory.
• Motorcycle passengers must wear helmets.
• Automobile drivers are presumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians.
• Expect long waits at police stations while police investigate any incidents.
• Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation.
• Even if negligence is not proven, criminal charges may be filed.
• Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
• Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests; refusal can result in cancellation of your license.

For information about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to our  Road Safety page . You may also visit the  Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of Korea's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the ROK's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

South Korea was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  South Korea.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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16 things to know before heading to South Korea

Feb 18, 2024 • 10 min read

South Korea’s public-transport choices – including Busan’s Sky Capsule – are the envy of the world. As you plan your trip, count on using the nationwide network © By f11photo / Shutterstock

Has any place been on a run of late like  South Korea ?

The country is on the lips of travelers around the world, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, world-class cuisine, chart-topping pop bands and some of the most exciting movies and TV series being made anywhere. 

Add to all this centuries of tradition and copious natural blessings, all in a country scarcely larger than Ireland, and you’ve got one of the planet’s great travel destinations.

Safe, friendly and possessing superb infrastructure, South Korea is a truly easy – not to mention rewarding – place to explore. Read on for tips to make your visit even easier.

1. Complete your pre-trip registration three days before your flight

Most travelers – including citizens of the US, Australia and the UK – can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days (up to six months for Canadians). You’ll still need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization on the K-ETA website , however, at least 72 hours before departure. It’s a simple process, and your K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval.

2. Time your visit with the trees

We recommend planning your visit to South Korea for spring or fall , when the peninsula gets its most temperate weather. Bonus points if you can time it to coincide with one of the country’s two periods of arboreal magic. Korea’s cherry blossoms start blooming in mid-March on Jeju-do Island , off the south coast, and typically appear in Seoul in early April. In late October and early November, the leaves of Korea’s many ancient ginkgo trees turn into brilliant golden torches, giving Seoul and other cities a particularly regal look for several weeks.

3. Mind these two major holidays

The two periods that can cause travelers real problems are the multi-day Lunar New Year and Chuseok (fall harvest) holidays. On these two occasions every year, Koreans hit the road en masse, making booking a bus or train ticket nearly impossible. The dates change each year, so be sure to check when these are before making travel plans. 

If you can’t avoid a holiday, base yourself in Seoul or Busan for its duration. Plenty of businesses stay open, and the cities can be surprisingly peaceful with everyone out of town.

4. Take advantage of Korea’s world-class public transportation

Korea’s subways, trains and buses are clean, convenient and efficient . It can sometimes seem like a new station is added to the Seoul metro every month, and the rail and intercity bus networks will take you to every corner of the country. Public transportation is cheap: bus and subway fares in Seoul start at just ₩1250. In all of South Korea, Jeju-do is the only place where renting a car might make sense, and even there it’s probably not necessary.

With plentiful English information and sensible design, public transportation in Korea makes getting from here to there a breeze. To get moving, start by picking up a T-money transit card at a convenience store or from a vending machine in any subway station. Separate kiosks can be used to load money onto your card. Tap your card both when you board and get off the subway or bus. Fares are calculated by distance, so if you forget to tap when disembarking, you’ll be charged more and won’t be able to transfer for free. You can also use T-money cards in most taxis.

When traveling longer distances, it’s simple enough to just buy intercity bus or train tickets at stations. For the high-speed KTX train and some of the more popular routes and times – departing Seoul on Saturday morning, for example – it’s a good idea to purchase in advance. Bus tickets are typically readily available for purchase from machines and counters in bus stations. Buy train tickets on the website of  KORAIL , the national operator.

5. Stay connected with these essential apps

Wi-fi is so prevalent in Korean cities that you can do without a local SIM card, but if you decide that you want one just in case, or if you plan to head to rural areas, the easiest place to pick one up is at one of the many  telecom roaming centers at Incheon Airport upon arrival. You can also rent a phone if you didn’t bring your own.

Helpful apps to download include Naver Map ( iOS and Android ), which works better than Google Maps in South Korea; MangoPlate ( iOS and Android ) for finding restaurants and cafes; Subway Korea for navigating cities’ metro systems; and Kakao T ( iOS and Android ), which is like Uber but for taxis.

6. Get out of town

There are two Koreas. We don’t mean North and South, but rather Seoul and everything else – or, a bit more broadly, urban Korea and rural Korea. The country has a reputation for being a hyper-paced, highly wired pop-culture dynamo, but its hinterlands present a much different picture, and you’d be missing out big time if you skip them. 

The Korean countryside is beautiful, mountains and rivers make for beautiful vistas, and life is lived differently here than in the cities. The population is older – most people under 40 have decamped to the cities – and the pace is slower. At least once on your trip, get out of the cities and immerse yourself in this more traditional side of Korea.

7. Learn your ga , na , da , ra , ma , bas

Basic English is widely understood in Korea by folks under 50, and signage is almost always in both Korean and English. Yet it’s still a good (and respectful) idea to learn a bit of the language. 

Beyond memorizing a few essential Korean words and phrases, learning hangul, the Korean alphabet, is like gaining access to a secret bonus level of Korean travel. If you can sound out the letters, you’ll find that you already know what things like 카페 모카 ( ka-pe mo-ka ), 비빔밥 (bibimbap) and 사우나 ( sa-oo-na ) are. 

Hangul is easy to learn. King Sejong the Great, who oversaw its creation in the 15th century, declared that a wise man could pick it up before noon and even an idiot could learn it in 10 days.  Let’s Learn Hangul  teaches the Korean alphabet in an interactive, easy-to-follow way.

8. Roll with the nudges

Koreans live life in a hurry, and they do so in a densely populated country, so you shouldn’t expect the same sense of personal space or public courtesies you find in your home country. Koreans won’t hold doors open for you or apologize if they bump into you when walking. When getting on or off the subway, they likely won’t say, “Excuse me” – they’ll just nudge you aside. They’re not being rude, though. 

When you live in a city as crowded as Seoul, it’s just not practical to say sorry every time you knock shoulders with someone – you’d be apologizing constantly. This can be maddening to outsiders, but just accept it and roll with the nudges.

9. Be ready to get personal

The typical greeting here is a quick bow – nothing dramatic, just a head nod deep enough for your gaze to meet the floor – but you’ll sometimes be offered a handshake instead. If you are, expect more of a gentle clasp than the old squeeze-and-pump.

You’ll likely be asked questions more personal than you’re accustomed to by someone you just met. At the top of this list is your age. This data point is essential to Koreans, as it informs how they talk to one another: how formal their verb endings should be and whether to use honorifics. Inquiries about marital status, occupation and your opinion of Korea are also common. Answer politely, and feel free to return the question.

10. Wear what you like, but don’t pack anything too risqué

As a traveler, you can feel free to dress for the weather and comfort. Koreans are pretty relaxed about attire, even if they’re more modest than you might expect. If visiting a temple , while shorts are fine, tank tops and miniskirts are not. Both men and women frequently wear t-shirts at the beach (though it’s best to leave the Speedo or thong at home). Korean women almost never wear low-cut tops, and female travelers could find that doing so brings unwelcome looks. Tattoos are now common among young people, yet even still some bathhouses will deny entry if you show any ink.

11. Eat with others and don’t be afraid to shout for service

Eating is a communal activity in Korea, and many restaurants, especially barbecue joints, don’t offer single servings. So if you’re traveling solo, you might either have to drag someone from your hostel along with you (not a tough sell) or loosen your belt and order pork belly for two (poor thing).

At restaurants, servers won’t come check up on you, and most places have call buttons on each table. Give it a push, and someone will be right over. Otherwise, to grab the waitstaff’s attention, raise your hand and shout, “ Yogiyo !” (“Over here!”) Water is usually self-service, and occasionally side dishes are, too. If your server doesn’t set a bottle of water on your table, look around for a water dispenser and stacks of metal cups. At the end of your meal, take the check to the front counter to pay. There’s no tipping.

12. Is North Korea a concern?

Despite international headlines, South Koreans don’t worry about an attack from  North Korea  – and neither should you. Military clashes are very rare, and danger to civilians is rarer still. A guided tour to the  DMZ can be a fascinating and truly find-it-nowhere-else experience. From afar, North Korea can seem almost comical in its eccentricities, but when you’re looking at South Korean soldiers looking at North Korean soldiers looking at you, the geopolitical stakes hit different. Plus, many tours offer what may be your only chance to actually step foot in the world’s most secretive country.

13. Monitor the air quality

Even in post-pandemic times, it’s a good idea to always carry a mask, as air quality can occasionally drop to pretty nasty levels. This is especially true in spring, when dust blown off the deserts of Mongolia and northern China combines with local pollution to create unhealthy air. Download an app like IQAir Air Visual (for iOS or Android ) to keep track of current conditions and the upcoming forecast across the country.

14. You might have to be flexible about your diet

If you have food allergies or a specific diet, you may have a hard time finding places to eat or getting clear information about ingredients. Vegetarianism and veganism are slowly gaining popularity in Korea, but not many restaurants cater to these diets. Even dishes that you might think are vegetarian are often made with anchovy broth or fermented shrimp.  

15. Recognize that LGBTQI+ acceptance still has a long way to go 

While attitudes are slowly changing, Korea remains a conservative society in many respects, and anti-LGBTQI+ prejudice is common. Even so, LGBTQI+ travelers are more likely to be on the receiving end of curious – if misinformed – questions than any sort of open hostility. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon (though this goes for straight couples, too).

Seoul has small gay districts in Itaweon and Jongno-3-ga, while the Hongdae-Sinchon-Ewha university corridor is another place where LGBTQI+ Koreans feel comfortable being themselves. 

16. Use common sense and keep these numbers handy, just in case

Theft and violent crime are rare in South Korea. Scams and pickpockets targeting travelers are virtually nonexistent, and Koreans typically go out of their way to be hospitable to visitors. Nonetheless – as anyone should anywhere – do exercise basic caution and common sense. South Korea has strict drug laws, and don’t even think about trying to sneak past them. Nightlife often revolves around heavy drinking, so know your limit to avoid putting yourself in a sketchy situation.

If you do have an emergency, call 112 to reach the police, 119 for emergency services or 1330 to reach the Korea Travel Hotline, where an operator will connect you to the appropriate service and serve as an interpreter. That number can also be used to reach the Korea Tourist Police .

This article was first published July 2022 and updated February 2024

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It's about to become more complicated for Americans to visit South Korea

Starting in September, all U.S. citizens visiting South Korea will be required to complete an Electronic Travel Authorization form to get approval before traveling, the country's Ministry of Justice announced earlier this year.

The Korean government first launched the K-ETA as a pilot program in April to provide visa-free entry for international visitors to the Republic of Korea, according to a press release from the Korean Embassy in the U.S. The United States is one of 21 countries currently with designated visa-free entry.

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U.S citizens are able to spend up to 90 days in the country as a tourist, for business or to visit family.

U.S. citizens are required to apply for the K-ETA through the Republic of Korea's ETA website or the mobile app at least 24 hours before departing for South Korea. Although the fee is waived, for now, the K-ETA will cost $8.75 come September and is valid for two years. You can expect to hear back regarding the status of your application via email, also within 24 hours.

Related: How to get to South Korea on points and miles

K-ETA application steps 

The first step involves agreeing to the terms and conditions, which is standard for most travel authorization forms and requires your consent to the use of personal and sensitive information, including your passport number.

Next, you will provide your passport number and email address, to which your application information will be sent. Unless you are traveling for work, I would suggest using a personal email address that you check often.

The third step will ask you to upload a copy of your passport and enter corresponding information.

Related: A country-by-country guide to visiting Asia: Only the Maldives will welcome you with open arms

You'll see below that the U.S. pops up as a country currently designated as having visa-free entry. Note that if there are any issues with your application, you may still be prompted to contact the Korean Embassy in the U.S . for consular/visa services, which we will discuss later.

Step four asks for additional identifying information, along with the address and contact number of where you will be staying in Korea.

This step also asks you to upload a photo, similar to what's required to obtain a U.S. passport (i.e., no smiling), and also specifies photo size restrictions. It took me several minutes to size my photo down to fit. To avoid any headaches with sizing, I would recommend getting your photo taken as if you were applying for a passport. I got mine taken in June for my passport renewal (read the ongoing saga ) at CVS for $14.99.

