Thailand visa for South Korean citizens
South Korean citizens enter Thailand visa-free for up to 90 days under a bilateral agreement between the two countries. The September 2026 reform, which shortened Thailand’s general visa-free stay, left this agreement in place. Your arrival day counts as day 1.
Why Koreans get longer than most
Most passports now use Thailand’s unilateral exemption, which is shorter. Korea’s stay comes from a separate agreement. The trade-off is that the one-time 30-day tourist extension does not apply: the Immigration Bureau rule covers visa exemptions of up to 30 days. For a longer stay, apply for a visa before you travel.
At the border
Carry your return ticket and hotel booking. Immigration officers can ask any visitor about the purpose of the trip and funds, and a longer permitted stay does not change that.
Before you fly
- Passport valid well beyond your planned stay
- The free TDAC arrival card, submitted in the window before you arrive
Worked example
South Koreans arriving on Tuesday, 1 December 2026 can stay until Sunday, 28 February 2027: 90 days, counting the arrival day as day 1. Leaving two days after the last legal day would mean an overstay fine of 1,000 baht at departure.
Your last legal day
Choose your passport and entry date to see your last legal day.
Questions from South Koreans
Do South Koreans need a visa for Thailand?
Not for a tourist visit within the period set by the bilateral agreement.
How long can Koreans stay in Thailand without a visa?
The bilateral agreement sets the stay. Use the calculator on this page for your exact last day.
Did the September 2026 change affect Koreans?
The general visa-free stay was shortened, but bilateral agreements, including Korea's, continue.
Can I extend?
Not with the standard tourist extension: the Immigration Bureau rule covers visa exemptions of up to 30 days, and Korea's agreement gives 90. For a longer stay, apply for a visa before you travel.
Sources
Last verified:
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: bilateral arrangements continue
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa measures from 15 September 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa exemption summary (PDF)
- Official Thai e-Visa site
For information only, not legal advice. The immigration officer at your port of entry makes the final decision. ThaiSpend is an independent site and is not affiliated with Thai Immigration or any government agency. Spotted an error? Tell us.