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Independent guide Government and regulator sources Checked 19 October 2026

Scam warnings by scheme

South Korea K-ETA scams: official site, fee and exemption

Checked 19 October 20264 official sources

Bottom line
Apply for South Korea's K-ETA only at k-eta.go.kr or in the official K-ETA app. The fee is ₩10,000 per person, plus a payment processing charge that is normally about 3% 1. Korea warns about imitation and phishing sites charging high agency or expedited fees 2. Listed nationalities remain temporarily exempt through 31 December 2026 3.
Official site
k-eta.go.kr 2
Official app
K-ETA 2
Fee
₩10,000 plus payment charge 1
Normal assessment
Usually within 72 hours 4
Temporary exemption
Listed nationalities through 31 December 2026 3

Official fee and route

The Ministry of Justice site says K-ETA applications are available only at k-eta.go.kr or in the K-ETA app 2.

The fee is ₩10,000. An online payment charge, normally about 3%, may apply. The application fee is not refunded after a decision 1.

Warnings about agencies

The K-ETA home page warns about similar agency and phishing sites that charge high fees for application or claimed expedited service 2.

The official guide says there is no expedited service for individual applications. Assessment usually takes 72 hours or less but can take longer 4.

Check the exemption first

Korea extended the temporary exemption for listed countries and regions through 31 December 2026. The official application displays an exemption message after the passport page is scanned 3.

An exempt traveller may still choose to apply and pay for benefits such as arrival-card exemption. An existing fee is not refunded 3.

If you paid another site

Check the result on k-eta.go.kr. Do not use a private provider's email as the only proof 2.

Contact your card issuer if an extra fee or private status was hidden. Do not pay again until you confirm whether an official application exists.

Common questions

What is the real K-ETA website?

k-eta.go.kr 2.

How much does K-ETA cost?

₩10,000 plus an online payment charge that is normally about 3% 1.

Can I pay for faster K-ETA processing?

No. The official guide says there is no expedited service 4.

Who is exempt in 2026?

The countries and regions already covered by the temporary measure remain exempt through 31 December 2026 3.

Check before you pay. Rules and fees change. Confirm the details on the official site linked below. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.

Evidence

Official sources

4
  1. K-ETA Center: Application fee guide (accessed 19 October 2026)
  2. K-ETA Center: Official K-ETA website (accessed 19 October 2026)
  3. K-ETA Center: Temporary exemption extended through 31 December 2026 (23 December 2025)
  4. K-ETA Center: Application guide (accessed 19 October 2026)