Read more: Learn from my experience: How to avoid a 5-week (and counting) passport renewal saga

If you click "Next," and it prompts you to step five, you can safely assume that your photo has been uploaded correctly and meets all size requirements.

The final step will ask you to double-check that all of the info you've submitted is correct.

For those applying from now through August, please note that K-ETAs are being issued for free as part of the K-ETA pilot program. This means that once you press "Finish," your application will be submitted for review. For the purposes of this story, I did not actually intend to submit an application as I do not currently have travel plans to South Korea. I incorrectly assumed that after hitting "Finish," I would be directed to step six before actually submitting.

Related: First-rate first class: A review of Korean Air's 747-8 from Atlanta to Seoul

At this point, I am admittedly a bit panicked, as I have inadvertently submitted false information to a foreign government. I immediately email the powers that be to explain my error by submitting a question through the website's " Ask Us " feature.

So, if and when I go to South Korea in the future (here's looking at you, boss), I will simply need to reapply for a K-ETA. Phew!

Bottom line 

The K-ETA is not only necessary to enter South Korea at this time, but it will also exempt you from submitting arrival cards necessary for immigration. Please note that the K-ETA does not exclude travelers from current pre-travel testing requirements. Per the U.S. Embassy in South Korea , proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure is still required for all inbound travelers, including those who have been vaccinated, in addition to a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entry for most visitors. You can apply for a quarantine exemption based on certain eligibility requirements, including visiting family or attending a funeral.

For additional information on the K-ETA: View an application guide , check your application results and see their FAQ section for common questions.​

Related: When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery

​Featured photo of passengers at Incheon International Airport in 2020 by Zeng Nai/China News Service via Getty Images.

South Korea Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Apply online for a south korea visa from the usa.

If you’re an American citizen traveling to South Korea, you must meet the country’s entry requirements for your nationality. This may include having the correct documentation, like a visa or visa waiver.

The South Korean visa waiver from the U.S. is available online . U.S. passport holders can apply for the Korea ETA in minutes.

Important information about South Korean entry requirements for American citizens and the K-ETA can be found below.

Documents Required for Americans to Enter South Korea

U.S. citizens traveling to South Korea without a visa must have the following documents:

Valid U.S. passport

Return or onward travel ticket

Americans are also eligible to enter with a K-ETA visa waiver . Though this is not a mandatory document, U.S. visitors with an ETA are exempt from submitting an arrival card.

Travel to South Korea from the United States

Depending on the time of year, there are direct flights to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) from several U.S. cities including:

• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Minneapolis Saint Paul Airport (MSP)

Passengers on flights from the U.S. to Korea no longer need to fill out an arrival card if they are traveling with a K-ETA. Border checks are also faster thanks to visa waiver pre-screening.

U.S. Embassy Registration for Travelers in South Korea

American travelers are strongly advised to register with the U.S. Embassy in South Korea. U.S. nationals who sign up for the service can be sent important South Korea travel information by the government.

Embassy Registration can help tourists plan a safe trip to South Korea and stay up to date with the latest advisories.

It also ensures the traveler can be easily reached in the unlikely event of an emergency in South Korea or back home.

U.S. passport holders can register with the U.S. Embassy in South Korea when applying for their ETA through this site . Applicants will find the option to opt-in on the payment page.

South Korean Embassy in the United States

U.S. citizens who apply for the K-ETA do not need to go to a South Korean Embassy . Americans can complete the process online and receive the approved permit by email.

If the ETA does not fit your travel plans, or you wish to stay for longer than the visa-free time period, you’ll need to get a visa at an embassy.

The Republic of Korea Embassy in the United States is located at the following address:

2450 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., 20008 DC, Washington, United States

FAQ About US Citizens Traveling to South Korea

Can u.s. citizens travel to south korea.

U.S. citizens can visit South Korea as long as they have the relevant documents for their trip. Americans need a valid passport and South Korea visa waiver if they wish to be exempt from an arrival card.

Can U.S. citizens get a visa on arrival in South Korea?

No, Americans cannot get a visa on arrival in South Korea. Travel visas are only available at the South Korean Embassy.

Can U.S. passport holders visit South Korea without a visa?

U.S. citizens can visit South Korea without a visa and stay for up to 90 days with just their passport. With the optional K-ETA, they can avoid completing an arrival card.

Can a US green card holder travel to South Korea?

Us green card holders can travel to South Korea, providing they have the correct documents. Visitors with a green card can stay for up to 30 days visa-free , providing South Korea is not their final destination.

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Entry Requirements for South Korea: A Comprehensive Guide for US Travelers

Are you considering a visit to the Republic of South Korea? Now is the perfect time to go, asSouth Korea is celebrating its travel year.From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, US citizens traveling for short-term business ortourism purposes will not need the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) beforeentering South Korea.This travel guide is packed with helpful information and travel advice to help you make the mostof your visit.

Can US citizens travel to South Korea right now?

What travel documents do american citizens need to enter south korea, can us citizens go to south korea without a passport, can us citizens get a south korean visa on arrival, who can travel to south korea without a visa, how do i obtain or apply for a valid visa for south korea.

How much is a South Korean visa for US citizens

How long is my South Korean visa valid?

What happens if i overstay my visa in south korea, how do i obtain an entry and exit form, what health requirements and screenings are required when entering south korea.

FAQs on South Korea travel requirements Online resources for travelers to South Korea

Online resources for travelers to South Korea

Always travel well-informed with CIBTvisas

Asa US citizen planning to travel to South Korea, you cannot obtain a visa on arrival. US citizens don't require a tourist visa to enter South Korea. Normally, you must apply for a K-ETA before entering Korea for short-term stays. However, that requirementhas been lifted through December 2024.

Travelers planning long-term stays of more than 90 days must obtain a visa from a Korean Government diplomatic office, like the nearest embassy or consulate, before traveling for longer stays or going to South Korea to study or work. Plan ahead and obtain the necessary visa to avoid any inconvenience during your trip

How much is a South Korean visa for US citizens?

The duration of validity for a South Korean visa varies depending on the type of visa that has been granted. The K-ETA visa is valid for two years from the date of issuance and includes an automatic reentry permit. Travelers can make multiple trips to visit South Korea for short-term(90-day) stays within its validity period. Be sure to review your visa details for precise trave linformation and validity.

An entry and exit form is not required for US citizens traveling to South Korea.

There are currently no special requirements or screenings to enter Korea. Travelers should check the CDC’s travel guidance on South Korea for updates.

Vaccinations

Travelers to South Korea are not required to receive mandatory vaccinations. However, it is generally recommended that most travelers get vaccinated for diseases such as hepatitis A andB, typhoid, and rabies. To determine which vaccinations you may need and for other travel health tips, consult the CDC's recommendation .

Prescriptions

As a traveler, you can bring prescription drugs for personal use into Korea. You should carry adoctor's note or prescription and ensure the medicine is in its original packaging.If you need medication while in Korea, you must visit a local doctor and obtain a prescription before it can be filled by a Korean pharmacy. While Korean pharmacies do sell mostprescription medications (even though the brand names may differ), they may not have psychotropics available.

Since COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, there are no COVID-19 testing, vaccination, orquarantine requirements for entry into South Korea. According to the CDC, internationaltravelers should be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations before traveling abroad. Because the COVID-19 situation could change with little or no notice, travelers are advised tocheck theSouth Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency for updates before departing. A list of some COVID-19 testing facilities in South Korea and further information can be found on the Korean Embassy website , should travelers need testing for travel to other countries.

FAQs on South Korea travel requirements

Do i need to wear a mask in south korea.

Per the current COVID-19 guidelines, wearing a mask in public places is voluntary in majorcities in South Korea, except in certain hospitals and other medical care facilities. However,many South Koreans still wear masks outdoors and on public transport.

Are restaurants and bars open in South Korea?

Restaurants and bars are open in South Korea and operating normally.

Will my phone work in South Korea?

Most US carriers work in South Korea, but roaming charges may apply. Check with your service provider for data, text, and voice roaming charges. You can buy a local SIM card on arrival atSouth Korean airports or at a local shop. High-speed Wi-Fi is readily available in South Korea.Keeping your phone in flight mode and using Wi-Fi to connect is a cost-effective alternative to roaming.

What kind of plugs do I need in South Korea?

South Korea uses type C and F plugs, as found in Europe. US travelers willneed a traveladapter. The standard voltage is 220V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. You may also want to pack a power converter if you use any electrical devices that aren’t rated for dual voltage.

What should I wear in South Korea?

South Korea is modern and cosmopolitan. People dress smartly and well in professional settings, and there is a general preference for modest dress. It is especially advisable to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Can I smoke or drink alcohol in public in South Korea?

Smoking is prohibited in many public places and only permitted in designated areas. Drinking in public is allowed, but public drunkenness is frowned upon by local authorities. Local laws impose fines and penalties for causing disruptions to the public peace. To avoid visiting the local police station, it’s best to drink in moderation.

Is it safe for LGBTQ+ travelers in South Korea?

Although younger generations in South Korea are increasingly tolerant, many gays and lesbians still opt to keep their sexual orientation hidden from their families and employers. Those who choose to publicly share their orientation while traveling in South Korea should be prepared for possible negative reactions

Online resources for travelers to South

• US Department of State: International Travel to South Korea
• US CDC Traveler’s Health: South Korea
• Embassy of South Korea in the US: Visa Guidance
• Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency: Public Health News and Alerts
• South Korea Tourism: Visit Korea

Make sure your travel documentation is in order, and get ready to immerse yourself in South Korea's vibrant mix of tradition and innovation. An experienced visa specialist can help you navigate the complexities of border crossing requirements. Contact CIBTvisas for a quote today.

Anjeonhan yeohaeng doeseyo! Safe travels!

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For Americans: Guide to South Korea Visa Application and Requirements

Americans trying to obtain a visa to visit or work in South Korea can be a daunting task. For Americans looking to visit, travel, work, or live in Korea, there may be lots of questions like, “what visa type should I apply for? What requirements are there?” and lots more. 

We will take a look at and address things like visa requirements including some information about K-ETA visas for Americans, what documents and financial requirements there are, and some tips on how to get a visa and travel to and from South Korea smoothly. Keep reading to learn more!

Visa requirements for Americans  

As the United States of America and the Republic of Korea are in a strategic alliance, American citizens can travel to Korea for up to 90 days visa-free with the Visa Waiver Program or VWP. But don’t get too excited, because this type of travel is just for tourism, business meetings, visiting family, or attending a conference. One also can’t apply for an extension of stay and will also need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA before arriving in Korea. 

As for the basic requirements for Americans heading to Korea they include a valid passport with a few blank stamp pages. As for currency restrictions for entering or exiting, there are currently none. But, unless you are planning to visit for only 90 days then you will need the proper and valid visa as well.

Visas: Business, Employed, Unemployed, Freelancers, Students, Minors, etc.

Korea does offer a few different visa types for visitors. Your visa will most likely reflect what it is you plan to do in Korea. So a student and a business person will most likely have different visas and will require some different documentation, too.

• Business – To come to Korea to do business there are several dozen different visa types available. However, pretty much all of them are in the D visa category. Interestingly, the D visa category, specifically the D-10 visa is the visa for those seeking employment in Korea. Usually, this visa type is only obtainable if one has come to Korea. More on that later on, though!
• Employed – Many people come to Korea on an E-2 visa. This visa type is for individuals from designated Anglophone countries or who have studied English for a certain amount of time to come to Korea as English teachers. This visa type allows one to work but must be sponsored by a Korean employer. 
• Unemployed – As mentioned above, a D-10 visa is for those actively seeking work in Korea. You cannot enter Korea with a D-10 visa because firstly one must acquire an Alien Registration Card or ARC. But, for example, if one enters Korea on one visa, they can visit immigration to change to a D-10 and find work while still staying in Korea.
• Freelancers – As for freelancers, the F-2 visa is for you. The F visa series is usually on a point-based system, and for many, the F-6 visa is the most common one. The F-6 visa is the visa for spouses of Korean citizens. But if you don’t plan on tying the knot before coming to Korea, then maybe apply instead for the F-2. This visa can be attained if you have high Korean language proficiency. You can prove this proficiency by taking the TOPIK or Test of Proficiency in Korean.
• Students – While the D visa series is often related to work, students who would like to come and study in Korea at a university or elsewhere should apply for a D-2 visa. For student visa applications you will need to provide official transcripts, proof of graduation, and financial documentation to show that a student can support themself while in Korea.
• Minors – For those under the age of 18 wanting to travel to Korea alone they will need a parent or guardian consent form and the standard K-ETA visa as one would need for the standard visitation and tourism purposes in Korea. 

