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Yoon and Saudi crown prince agree on economic cooperation

Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, right and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud shake hands before their bilateral summit at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, in central Seoul Thursday. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, right and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud shake hands before their bilateral summit at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, in central Seoul Thursday. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

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  • 28 Apr 2024

saudi arabia visit korea

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Saudi Arabia and South Korea: A fruitful and enduring partnership

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left, with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul on Nov. 17, 2022. (South Korean Presidential Office/Yonhap via AP)

  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman accompanied by high-level delegation including ministers of energy, interior, national guard and foreign affairs
  • With 40 shared projects, South Korea is among the countries cooperating with the Kingdom to help achieve the aims of Vision 2030

RIYADH: The arrival of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Seoul on an official visit to South Korea has underscored the depth of the bilateral relationship 60 years after the two countries established diplomatic ties.

The crown prince and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol held talks on Thursday, during which they both pledged to strengthen relations in the fields of energy, defense industry and building projects.

Clearly, relations between the two G20 members have come a long way since 1962, when Saudi Arabia forged formal ties with the Republic of South Korea during the reign of King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the presidency of Park Chung-hee.

South Korea opened its embassy in Saudi Arabia in 1973, while the Kingdom’s diplomatic mission in Seoul opened the following year.

The partnership assumed a strategic dimension in 2016 when the Saudi crown prince held talks with then-South Korean President Park Geun-hye, on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Hangzhou, China.

The two leaders acknowledged the need to activate the work of the Saudi-Korean Joint Committee to enhance cooperation in various fields and encourage stronger trade relations. The committee was established more than 40 years ago to strengthen relations and common interests.

In 2017, the two countries launched the Saudi-Korean Vision 2030, forming a joint committee of representatives from relevant government agencies to review the partnership, approve projects, and implement plans.

Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s social reform and economic diversification agenda, launched in 2016 to help wean the Kingdom’s economy off hydrocarbons and to promote youth and women’s participation in new sectors, from leisure and tourism to renewable energy.

South Korea is among eight countries cooperating with the Kingdom to help achieve the aims of Vision 2030, working on 40 shared projects and initiatives.

  • 60 years since Saudi Arabia and South Korea established formal ties
  • $26,506m volume of trade between the countries in 2021
  • 132 South Korean investments in Saudi Arabia valued at $3.66 billion

These projects are divided into five sub-groups: energy and industrialization; infrastructure and smart infrastructure; digital transformation and capacity building; healthcare and life sciences; and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The crown prince’s visit to South Korea in June 2019, at the invitation of then-President Moon Jae-in, marked another important turning point in relations, with an agreement to expand the scope of cooperation in all aspects of bilateral relations.

Those efforts appear to be paying off. The volume of trade between the Kingdom and South Korea in 2021 amounted to roughly $26,506 million.

The balance of trade that year recorded a surplus in favor of the Kingdom at a value of $19,646 million, with Saudi exports worth $23,076 million and imports from South Korea valued at $3,430 million.

Three of the most prominent Saudi companies have made investments in South Korea worth $6.35 billion. Chief among these is Saudi Aramco, which is active in the coal, oil and gas sectors, with investments worth $5.18 billion.

saudi arabia visit korea

Others include SABIC, which is active in the chemicals sector, with investments worth $1 billion, and the Advanced Petrochemical Company, which works in the plastics sector and has investments amounting to $168 million.

South Koreans have made 132 investments in the Kingdom with a total value of approximately $3.66 billion. These cover sectors as varied as mining and quarrying, electricity, gas, air conditioning, transportation and storage, manufacturing and construction.

The companies involved in the investments include Samsung, International Maritime Industries, Rabigh Electricity Company, Alia Polymers Company, and Saudi Steel Pipes Company.

Samsung Engineering and Hyundai Group obtained a contract to implement work at the Jafurah gas field project in Saudi Arabia with a value of more than $11 billion.

In 2021, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property registered 447 industrial models, 2,881 trademarks, and 543 patents among the filings of Korean companies. Samsung Electronics alone has 145 registered industrial models, while Daewoong Pharmaceutical has the highest number of registered patents, 16 in total.

