Plan your Cambodia adventure as a Korean tourist with our guide! Learn about visa exemptions, e-visa applications, border checkpoints, eco-friendly Cambodia Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Cambodia Travel. Start your journey today!
1000 Lingas Waterfalls near Siem Reap (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like tourismcambodia.com, evisa.gov.kh, travel.state.gov, culturetrip.com, and nomadicmatt.com. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Cambodia’s updated travel regulations.
Korean tourists, please note: South Korea is part of Cambodia’s visa exemption program for ASEAN and select countries. Korean nationals can enter Cambodia visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes. For longer stays or other purposes (e.g., business, work), an e-visa or embassy visa is required. This guide details visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and travel tips for Korean tourists to ensure a smooth journey into Cambodia by land, air, or sea.
Cambodia, a Southeast Asian gem, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, and the vibrant markets of Phsar Thmei (Central Market). Understanding visa requirements for border crossings ensures seamless entry for Korean tourists, whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or traveling independently. Korean nationals benefit from a 30-day visa exemption, while e-visas or embassy visas are available for extended stays, facilitating entry through Cambodia’s 7 international airports, 9 land borders, and 4 seaports tourismcambodia.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options tailored for Korean travelers.
Following Cambodia’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via major entry points like Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and land borders such as Bavet (Vietnam) and Poipet (Thailand). This guide blends visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Korean tourists can enter Cambodia visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, requiring a passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. For longer stays, e-visas ($36 or 144,000 KHR) or embassy visas ($30–$100) are required. Cultural site entries like Angkor Wat cost $37–$72 (148,000–288,000 KHR), and guided tours range from $15–$80 (60,000–320,000 KHR). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts. Verify visa requirements and border procedures via evisa.gov.kh or tourismcambodia.com.
Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism for short stays.
Eligibility: South Korean nationals tourismcambodia.com.
Duration: Up to 30 days evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: No cost evisa.gov.kh.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) recommended but not mandatory tourismcambodia.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa evisa.gov.kh.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 7 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), 9 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet, Koh Kong), and 4 seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville) tourismcambodia.com.
E-Visa (For Longer Stays or Other Purposes):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or other purposes for stays exceeding 30 days or for non-tourism activities.
Eligibility: Available to South Korean nationals evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: 30 days (single entry), extendable once for an additional 30 days evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: $36 (144,000 KHR), including $30 visa fee and $6 processing fee; non-refundable evisa.gov.kh.
Application Process:
Visit evisa.gov.kh, select English or Korean, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.kh.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.kh.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints like Bavet or Phnom Penh International Airport), and temporary address in Cambodia (e.g., hotel address in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh) evisa.gov.kh.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB evisa.gov.kh.
Pay the fee ($36) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code evisa.gov.kh.
Check status at evisa.gov.kh/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.kh.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the border checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 40,000–120,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Extension: Extendable once for 30 days via Cambodia’s Immigration Department or agencies; fee $30–$45 (120,000–180,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 7 airports, 9 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet), and 4 seaports evisa.gov.kh.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to South Korean nationals travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $30–$100 (120,000–400,000 KHR), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Cambodian embassy (e.g., in Seoul: +82 2 515 2501) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–12 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($45–$300 or 180,000–1,200,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Cambodia’s immigration laws evisa.gov.kh.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 40,000 KHR/day ($10/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Airports (7): Major entry points include Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport; immigration open 24/7 tourismcambodia.com.
Land Borders (9): Popular checkpoints include Bavet (Vietnam, near Moc Bai), Poipet (Thailand, near Aranyaprathet), and Koh Kong (Thailand, near Hat Lek). Open 7:00 AM–10:00 PM; expect immigration queues during peak seasons tourismcambodia.com.