Possible visa problems

       To try and mitigate as many problems with getting your visa as possible be sure to check, double-check, and triple-check you have all the necessary documents, have visited all the necessary offices, and have had the necessary rubber stamps stamped. 

      One problem I personally ran into was trying to obtain an E-2 visa while I was already in Korea having been visa-free for a few months. In order to get the proper immigration stamps, I actually had to travel to Fukuoka in Japan to visit the Korean embassy there to get my proper paperwork done. This took about 2-3 days and while it was sort of fun to travel to Fukuoka, it was also some unnecessary stress and confusion for me. When in doubt contact Korea’s immigration services and the American consulate in Korea for any more information. 

K-ETA 

      The K-ETA stands for Korean Electronic Travel Authorization . The K ETA is a visa waiver that allows Americans to travel in Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. This was once something you could do by just pretty much showing up with a valid passport. 

      But today the K-ETA visa is a mandatory requirement for Americans entering Korea without any other sort of visa ready. To get one, you have to apply online on the official K-ETA visa portal site and the cost is 10,000 Korean Won which is about $10. This is non-refundable and you have to apply for a K-ETA at least 24 hours before embarking to Korea whether that is by plane, ship, or some other means (hot air balloon?).

QR code upon arrival

The Q code system is a way to shorten quarantine inspection and make the whole process a bit more convenient. The Q or QR code is a barcode that can be scanned on your phone. You can get your QR code you have to fill out a series of information online including your passport information, travel itinerary and dates, and your health information including quarantines and vaccines history. 

Assuming you have filled out all the right info and your health information is deemed safe for entry you will be issued a QR code that can be downloaded on your phone. You can show this code when entering the quarantine checkpoint once getting off the plane. Though folks with a pre-issued QR code might not need some documents like a negative covid test certificate and health questionnaire, it is a good idea to provide these as well! Though mandatory quarantines have been partially lifted, the QR code is a must for those entering Korea!

Quarantine protocols

As of recently, the quarantine process has become a bit more relaxed. Those who have all of their vaccinations have a QR code, have a more or less normal temperature, and show no signs or symptoms of COVID may proceed with their trip but must also submit a PCR test within 3 days. If one has a high fever, shows symptoms of covid, etc, then you will have to quarantine for 6-7 days at a hospital and will have to pay for your stay!

Bank balances required

When entering Korea, generally a bank balance or bank statement is not required like when entering other countries. However, for people applying for student visas, the student must provide proof of at least $3,000 for a 3-4 month study experience and at least $10,000 for a year-long study experience.

Travel agencies in the United States 

If you are traveling to Korea for the first time, don’t feel overwhelmed or daunted! Here is a brief list of some travel agencies that have been approved by the Korean government:

• Aboex Travel and Tours
• Adventure International
• Ark Travel Express, Inc
• First United Travel

Visa processing time

To make sure your visa is processed on time and promptly be sure to provide all your necessary documents, payments, and information on time and to the correct offices. If you have checked all of the above then your visa may take anywhere from 14 business days to 30 business days. Now, remember those are BUSINESS days so it may feel like longer. So, try to submit it on a Monday!

Just some of my tips!

I first traveled to South Korea back in 2014. I have traveled back and forth from other countries and back to South Korea again. Here are some of my tips from my experiences getting two different visa types;

• Show up early, for any and all appointments. Some steps of the visa process will require you to show up to offices and submit documents in person.
• Try to keep fit and healthy, many visa types will require a clean bill of health!
• If you partake in drugs do try to quit, Korea drug tests for certain visa types and a positive drug test will complicate your ability to enter Korea.
• Always make and carry copies of your documents, even old documents from prior visa applications. 
• The easiest way to get your visa is in your home country, I tried to acquire documents while abroad and it was a real headache and nightmare! 
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, your potential future employer, or the Korean or American consulates or embassies.
• Don’t feel pressured to accept offers from recruiters or others who will try to get you to come to Korea too quickly.
• Familiarize yourself with Korean law to make sure your visa fits what you are coming here to do, and be clear on what your rights are while in Korea.

The Visa Waiver Program in USA

     The United States of America also offers a visa-free program called the Visa Waiver Program. It allows citizens of up to 40 countries to come to America for up to 90 days for business or tourism. The Republic of Korea is one of the countries included on that list. So, if you are a Korean citizen, you can come and visit America for up to 90 days. Sweet deal!

What are the situations where South Korea can deny your entry (even if you are visa-free?)

      South Korea can, however, deny your entry into the country, even if you are visa-free. If you have been convicted of a crime (like violent crime, maybe some speeding tickets won’t get you banned!), if you try to enter the country with certain contraband like weapons, drugs, or “immoral paraphernalia” if you test positive for drugs if you have an invalid visa or passport, if you cannot prove your relationship with your inviter or your inviter is not qualified to invite you into the country, or if your documents can’t be verified.

Say,  Anneyanghaseyo!

      Korea is known as the Land of Morning Calm. Be sure to keep calm and compile your documents and information, always be on time for visa appointments, and keep a sunny attitude. You will be enjoying  soju  and  noraebang  adventures before you know it!

Works Cited

• “출입국/체류 상세 < 하이코리아.”  Www.hikorea.go.kr , www.hikorea.go.kr/info/InfoDatail.pt?CAT_SEQ=144&PARENT_ID=11. Accessed 24 June 2022.
• “에러.”  Www.visa.go.kr , www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do. Accessed 24 June 2022.
• Fabrique, Mello. “[2021] KOREAN VISA Full List of Accredited Travel Agencies.”  The Passport Lad , 18 May 2021, thepassportlad.com/korean-visa-full-list-of-accredited-travel-agencies/. Accessed 30 June 2022.
• “Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인정책본부).”  Www.immigration.go.kr , www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/index.do. Accessed 24 June 2022.
• “List of Designated Travel Agencies 상세보기|DownloadEmbassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines.”  Overseas.mofa.go.kr , overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en/brd/m_3283/view.do?seq=745061&page=1. Accessed 30 June 2022.
• “Message for U.S. Citizens: Korea Electronic Travel Authorization Required as of September 1.”  U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the Republic of Korea , 19 July 2021, kr.usembassy.gov/072021-message-for-u-s-citizens-korea-electronic-travel-authorization-required-as-of-september-1/. Accessed 30 June 2022.
• “South Korea International Travel Information.”  Travel.state.gov , travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthKorea.html#:~:text=Entry%2C%20Exit%20and%20Visa%20Requirements&text=Most%20U.S.%20passport%20holders%20traveling. Accessed 24 June 2022.
• “Visa Waiver Program Requirements | Homeland Security.”  Www.dhs.gov , www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements.
• “Visas.”  U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the Republic of Korea , kr.usembassy.gov/visas/. Accessed 24 June 2022.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, I will earn a small percentage should you choose to purchase something, but it will be at no cost to you. You can read the disclosure policy  here.

Hi, this article was written by an actual American living in South Korea that I got from Fiverr. If you liked his writing, you can hire Horank on Fiverr . Jeric Evaristo, Creator

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Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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The Best Ways To Fly to South Korea With Points and Miles [Step-by-Step]

Ehsan Haque

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Nonstop Flights Between the U.S. and South Korea

All nippon airways (ana) mileage club, emirates skywards, alaska mileage plan, avianca lifemiles, air canada aeroplan, korean air skypass, other options to fly to korea, final thoughts.

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Known for its fantastic culture, delicious street food, and beautiful nature, South Korea is a destination high on many travelers’ bucket lists. The country is relatively easy to get to from the U.S. as there are plenty of nonstop flights to Korea’s largest and capital city, Seoul.

However, traveling to Asia from the United States can get expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to get around this.

In this guide, we will look into the best ways to fly to Korea using points and miles. We will look at award programs in each of the 3 main airline alliances and what airlines you can fly using those points and miles.

South Korea is the second-closest East Asian country to the U.S., behind only Japan . Furthermore, South Korea represents an important business hub for many Americans. Fortunately, there are many ways to fly to South Korea with points and miles.

From the U.S., there are more than 10 airports that have nonstop routes to Korea’s capital and biggest city, Seoul. These routes are operated primarily by Korea’s 2 biggest airlines: Asiana Airlines and Korean Air. However, there are also some routes on U.S. carriers, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines.

All 3 of the main airline alliances are represented in this guide: Star Alliance , Oneworld , and SkyTeam . However, there is more representation from Star Alliance and SkyTeam, as Asiana is a member of Star Alliance and Korean Air is a member of SkyTeam.

Here are all of the airlines and the nonstop flights they offer between the U.S. and Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea:

American Airlines

• Dallas (DFW) – Seoul (ICN)

Asiana Airlines

• Honolulu (HNL) – Seoul (ICN)
• Seattle (SEA) – Seoul (ICN)
• San Francisco (SFO) – Seoul (ICN)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Seoul (ICN)
• Las Vegas (LAS) – Seoul (ICN)
• New York (JFK) – Seoul (ICN)

Delta Air Lines

• Minneapolis (MSP) – Seoul (ICN)
• Atlanta (ATL) – Seoul (ICN)
• Detroit (DTW) – Seoul (ICN)

Hawaiian Airlines

• Chicago (ORD) – Seoul (ICN)
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Seoul (ICN)
• Boston (BOS) – Seoul (ICN)
• Washington (IAD) – Seoul (ICN)

United Airlines

Best Programs for Booking Flights to South Korea

Now that we have taken a look at what airlines operate nonstop routes to Korea, let’s also look at which programs are best to use for award redemptions.

As is with most award redemptions to Asia, we will first start with ANA Mileage Club. The program offers a ton of value, including numerous transfer partners, some of the best redemption rates, and the ability to book stopovers. ANA only allows round-trip redemptions and does pass on fuel surcharges to most partner airlines.

With ANA being a member of Star Alliance, you have the option of flying Asiana Airlines or United Airlines to South Korea. You could also fly ANA itself, but that would require a connection through Tokyo. For this guide, we will just focus on the nonstop routes on Asiana and United.

ANA has a few award charts, including a separate award chart for partner awards. Partner award prices do not fluctuate based on the season, unlike on ANA’s own flights.

On its award chart, ANA places South Korea in Zone 2 and the U.S. in Zone 6. Here is the round-trip award pricing between the two zones:

These are some of the best rates for any award, especially in premium cabins. For example, the 95,000 points ANA charges for round-trip awards between the U.S. and South Korea is less than what many other programs charge for a one-way award.

However, it is worth noting that ANA does pass along fuel surcharges, which can make the award redemptions not worth pursuing in some cases.

Generally, you get the most value primarily when redeeming for business class. A lot of the value in economy is diminished by the cost of taxes and fees.

Here are some examples of routes you can take:

• Los Angeles (LAX) – Seoul (ICN) round-trip for 95,000 ANA miles + taxes and fees for Asiana business class
• New York (JFK) – Seoul (ICN) round-trip for 95,000 ANA miles + taxes and fees for Asiana Smartium business class
• San Francisco (SFO) – Seoul (ICN) round-trip for 95,000 ANA miles + taxes and fees for United Polaris business class

ANA’s website enables award bookings to be completed online. Follow these steps to do so:

• Go to ANA’s website .
• Click ANA Mileage Club on the top-right side of the homepage.
• Click  International,  then  Award Reservation . Log in with your ANA Mileage Club number and password.
• Type in the desired cities, dates of travel, number of passengers, and cabin class. After that information is filled out, click  Search . (ANA transfer times are not instant. Be sure to account for this when booking award flights.)
• Finish your booking by paying for any taxes and fees.