Saudi Arabia and South Korea also share compatible plans to combat climate change, with the latter aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the Kingdom aiming for the same goal by 2060.

saudi arabia visit korea

In January of this year, on the sidelines of the Saudi-Korean Investment Forum in Riyadh, attended by former President Moon Jae-in, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Korea’s POSCO, and the Construction Division of Samsung C&T announced a tripartite memorandum of understanding to develop a green hydrogen export project.

There is more to the relationship than business and investments, however. The two nations have forged significant cultural ties since the Kingdom opened its doors to entertainment, concerts and world cinema.

K-pop stars Super Junior and BTS have performed in the Kingdom and Korean films and television series have graced its screens, provoking a growing interest in South Korea’s cultural offerings among young Saudis.

Around 175 Saudi students are now studying in South Korea, including many on special scholarships.

Given this scale of investment and the number of cultural exchanges underway, the Saudi-South Korean relationship is likely to be further strengthened by the crown prince’s ongoing visit.

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S.Korea, Saudi Arabia aim to set up meeting of leaders -Newsis

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South Korea and Saudi Arabia need oil but eye clean energy

In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, receives South Korean President Moon Jae-in, at Riyadh international airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. It is the latest visit by a head of state to Saudi Arabia as a growing number of world leaders resume bilateral meetings and trips abroad following COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in many parts of the world. (Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)

In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, receives South Korean President Moon Jae-in, at Riyadh international airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. It is the latest visit by a head of state to Saudi Arabia as a growing number of world leaders resume bilateral meetings and trips abroad following COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in many parts of the world. (Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)

In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, welcomes South Korean President Moon Jae-in, at Riyadh International Airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. It is the latest visit by a head of state to Saudi Arabia as a growing number of world leaders resume bilateral meetings and trips abroad following COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in many parts of the world. (Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)

In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. At top images show Saudi King Salman, right, Saudi Arabia’s founding late King Abdul Aziz Al Saud, center and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)

In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, receives South Korean President Moon Jae-in, at Riyadh international airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. (Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)

In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, greet an honor guard at Riyadh international airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. It is the latest visit by a head of state to Saudi Arabia as a growing number of world leaders resume bilateral meetings and trips abroad following COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in many parts of the world. (Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)

In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, greet an honor guard at Riyadh International Airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. It is the latest visit by a head of state to Saudi Arabia as a growing number of world leaders resume bilateral meetings and trips abroad following COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in many parts of the world. (Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)

In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, accompanies South Korean President Moon Jae-in, at Riyadh’s international airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. It is the latest visit by a head of state to Saudi Arabia as a growing number of world leaders resume bilateral meetings and trips abroad following COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in many parts of the world. (Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)

In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, stand for an honor guard at Riyadh International Airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. It is the latest visit by a head of state to Saudi Arabia as a growing number of world leaders resume bilateral meetings and trips abroad following COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in many parts of the world. (Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — A delegation led by South Korea’s president visiting Saudi Arabia inked a preliminary deal Tuesday to explore a project to develop a potentially cleaner form of energy. The development comes even as Saudi Arabia remains South Korea’s top supplier of crude oil.

The visit was the second stop on a Mideast tour by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his wife, who were greeted on the tarmac by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and an honor guard marching band. All were masked and Moon did not shake hands with the prince, in line with coronavirus social distancing practices.

The preliminary deal centers on developing a project in Saudi Arabia to produce green hydrogen for export, according to the state-owned Saudi Press Agency. Supporters of green hydrogen tout it as a less carbon intensive way to power transportation and curb some of the environmentally destructive impacts of burning gasoline and diesel fuel.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by leading executives and officials from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, South Korea’s POSCO and Samsung’s C&T construction and engineering company.

South Korea has been pushing ahead with plans to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and aims to be carbon neutral by 2050. Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s biggest oil and gas producers, last year announced its pledge to reach net-zero by 2060.

Still, both nations deeply depend on oil and gas. Relations between South Korea and Saudi Arabia date to the early 1960s, and have been underpinned since by South Korea’s reliance on energy imports to power its manufacturing industries and refineries.

