1. VISA
The entry requirements for South Korea vary depending on international agreements and bilateral relations between countries. Therefore, before booking a flight to South Korea, please make sure to check the specific entry conditions that apply to you by referring to the South Korea Visa Portal.
In most cases, participants from countries that are not visa-exempt, such as EU countries, Canada, Australia, and the United States, will need to apply for a South Korean visa separately. You can find visa-related information by visiting the Republic of Korea Visa Portal.
For more detailed information about visas, please refer to the websites of South Korean diplomatic missions in your respective countries by visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea website.
Additionally, participants who require an official invitation letter for visa application and related matters are advised to contact the FOSS4G-Asia 2023 Seoul team in advance to request the necessary documents.
2. K-ETA
Citizens of countries/regions eligible for visa-free entry must obtain K-ETA approval to board flights or vessels bound for South Korea. K-ETA must be applied for at least 72 hours prior to boarding an aircraft or vessel and can be requested through the K-ETA website or mobile app (K-ETA).
K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization that visa-free foreign visitors need to obtain before entering the Republic of Korea, by submitting relevant information online such as their travel information.
Purpose of travel should be tourism, visiting a family member, participating in events or meetings, or commercial business (excluding pursuit of profit).
Starting 1st September 2021, K-ETA is Mandatory for all foreigners entering Korea from visa waiver countries and visa-free countries. (Ireland included) All foreigners without either a K-ETA or a valid Visa will not be permitted to board a plane to Korea. (You do not need a K-ETA if you have a valid visa)
※ There has been increasing reports on fake K-ETA websites that are charging more than 100USD. Please note that the official K-ETA website is k-eta.go.kr. Please beware of non-official websites.
3. Official Invitation Letter
Please apply for an official invitation letter through the FOSS4G-Asia 2023 Seoul Team email (foss4g-asia-2023-seoul-info@googlegroups.com).
For a smooth visa issuance process, we recommend visiting the website of the South Korean Embassy or Consulate in your local area to check the required documents and approval periods in advance. Additionally, please ensure that your personal information, which should be included in the official invitation letter, is accurate.
The FOSS4-Asia 2023 Seoul Team has the authority to provide invitation letters but cannot assist beyond that in the visa process. While we can send you the invitation letter, please be aware that it does not guarantee a South Korean visa. Understand that visa applications may be rejected by South Korean authorities for reasons such as incomplete documentation or personal circumstances.