South Korea is one of Asia’s most diverse travel destinations: vibrant megacities stand alongside centuries-old palaces, tranquil islands, and one of the region’s best street food scenes. For travelers planning more than just a short city break, whether as a backpacking adventure, part of a study-abroad program, or a stop on a round-the-world trip, it is well worth taking a closer look at the country’s highlights.
Anyone traveling to South Korea for several weeks or months will eventually face the question of adequate insurance coverage. Public health insurance from Germany or Austria generally does not cover medical treatment in South Korea, or only to a limited extent. International health insurance helps close this gap.
This article presents the five most exciting destinations in South Korea, from the capital Seoul and the coastal city of Busan to the islands of Jeju and Ulleungdo. It also explains what to consider when choosing insurance coverage for your trip.
Key Facts at a Glance
- South Korea offers remarkable diversity within a relatively small area, from the 12-million-strong metropolis of Seoul to the tranquil island of Ulleungdo.
- German and Austrian citizens can enter the country without a visa for short tourist stays; details and maximum lengths of stay are determined by the South Korean immigration authorities.
- Since 2023, many travelers have also been required to obtain the electronic travel authorization K-ETA; be sure to check the current requirements before departure.
- Public health insurance from Germany or Austria generally does not cover medical treatment in South Korea. Private international health insurance is therefore recommended.
- Depending on your travel profile (departure from Germany/Austria, travel already underway, or a study-related stay), different insurance solutions may be suitable.
- Official sources: German Federal Foreign Office (travel and security advice for South Korea), Korea Immigration Service, National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband).
1. Seoul – Modern Metropolis with a Historic Heritage
2. Busan – Colorful Villages and a Skyline by the Sea
3. Incheon – City of the Future on Seoul’s Doorstep
4. Jeju Island – Natural Paradise for Hiking and Cycling
5. Ulleungdo – Peace, Nature and Fresh Seafood
6. Travel Health Insurance for Your Trip to South Korea
7. Which Protrip Product Is Right for Your Trip?
8. Well Insured for Your Trip to South Korea
9. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
10. Key Takeaways
1. Seoul – Modern Metropolis with a Historic Heritage
In addition to modern shopping streets, Seoul is also home to numerous historic attractions. The popular Namsan Seoul Tower offers a fantastic view. You can reach the observation tower on foot by climbing numerous stairs that lead you through a small wooded area. From the observation deck, you have an impressive view over the metropolitan region.
During a visit to Seoul, the Gyeongbokgung Palace offers you a glimpse into the country’s past. You can spend an entire day exploring the grounds and admiring the historic architecture as well as the beautiful park. You also have the opportunity to rent traditional Korean clothing (Hanbok) and stroll through the palace wearing it, just like many other visitors do.
2. Busan – Colorful Villages and a Skyline by the Sea
The city of Busan is known for the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village. Countless small houses nestle into the hillside, with colors that are unusually vibrant by South Korean standards.
You’ll find a highly modern district in Haeundae. Its striking skyline of glittering high-rise buildings stretches along a wide sandy beach. When the weather is good, the sea is perfect for swimming. Otherwise, Haeundae Beach invites you to enjoy relaxing walks alongside the waves.
Haeundae is also known for its diverse restaurant scene and traditional street food markets, which are particularly famous for fish and seafood.
3. Incheon – City of the Future on Seoul’s Doorstep
Incheon is located in the greater Seoul area and has much more to offer than its stylish airport. A visit to the newly built, futuristic-looking district of Songdo is particularly interesting. The entire district was developed within just a few years on land reclaimed from the sea.
The Songdo Central Park is a green oasis in the area, where you can admire a modern park surrounded by futuristic architecture.
Incheon’s Chinatown is also worth a visit. Located on a hillside, it offers beautiful views of the sea. Stroll through the narrow streets and discover temples and residential buildings in a distinctly Chinese architectural style.
Wolmido Island is a modern amusement park on a small peninsula with sweeping views of the water. It’s a great place to experience South Korean leisure culture, visit small exhibitions, and enjoy delicious local snacks.
4. Jeju Island – Natural Paradise for Hiking and Cycling
Jeju Island is the largest island in South Korea and is known for its scenic beauty. You can explore its stunning nature on hikes or bike tours. The island can be reached by plane, but you may prefer a more leisurely journey by boat.
If you plan to stay for several days, you can enjoy not only volcanic landscapes and waterfalls but also the relaxed island atmosphere away from the major cities – a popular stopover for longer trips through South Korea.
5. Ulleungdo – Peace, Nature and Fresh Seafood
Ulleungdo is the perfect destination if you are looking for relaxation, peace and nature. The small island is famous for its fresh seafood, which restaurants source almost directly from the sea. You can take boat tours and enjoy the sea breeze far away from the major cities.
The island is particularly suitable for travelers looking for a peaceful contrast to Seoul and Busan as part of a longer stay in South Korea.
6. Travel Health Insurance for Your Trip to South Korea
Whether you are traveling through several cities, staying on Jeju for an extended period or spending a semester abroad in Seoul: As soon as you are outside the EU, your statutory health insurance from Germany or Austria generally does not apply or only provides limited coverage. This is also confirmed by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband) for countries without a corresponding social security agreement – and South Korea does not have such an agreement covering outpatient and inpatient treatment costs in full.