Seaports (4): Key ports include Sihanoukville and Kep; used for cruise travelers tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements at Borders: Present a valid passport (visa-exempt) or printed e-visa; Korean tourists need proof of onward travel (recommended); ensure details match passport to avoid delays evisa.gov.kh.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth border crossing and travel experience during Cambodia Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “sua sdei” (hello) with a slight bow or sampeah (palms pressed together) to immigration officers or locals; use both hands for transactions at border checkpoints or markets culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially for temple visits after crossing (e.g., Angkor Wat in Siem Reap or Royal Palace in Phnom Penh); carry a lightweight scarf ($3 or 12,000 KHR) nomadicmatt.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at border checkpoints; avoid loud behavior or disputes; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Cambodian monarchy (penalties apply). A guest from South Korea shared: “Respecting Khmer customs eased our border crossing and trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 KHR); avoid littering at cultural sites like Angkor Wat; complete residence registration within 24 hours (handled by hotels) travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “arkun” (thank you) to officers or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($4 or 16,000 KHR) to support sustainable Cambodia Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful Korean travelers thrive at Cambodia’s borders and cultural sites.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($2 or 8,000 KHR) for Khmer basics like “arkun”; English is widely spoken at major borders and tourist areas; Korean may be understood in Siem Reap culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow border rules (no photography in immigration areas); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for border areas like Bavet or cities like Phnom Penh; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 8,000–20,000 KHR/day) or tuk-tuks ($1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR) after crossing to reduce emissions tourismcambodia.com.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey after crossing into Cambodia, based on the latest data from tourismcambodia.com, evisa.gov.kh, travel.state.gov, nomadicmatt.com, and justynjen.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, or Sihanoukville’s beaches independently after crossing at Bavet, Poipet, or Phnom Penh International Airport; suitable for Korean tourists with visa exemptions; low to moderate difficulty tourismcambodia.com.
Visa Tips: Leverage 30-day visa exemption; carry a passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.kh.
Schedule: Daily; Angkor Wat open 5:00 AM–5:30 PM ($37–$72 or 148,000–288,000 KHR); Royal Palace open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($10 or 40,000 KHR); Sihanoukville beaches accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Angkor Wat: $37–$72 (148,000–288,000 KHR); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); transport (tuk-tuk: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR; bicycle: $2–$5 or 8,000–20,000 KHR/day); local purchases: $0.50–$20 (2,000–80,000 KHR).
Location: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm exemption eligibility; check evisa.gov.kh; a Korean guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after crossing at Bavet.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat and Wat Preah Prom Rath after crossing at Siem Reap International Airport or Poipet; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport from Siem Reap hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use visa exemption for 30 days; carry a passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 5:00 AM from Siem Reap hotels for Angkor Wat sunrise; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $50–$60/person (200,000–240,000 KHR, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Siem Reap.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a Korean guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after Poipet.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum after crossing at Phnom Penh International Airport or Bavet; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use visa exemption or e-visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility evisa.gov.kh.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 AM from Phnom Penh hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $35–$50/person (140,000–200,000 KHR, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Phnom Penh.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and tuk-tuks reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a Korean guest noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after crossing at Bavet.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, and Sihanoukville’s beaches after crossing at any major border; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use visa exemption for short stays or e-visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $100–$250/person (400,000–1,000,000 KHR, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Cambodia Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a Korean guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for Korean tourists leveraging visa exemptions.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Historical Tours: Blend cultural visits with historical sites for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Cambodia’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Khmer New Year: Typically April, vibrant with temple ceremonies and street celebrations; warm (25–35°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.
Pchum Ben: Typically September–October, spiritual with temple offerings; rainy (24–32°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.
Year-Round Opportunities: Cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) is best for comfortable weather; wet season (June–October, 24–32°C) suits budget travelers and indoor experiences.
Cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) is ideal for border crossings and cultural visits like Angkor Wat. Hot season (March–May, 25–35°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (June–October, 24–32°C) is best for indoor experiences like markets; expect rain at land borders like Bavet. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Korean tourists can use the 30-day visa exemption for tourism; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh for longer stays or other purposes; use embassy visas for specific needs (e.g., in Seoul: +82 2 515 2501) evisa.gov.kh.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Bavet (Vietnam) or Poipet (Thailand) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry passport photocopy and proof of onward travel for exemptions tourismcambodia.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a printed e-visa (if required) or passport photocopy; provide proof of onward travel for exemptions; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or hosts register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or tuk-tuks after crossing for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early if needed; double-check details to match passport; carry small KHR notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.kh.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($36 or 144,000 KHR if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket), wallet ($5 or 20,000 KHR), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($3 or 12,000 KHR); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($5 or 20,000 KHR) for wet season; comfortable walking shoes ($15 or 60,000 KHR); hat ($5 or 20,000 KHR).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($4 or 16,000 KHR); snacks ($0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 KHR, e.g., amok); small backpack ($5 or 20,000 KHR); sunscreen ($3 or 12,000 KHR); insect repellent ($3 or 12,000 KHR).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($10–$15 or 40,000–60,000 KHR); local SIM ($3–$5 or 12,000–20,000 KHR); camera ($50 or 200,000 KHR) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3 or 12,000 KHR) for market purchases; phrase card ($2 or 8,000 KHR) with Khmer basics.
