For groups from Australia and New Zealand, the strongest selling point in North Asia is the calendar: the seasons run the other way. Snow falls in their summer holidays and autumn colour arrives in their spring. Our Korea team sets out the destination detail in its briefing on Korea for groups from Australia and New Zealand. This note draws out the planning points that carry across our destinations.
Keep Entry Simple, and Check It Every Time
- Visa-free for short stays. Australian and New Zealand citizens can visit Korea without a visa for short stays.
- The K-ETA exemption has an end date. Both countries are on Korea's temporary K-ETA exemption list, which currently runs to 31 December 2026. Confirm the position for any departure after that date.
- Passport validity. Ask guests to check their passport's expiry date well before travel.
- Travel insurance. Strongly recommended, especially for ski and hiking programmes.
Sell the Reversed Seasons
- Snow in their summer. The Korean ski season falls in the Australian and New Zealand summer holidays.
- Colour in their spring. October and November in Korea are a strong time for autumn colour and hiking.
- Blossom in their autumn. Spring blossom in Korea falls in March and April.
- Explain the summer rain. Korea's rainy season in summer surprises guests who expect dry heat, so say so in the quote.
Positioning matters. Sold on the seasons, Korea becomes a destination in its own right rather than a stopover.
Build Around What These Groups Value
- Food. Markets, barbecue, street food and cooking experiences are often the highlight.
- Hiking and nature. Mountain trails close to Seoul and in the national parks.
- History. Australia and New Zealand both sent forces to the Korean War, so the war story and the DMZ carry real weight for these groups, alongside the palaces.
- A relaxed pace. Many are experienced travellers: plan free time, fewer early starts and small-group options.
- English guiding. A shared language makes delivery straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australian and New Zealand citizens need a visa for Korea?
No visa is needed for short stays. Check the current entry rules, including the K-ETA position, for each departure.
Is a K-ETA required?
Australia and New Zealand are on Korea's temporary K-ETA exemption list, which currently runs to 31 December 2026. Confirm the rules for later departures.
When is the best time to sell Korea to these groups?
The Korean winter for snow, October and November for autumn colour, and March and April for blossom. All three fall outside the matching season at home.
What pace suits these groups?
A relaxed one, with free time, fewer early starts and optional hikes or food experiences.
Where Explera Fits
We plan Australian and New Zealand groups around the season and the group's interests, with English-speaking guides and relaxed pacing, across our destinations: Thailand, Japan, Korea, the Maldives and New Zealand.
Write to b2b@expleradmc.com or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341). Explera Thailand holds TAT licence No. 14/05119. Our KTO and KATA registrations in Korea are in application.