Travel health insurance is private supplementary insurance that covers costs for doctor’s visits, hospital stays and medication and, in many cases, medically necessary repatriation. It therefore differs from travel cancellation insurance (which protects you against cancellation costs before your trip) and travel luggage insurance (which protects your luggage against loss or damage).
Important points to consider for South Korea:
- Length of stay: Standard travel health insurance policies are often intended only for short trips. For stays lasting several weeks, months or more than a year, you need a product specifically designed for longer stays abroad.
- Start of the trip: Some insurance policies must be taken out before departure, while others can also be purchased afterward, i.e. while you are already traveling.
- Educational stays: If you are traveling to South Korea for a semester abroad, language course or school stay, you will often need proof of insurance when applying for your visa – in these cases, taking out insurance before departure is mandatory.
- Entry requirements: Current visa and entry requirements (including K-ETA) can change, so check directly with the relevant South Korean authority or embassy before departure.
7. Which Protrip Product Is Right for Your Trip?
Depending on how and from where you are traveling to South Korea, a different Protrip product may be right for your situation:
Protrip German Traveler Travel starts in Germany or Austria, classic travel health insurance, must be purchased before the start of the trip
Protrip World Traveler Travelers worldwide, trip can start anywhere, can also be purchased afterward, even if the trip to South Korea has already begun
Protrip World Education Travelers with an educational background (e.g. semester abroad, language course), must be purchased before the start of the trip
Decision guide – which product is right for you?
- You are starting your trip to South Korea from Germany or Austria and have not departed yet → Protrip German Traveler.
- You are already traveling around the world or are a digital nomad and now want to spontaneously continue to South Korea, possibly even if you are already there → Protrip World Traveler.
- You are planning a semester abroad, language course or school stay in South Korea and need proof of insurance for your visa → Protrip World Education.
Example: If you are traveling to Seoul for a semester abroad at a university, you should arrange Protrip World Education well before departure, as proof of insurance is often required already when applying for the visa. If, on the other hand, you spontaneously decide in the middle of a backpacking trip around the world to spend another three months traveling through South Korea, you can also take out Protrip World Traveler while already on the road.
8. Well Insured for Your Trip to South Korea
No matter which of the five destinations – Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Jeju Island or Ulleungdo – is on your list: A longer stay in South Korea is well worth it, but you should make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Since travel profiles vary considerably, Protrip World offers three different products, each tailored to specific travel situations.
If you are traveling from Germany or Austria and planning your trip in advance, Protrip German Traveler is the right choice. If you are already traveling around the world and South Korea is just one stop on your journey, it is worth taking a look at Protrip World Traveler – this product can still be purchased even after your trip has already begun. For anyone traveling to South Korea as part of their studies, a language course or a school stay, Protrip World Education is designed for this purpose, as it must be purchased before the start of the trip.
Which product best suits your individual travel situation therefore depends on where you are starting from, how long you are staying and whether your trip is primarily related to education. The decision guide in Section 7 can help you find your way.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about
Do I need travel health insurance for a trip to South Korea?
Yes, it is recommended. Statutory health insurance from Germany or Austria generally does not cover medical treatment costs in South Korea, or only covers them to a limited extent.
Can I take out the insurance after my trip has already started?
That depends on the product. Protrip World Traveler can also be purchased after the fact, even if the trip has already begun. Protrip World Education, on the other hand, must be purchased before the start of the trip.
What happens if I stay for more than 12 months?
For very long stays, you should specifically check whether your chosen insurance product is designed for long-term stays and what maximum duration applies. Standard short-term travel health insurance is usually not sufficient for this.
Do I need a visa to enter South Korea?
For short tourist stays, German and Austrian nationals can often enter without a visa; in addition, an electronic travel authorization (K-ETA) may be required. For longer stays, such as for studying, a regular visa is usually required. Check the current requirements with the relevant South Korean embassy or the German Federal Foreign Office.
What is the difference between travel health insurance and travel cancellation insurance?
Travel health insurance covers the costs of medical treatment during your trip. Travel cancellation insurance, on the other hand, applies if you have to cancel your trip before departure for an insured reason.
Which Protrip product is suitable for a semester abroad in South Korea?
Protrip World Education is designed for educational stays such as a semester abroad, language course or school stay. This product must be purchased before the start of the trip, as proof of insurance is often already required when applying for a visa.
Takeaways
- South Korea’s top 5 travel destinations range from the metropolis of Seoul and the coastal city of Busan to the city of the future Incheon and the islands of Jeju Island and Ulleungdo.
- Statutory health insurance from Germany/Austria generally does not cover medical treatment in South Korea – private travel health insurance is recommended.
- For short tourist stays, a visa is often not required, but a K-ETA travel authorization may be necessary; different rules apply to longer or education-related stays.
- Protrip German Traveler is suitable for travelers starting their trip in Germany/Austria who plan ahead before departure.
- Protrip World Traveler can also be purchased afterward, i.e. while a trip is already underway.
- Protrip World Education is designed for educational stays and must be purchased before the start of the trip.
Sources:
German Federal Foreign Office – Travel and Safety Information for the Republic of Korea; Korea Immigration Service / K-ETA Information Portal (official entry requirements); National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds – Information on Statutory Health Insurance Abroad.
Article updated: October 2026. Visa, entry, and insurance requirements may change. Please check the latest regulations directly with the competent South Korean embassy, the German Federal Foreign Office, or your insurance provider before traveling.