Extras: Small KHR notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($5 or 20,000 KHR); umbrella ($5 or 20,000 KHR) for wet season; money belt ($5 or 20,000 KHR) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
Visa Exemption Costs: No cost for 30-day tourism entry for Korean nationals evisa.gov.kh.
E-Visa Costs: $36 (144,000 KHR); expedited processing: $10–$30 (40,000–120,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Embassy Visa Costs: $30–$100 (120,000–400,000 KHR), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Angkor Wat: $37–$72 (148,000–288,000 KHR); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); transport (tuk-tuk: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR; bicycle: $2–$5 or 8,000–20,000 KHR/day).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (100,000–160,000 KHR, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Historical Tours: $35–$50 (140,000–200,000 KHR, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $100–$250 (400,000–1,000,000 KHR, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $5 (20,000 KHR).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $3–$5 (12,000–20,000 KHR).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $20–$50 (80,000–200,000 KHR). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., amok, kuy teav): $0.50–$2 (2,000–8,000 KHR).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk, crafts): $1–$20 (4,000–80,000 KHR).
Donations: $0.30–$1 (1,200–4,000 KHR). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$80 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.50–$20 for purchases or add-ons; use visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Leverage 30-day visa exemption for tourism; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh for longer stays; use embassy visas for specific needs (e.g., in Seoul: +82 2 515 2501); double-check details to match passport evisa.gov.kh.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Bavet (Vietnam) or Poipet (Thailand) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry passport photocopy and proof of onward travel for exemptions tourismcambodia.com.
Etiquette: Use “sua sdei”; dress modestly for temples; respect border and local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Borders open 7:00 AM–10:00 PM; cultural sites like Angkor Wat open 5:00 AM–5:30 PM; peak crowds in cool season (November–February); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or tuk-tuks; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for border areas or cities like Phnom Penh.
Weather: Cool season (Nov–Feb, 20–30°C) ideal; wet season (Jun–Oct, 24–32°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($5 or 20,000 KHR); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 117, Tourist Police: +855 97 760 2001).
Do Korean tourists need a visa for Cambodia? No, Korean nationals are exempt for up to 30 days for tourism; e-visas or embassy visas required for longer stays or other purposes evisa.gov.kh.
Which borders accept visa exemptions or e-visas? All 7 airports, 9 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet), and 4 seaports accept exemptions and e-visas tourismcambodia.com.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost for Koreans? Visa exemption: no cost; e-visa: $36 (144,000 KHR); embassy visa: $30–$100 (120,000–400,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Can visas be extended? Exemptions are non-extendable; e-visas extendable once for 30 days ($30–$45); embassy visas extendable with a sponsor tourismcambodia.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 40,000 KHR/day ($10/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
What documents are needed at the border? Valid passport and proof of onward travel (recommended for exemptions); printed e-visa if required evisa.gov.kh.
Enhance your visa-prepared Cambodia journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Cambodia Cultural Eco-Tour ($40–$80/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Cambodia Heritage Trail ($100–$200/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Cambodia Explorer ($200–$350/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Cambodia Travel plans.
Mastering Cambodia Visa for Korean Tourists with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “sua sdei,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through Cambodia’s cultural treasures. With tour costs from $15–$250, sustainable Cambodia Tours, and attractions like Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for Korean travelers. Whether leveraging the 30-day visa exemption or using an e-visa for extended stays, apply early via evisa.gov.kh and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
tourismcambodia.com
evisa.gov.kh
travel.state.gov
culturetrip.com
nomadicmatt.com
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