KTL Magazine
Tips
Practical travel updates, seasonal notices, transit guidance, safety notes, and cultural tips.
KTL Editorial
Tips
travel-tipVisa-fee Waiver for Group Tourists from 6 Countries Extended to Dec 31, 2026
The Ministry of Justice has extended the waiver of the $15 per-person visa issuance fee for group tourists from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, India and Cambodia through December 31, 2026. Chinese visitors arriving in groups of three or more can stay visa-free for up to 15 days.
transit-update2026 Chuseok KTX Booking Guide: Sept 8–11 & How to Book
KTX general booking for Chuseok 2026 runs Sept 8–11 for trains operating Sept 23–27. General train reservations opened Sept 7. If you’ll travel Sept 24–26, check Korail+ or the dedicated Chuseok ticket page for route-specific dates, payment windows, and leftover-seat sales.
transit-updateSeoul Climate Companion Card Update — Short Passes Unchanged
From September 1, 2026 the previous 30-day pass was discontinued and replaced by a resident-focused Climate Companion Card Plus, while 1/2/3/5/7-day tourist short-term passes continue to be sold unchanged.
seasonal-noticeChuseok 2026 (Sep 24–26): What’s Open and Closed for Travelers
The official Chuseok holiday in 2026 runs Sep 24 (Thu)–26 (Sat). Small local restaurants and shops may close, but convenience stores, franchise cafés, royal palaces and major tourist sites generally stay open.
travel-tipSeoul Climate Companion Card — Short-term Passes from ₩5,000
Seoul’s Climate Companion Card is an unlimited transport pass with short-term options (1 day ₩5,000 up to 7 days ₩20,000) that tourists can use. Note exclusions (Shinbundang Line, GTX, intercity buses) and that iOS users must buy a physical card.