Earning ANA Mileage Club Miles

ANA Mileage Club is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy.

Amex is a 1:1 transfer partner with ANA and is one of the easiest ways to earn a lot of ANA miles . Transfers typically take 2 to 3 business days to complete.

Marriott Bonvoy transfers to ANA at a 3:1 ratio and can take up to 7 business days. You also receive an additional 5,000 ANA miles for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred.

Recommended Amex Cards (Personal)

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Access to Amex International Airline Program
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

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• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express ® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
• Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com , Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
• Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash : get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees )
• Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
• Access to American Express transfer partners
• $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Find the Amex Gold 75k or 90k Welcome Bonus Offer
• Benefits of the Amex Gold
• Upgrade Amex Gold to Amex Platinum
• Amex Gold Benefits for Military
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Recommended Amex Cards (Business)

The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges , along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 120,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
• Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on your selected qualifying airline
• Statement credits on select purchases with your card
• 35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points (up to 1,000,000 bonus points per calendar year)
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
• Access to Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program
• High annual fee of $695 ( rates and fees )
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
• Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards ® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
• Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR ® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card ® .
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• APR: 19.49% - 27.49% Variable
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American Express ® Business Gold Card

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

The American Express ® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.

The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.

• NEW! Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
• NEW!  U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
• NEW!  Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
• U.S. purchases at gas stations
• U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
• Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
• 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
• Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
• Trip delay insurance
• Car rental insurance
• Cell phone insurance
• $375 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status
• Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
• Get $12.95 back in statement credits each month when you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. $12.95 plus applicable taxes.
• Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
• *Terms Apply
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The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express .

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees ).

The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.

Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.

• 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
• No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
• No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
• No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
• Charges foreign transaction fees
• Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
• You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
• *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply
• APR: 18.49% - 26.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
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Bottom Line: There are a ton of ways to use ANA miles for loads of value. The best sweet spot is business-class redemptions. You can book round-trip business class on any partner for 95,000 ANA miles plus taxes and fees.

The following award redemption method is not well known, but extremely effective. Thanks to Emirates’ and Korean Air’s partnership, you can use Emirates Skywards miles to book flights on Korean Air.

In addition to Emirates being known for offering a phenomenal first-class product, its frequent flyer program can offer a great redemption opportunity.

Emirates has a distance-based award chart for Korean Air awards using Emirates Skywards. Here is the one-way distance pricing:

For travel on Korean Air, this is one of the ways to attain business class awards using miles that can be earned in many ways, as long as you’re open to paying for fuel surcharges.

Hot Tip: Need ideas for cities to fly out of with Korean Air? Check out our definitive guide to Korean Air U.S. routes .

The best way to book this type of award flight is to search availability on Delta Air Lines and call Emirates to confirm the booking:

• Visit the Delta website .
• On the top banner, fill in the search box and find partner-level availability on Korean Air.
• Call Emirates Skywards at 800-777-3999 and feed the flight information to the representative.
• Complete the award booking by providing your credit card information to pay for taxes and fees and pay the appropriate mileage cost.

Here are examples of routes you can take:

• Boston (BOS) – Seoul (ICN) one-way for 104,000 Emirates miles and $92 in taxes and fees for Korean Air business class
• Chicago (ORD) – Seoul (ICN) one-way for 88,000 Emirates miles and $92 in taxes and fees for Korean Air business class
• Honolulu (HNL) – Seoul (ICN) one-way for 76,000 Emirates miles and $92 in taxes and fees for Korean Air business class
• San Francisco (SFO) – Seoul (ICN) one-way for 88,000 Emirates miles and $92 in taxes and fees for Korean Air business class
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Seoul (ICN) one-way for 104,000 Emirates miles and $92 in taxes and fees for Korean Air business class

Earning Emirates Skywards Miles

Emirates Skywards is a transfer partner of many major transferrable programs, including American Express Membership Rewards , Chase Ultimate Rewards , Citi ThankYou Rewards , Capital One Miles , Brex Rewards , and Marriott Bonvoy .

Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One, and Brex are 1:1 transfer partners of Emirates Skywards. Transfers are typically instant.

Marriott Bonvoy is a 3:1 transfer partner. Transfers typically usually take around 3 days. For every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer to Emirates, you receive a 5,000-mile bonus. So, if you transferred 120,000 Bonvoy points to Emirates, you’d get a total of 50,000 Emirates miles (40,000 Emirates miles at a 3:1 ratio plus 10,000 bonus miles for transferring 2 chunks of 60,000 Bonvoy points).

American Express and Capital One have both been known to offer transfer bonuses, so be sure to hold out for those to make your points go further.

Recommended Chase Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable

Chase Ultimate Rewards

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Chase Sapphire Reserve ®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass airport lounge access
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
• Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
• Rental car elite status with National and Avis
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable
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Another program worth considering for award flights between the U.S. and South Korea is Alaska MileagePlan. The program offers some incredible redemption rates on partner airlines and allows for stopovers on one-way itineraries .

Alaska Airlines is a member of Oneworld with airlines such as American Airlines and Cathay Pacific. This means that you can use your Alaska Airlines miles for American Airlines awards.

In addition to its Oneworld partners, Alaska also has partnership with Korean Air that’s not part of a larger alliance. Thanks to its partnerships, you have the option to fly on either American Airlines or Korean Air.

Alaska’s frequent flyer program has undergone significant devaluations and will undergo another in March 2024. Alaska has announced that it will implement a new distance-based award chart.

Until the new award chart is in effect, you can use your Alaska miles on Korean Air according to its partner award chart. Here is the pricing for partner awards using Alaska miles:

• Dallas (DFW) – Seoul (ICN) one-way for 50,000 Alaska miles plus taxes and fees for American Airlines business class
• Chicago (ORD) – Seoul (ICN) one-way for 50,000 Alaska miles plus taxes and fees for Korean Air business class
• San Francisco (SFO) – Seoul (ICN) one-way for 50,000 Alaska miles plus taxes and fees for Korean Air business class

Earning Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Miles

Alaska Airlines only has one transfer partner: Marriott Bonvoy . Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Alaska Airlines at a rate of 3:1. Plus, for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive an extra 5,000 Mileage Plan miles.

Alaska Airlines also offers a co-branded credit card issued by Bank of America.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® credit card

Provides the potential to earn plenty of miles to fly with Alaska Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23)!

With the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® credit card in your wallet, you could get great perks and earn miles at the same time. This is a win-win if Alaska is the airline you prefer to fly with! Plus, its annual companion fare is a great benefit for traveling couples.

• 3x miles per $1 spent on Alaska purchases
• 2x miles per $1 spent on eligible gas, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services
• 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual companion fare
• Free checked bag for you and up to 6 traveling companions
• 20% back on Alaska inflight purchase
• $95 annual fee
• LIMITED TIME ONLINE OFFER — 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™!
• Get 70,000 Bonus Miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
• Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. Every year on your credit card account anniversary you’ll receive a companion fare which allows you to book a companion flight from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23). Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation – that’s a savings of $60 per person roundtrip!
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services, and unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• 10% reward bonus on all miles earned on card with an eligible Bank of America checking, savings, or investment account.
• Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines when tickets are purchased with card.
• With oneworld ® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or a companion fare.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
• This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
• APR: 18.24% - 26.24% Variable
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Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Frequent Flyer Program

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Another program worth looking at for Star Alliance partner awards is Avianca LifeMiles . Although the program increased award redemption rates to Asia in 2022, the program still has competitive pricing. It also has some interesting pricing quirks, like mixed-cabin awards. In addition to the great pricing, LifeMiles doesn’t pass on fuel surcharges on award flights.

LifeMiles uses a standard zone-based award chart for most flights. LifeMiles charges between 85,000 and 90,000 LifeMiles for a one-way business class ticket between the U.S. and Asia on Star Alliance partner airlines. This allows for redemptions on both United and Asiana.

Best of all, it’s quite easy to earn Avianca LifeMiles, and the programs it partners with routinely have transfer bonuses.

To book award travel on Avianca LifeMiles, follow these directions:

• Visit the Avianca LifeMiles site.
• Log in to your LifeMiles account by entering your LifeMiles number and password.
• Change the language as necessary by clicking the flag icon in the top-right corner.
• Click  Fly on the top banner of the landing page.
• Type in your flight information, including airports, number of passengers, and class of booking.
• Select your flights and pay with your miles, along with any taxes and fees, to complete your reservation.

Here is an example of a great redemption you can make:

• Seattle (SEA) – Seoul (ICN) one-way in Asiana Airlines business class for 90,000 LifeMiles plus $51 in taxes and fees

Earning Avianca LifeMiles

Avianca LifeMiles are easy to earn . The Avianca LifeMiles program is a transfer partner of Amex Membership Rewards, Brex Rewards , Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

All of the above programs, except for Marriott Bonvoy, transfer instantly at a 1:1 ratio to LifeMiles. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio.

Lastly, LifeMiles routinely offers huge sales of up to 125% to 200% when you purchase LifeMiles. Although buying points and miles is not generally recommended, buying LifeMiles outright can make for some cheap first and business class redemptions.

Recommended Citi Cards

Citi Premier ® Card

Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.

The Citi Premier ® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!

• 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
• Access to Citi transfer partners
• Annual hotel credit
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou ® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou ® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou ® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Citi ThankYou Rewards

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Citi Rewards+ ® Card

This no annual fee card rewards cardholders for everyday purchases. Earn bonus points at supermarkets and gas stations, plus your points are rounded up on every purchase.

• Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
• Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 Thank You ® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.*
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% – 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Earn 2X ThankYou ® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou ® Points on All Other Purchases.
• The Citi Rewards+ ® Card – the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase – with no cap.
• APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers and on purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each purchase transaction in US dollars
• Citi Transfer Partners

Citi Double Cash ® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

The Citi Double Cash ® Card  has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points . This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No annual fee
• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees
• Lack of premium travel benefits
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
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Citi Custom Cash ® Card

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!

The Citi Custom Cash ® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, without an annual fee.

Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.

• 5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
• Multiple redemption options
• No redemption minimums
• Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
• Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category
• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou ® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash ® Card account per person.
• APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%
• Citi Custom Cash Card Launches [Earn 5% Back on Your Top Purchases]

Another great program for Star Alliance partner awards is Air Canada Aeroplan. The loyalty program has a published award chart for partner awards, has plenty of partners both in and outside of Star Alliance, allows for stopovers, and does not pass on fuel surcharges on partner awards.

According to Aeroplan’s award chart, the world is broken into 4 distinct regions: North America, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and South America. Award pricing depends on the zones you fly between as well as the overall distance flown. To know exactly how many points your award ticket costs, look at the zones you are flying between.

Here is the award chart for flights between the North America and Pacific zones. Prices are based on distance:

Since distance needs to be counted for Aeroplan awards, it’s important to know how many miles are between the airports you’re flying between. A tool like Great Circle Mapper can show you the exact distance.

According to the award chart, flights within the 5,001-7,500-mile distance band can be booked for 50,000 points in economy or just 75,000 points in business class one-way. This pricing, especially for business class, represents great value. Nonstop flights between Seoul and Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), or Las Vegas (LAS) can all be booked at this price.

Here are the steps you need to follow to book online with Aeroplan:

• Make your way to  Air Canada’s homepage .
• In the top right corner, click  Sign in .
• Log in using your Aeroplan number and password.
• On the homepage’s search box, remember to toggle the slider that says  Points .
• Select  Round-trip  or  One-way  for the trip, fill in the search box, and click  Find .
• Find a suitable flight, redeem your Aeroplan points, and use a credit card to book your Air Canada flight.

Earning Air Canada Aeroplan Points

Air Canada Aeroplan points are incredibly easy to earn, as the program is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy.

All programs, except Marriott Bonvoy, transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 rate. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio to Aeroplan, and for every 60,000 Bonvoy points you transfer, you get a 5,000-mile bonus.

Lastly, another program worth looking into is Korean Air’s frequent flyer program, Korean Air SKYPASS . Korean Air is a SkyTeam member alongside companies such as Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic.

