Travel to Vietnam: Checklist for Korean Visitors to enjoy the trip with ease

“Vietnam - Timeless charm” has been a slogan of the Vietnam tourism industry which explains perfectly why this country is always among the top allure places to go for Koreans. 

It’s exciting to travel abroad but it is confusing and scary at the same time, considering all things you must know from Vietnam visa requirements to local transportations. Don’t worry! Let us be your guide and we can plan the most ideal trip together!

The first introduction: What Vietnam offers

Referred to as a tourism rising star in Southeast Asia, Vietnam can easily take your breath away by its seamless combination of traditional and contemporary beauty. From the magnificent millions of limestones of Ha Long Bay, to stunning terraced fields in Ha Giang, and to the majestic feelings of Hue Imperial city, every landmark promises to give you unforgettable experience.

Vietnam’s rich culture is also dedicated to its delectable cuisine. Pho, Banh mi or Goi cuon have marked Vietnamese culinary signatures with refreshing and flavorful tastes. They have received tons of internationally acclaimed reviews by both gourmet food critics and casual taste buds. Above all, when traveling to Vietnam, you are welcomed by the hospitality of the Vietnamese people, the friendliness fills in the air which makes you feel at home. 

Altogether, tourist attractions, food, people and other elements of Vietnamese culture create one of the best journeys which will definitely leave a lasting impression on you.

All information to help you set foot in Vietnam

What are Vietnam visa requirements for Koreans?

You don’t need to apply for a visa in case you only stay in Vietnam less than 45 consecutive days under Vietnam Visa Exemption Policy. However, if you want to stay more than 45 days, you are required to get a visa.

Korean citizens can visit the Vietnam Embassy at their home country or apply for Vietnam eVisa or Visa On Arrival, either way at your convenience. 

At the arrival port of Vietnam, please adhere to the entry requirements such as,

• You have to hold valid permanent residence cards, temporary residence cards, visas, OR visa exemption certificates 

• You have to present all required documents in compliance with your visa application method

• Follow the rules of bringing goods overseas

How to fly from South Korea to Vietnam?

The average flight duration between South Korea and Vietnam is 4h30m, with a distance of 3015 km.

There are many flight options to choose from by using search engines on websites of travel agencies or airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines and China Southern Airlines.

Depending on your place in South Korea and your intended destination in Vietnam, you can select the departure airport and arrival airport. Some of them could be amongst:

• Departure airport: Incheon International Airport, Gimpo International Airport, Daegu International Airport, etc.

• Arrival airport: Noi Bai International Airport, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Cat Bi International Airport, Da Nang International Airport, Cam Ranh International Airport, Can Tho International Airport, etc.

The prices can be fluctuated by travel dates, layovers, aviation carriers and the weight of luggage. Estimately, the round-trip flight from South Korea to Vietnam can cost $400 - $890. 

*Note: You should book a flight after getting a visa or before about one month to avoid making changes. 

Where do I stay in Vietnam?

Vietnam offers a variety of accommodation choices from hotels, guesthouses, resorts to homestays that foreigners can access information easily via the Internet. Nowadays, travelers use international booking services a lot such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Traveloka.

If you go on tour with Vietnamese locals, it is a relief that they have already settled everything for you.

On the other hand, if you travel to Vietnam by yourself, we highly recommend booking an accommodation before arriving.  

Some tips come handy

• The best time to visit Vietnam

Vietnam is a tropical country which is diverse in seasons, temperatures and climates. The most favorable time to travel would be based on your specific destination and your preferences.

- The North and the Central of Vietnam: where summer and winter can be extreme, it is advised to go in Spring (March to April) and Autumn (September to December).

- The South of Vietnam: This region only has two seasons which are the rainy season and dry season. The rainy season (May to October) is a bit messy but the weather is mild. The dry season (November to April) can be scorching hot so it depends on your likings.

• Using eSIM for Internet connection

Being in a foreign country requires the use of the Internet all of the time, for example, searching for places to go, booking on ride-hailing applications, making transactions online, etc. 

Therefore, eSIM is a perfect solution. An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in the device that allows you to activate a cellular plan from the carrier without having to use a physical SIM. 

You can contact us for more information about eSIM service. 

• Exchange money in Vietnam

You can easily exchange money to use in Vietnam through banks, Currency exchange counters, ATMs or even your credit cards. Here are some things to keep in mind: 

- Do not exchange money with unauthorized changers as you may get scammed.

- If you like to go to banks to exchange, check beforehand their working hours to avoid hassle.

- Compare currency rates of several establishments to get the most favorable deal.

• Appropriate attire and culture awareness

Respect and politeness hold significant importance in Vietnamese culture, therefore requiring the need to be conscious of one's behavior and language. It's crucial to observe certain customs, such as taking off shoes before entering a home or temple, dressing modestly when visiting religious sites, and refraining from public displays of affection.

In conclusion, Vietnam is a culture-rich and friendly country that offers the best for foreign travelers in general and South Koreans in particular. We hope with our detailed guide above, you are now confident enough to plan your trip and enjoy Vietnam without worries.