“South Korea has a strength in utilizing hydrogen, has world-leading technologies for fuel-cell batteries used in hydrogen cars, and also has plans to build the world’s largest liquified hydrogen plant. If Saudi Arabia’s ability to produce green and blue hydrogen combines with South Korea’s ability to utilize hydrogen, the two countries could jointly lead the global hydrogen economy,” Moon said at a business forum following his talks with Prince Mohammed.

Around a third of South Korea’s oil imports are from Saudi Arabia, making the kingdom Seoul’s top supplier of crude.

More than 90% of South Korea’s imports from Saudi Arabia are concentrated in oil, according to a 2018 report published by the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies. South Korean exports to the kingdom are also not varied, consisting mostly of automobiles and construction equipment. Nearly 90% of South Korea’s investments in Saudi Arabia are in the construction sector.

Although the Saudi economy remains heavily reliant on oil and gas exports for revenue, the crown prince’s Vision 2030 plan calls for creating new industries and attracting foreign investment in a range of non-oil sectors, including nuclear technology, construction, artificial intelligence, education and healthcare.

Moon’s office said he and Prince Mohammed discussed potential deals on defense and advanced weapons systems to Riyadh, as well as South Korea’s nuclear fusion reactors. Moon’s government has previously expressed interest in South Korea taking part in a major nuclear power plant project in Saudi Arabia.

South Koreans helped neighboring United Arab Emirates build its $20 billion Barakah nuclear power plant, the first of its kind on the Arabian Peninsula.

Moon told Prince Mohammed that South Korea would be an “optimal” partner for Saudi Arabia’s nuclear power plant project and was also willing to explore technology transfers in weapons systems so that they could eventually be manufactured in Saudi Arabia, Seoul’s presidential office said.

Moon visited the United Arab Emirates on Monday, where he reportedly reached a preliminary $3.5 billion deal to sell Seoul’s surface-to-air missiles to Abu Dhabi and pledged deeper cooperation with the Arab country. The South Korean leader is scheduled to visit Egypt next.

State-run Saudi media said among those who attended Moon’s talks with the Saudi crown prince at Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh were a number of ministers, including the crown prince’s younger brother, Prince Khalid bin Salman, who serves as deputy defense minister.

The crown prince has largely taken over day-to-day rule of Saudi Arabia from his father, King Salman. It was unclear whether Moon would also meet the king, who has only made limited public appearances since the pandemic began.

This is the first visit to Saudi Arabia by a South Korean president since 2015. The Saudi crown prince visited South Korea in mid-2019.

Prince Mohammed faced international fallout in the immediate aftermath of the 2018 killing of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in the kingdom’s consulate in Turkey. Though the crown prince still faces scrutiny abroad, Western and Asian billionaires, members of U.S. Congress, celebrities, world leaders and others have been wooed back to Saudi Arabia.

Batrawy reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Aya Batrawy

South Korea's Yoon to Visit Saudi, Qatar to Talk Israel Conflict, Business

South Korea's Yoon to Visit Saudi, Qatar to Talk Israel Conflict, Business

Reuters

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers his speech during a celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of Korea Armed Forces Day, in Seongnam, South Korea, September 26, 2023. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/Pool/File Photo

By Jack Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will make state visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Oct. 21-26 and discuss business cooperation as well as security conditions linked to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, his office said on Thursday.

South Korea has serious concerns over the sharp increase in civilian casualties from the conflict and will provide aid on purely humanitarian grounds, Yoon's deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo told a briefing.

War in Israel and Gaza

Palestinians are inspecting the damage in the rubble of the Al-Bashir mosque following Israeli bombardment in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (Photo by Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Yoon will also discuss cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Qatar focused on bringing peace to the region and boosting South Korea's national security, Kim said.

After arriving in Riyadh on Saturday on what would be the first state visit by a South Korean leader, Yoon will hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday and attend a luncheon, Kim said.

The meeting comes less than a year after the crown prince visited South Korea and discussed cooperation in the areas of energy, defence and infrastructure construction, signing investment pacts worth $30 billion with Korean firms.

