Travel Insurance for South Korea

• Why do I need travel insurance for South Korea?
• Top things to do in South Korea
• Best times to visit South Korea
• Tips for your trip to South Korea
• FAQs

Whether you’re visiting South Korea for the food or mountains, it’s the ultimate destination for adventurous Aussies and it’s a good idea to consider and choose travel insurance for your holiday that you feel allows you to worry less and explore more.

Why do I need travel insurance for South Korea?

Picture this: You're exploring the streets of Seoul when suddenly, you twist your ankle. Without travel insurance, a medical emergency like this could turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.

Depending on which level of cover best suits your trip – The Basics, Domestic, The Works, and Annual Multi Trip plans, some of the benefits we offer include:

• Cover for overseas medical expenses
• Medical repatriation and evacuation
• Cover for lost or damaged valuables
• Cover for lost, stolen or delayed luggage and personal belongings
• Cover for cancellation or airline delays
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events
• Cover for a wide variety of activities and sports

Note: Australian passport holders may enter South Korea as tourists for up to 90 days without applying for an Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) visa. Additionally, South Korea has launched its digital nomad visa, allowing visitors to stay and work in the country for up to two years.

Top things to do in South Korea

1. Explore the streets of Seoul: Lose yourself in the capital city, where neon lights and towering skyscrapers exist beside ancient palaces and traditional markets. Experience K-pop in the nightlife districts of Hongdae or Gangnam.

Traveller tip: always be mindful of your surroundings when out on the town at night, especially if you’re travelling alone, don’t accept drinks from strangers if going to bars and nightclubs.

2. Hike up Seoraksan National Park: Lace-up your hiking boots and conquer the trails of Seoraksan National Park. Explore the forest on foot to see enormous waterfalls and towering granite peaks. Whether you’re into snow sports (*cover for snow sports only available when you have selected the Snow sports cover option and paid the additional premium cover option), you’re a Summer traveller, or you prefer to get your kicks from bungee jumping or rock climbing, you may be covered for a range of sports and activities. 
3. Taste Korean cuisine: From sizzling street food like tteokbokki and gimbap to bibimbap and samgyeopsal, South Korea is a paradise for foodies. TID offers overseas medical coverage if you overindulge in food and you’re hit with a bad case of gastro or you end up in hospital due to a severe illness.
4. Experience South Korean culture: learn about the rich cultural heritage by visiting historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, or Jeonju Hanok Village for a trip back in time.
5. Shop till you drop: Get your retail therapy fix in South Korea's shopping districts. From boutiques in Myeongdong to sprawling markets like Namdaemun and Dongdaemun.

Traveller tip: always make sure you keep receipts for any valuables that you’ve purchased in case they are stolen or damaged and you need to make a claim.

Best times to visit South Korea 

Low season in South Korea

If you want to avoid the scorching heat and crowds of summer or the chilly temperatures of winter in South Korea, the best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild.

Winter in South Korea

If you love winter sports and want to hit the ski resorts then the best time to visit is December to February where temperatures can drop to -15 degrees Celsius (5°F). Ski and snowboarding enthusiasts can enjoy the ski resorts in the Gyeonggi-do Province and in Gangwon-do.

Summer in South Korea

Summer in Korea lasts from June to August and is usually hot and humid with a lot of rainfall during the rainy season of the East Asian monsoon (Changma). Summer highlights include the coastal city Busan (the second largest city in South Korea after Seoul), and the southern holiday island of Jeju. If diving into mud is your thing, then visit Boryeong in July for its Mud Festival. If you’re in Seoul during Summer you can spend the day in the Han River windsurfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding. 

Don't let unexpected mishaps derail your South Korean adventure – get travel insurance today! 

Tips for your trip to South Korea

• Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets and subway stations, to avoid pickpocketing incidents.
• Stay informed about any potential political tensions or protests and avoid participating or getting involved in such situations.
• Respect local customs and traditions, including bowing as a sign of respect when greeting others and removing shoes before entering homes or certain establishments. Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites, covering your shoulders and knees out of respect.
• Learn a few basic Korean phrases like "hello" (annyeonghaseyo) and "thank you" (kamsahamnida) to show respect to locals.
• Avoid pointing with your fingers or using your feet to gesture, as these actions are considered impolite in Korean culture. Refrain from public displays of affection, as these are generally frowned upon in South Korean society.
• Purchase a T-money card for convenient access to public transportation, as it can also be used for payments at convenience stores and vending machines.
• Familiarize yourself with subway and bus routes using mobile apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map for easy navigation.

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing.