‘Visit Korea Year 2023-24’: South Korea’s bid to boost tourism using K-culture

The bright and colourful signs of a vibrant shopping strip in Seoul at night

South Korea looks to boost tourism as part of its post-pandemic recovery using the global popularity of Korean culture and the easing of visa rules for travellers from certain countries, including Australia. 

In late 2022, the South Korean government declared 2023 to 2024, ‘Visit Korea Year’. 

In an article released by the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO), ‘Visit Korea Year’ features exciting events, travel packages, and promo campaigns, with a focus on Korean culture.

“During the Visit Korea Year 2023-2024, K-culture can be enjoyed all year round. Events involving K-pop concerts, e-sports, Korean food, cultural heritages and more are planned.”

Alongside the emphasis on homegrown cultural spectacles, the South Korean government announced that Australians, among other nations, won’t need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) visa waiver for visits of less than 90 days, according to Smartraveller

The K-ETA exemption is a temporary measure, running from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024. It is available to 22 countries and regions in Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. 

Which countries are eligible for the K-ETA exemption? 

The countries and regions that won’t need to secure a K-ETA include:

Travellers can still submit an application for K-ETA if they like, waiving the need to fill out an arrivals card when they land in South Korea, but it will cost in the ballpark of KRW 10,000 (or just over $10 in AUD).  

Planning to visit Korea this year? Consider and compare travel insurance to see if there’s a policy right for you 

Travel insurance can not only help you if your luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, but it may also help cover the costs of cancelling pre-planned activities and accommodation if you cannot go on your trip, due to illness or some other incident.  

When comparing policies, make sure you read up on everything you need to know about travel insurance, so you’re aware of the benefits, and what to look out for. 

Start with some of the policies featured below, or head to the best travel insurance page to see the 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Awards winners.

Travel insurance comparisons on Mozo

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Last updated 30 October 2024 Important disclosures
  • International Travel Insurance
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $5,000 limit per policy with option to increase limit

    Get protection in a few simple steps with Freely travel insurance all in the palm of your hand. Freely Travel offers 24/7 emergency and medical support, 24/7 customer service. Plus, you can tailor your policy so you only pay for what you need, and adapt your cover in near real time. Add-ons such as car rental excess, snow sports or other activities also available. Receive 10% off your travel insurance policy with promo code: MOZO10. T&Cs apply, go to site for full detail.

    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Enjoy unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get unlimited cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $5,000,000 personal liability cover.

    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $10,000 to Unlimited

    Backed by the NIB, one of Australia’s largest travel insurance providers, Travel Insurance Saver brings you peace of mind on your travels. Compare three tiers of insurance cover, featuring benefits like 24 hour emergency assistance, emergency medical cover, luggage cover, cancellation cover and more.

    Details
  • International Comprehensive Single
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $2,500 to Unlimited

    Enjoy the security of single trip cover on your next holiday with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Get 24 hour emergency assistance, cover for cancelling or changing your journey before you leave, protection for lost, stolen or damaged goods as well as cover to replace lost or stolen cash, banks or travel documents. Be in to win 1 of 5 $1,000 cash prizes! T&Cs Apply. Offer ends 30 September 2023.

    Details
  • Top
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Be covered for international overseas and medical expenses. Emergency medical assistance 24 hours/365 days a year. Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits. Cover for luggage and personal money. Dependents covered free of charge (conditions apply). Limited COVID cover available. Cancellation cover for COVID claims limited to $3,500.

    Details
  • Standard
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $25,000

    Get the security of unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $2,500,000 personal liability cover.

    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards

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