The Korean Air Skypass program has multiple award charts, including 1 for Korean Air flight awards and another for SkyTeam flight awards.

When it comes to Korean Air redemptions on Korean Air-operated flights, prices are subject to peak and off-peak pricing. This means that award flights during off-peak dates require fewer miles. Here is the award pricing for Korean Air redemptions between the U.S. and Korea on Korean metal:

Korean Air also has a separate award chart for SkyTeam redemptions. Unlike on Korean Air metal, awards on SkyTeam partners are not subject to seasonal pricing.

Here is the award pricing for Korean Air redemptions between the U.S. and Korea on Delta Air Lines:

Following are some great redemptions you can make:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Seoul (ICN) one-way, during off-peak season in Korean Air business class for 62,500 Korean Air miles and $92 in taxes and fees
• Boston (BOS) – Seoul (ICN) one-way, during off-peak season in Korean Air business class for 62,500 Korean Air miles and $92 in taxes and fees
• Las Vegas (LAS) – Seoul (ICN) one-way, during off-peak season in Korean Air business class for 62,500 Korean Air miles and $92 in taxes and fees
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Seoul (ICN)  one-way, during off-peak season, in Korean Air first class for 80,000 Korean Air miles and $92 in taxes and fees
• New York (JFK) – Seoul (ICN)  round-trip, during off-peak season, in Korean Air first class for 160,000 Korean Air miles and $277 in taxes and fees
• Seattle (SEA) – Seoul (ICN) one-way, during off-peak season in Korean Air business class for 62,500 Korean Air miles and $92 in taxes and fees

Here are the steps to book an award flight with Korean Air:

• Search for flights on Air France-KLM or Delta.
• Confirm the same award availability on Korean Air.
• Book the award flight online.
• Pay the taxes and fees.

Hot Tip: Need help booking?  Check out our step-by-step guide on booking Korean Air first class .

Earning Korean Air SKYPASS Miles

Earning Korean Air SKYPASS miles is relatively difficult, as the program only has 1 transfer partner: Marriott Bonvoy.

Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, and transfer times vary but generally take around 2 to 3 days.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points per $1 on travel purchases
• 15 Elite Night Credits each year (automatically gives you Silver Elite status)
• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card from Chase ® !
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Card.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• APR: 21.49%–28.49% Variable
• Hotel Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy

• Marriott Transfer Partners
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card . The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status
• 1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (valued up to 35,000 points)
• One year complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
• Marriott Silver status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• The 75,000 or 100,000 Bonus Point Offer for the Marriott Boundless
• 23 Valuable Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
• Best Hotel Credit Cards for Free Nights

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card , the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
• 15 Elite Night Credits per year
• 1,000 bonus points per paid stay
• 1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
• $250 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
• Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy ® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy ® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card ® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It ® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Terms apply.
• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card  is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy   program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 25 Elite Night Credits each year
• Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
• Annual Free Night Award after card renewal
• Complimentary Platinum Elite status
• Steep annual fee of $650 ( rates and fees )
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card
• Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton ® or St. Regis ® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® : Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck ® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Best Credit Cards with Priority Access

Hot Tip: Need some more inspiration on earning miles? Check out our guide on the best ways to earn lots of Korean Air miles .

Of course, many other programs can be considered when it comes to award redemptions. These include Air France-KLM Flying Blue , Virgin Atlantic Flying Club , and British Airways , among others.

However, these programs all have at least 1 major downfall that makes them not worth considering, such as unfavorable redemption rates, dynamic pricing, or even a lack of viable transfer partners.

Although cash fares to Asia can be quite expensive, there are tons of ways to book award travel to South Korea. Fortunately, quite a few airlines operate nonstop routes between Seoul and major airports here in the U.S.

As we’ve covered in this article, there are several excellent programs to use to book an award flight to South Korea. Most of the programs covered in this article are within Star Alliance, as partner award rates are some of the best.

When it comes to award redemptions, it’s important to earn transferrable points  in currencies such as American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards. These points can transfer to different airline loyalty programs, allowing for more award redemptions.

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® credit card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Business Gold Card, click here . For rates and fees of The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use avianca lifemiles for award flights to south korea.

Yes, you can. LifeMiles charges between 85,000 and 90,000 LifeMiles for a one-way business class ticket between the U.S. and Asia on Star Alliance partner airlines like United Airlines.

Can you use Air Canada Aeroplan points for award tickets to Korea? How can I earn more points?

Yes, you can use Aeroplan points to fly on its Star Alliance partners, like United Airlines. The program uses a distance-based award chart that tells you exactly how many points you need for an award redemption.

Aeroplan is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy.

What is the fewest number of miles you can use to book a business class award flight to South Korea?

You can fly between the U.S. and South Korea round-trip for 95,000 ANA miles in business class.

Can you use Alaska miles to fly to South Korea?

Yes, you can. Alaska Airlines is part of the Oneworld Alliance with other partners such as American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, among others. There are a lot of airlines to fly to South Korea using Alaska miles. However, if you want to book a nonstop flight, your only option is American Airlines from certain U.S. airports.

What U.S. airlines fly nonstop to Gimpo Airport?

No U.S. airlines fly nonstop from the U.S. to Gimpo International Airport (GMP) in Seoul.

What U.S. airlines fly nonstop to Busan?

No U.S. airlines fly nonstop from the U.S. to Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan.

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About Ehsan Haque

Ehsan is an avid traveler who has traveled to 100 countries, diligently using points and miles to fund his journeys. Currently, he holds 32 active credit cards and earns over a million points and miles annually, primarily using them for luxury hotels and long-haul premium cabins.

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I'm an Ohio native living in South Korea. I keep catching tourists making these same 7 mistakes.

• Hallie Bradley has been living in Seoul, South Korea, for 15 years. 
• Bradley says she's seen tourists refuse to remove their shoes and act obnoxiously on trains. 
• She advises tourists to be aware of their surroundings and not be too picky in restaurants.

This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Hallie Bradley, the 39-year-old founder of the travel site The Soul of Seoul . She shares what she's learned after living in Seoul, South Korea since 2006. It's been edited for length and clarity. 

South Korea is home to more than 51.7 million people. It's a popular travel destination in Asia — with 17.5 million tourists in 2019— and in recent years, its pop culture scene has taken the world by storm, from K-pop , to  K-dramas , and even  K-survival shows .   

As of 2022, more than 150,000 Americans live in the country , and I'm one of them. I'm from Ohio, and moved to Seoul in the autumn of 2006. I ended up in Seoul as an English Sign Language teacher on a one-year contract with a private school. After my contract ended, I backpacked for a month and returned to South Korea. I eventually met my husband — who's a South Korean — and have lived here ever since.

After living in South Korea for 17 years, I've noticed tourists making the same mistakes while traveling around the country. Here are seven of the most common mistakes travelers make whenever they visit.

1. Taking it personally when someone bumps into you in public.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is densely populated, with some 9.7 million people living there. It's also filled with small alleyways and crowded streets, so personal space is a luxury when out and about in the city. 

If you're wandering around the big cities, you are likely to get bumped on the sidewalk, squashed on the subway, and generally feel like you have less space than you would in the US.

South Koreans are used to sharing public spaces with others, so they often don't apologize if they bump into you. Refrain from taking it personally if someone doesn't say sorry after they accidentally knock against you, especially if it's in a busy part of town — they probably don't have any ill intent.

2. Not taking your shoes off when entering certain restaurants.

Like in many parts of Asia, not taking your shoes off is considered taboo in South Korea. Many locals would also feel offended if tourists get upset about having to take their shoes off when entering an indoor space.

While not every restaurant requires you to remove your shoes, many, especially traditional restaurants, do. I've met tourists who didn't want to take their footwear off before entering these restaurants, and I had to inform them that there was no way they'd be allowed to dine inside. At some restaurants like the one pictured above, diners are required to remove their shoes before sitting on the heated floor, where a low table is set.

Tourists need to be aware of their surroundings. If there's a shoe shelf, make sure to take off your shoes. Additionally, since you'll probably be taking your footwear off a lot, wear shoes you can slip on and off easily, like sandals. Finally, avoid wearing socks with holes because everyone will see them.

3. Engaging in public displays of affection.

Public displays of affection aren't common in South Korea, even in big cities like Seoul. I see people holding hands as they walk down the streets, but that's usually as far as affection between couples goes.

Over the years, I've learned that South Koreans are often conservative regarding public displays of affection. I usually give my South Korean husband a quick peck on the lips when we greet each other. But when my husband and I were still dating, he told me that he felt uncomfortable, although he knows it's just something we do in the US to show how much we love our partner.

If you're a tourist, refrain from making out when you're out and about. Even in nightlife areas like Hongdae or Sinchon, the farthest I would go is a kiss on the lips — it's probably a good idea to avoid going any further.

4. Being loud and obnoxious on public transportation.

South Koreans are often quiet when traveling on public transportation like buses and trains. Many prefer listening to music on their headphones instead of chatting with someone. It's different from places in the West, where commuters often engage in conversations with other people or speak to friends and family on the phone.

In South Korea, being loud on public transportation is another sure-fire way to show everyone you're a tourist. While most people won't go out of the way to hush you, if you're being outrageously loud, you'll definitely get looks and murmurs from older women showing that they're annoyed.

5. Not calling for the waiters when eating out.

Another one that tourists don't do is yell for waiters to come over in a restaurant. In South Korea, waitstaff at restaurants don't come and check on you incessantly, like they do in the US.

If you want attention, you'll need to call "yogiyo!" — which means over here in Korean — to get their attention. If you just wait for them to come to your table, or try to make eye contact with them, you'll never get served.

These days, there are a lot of areas with "self-service bars," where customers can pick up their own water, side dishes, and cutlery. This means that you'll have to do certain things yourself.

6. Getting offended when locals ask you personal questions.

South Koreans often ask questions that people in the West would consider personal. I've been casually asked if I'm religious or how much money I make, even by people I don't know all too well. 

I've found that many South Koreans ask personal questions about money and religion to see if they think you will get on well or have something to talk about. So if anyone gets too close or asks questions that you feel invade your privacy, remember that they're probably not being rude, just curious, and maybe keen to start up a conversation.

7. Asking a chef to make modifications to their dish.

While it's common in the US for customers to ask chefs to change ingredients if they have allergies or preferences, that's not the case in South Korea. 

One reason for this is that many traditional Korean dishes are prepared for a long time with specific ingredients. That means that you can't just ask for a dish to have no meat if you're a vegetarian — and that's not because the chef is rude or stubborn — but it's likely that they cooked the broth for many hours to make a hearty soup. So when you're dining at restaurants, make sure you order something that fits your dietary needs.

• Main content

Find cheap flights to South Korea from $367

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Good to know

Faqs - booking south korea flights, which nearby cities are accessible to visitors arriving at the gimpo international airport (gmp) in south korea.

Travelers are able to explore a few additional sites close to GMP Airport. You can take a taxi, hire a car, or take public transit from the GMP Airport to the adjacent cities of Bucheon, Gwangmyeong, Goyang, and Incheon. Each of the aforementioned cities' central business districts are fewer than 19 miles from GMP.

If I want to be close to sporting events in South Korea, which airport should I use as my arrival point?

When visiting South Korea, American sports enthusiasts should think about flying into Gimhae International Airport (PUS). Busan Asiad Main Stadium, Gudeok Stadium, and Sajik Baseball Stadium are stadiums close to PUS that hosts international and domestic sporting events, particularly on weekends.

Are there any specific services or rules for bringing pets on the flight to KR0 from USO?

Yes. When traveling to South Korea on the USO-KR0 route, passengers do not need to worry about the security of their dogs. The majority of US airports, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and JFK, that provide USA-South Korea flights permit visitors to enter the airport with their pets.

Which airport in the northwest of the United States has the most visitors going to South Korea?

The majority of Americans traveling from the country's northwest to South Korea prefer to fly through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights connecting SEA with KR0. Passengers can only take indirect flights.

Are there nonstop flights to South Korea?

There are several nonstop flights to South Korea from US cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Honolulu, Chicago, New York and other major cities, but only if you’re traveling to Seoul. Flying to other areas in Korea from the US will involve at least one stop, with common layover points including Seoul, Taipei and Hong Kong.