Photos You Should See - April 2024

A Deori tribal woman shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

South Korea is locked in a competition with Saudi Arabia to host the World Expo in 2030 but its conglomerates are vying to participate in mega projects such as the NEOM smart city in Saudi Arabia as well as to win defence contracts.

Yoon will attend events on bilateral investment and partnership on future technology that will highlight the growing significance of the two countries' economic relationship. On Tuesday, he will address the Future Investment Initiative forum.

A delegation of business leaders will accompany Yoon on his Saudi trip, including Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair E.S. Chung and the heads of Hanwha, GS, and HD Hyundai conglomerates, Yoon's office said.

In Qatar, Yoon will hold a summit meeting with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Wednesday and attend a business forum. About 200 business people from the two countries are expected to attend the forum to discuss energy issues, including liquefied natural gas, hydrogen as well as solar power.

(Reporting by Jack Kim and Ju-min Park;Editing by Ed Davies and Alison Williams)

Copyright 2023 Thomson Reuters .

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South Korea’s stunning comeback breaks Saudi Arabian hearts

Saudi Arabia dominated for much of the last 16 Asian Cup clash but it was South Korea who emerged victorious on penalties.

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea – AFC Asian Cup 2023 [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]

Education City Stadium, Qatar – It was a case of so near yet so far for thousands of Saudi Arabia fans, whose team faltered in the penalty shootout in their round-of-16 match against South Korea and were knocked out of the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

South Korea booked a quarterfinal date with Australia as their dogged display saw them win 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 following extra time at the Education City Stadium on Tuesday night.

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Saudi Arabia dominated the game for much of normal time and enjoyed a 1-0 lead up until the dying moments of stoppage time but ultimately could not withstand the relentless South Korean attacks on their goal.

Cho Gue-Sung scored the equalising goal in the ninth minute of added time to the delight of the few hundred South Korean fans among the 42,000 spectators. He later slotted in his team’s third penalty to put them one kick away from a famous comeback win.

Hwang Hee-chan made no mistakes from the spot to spark wild celebrations in the Korean camp.

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea – AFC Asian Cup 2023 [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]

The atmosphere and support were always going to be partisan in favour of the Green Falcons, whose supporters crossed Qatar’s only land border to make their presence felt in the country and the stadium.

They sang and danced outside the venue before kickoff and occupied most of the seats inside it when the match was under way.

The first half ended goalless but Saudi Arabia showed they were going to take the game to South Korea.

There was hardly enough time for fans to settle back into their seats at the resumption of play when Abdullah Radif came off the bench to score for Saudi Arabia. If the Green Falcon’s army of fans were raucous before the goal, Radif brought the house down as he slotted past the South Korean goalkeeper.

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea – AFC Asian Cup 2023 [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]

Saudi Arabia maintained the tempo on and off the pitch for the next half hour but then began to run out of steam. South Korea’s substitutes took advantage and kept up the pressure on the Saudi Arabia goal.

The ball hardly left the Saudi Arabia half in the last 10 minutes but, backed by their fans’ noise and their goalkeeper’s heroics, the men in green somehow clung onto their slender lead well into stoppage time.

Every time a Korean player touched the ball, the boos were so loud they could probably be heard all the way back in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia fans, some of whom had already bought tickets for their team’s likely quarterfinal and semifinal, were not in the mood to return home yet.

But as soon as Cho’s strike hit the back of Saudi Arabia’s net, the supporters fell silent and sunk into their seats. It was as if they knew their best chance had fallen through their hands.

“Our team often dominates games but then let it all slip because they run out of steam towards the end,” Saudi Arabia fan Faisal Al Muatiri told Al Jazeera after the match.

“It is becoming an increasingly familiar sight for us and the new coach needs to do something about it,” he said referring to Roberto Mancini.

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea – AFC Asian Cup 2023 [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]

Both teams created chances in extra time and Saudi Arabia came very close to sealing the win with a dramatic goal in front of their supporters in the second half of extra time but it was not to be.

South Korean fans grew in confidence once the match went to penalties.

“Our team has the experience and confidence of making strong comebacks,” South Korea fan Darren Lim said after the win.

