🇰🇷 South Korea
Thai visas & work permits for Korean citizens
South Korean citizens enter Thailand visa-free under a bilateral agreement, separate from the 30-day tourism list. Koreans often stay long-term with a Non-B visa and work permit, the education visa, the retirement visa or the DTV. Korea is an Apostille Convention party.
Written by the Thai Legal & Immigration legal team · Last reviewed · Editorial policy
Can Korean citizens enter Thailand without a visa?
Bilateral visa-exemption agreement
South Korea is covered by a bilateral agreement for ordinary passports, listed by the MFA alongside Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru. Officers may refuse entry at their discretion; arrivals are sometimes questioned closely.
Which Thai visa is best for Korean citizens?
- Business Visa (Non-B)
For employees of Korean companies in Thailand.
- Education Visa (Non-ED)
Popular for Thai-language and university study.
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
For remote workers and Muay Thai trainees.
- New Thai Work Permit Application
Required before any work starts.
Work permits for Korean nationals
Korean nationals working for Thai subsidiaries need a Non-B and work permit; the 4:1 Thai-staff rule and paid-up capital rules apply unless the company is BOI-promoted.
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Do documents from South Korea need an apostille or legalisation?
South Korea is a party to the Apostille Convention. Thailand acceded on 30 June 2026 and the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027 — until then, South Korea-issued documents still need legalisation by the Thai embassy or consulate; from that date an apostille from the competent South Korea authority is expected to suffice.
Read our apostille guideCommon mistakes we see
- Being refused entry at the airport after repeated long visa-free stays.
- Studying while on visa exemption.
- Family registration documents without translation.
Counsel's note
If you have been questioned at the border before, apply for a proper long-stay visa from Korea rather than relying on visa-free entries.
Service languages: English; Korean documents with translation.
Frequently asked
How long can Koreans stay without a visa?
Can I study Thai on visa exemption?
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Sources & references
- MFA summary chart – visa exemption & VoA, effective 15 Sep 2026 — checked 2026-11-03
- Department of Consular Affairs – Ministry of Foreign Affairs — checked 2026-11-03
- Thai e-Visa official portal — checked 2026-11-03
- HCCH Apostille Convention status table — checked 2026-11-03
General information only, not legal advice. Entry rules change; always confirm with the official sources above. Immigration decisions rest with the Thai authorities.
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