Is a visa necessary to visit South Korea?

United States citizens can visit South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa; however, you must present a passport that’s valid for the entire duration of your stay when you arrive in South Korea.

Where should I fly into South Korea to be convenient to Japan?

If you’ll be traveling on to Japan after spending time in South Korea, flying to Busan will set you up for a convenient onward flight. Busan is located on the southern coast of South Korea and is located only 519 mi away from Japan. Flights between Busan and Fukuoka are generally less than 1h long and operate via Air Busan, Korean Air and Jeju Air.

Which Seoul airport should I fly into?

There are two large airports in Seoul: Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) and Gimpo Airport (GMP). Incheon is a little further away from Seoul than Gimpo, but you’re unlikely to find a flight from the United States that arrives in Gimpo, often making it the only choice unless you’re making a stop between the US and South Korea.

How long is the flight to South Korea?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to South Korea takes 17h 42m, covering a distance of 6490 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Incheon with an average flight time of 12h 55m.

What is the cheapest flight to South Korea?

The cheapest ticket to South Korea from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $481 one-way, and $608 round-trip. The most popular route is Los Angeles to Incheon Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $608.

Which airlines fly to South Korea?

Korean Air, Delta & Asiana Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to South Korea.

What are the most popular destinations in South Korea?

The next most popular destinations are Busan (1%) and Daegu (0.5%). Searches for flights to Jeju City (0.2%), to Cheongju (0.1%) and to Ulsan (0.0%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to South Korea

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest South Korea flight deals.
• The majority of Americans who visit South Korea choose to fly through John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This airport is well-liked since it serves as a hub for so many reputable airlines that fly internationally from the United States. Due to pricing competition, travelers departing from this airport for South Korea are likely to receive ticket discounts.
• If your flight from the US is planned to land in South Korea at night and you're taking the Incheon International Airport (ICN) from the JFK route, you might want to think about reserving a hotel next to the ICN Airport. Choosing the Incheon Airport Transit Hotel, located at Terminal 1, is one of the best considerations. This airport provides a complimentary shuttle service to and from ICN Airport.
• The best option for US parents who want to take their kids on holiday to South Korea is likely to be a flight on Korean Air 86, Asiana 221, or Korean Air 82 through JFK to ICN. Non-stop flights from the USA to South Korea are available year-round from this airport. There is a lower likelihood that your children will be exhausted before landing in South Korea from the USA thanks to the availability of direct flights, which make it possible for travelers to get there in the minimum period of time.
• The best spot for travelers to unwind while waiting for a flight to their intended destinations is in airport lounges. The majority of low-cost American passengers who want to unwind in an airport lounge on their way to South Korea opt to depart through Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Travelers on a tight budget can comfortably relax at Delta Sky Club at the SLC Airport, which provides first-rate amenities at a competitive price.
• Passengers suffering from mobility challenges need to think about departing from JFK Airport and landing at Jeju International Airport (CJU) when going to South Korea. Visitors with particular requirements and mobility issues can request free aid with their bags, medical support, plus wheelchair transfer from a cab to an aircraft at JFK and CJU Airports.
• When you’re booking your flight to South Korea from the US, there are a few different cities you can fly into. Seoul and Busan are the biggest cities in South Korea, making them popular choices to fly into. Flying into Seoul will give you better access to northern South Korea and Busan will give you better access to southern South Korea.
• While some hotels in South Korea may accept US Dollars, you can often get a better rate by using the country’s local currency: The South Korean Won. Visa and Mastercard are accepted by most businesses, though it can be handy to have some cash on hand for street vendors and other instances where cards aren’t readily accepted.
• For travelers looking to visit the border with North Korea, you’ll benefit by flying into Seoul. Most of the international flight traffic from South Korea to the United States comes through Seoul and flying there puts you in close proximity to the DMZ. From Seoul you can take the designated DMZ Peace Train straight to the Demilitarized Zone.
• If you’re looking to fly into a city where you can have equal access to the rest of South Korea, it can be handy to fly into Daegu. Not only is Daegu a popular destination and a major South Korean city, it is located conveniently towards the center of the country.
• Jeju Island is one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations outside of the major cities, and there are a few different ways to get there. You can take a flight to Jeju from the US, with a likely layover in Taipei or Seoul, or you can fly to Busan and take a ferry the rest of the way.

Top 5 airlines flying to South Korea

I enjoyed flying on Korean Air. The service was great and the food was yummy. They served white fish.

I enjoyed flying on Korean Air. The service was great and the food was yummy, especially the bibimbap and cold spicy noodles. The only thing that bummed me out on this red-eye flight was that my seat did not properly recline so I was not able to sleep.

On time and flight crew are always so happy to help and always smiling unlike other airlines.

Great crew, decent food Charging plugs were broken on both seats next to me. Only the USB port was available, and that charges, very, very slowly. Seat was also broken, it would not lock into position when reclining.

Korean Air had great service and the Bibimbap dish was the best airplane food I’ve ever had. It was a long flight so in between the two meals they served customers could get Shin ramen. The flight attendants let my children use a pair of nice headphones for the flight and had earbuds and slippers for all the adults. The flight was long but the time passed by relatively quickly because they have many great shows in their entertainment TV. I watched the BTS Love Yourself and Speak Yourself concerts 💜

Stewardess are nice. Food could have been better and should have a better dessert. They do not offer scotch or beer. You have to ask for it. I also was not happy that you do not serve ginger ale and or cranberry juice. This is my first time that an international flight do not have this. I go home overseas every year and when I travel through ANA, Delta, Qatar, JAL, Asiana Air, United Air. they all serve this two very famous drink. You do not have a great snack tray.

You did not put me on a Korean Air flight! so I do not have nothing to say

Wonderful cabin crew!!!!! Food was poor, in flight entertainment was just ok. They need to serve more water on a 15 hour flight--we were dehydrated and kept asking for water.

Going through security a second time to get on the next Korean Air flight was utterly ridiculous and unnecessary. We were in a International secure area.

Always fly with Korean Airlines. Best service great food. Nice and clean as always.

Flight attendants rude, they disappear for almost 3 hours not doing rounds to see what people needed. The laboratories were full of empty water cups, because they never come back to collect them.

Flew on an Airbus 350-900. Excellent aircraft properly cleaned and serviced. Flight crew was excellent plane departed and arrived on time. The A350 has excellent air circulation far better than the 777. I would recommend Asiana to anyone looking to fly in a clean comfortable environment. This is my second round trip flight from New York to Bangkok via Asiana and I will book Asiana again!

I could not choose my seat prior to check in

I had the most wonderful experience from CEB bag drop through deplaning. The staff, the aircraft, food, and cabin crew were all amazing. I want to give a kudos to Marky from Mactan Cebu's Asiana airport staff for his exceptional customer service and assistance.

JetBlue's check-in was great, but there was an in-flight attendant who was very rude and unkind. I didn't realize that the bathrooms were already locked 30 mins prior to landing and needed to use the restroom. Instead of politely asking me to return, she rudely told me, 'NO, bathrooms are locked! Go back to your seat!' The JetBlue flight was more than an hour delay, which made me almost miss my connecting flight with Asiana. I understand the reasoning, but the action they took to get a hold of maintenance was time consuming. It took them more than 30 mins to get a hold of maintenance and for maintenance to get started. The Asiana flight and crew were wonderful, in general. They waited for us who were delayed from the previous flight before they took off and were very kind to take my checked baggage's info. Seats were a little uncomfortable for such long flight, but service and flight attendants were great! However, my 3 checked baggages are missing! They're lost somewhere in the transition. I'm writing this review 3 days after my arrival to the Philippines, and my 3 checked baggages, where my wedding dress is, are all still missing! I and the CEB airport crew have sent multiple emails to both JetBlue and Asiana, and neither has responded to any of our emails. Although, I was able to get in contact with JetBlue's Interline Department who confirmed that the bags were turned over to Asiana without confirmation details.

The full flat bed was not that comfortable, hard and lumpy., too much space wasted with those bulky walls and divisions instead of making the bed 3-4 inches wider. The compartment where you put your feet is like a shoebox, poor design. Toilets of A350 are just too small, sink is too small

Aside from a LOT of turbulence the flight was perfect! The flight crew was superb and the food was delicious!

The seats (legroom) are tight and chairs cushion is stiff (not comfortable). The crew was courteous, professional and friendly. There was no food / snack for this flight (very short flight, but still would be nice to provide some snack for the enjoyment).

FA were very great, plane was A350 new and clean

The crew attended to my needs and the foods served are delivious.

Plane and service were great. The entertainment is only for Koreans. Wish there were vegetarian options for food. All in all pleasantly surprised. Economy premium was quite good.

This form doesn’t work. Can’t type in, had to copy-paste. The crew constantly telling everyone about minor things is unnecessary. Did you put the belt on, push your bag more under the seat… The seat space was good for tall people, the food was decent for airplane.

Roomy seats for the given price! I couldn’t ask more!

Great airline, but there was no English entertainment (movies or shows)

Check-in was an absolute disaster, taking more than an hour and half because they offered no online check-in and Kiosks were not available to use. In-flight entertainment was exclusively Korean media with a selection of only 5 or 6 movies to choose from. Korean television shows were also available. The food was lackluster. My chicken and tomatoes had 3 small pieces of chicken next to a mountain of soggy wedge potato fries. The seats were more comfortable than other airlines I’ve flown with and the staff aboard was extremely pleasant and helpful.

One of our luggage items was damaged during our flight to Newark from Incheon. Although our email communication was not responded to, when discussing the matter with the staff at the Newark checkin before our return flight to Incheon, we were provided with a free replacement luggage item. This customer service was, overall, very satisfactory.

I would have enjoyed some hot tea, preferably green tea, but they only serve hot coffee.

10 Hours delay on departure of the return flight and in-flight Wi-Fi was not available entire flying time all that caused monetary loss to my business.

Some favorite food ran out of service and I have to eat what was left available. Also I had to drink cold red wind! Why could not have been kept in room temperature?

It was a good flight, with great crew and service. I will definitely fly with them again. Excellent experience and very friendly. Excellent value.

On 2 different flights the wifi was horrible and there was no drink or snack service.

Wifi wasn’t working well so we couldn't view any media.

Flight was late. Club was full. Experience is exactly what I expected.

Carly the flight attendant was extremely helpful and very accommodating to passengers on the flight from what I noticed. Couldn't be more satisfied with the service and assistance from Delta's flight attendant, Thanks again Carly!!

I didn’t not like that I could not select my seat and ended up with the worse seat.

I didn’t like that I could not select my seat and was assigned a seat when I checked in at LAX

Delta did an awful job w logistics at DTW. Missed connection. We were there an hour early. SUCKED

Inflight entertainment stopped working as we taxi to runway and never worked again until landing and taxi to gate. Grrrr

Had to run to make it only to have the flight delayed to wait for all the late connectors Second drink service skipped up

Boarding was a sh!t show. JFK BOARDING was awful. The agent called three sections at a time Clogging the area then yelling at people to not block the walk way. How are you going to call delta one , premium select and comfort plus at once and the yell at highest paying passengers. Need to do a lot better and the flight attendants in the galley need to understand that their voices travel. They were talking about others and everyone in the cabin heard them

Fight crew was not very attentive and the bastions were gross!

Late boarding to clean plane from previous flight; initial boarding announcement not loud enough; fantastic cabin attendant front of plane

Generally good but we were delayed almost two hours from the original time of purchase. The pilot claimed an internal issue then an external equipment issue that needed to be adddressed. He made up a lot of the time.

Re-checking our bags, the workers were not able to help us with boarding passes for the flight, told us to wait, then ignored us while they helped many other passengers. Until I got rude, they would have left us standing there, and even then they were very curt and dismissive in telling us where to get boarding passes printed. We made it to the gate just as they were starting to board passengers. It was just rude customer service.

Delayed abs delayed Gate crew giving poor info - we are definitely leaving at —- Ultimately to cancel flight after 4+ hours of delays Just cancel it earlier

The flight was excellent, provided that we had inclement weather. We departed earlier than scheduled and arrived early. There was a little turbulence, but nothing to be worried about.