She then paused to wave and say “goodnight” to the heartbroken Saudi Arabia supporters making their way out.

The Green Flacons will rue their inability to hold onto their lead as they fly back home.

And the Taegeuk Warriors live to fight another day, on Friday against the Socceroos.

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea – AFC Asian Cup 2023 [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]

South Korea ETA Korea for Saudi Arabian Citizens

Apply for a south korea visa waiver from saudi arabia.

The ETA South Korea (K-ETA) is an electronic visa waiver available for Saudi Arabian Citizens.

It is not necessary to obtain South Korea visa from Saudi Arabia to visit the country. However, citizens of Saudi Arabia do need to apply for a Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to travel visa-free.

The online K-ETA application from Saudi Arabia is fast and efficient. It only takes a few minutes to complete a form, providing the applicant meets the South Korean visa requirements for Saudi Arabians.

Do Saudi Arabian Citizens Need a Visa for South Korea?

A South Korea visa for Saudi Arabians is required for stays longer than 90 days in the Asian nation, or for purposes other than business or tourism.

Saudi Arabian citizens visiting for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days will need to apply for a K-ETA before departure. Although it is not a visa for South Korea, it is a mandatory entry permit .

To stay for reasons not permitted with an ETA, a South Korea visa for Saudi Arabian citizens is required.

South Korea K-ETA for Saudi Arabians

Essential information for citizens applying for a K-ETA:

  • Length of stay: up to 90 days
  • ETA validity: 3 years
  • Number of entries: multiple
  • Permitted activities: tourism, visiting family, events, and meetings, business

south korea saudi requirements

The K-ETA is similar to visa waiver programs already in place across the world. Schemes such as the U.S. ESTA, UK EVW, and Canadian eTA facilitate safe visa-free entry .

How to Get a K-ETA from Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabi citizens can get their visa waiver for South Korea online . The 3-step application process is quick to complete:

  • Fill out the online ETA form
  • Pay the ETA fees and submit the request
  • Receive the approved K-ETA by email

K-ETA processing is fast and efficient . The majority of Saudi applicants will receive their approved visa waiver in 1 to 2 business days.

Travelers who need to get a ETA Korea for Saudi Arabians even quicker can now use the K-ETA priority service. By selecting this option when submitting an application, the traveler can recieve an approved K-ETA in 1 hour .

Korea Visa Waiver Application for Saudi Arabian Passport Holders

K-ETA applicants must have a valid Saudi Arabian passport . They need to provide passport details when completing the online form.

They also need a recent, individual photograph . The final requirement is a debit or credit card to pay the ETA fees and finalize the application.

How to Apply for a South Korea Visa Waiver from Saudi Arabia

It takes just a few minutes to fill out the online ETA form from Saudi Arabia. The following basic personal information and passport details are requested:

  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Passport number and expiry date

There are also some health and security questions. The data collected is used to ensure the individual may enter without a visa for South Korea from Saudi Arabia.

Requirements to Enter South Korea from Saudi Arabia: Documents Required

Passengers traveling without a South Korea visa from Saudi Arabia need to present the following documents to enter the country:

  • Valid Saudia Arabia visa
  • South Korea ETA
  • Ticket for onward/return travel

Saudi citizens must also be aware of travel restrictions in South Korea and consult the latest travel advice before making plans.

  • King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah
  • King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), Riyadh
  • King Fahd International Airport (KFIA), Dammam
  • Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), Madinah

Alternatively, travelers can fly to Busan on a non-direct flight from Riyadh to Dammam.

Following the introduction of the K-ETA, passengers from Saudi Arabia no longer need to complete an arrival card . The electronic travel authorization is expected to make border crossing faster and more efficient.

South Korea Embassy in Saudi Arabia

Travelers from Saudi Arabia who apply for the K-ETA do not need to visit the South Korean Embassy . The ETA is processed online and the approved visa waiver is sent by email.

Saudi citizens who are not eligible for the ETA must get a South Korean visa from Riyadh. To do so, they should contect the embassy in this city.

