The Korea National Tourism Organization has a useful web site in English at http://www.tour2korea.com.

A passport is required. Visitors may enter the Republic of Korea without a visa for a stay up to 30 days for tourism or transit to another country. When staying for more than 30 days or for any purpose other than tourism or transit, visitors must obtain a visa prior to entry. Generally, individuals staying in Korea for longer than 90 days must apply for an Alien Registration Card. Individuals who plan to stay longer than the period authorized must apply to Korean immigration for an extension in advance. Individuals who stay in Korea longer than the period authorized by Korean immigration are subject to fines and may be required to pay the fines before departing the country. Changes of status from one type of visa to another (from tourism to teaching, for example) are normally not granted in the Republic of Korea but may be obtained at a Korean Embassy or Consulate after departing Korea.

Exit permits are not required to leave Korea. However, if a parent requests through the Korean Immigration Office that a travel restriction be placed on a child, the child is likely to be prevented from departing Korea.

For information on entry requirements the Korean Embassy Internet home page at http://www.koreaembassyusa.org The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a web site with a directory of all Korean diplomatic missions worldwide at http://www.mofat.go.kr/mission/missions_map_en.mof. and the CIA Fact Book