Our flight was great we left Kona earlier and got into LAX almost an 1hour earlier as well. LAX AA is in repair so to get out and found our bus to get pick up was a bit confusing.

Delayed flight, few announcements with information, no comps, cluster f boarding because zones weren’t spread out and announced loud and repeatedly, staff did their job -nothing more nothing less, annoying kids were speaking and kicking the heck out of the back of my seat and parents weren’t willing to parent… so another typical day of air travel in the US.,

It was less than what is expected for a business class ticket I thought that the staff actively ignored me because I either looked Indian or Hispanic to them and I guess I did not deserve their attention. The food which included a beef entree was not available so not enough food was ordered for number of seats available. I will say experience in Greenwich lounge was very good and the staff there at the airport were very nice. May be your crew needs to learn about racial equity so that everyone gets either the same aweful treatment or hopefully the best treatment which is what we expect I recommend you take a flight with Singapore airlines that I have taken and the crew remember your last names and use it to address each person, food never finishes if you are at the back of business class and crew anticipate your need even before you articulate. Same price and 100 times better service than American Airlines

I don’t think the flight attendants are happy. They do not seem to be friendly or welcoming.

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South Korea Entry Requirements

A passport is required. U.S. passport holders must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter Korea. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Korea for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain a K-ETA.

Apply at the K-ETA website for 10,000KRW. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied. Travelers must apply for the K-ETA at least 24 hours prior to boarding a flight or ship bound for Korea. A visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

To stay beyond the period of stay authorized upon entry, visitors need to apply for an extension with Korean Immigration. Individuals who overstay their authorized time without an extension are subject to fines that must be settled before they can depart the country.

Changes of status from one type of visa to another (from tourism to teaching, for example) are normally not granted in the Republic of Korea and must be obtained at a Korean embassy or consulate in another country after leaving Korea.

U.S. citizens must submit to biometric data collecting when they enter the ROK. Immigration officials will take index fingerprints and digital face photographs during passport inspection. Officials with government agencies or international organizations, and children under 17 years of age, are except from data collecting.

Active-duty U.S. military personnel with the U.S. Forces Korea are allowed to enter the Republic of Korea under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). They must have the correct Department of Defense (DOD) identification and travel orders to be admitted. Every civilian accompanying the force (including DOD civilian employees, invited contractors, and family members) must have a valid passport and obtain an A-3 SOFA visa in advance.

Active duty military personnel should obtain a tourist passport prior to leaving the U.S. to accommodate off-duty travel elsewhere in Asia. DOD travelers should consult the DOD Foreign Clearance Guide before leaving the United States. Members of the Department of Defense with U.S. Embassy assignments must enter with diplomatic or official passports and the correct visas.

DOD personnel on official business must have DOD APACS country clearance, while non-DOD members on official business must have clearance from the State Department's eCC system. Active duty service personnel may enter the Republic of Korea on leave with DOD identification and orders.

Exit permits are not required to leave Korea. However, if a parent requests through the Korea Immigration Service that a travel restriction be placed on a child, the child is likely to be prevented from departing Korea.

Certain visas types including those granted to teachers and entertainment workers require negative HIV/AIDS test results. Republic of Korea immigration law also states that immigration officials may deny entry to individuals suspected of having communicable diseases.

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Flights to South Korea with American Airlines

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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Pet travel from the United States to Korea

Welcome! This page will guide you through the rules and requirements for traveling internationally with your pet.

Before You Start the Process

Find a usda-accredited veterinarian.

With help from a USDA-accredited veterinarian , you can learn more about your destination country's entry requirements for pets, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments. We recommend creating a schedule to make sure you meet all requirements within the specified timeframe.

Gather This Information for Your USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

• The type of pet traveling
• The destination country
• If applicable, countries where your pet will stop (for customs clearance or upon leaving the airport or seaport) on the way to the destination country
• The date of departure from the United States
• Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane
• Note: If you're traveling with a pet bird or exotic animal, you may need to work with additional agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1.41 MB) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Read These Resources

• In Spanish (En Español): Guía de viaje para mascotas que viajan a otro país desde Estados Unidos
• In Chinese (用中文（表達): 宠物出国旅行指南
• Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling With Your Pet

Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type

Rabies vaccines and tests

Rabies vaccines must be current and given prior to arrival in Korea. Rabies vaccine is not required for pets under 90 days old.

A rabies-neutralization antibody test (0.5 IU/ml or higher) must be completed*.  A rabies-neutralization test is not required for pets under 90 days old.

The pet(s) must have an ISO-compliant microchip*

Health Certificate

The pet(s) must be accompanied by a valid health certificate (188.81 KB)  issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by USDA.

International Health Certificate for Dogs and Cats (188.81 KB)

* If the rabies neutralization antibody test and/or the microchip implantation could not be done prior to shipping (or the test is more than 24 months of departure), they can be done after arrival in Korea.

However, even in this case, a valid USDA endorsed health certificate is required.  Animals that have not been microchipped and/or had a rabies-neutralization antibody test performed will likely be held in quarantine at the owner’s expense until any procedures or lab tests have been completed.  Please contact South Korea using the link below for confirmation and additional information.

Bringing Dogs and Cats to Korea (Quarantine Inspection Website)

For military personnel traveling under official orders, you can find additional information at:  https://www.korea.amedd.army.mil/default.html

Pet ferrets originating from Hawaii or Guam are not required to have rabies vaccinations or rabies titer tests prior to travel, as they are considered by Korea to be regions free from rabies.

All other U.S. origin ferrets are required to be current on their rabies vaccinations and have a rabies titer test taken more than 3 months, but less than 12 months, prior to travel. Titer test must be conducted at approved laboratories.

International Health Certificate for Ferrets (207.23 KB)

International Health Certificate for Rabbits (432.4 KB)

* This health certificate may only be used for personal pet birds that are traveling with an owner/agent.

* If the bird is intended for commercial purposes upon arrival  OR  is traveling via cargo, you must use the commercial pet bird health certificate found here

International Health Certificate for Birds (105.77 KB)

For pet travel requirements not listed, APHIS has not been officially informed by the foreign country about the requirements for your pet’s travel. We recommend that you contact a government official of the country you are traveling to for more information.

Country of Destination Contact Information

World Organisation for Animal Health: Members

U.S. Department of State: Foreign Embassies and Consulates

Countries Participating in the European Union

Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia

Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Republic of Ireland Italy Latvia

Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Northern Ireland * Norway ** Poland Portugal

Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland **

* Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom (UK), but will continue to follow European Union (EU) requirements even though the UK is no longer part of the EU. ** Norway and Switzerland are not part of the EU but have adopted EU legislation for import of most species of live animals.

Important Travel Considerations

If you are transiting (passing through) the european union:.

If your pet is traveling through (transiting) a country in the European Union (EU) on the way to a third, non-EU country, you will also need a transit health certificate for your pet for the EU. The transit health certificate will be the same as if your pet’s final destination was the EU country. Use the information and steps above under “Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type” to determine which health certificate should be used. View a list of EU countries .

Considerations for airline travel:

Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets. Check with your airline or shipping representative to determine what requirements they may have.

View additional information for pet owners, airlines, and others about APHIS endorsement of international health certificates .

Will you be returning to the United States with your pet?

View the Requirements ALERT: Read the CDC Notice of Temporary Suspension of Dogs Entering the United States From Countries Classified as High Risk for Dog Rabies .

Information for Accredited Veterinarians

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For Accredited Veterinarians: Electronic signature ACCEPTED

For APHIS VMO: Original ink endorsement REQUIRED

Save Time and Money With VEHCS!

USDA-accredited veterinarians can submit health certificates for electronic signature through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System).

Accredited veterinarians can submit health certificates for USDA endorsement electronically through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System). However, this country requires USDA to ink-sign and emboss the health certificate. This means the final, endorsed health certificate that travels with the animal(s) must be mailed back. IMPORTANT: The endorsed health certificate (paper, not electronic) must accompany the shipment. The endorsed health certificate will be returned by mail (a pre-paid, pre-addressed return label must be provided during certificate submission).

VEHCS Help   |  VEHCS Guide   |  VEHCS Login

2024 solar eclipse map: Where to see the eclipse on April 8

These 2024 solar eclipse maps will help you make the best decision about where and how to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday (April 8).

It's finally here: Today, (April 8) a total solar eclipse will pass across the skies North America, giving more than 33 million people living in 15 U.S. states a rare view of the totally-obstructed sun, and — weather permitting — a taste of some seriously strange eclipse phenomena .

If you’re wondering where the total and partial phases of the eclipse will be visible, the good news is that almost everyone in the contiguous U.S. will be able to see the celestial spectacle to some extent. But for a more detailed view of the eclipse’s path, take a look at these handy eclipse maps, courtesy of GreatAmericanEclipse.com. 

Solar eclipse 2024 path of totality map

Totality is the moment that every eclipse-chaser lives for: The moment when the moon completely covers the sun’s face, resulting in a brief but eerie darkness in the daytime. The path of totality , shown in the map above, is the path of the moon’s shadow across Earth’s surface. 

On Monday (April 8), totality will begin in Sinaloa, Mexico, then move northeast up to Texas, ultimately crossing 15 states before moving on to Canada. The states where totality will be visible are: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine — although Tennessee and Michigan will only be glanced by the moon's shadow.

Related: April 8 solar eclipse: What time does totality start in every state?

Viewers MUST be within the path of totality to witness the total phase of the eclipse; if you are off the path by even a mile, you will only see a partial eclipse, and miss out on the spooky daytime darkness. Furthermore, the closer you are to the center of the path of totality, the longer totality will last for you — up to a maximum duration of 4 minutes, 27 seconds in Torreón, Mexico.

Note: Totality is the ONLY TIME when it is safe to view the sun without protective eyewear like certified solar eclipse glasses . You must protect your eyes during the entire partial phase of the eclipse, no matter where you are.

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Solar eclipse 2024 partial eclipse map

If you live in the U.S. and can’t make it to the path of totality, a partial eclipse still awaits you on April 8. The entire contiguous U.S. will have some view of the partial eclipse, ranging from 99% coverage of the sun just off the path of totality to about 15% coverage far to the northwest of the path.

The map above shows how much of the sun’s disk will be blocked from your location. Watching the partial phases of the eclipse — which last about an hour and 20 minutes before and after totality — means wearing protective eyewear at all times. Failure to do so could result in permanent eye damage, according to NASA .

If you want to experience the celestial spectacle but don’t have a pair of eclipse glasses handy, there are many other ways to safely enjoy the partial eclipse . These include making a homemade pinhole projector , using a pasta strainer to project the shadow of the moon onto the ground or watching one of the various eclipse live streams available.

2024 eclipse travel maps

If you want to see totality but don’t live within the path, driving or taking public transit to a city within the path may be possible. The map above shows how far the drive is to the path of totality, based on where you’re coming from. Meanwhile, the map below shows the most populated cities within the path of totality — many of which are expected to be flooded with millions of eclipse tourists on April 8.

The biggest cities within the path of totality include: San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth in Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Hamilton and Montreal in Canada; and Torreón and Mazatlan in Mexico.

Wherever you are on April 8, we wish you clear skies and protected eyes during this rare, wondrous eclipse over North America.

Brandon is the space/physics editor at Live Science. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, CBS.com, the Richard Dawkins Foundation website and other outlets. He holds a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Arizona, with minors in journalism and media arts. He enjoys writing most about space, geoscience and the mysteries of the universe.

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Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps showed 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps showed  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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Solar Eclipse 2024: What to Know as the Eclipse Passes Over

T he first total solar eclipse to pass over the U.S. since 2017 took place Monday, as the moon scooted between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that plunged parts of North America into darkness. In a swath of the continent known as the path of totality—where the sun was totally covered—temperatures were expected to drop, and some animals were expected to go gaga as day turned to night.

“The first time I saw one was life-changing and mind-blowing,” said C. Alex Young, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration solar astrophysicist. “I feel like there’s this window that opens up that allows me to see our star in a way that normally we can’t experience with our own eyes.”