Citizens who are not eligible for the ETA must get a South Korean visa. To do so, they should contact the nearest embassy or consulate.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Saudi Arabia is located at the following address:

Embassies Quarter, P.O. Box 94399, Riyadh 11693, Saudi Arabia

FAQs About South Korean Visas for Saudi Arabia Citizens

Can citizens of saudi arabia go to south korea.

Yes, citizens of South Korea can visit South Korea provided they have the required travel documentation.

Passport holders from Saudi Arabia do not need a visa for South Korea provided they stay 90 days or under for tourism or business purposes. They will need a K-ETA.

Additional entry restrictions are currently in place due to the coronavirus pandemic. Visa exemptions have been temporarily suspended for travelers from Saudi Arabia.

Can Saudi Arabians get a visa on arrival in South Korea?

No, citizens of Saudi Arabia cannot get a visa on arrival in South Korea. Travelers who need a visa must apply in advance through the South Korean Embassy in Riyadh.

Saudi passport holders do not need a visa if they will visit for 90 days or less for tourism, business, or other approved activities. Visa-free travelers will need a K-ETA .

It takes just a few minutes to apply for a K-ETA from Saudi Arabia and the approved visa waiver is delivered by email.

Can Saudi Arabian citizens visit South Korea without a visa?

Yes, Saudi citizens can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days . Visa-free travelers from Saudi Arabia will need an approved K-ETA.

Citizens of Saudi Arabia only need a visa for South Korea if they will stay more than 3 months or for activities not covered by the ETA such as to work, study, or live in the country.

South Korea visas for Saudi Arabians are available through the embassy in Riyadh.

Can I travel from Saudi Arabia to Jeju Island with the K-ETA?

Those who are traveling directly from Saudi Arabia to Jeju island do not need a visa or travel authorization, providing they do not leave the island or travel to South Korea.

However, to travel to any other part of South korea from Saudi Arabia, a K-ETA is required. Those planning to travel to the South Korean mainland from the island must have an approved ETA for Korea to do so.

How much is a South Korea Visa from Saudi Arabia?

The online South Korea visa waiver for Saudi Arabian passport holders is the most cost-effective way to gain entry into the country. Applying for a K-ETA online avoids the need to pay travel costs and fees for an embassy or consulate appointment..

Applicants pay the K-ETA fee securely online . They simply need a debit or credit card authorized for online payments.

How can you get a tourist visa for South Korea from Saudi Arabia?

It is not necessary to obtain a South Korea visa for Saudi Arabian passport holders for tourist stays for up to 90 ays. However, a K-ETA for Saudi Arabaians is required.

To apply for a South Korea visa from Saudi Arabia for tourist stays longer than 90 days, it will be necessary to contact the Korean embassy in Riyadh.

How long can a Saudi Arabian citizen stay in South Korea?

South Korea visa requirements for Saudi Arabian citizens state that these passport holders may stay for up to 90 days without a visa for business or tourism . However, a K-ETA from Saudi Arabia will still be required.

For longer stays, or other travel purposes, Saudis will need a visa to go to Korea from Saudi Arabia.

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  3. South Korean president in Saudi Arabia, meets crown prince

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COMMENTS

  1. Saudi crown prince's South Korea visit heralds 'a new, future-oriented

    RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman concluded his official visit to South Korea on Thursday, having secured multiple trade deals and reaffirmed the long-standing relationship ...

  2. Saudi Arabia and South Korea 'drastically' deepen ties after crown

    By Irang Bak in Seoul. Saudi Arabia signed new multi-billion dollar deals with South Korea last week, in the kingdom's latest bid to boost ties with one of its main oil consumers and the fourth ...

  3. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince meets South Korea's President in official

    Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman meets with South Korea's President Yoon Suk-Yeol during his official visit to Seoul. (SPA) The ties between the two countries ...

  4. Korea, Saudi companies sign over 20 MOUs, Prince Mohammad arrives in Seoul

    Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, left, and Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol strolls the president's residence in Hannam-dong, central Seoul on Thursday. It's the crown prince's first visit to Korea since 2019.

  5. S. Korea's leader discusses megaprojects with Saudi prince

    Published 3:01 AM PDT, November 17, 2022. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol hoped for greater cooperation with Saudi Arabia — including on its $500 billion futuristic desert city project — as he met the kingdom's powerful crown prince Thursday, Seoul officials said. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman flew to ...

