Business Trip to Seoul: What to Sort Out Before You Fly

A business trip to Seoul goes most smoothly when you deal with entry paperwork, meeting logistics and basic etiquette before you land. Check your digital entry requirements, plan the airport transfer, and bring business cards and a clear agenda so your first meetings start well.

Key takeaways

• Check K-ETA and e-Arrival Card rules for your passport on the official sites before you fly.
• Arrive a few minutes early, exchange cards with both hands, and address people by title and surname.
• Stay near your meeting district and confirm addresses the day before, because Seoul is large and traffic is heavy.

Entry requirements and documents

Many short-term business visitors can enter Korea visa-free, for example to attend meetings or conferences. Paid work is not allowed on a visa-free entry. Depending on your nationality:

• Exempt from K-ETA. Some nationalities are covered by a temporary K-ETA exemption that runs to 31 December 2026. You can enter on your passport but usually need to file the free e-Arrival Card.
• K-ETA required. Other visa-free nationalities need an approved K-ETA before departure. The official fee is 10,000 KRW, and an approval is generally valid for up to three years.
• Visa required. Everyone else needs a visa.

Our guide to K-ETA and Korea entry requirements explains how to check which group you are in.

Bring:

• a passport valid for your whole stay
• your return ticket
• the address of your hotel
• an invitation letter or meeting schedule, in case immigration asks about your plans

Meeting etiquette

• Punctuality. Arrive five to ten minutes early. Being late without notice makes a poor first impression.
• Names and titles. Use the person’s title and surname, such as Director Kim or Manager Lee, until you are invited to do otherwise.
• Business cards. Offer and receive cards with both hands, read the card briefly, and place it on the table in front of you during the meeting instead of putting it straight into your pocket. A card with Korean on the reverse side is appreciated.
• Greetings. A slight bow, often combined with a handshake, is common.
• Dress. Conservative business attire is the norm for first meetings.
• Decisions. These often go through several levels of approval, so expect follow-up rather than an instant yes.
• Gifts. Small, modest gifts from your home country are welcome but not required.

Business dinners are an important part of building relationships. Let the most senior person start, accept the first drink if you are comfortable doing so, and feel free to switch to a soft drink. Declining alcohol politely is increasingly accepted.

If your trip is about sourcing, read how to find Korean manufacturers and suppliers before your meetings.

Transport and daily logistics

Airport transfer. Incheon International Airport is the main gateway. The AREX Express train reaches Seoul Station in about 43 minutes from Terminal 1, and the cheaper All-Stop train stops in Hongdae and Gongdeok. See Incheon Airport to Seoul: AREX, bus or taxi for the full comparison.

Where to stay. Seoul’s main business districts are far apart. Gangnam, Yeouido and the central Jongno/City Hall area are each a long subway ride from the others. Pick a hotel close to most of your meetings.

Office hours. Many offices work roughly 09:00–18:00 on weekdays.

Getting around. The subway is usually faster than a taxi at rush hour. Use a T-money card or a contactless bank card where accepted.

Practical extras. Korea uses 220 V power with two-pin round plugs, so pack an adapter. Allow buffer time on your first day for jet lag and traffic. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash in won; you can exchange money at the airport or a bank, or withdraw from an ATM that accepts foreign cards. Check exchange rates and fees with your bank or the provider before you exchange.

Packing list and a local cost example

Pack:

• business cards (more than you think you need)
• a plug adapter
• a notebook
• comfortable but polished shoes for walking between buildings and stations
• a light layer for strongly air-conditioned offices in summer

Worked example (approximate fares, October 2026). Three days of local transport and lunches:

• AREX Express from Terminal 1 to Seoul Station: 13,000 KRW (adult fare on the AREX official website, checked October 2026).
• Subway, 4 rides a day for 3 days at about 1,550 KRW base fare: 4 × 3 × 1,550 = 18,600 KRW.
• Lunches at about 12,000 KRW a day: 3 × 12,000 = 36,000 KRW.
• Total: 13,000 + 18,600 + 36,000 = 67,600 KRW, before your hotel, dinners and the return airport trip.

Fares change, so check the official operator websites before you travel.

Common mistakes

• Assuming you need no entry paperwork without checking K-ETA and e-Arrival Card rules for your passport.
• Arriving late, or putting away a business card without looking at it.
• Booking a hotel in a different district from most of your meetings.
• Underestimating rush-hour traffic when you take a taxi between meetings.

FAQ

Do I need a K-ETA for a business trip to Seoul?

It depends on your nationality. Some visa-free nationalities are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026, while others must get a K-ETA before departure. Check your passport on the official K-ETA site.

When should I submit the e-Arrival Card?

You can submit it on the official website from three days before arrival. It is free, and holders of a valid K-ETA generally do not need to submit it.

What should I wear to business meetings in Seoul?

Conservative business attire, such as a dark suit or equivalent professional clothing, is standard for first meetings. Some tech and creative companies dress more casually, but it is safer to start formal.

What is the best way from Incheon Airport to a meeting in central Seoul?

The AREX Express is the most predictable option to Seoul Station. A taxi goes door to door, but its timing depends on traffic. Allow extra time on your arrival day.

Sources

• Korea Immigration Service, K-ETA official website: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/
• Korea e-Arrival Card official website: https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/
• Airport Railroad (AREX), official website: https://www.airportrailroad.com/
• Korea Tourism Organization, VISITKOREA official English website: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

Last checked: 2026-10-22