What time is the eclipse?

The eclipse began in the U.S. just before 12:30 p.m. local time in Texas, ending in northeastern Maine around 4:40 p.m. local time.

In Austin, Texas, the total eclipse started at 1:36 p.m. local time. Indianapolis was in total darkness beginning at 3:06 p.m. local time, while Buffalo, N.Y., completely lost sight of the sun at 3:18 p.m. local time.

Astronomers had suggested checking Timeanddate.com to see when the total eclipse began and ended in a specific area.

Where is the path of totality?

It changes from eclipse to eclipse, but this time, the path was a roughly 115-mile-wide band stretching from central Mexico to Newfoundland, Canada—passing through more than a dozen U.S. states in between.

Austin, Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y., were among the cities in the path of totality. Most of the rest of the continent saw a partial eclipse.

What happens during a total solar eclipse?

In the path of totality, the celestial spectacle starts as a partial eclipse, as the moon slowly obscures more of the sun over a period of time.

Just before totality, points of light appear around the edges of the moon. Scientists call these Baily’s beads, after one of the first eclipse chasers. They are the result of sunlight moving through valleys on the lunar surface and quickly disappear, leaving one final bright spot resembling a diamond on a ring. Once that disappears, the sun takes on the appearance of a black disc.

“It’s not like a sunset where it’s bright in one direction and dark in another direction,” said Jay Anderson, a Canadian meteorologist and eclipse chaser. “For the eclipse, you’re in the middle of a big shadow.”

The moon on Monday completely blocked the sun for as long as 4½ minutes. Then the process reversed, with the sun slowly re-emerging.

How can you watch a solar eclipse safely?

Skywatchers needed to use eclipse glasses, which consist of solar filters that block out light from the sun, during the event. The only time it’s safe to look directly at the sun is during totality, when the moon completely blocks the bright orb. Even 1% of the sun’s surface is 10,000 times brighter than a full moon and dangerous to view without the right equipment.

Gazing at the sun without protection can cause what is known as eclipse blindness, or retinal burns, when nerve tissue at the back of the eye is damaged. The retina has no pain receptors, so viewers are unaware when this damage occurs.

What causes a total solar eclipse?

The sun is 400 times the moon’s diameter, yet about 400 times farther away, resulting in the two appearing nearly the same size in the sky. So when the moon passes in just the right spot between Earth and the sun, the star is blocked from view.

How often do total solar eclipses occur?

These events happen somewhere on the planet every year or two. The geometry of the Earth’s orbit, moon’s orbit and their relative positions in relationship to the sun make it so that, on average, the same spot on Earth only experiences a total solar eclipse once every 375 years.

Some parts of the U.S. are lucky. Small areas in Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky experienced totality in 2017 and got to experience it again in 2024.

How long do total eclipses last?

There is no standard length for a total eclipse, though there is always one place where totality lasts the longest. For Monday’s eclipse, the maximum duration of totality was four minutes, 28 seconds near Torreón, Mexico. The longest total eclipses on record have exceeded seven minutes.

“The average length is about 3½ minutes,” Anderson said. “The shortest I’ve seen is 18 seconds.”

The length depends on how close the moon is to Earth, and how far the sun is from Earth on eclipse day. The farther away the sun, the smaller it appears in the sky, and the more easily it can be covered by the moon. The closer the moon, the bigger it appears, and the longer its disc will cover the sun.

The nearness of the moon also affects the shadow it projects onto the planet. The path of totality for this eclipse was wider than the one from 2017, which was roughly 70 miles wide.

How can cloud cover affect your eclipse experience?

Clouds can conceal a total eclipse but don’t completely thwart the experience. Even if the sight of the moon fully blocking the sun is obscured, the temperature drop, changing winds, impacts on animals and darkening that accompany totality are noticeable.

“There was still a visceral experience about it, there was still a sensory experience that’s different than anything you would experience in your lifetime,” according to Young, who said he has experienced a couple of total eclipses that were clouded out.

Historical data about typical cloud coverage this time of year in North America suggested Mexico and the southern U.S. were the most likely spots along the path of totality to be cloud-free. But the latest forecasts had shown Texas and many other parts of the path blanketed in clouds.

Cloud cover can change over the course of the day and during the eclipse itself, according to Patricia Reiff, a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University in Houston.

“Some clouds begin to thin, and even those thin clouds become more transparent as totality approaches, because there’s not as much sunlight scattered inside them,” Reiff said, adding that she has experienced eclipses in which the sky opened up just for totality before the clouds closed in again.

What science can be done during a total solar eclipse?

Researchers can use these events to improve their understanding of difficult-to-study parts of the sun’s upper atmosphere, known as the corona. The superhot corona is so faint compared with the sun’s surface that it can’t be seen from Earth unless the light from the sun is totally blocked. While scientists can build instruments that mimic solar eclipses, they don’t measure up to the real thing, experts say.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research planned to use a jet to follow the path of totality and observe infrared light from the corona. The corona is a source of solar wind—a stream of charged particles spewed into the solar system that can affect our navigation and communication systems, satellites and power grids by causing space weather above our planet. By better understanding the corona, scientists hope to improve our ability to predict dangerous space weather, said Paul Bryans, a project scientist at the center.

NASA also planned to launch small rockets to study how an electrically charged part of Earth’s atmosphere known as the ionosphere changes in the sun’s absence during an eclipse. Radio and GPS signals from satellites and ground-based systems travel through the ionosphere, so changes there could affect technology.

What happens to animals during an eclipse?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that, as the moon slowly blocks out the sun, most animals tend to switch to their nighttime routines, but the study of animal behavior during these events has been limited, according to Adam Hartstone-Rose, a professor of biological sciences at North Carolina State University.

During the 2017 eclipse, Hartstone-Rose said he and his colleagues watched more than a dozen species at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, S.C., during totality. The group noticed lorikeets flocked together and flew to their nighttime roost, giraffes started galloping in their enclosure, a sedentary Komodo dragon started running around its cage, and Galapagos tortoises began mating.

“Obviously, we can’t know exactly what animals are thinking,” he said, “but many species had a reaction that we think that we relate to anxiety.”

When is the next total solar eclipse?

Viewers in Spain and Iceland will experience the next totality on Aug. 12, 2026. Less than a year after that, skywatchers in parts of North Africa, Saudi Arabia and Spain will also glimpse a total solar eclipse.

The continental U.S.’s next totality experience won’t occur until 2044, when a total eclipse passes over Montana and North Dakota. A 2045 total eclipse will herald a longer path of totality, cutting from Florida to California.

According to scientists, eventually Earth will stop experiencing total eclipses. More than 50 years ago, Apollo astronauts left laser reflectors on the moon’s surface to help determine how far away it is from Earth. Observations show the moon is moving away at a rate of about 1.5 inches a year. As the moon recedes, how large it appears in the sky shrinks, so in about 600 million years the moon will be far enough away that it will appear too small to fully cover the sun, Bryans said.

How do you photograph a solar eclipse?

Believe it or not, a smartphone mounted to a tripod is sufficient to photograph totality. Don’t forget to turn off the autoflash, and consider doing a panorama shot.

To snap a close-up of the sun’s darkened disc, opt for a powerful telephoto lens.

Eclipse chasers and scientists recommend spending most of a total eclipse looking up or observing the world around you rather than taking photos.

“What I’ve sometimes done during totality is set up my camera, or my cellphone, on a tripod, turned it on video and just hit record and left it alone,” Young said. “My recommendation has always been to just put your camera down and enjoy.”

To photograph a partial eclipse before and after totality, be sure to purchase a solar filter for your lens. (Remove it during totality.) Never use a camera—or binoculars or a telescope—without a filter because these devices concentrate a lot of light into your eyes and cause injury, even if you have eclipse glasses on, according to NASA.

Other tips for seeing a total solar eclipse?

Totality plunges parts of the world into a darkness akin to a full moonlit night. Astronomers say you are able to see planets such as Venus and Jupiter.

To get a better experience, Young said to avoid city lights as you would if you were watching a meteor shower.

“If there’s a place that normally has really good stars, then that’s going to be a good place to see the eclipse,” Reiff said.

This explanatory article may be periodically updated.

Write to Aylin Woodward at [email protected]

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South Korea’s president meets leader of doctors’ strike as he seeks to end their walkouts

Park Dan, head of an emergency committee at the Korean Intern Resident Association, center right, is seen during a meeting at the Korean Medical Association in Seoul, South Korea, March 31, 2024. South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol met the leader of thousands of striking junior doctors on Thursday, April 4, 2024, and promised to respect their position during future talks over his contentious push to sharply increase medical school admissions. The meeting between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Park Dan, head of an emergency committee for the Korea Intern Resident Association, was the first of its kind since more than 90% of the country’s 13,000 trainee doctors walked off the job in February, disrupting hospital operations. (Choi Jae-gu/Yonhap via AP)

FILE - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a cabinet meeting at the government complex in Sejong, South Korea, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. South Korea’s president met the leader of thousands of striking junior doctors on Thursday, April 4, 2024, and promised to respect their position during future talks over his contentious push to sharply increase medical school admissions. The meeting between President Yeol and Park Dan, head of an emergency committee for the Korea Intern Resident Association, was the first of its kind since more than 90% of the country’s 13,000 trainee doctors walked off the job in February, disrupting hospital operations. (Jin Sung-chul/Yonhap via AP, File)

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met the leader of a strike by thousands of junior doctors on Thursday and said that the government is open to talks about its contentious push to sharply increase medical school admissions.

The meeting was the first of its kind since more than 90% of the country’s 13,000 trainee doctors walked off the job in February, disrupting hospital operations. But there was still no immediate report of a breakthrough after the meeting.

During a lengthy televised public address Monday, Yoon defended his plan to recruit 2,000 more medical students each year, from the current cap of 3,058. But he said his government remains open to talks if doctors come up with a unified proposal that gives logical reasons for their calls for a much smaller hike of the enrollment quota.

On Thursday, Yoon met Park Dan, head of an emergency committee for the Korea Intern Resident Association, for more than two hours, during which “the president said he would respect the position of trainee doctors in the event of talks with the medical circle on medical reform issues including an increase of doctors,” according to Yoon’s office.

It didn’t say whether the government plans any immediate talks with the doctors and whether Yoon’s comments would mean he’s willing to lower the size of his proposed medical school admission increase. The strikers have earlier demanded the government withdraw the 2,000-student admission increase plan.

In a brief Facebook message posted after the meeting, Park wrote that “there is no future for the medical service of the Republic of Korea” without elaborating. Repeated calls to Park went unanswered. Another striker, Ryu Ok Hada, earlier accused Park of having unilaterally met with Yoon without approval from fellow strikers.

During the meeting, Yoon also listened to Park’s views on problems facing South Korea’s medical system, and the two exchanged opinions on how to improve working conditions for interns and medical residents, Yoon’s office said in a statement.

Yoon has said the 2,000-student enrollment increase is the minimum necessary, given that South Korea has one of the world’s most rapidly aging populations and its doctor-to-patient ratio is the lowest among advanced economies.

But many doctors have argued that universities can’t deal with such an abrupt increase in the number of students, and that it would ultimately undermine the quality of the country’s medical services. But critics say doctors, one of the best-paid professions in South Korea, simply worry that the supply of more doctors would result in lower future incomes.

Public surveys show that a majority of ordinary South Koreans support Yoon’s plan. But observers say ordinary people are increasingly fed up with the protracted confrontation between the government and doctors, as the doctors’ strikes have triggered hundreds of cancelled surgeries and other medical treatments at hospitals.

Yoon has faced calls from many, including some in his own conservative ruling party, to make concessions as the party’s candidates face an uphill battle against their liberal rivals ahead of the April 10 parliamentary elections.

The striking doctors face license suspensions because they missed a government-set deadline to return to work by the end of February. Government officials have repeatedly suggested they could soften punitive steps if strikers return to their hospitals voluntarily.

The striking doctors represent a fraction of the total doctors in South Korea — estimated at between 115,000 and 140,000. But in some major hospitals, they account for about 30% to 40% of doctors, assisting qualified doctors and department chiefs during surgeries and other treatments while training.

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