  6. South Korea's Yoon departs for Saudi Arabia and Qatar

    Yoon, in what would be the first state visit by a South Korean leader, will hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday, and will travel to Qatar on Oct. 24-25 for a summit ...

  7. [INTERVIEW] Saudi crown prince's visit to bring ...

    The crown prince, who is scheduled to leave Korea Thursday night, last visited the country in 2019. His visit this time has drawn particular attention as Korea's port city of Busan and Saudi's ...

  8. Yoon and Saudi crown prince agree on economic cooperation

    "Saudi Arabia is Korea's largest trading partner in the Middle East, and a key partner for economic and energy security as well as in overseas construction," Yoon said during the in their first bilateral summit in Seoul, according to the presidential office. The crown prince kicked off a one-day official visit to Seoul early Thursday.

  9. Saudi Arabia And South Korea Are Forging Closer Defense Ties

    Seoul could offer Riyadh similar arrangements for its various systems. "Defense ties between South Korea and Saudi Arabia are relatively new within the last decade; pacts were signed to boost ...

  10. South Korea's Yoon to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar

    South Korea's Yoon to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar The Republic Of Korea; Qatar; Saudi Arabia; Share. URL Copied; Reuters. Published: 19 October ,2023: 11:19 AM GST Updated: 19 October ,2023: 12:31 ...

  11. Saudi Arabia and South Korea: A fruitful and enduring partnership

    RIYADH: The arrival of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Seoul on an official visit to South Korea has underscored the depth of the bilateral relationship 60 years after the two countries established diplomatic ties. The crown prince and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol held talks on Thursday, during which they both ...

  12. South Korea's Yoon to visit Saudi, Qatar to talk Israel conflict

    South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will make state visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Oct. 21-26 and discuss business cooperation as well as security conditions linked to the Israel-Palestinian ...

  13. S.Korea, Saudi Arabia aim to set up meeting of leaders -Newsis

    South Korea and Saudi Arabia are arranging a possible meeting between President Yoon Suk-yeol and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who is due to visit Seoul this week, the Newsis ...

  14. South Korea and Saudi Arabia need oil but eye clean energy

    RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — A delegation led by South Korea's president visiting Saudi Arabia inked a preliminary deal Tuesday to explore a project to develop a potentially cleaner form of energy. The development comes even as Saudi Arabia remains South Korea's top supplier of crude oil. The visit was the second stop on a Mideast tour by ...

  15. South Korea's Yoon to Visit Saudi, Qatar to Talk Israel Conflict, Business

    SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will make state visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Oct. 21-26 and discuss business cooperation as well as security conditions linked to the ...

  16. Korea partners with Saudi Arabia for growth

    Korea is fortifying cooperation with Saudi Arabia, a prospective partner in the expansion of Korea's key industries including construction, shipbuilding and marine engineering, according to the ...

  17. South Korea's stunning comeback breaks Saudi Arabian hearts

    South Korea's substitutes took advantage and kept up the pressure on the Saudi Arabia goal. The ball hardly left the Saudi Arabia half in the last 10 minutes but, backed by their fans' noise ...

  18. South Korea Visa for Saudis

    Yes, Saudi citizens can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days. Visa-free travelers from Saudi Arabia will need an approved K-ETA. Citizens of Saudi Arabia only need a visa for South Korea if they will stay more than 3 months or for activities not covered by the ETA such as to work, study, or live in the country.

  19. South Korea beats Saudi Arabia in dramatic penalty shootout to ...

    South Korea was on the verge of being eliminated from the AFC Asian Cup after going 1-0 down against Saudi Arabia, but managed to turn things around with a late equalizer from Cho Gue-sung ...

  20. Saudi eVisa

    Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world through its new tourist visa. Through the fast and easy-to-use online portal, international visitors from 63 eligible countries can apply for an eVisa and discover the warm hospitality of Saudi people the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse and breathtaking landscapes; from the mountains of Abha to the beaches of the Red Sea to the ...