Unveiled: Top Destinations Requiring No Visa for Travel, According to Agoda
South Korean passport holders are fortunate to have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 countries worldwide, making travel more accessible and exciting. According to a recent list released by digital travel platform Agoda, popular visa-free destinations for South Korean travelers in 2025 include Asia and Europe.
Asia – Top Visa-Free Destinations for South Koreans
Asia offers a wealth of visa-free destinations for South Korean travelers, thanks to strong diplomatic relations and the ease of travel. Although specific rankings based on Agoda searches aren't provided, typical top destinations likely include:
- Singapore, which also tops the global list for visa-free access[1][2]
- Japan, due to the continued weakening of the yen, geographic proximity, and expanded flight options[5]
- Other Southeast Asian nations like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, which often permit South Korean travelers visa-free or visa on arrival[4]
Europe – Top Visa-Free Destinations for South Koreans
Europe is another continent that offers numerous visa-free destinations for South Korean citizens. According to the Henley Passport Index, many European countries tie for strong visa-free access, especially:
- Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Spain, which are popular among South Korean travelers[1][3]
These countries, along with Italy, France, and Germany, are major destinations for South Korean tourists and business travelers, supported by strong international agreements.
Emerging Trends in Visa-Free Destinations
Jay Lee, Country Director of South Korea at Agoda, stated that markets like China and Central Asia are emerging as new favorite visa-free destinations[6]. Interest in Central Asia is rising among travelers seeking lesser-known and unique destinations beyond the usual hotspots.
China and Kazakhstan are trending visa-free destinations in Asia, showing a significant increase in interest from South Korean travelers. The increase in interest in China is attributed to its newly implemented visa-free entry policy, effective from November 2024[7].
Planning a Visa-Free Getaway
For those planning a visa-free getaway, Agoda is an excellent platform to make it easy. With over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities available, Agoda provides the best deals on accommodations, flights, and activities[5]. Visitors can find the best deals on Agoda.com/deals or the Agoda mobile app.
The summer vacations and the upcoming Chuseok holiday are driving interest in visa-free travel among South Koreans. Whether you're seeking breathtaking natural landscapes, diverse culinary experiences, or rich historical heritage, there's a visa-free destination for every traveler.
[1] Henley Passport Index [2] Global Passport Power Rank [3] Henley Passport Index - European Countries [4] ASEAN Visa Exemption Scheme [5] Agoda Newsroom - Top 5 Asian Countries for Affordable and Accessible Travel [6] Agoda Newsroom - Emerging Markets for South Korean Travelers [7] China's Visa-Free Policy for South Korean Travelers
- Asia, with its strong diplomatic relations and ease of travel, provides numerous visa-free destinations for South Korean travelers, such as Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
- Europe offers a variety of visa-free destinations for South Korean citizens, including Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany.
