What do you need to prepare when traveling to Korea for the September 2nd holiday? Detailed Checklist
The extended National Day holiday of September 2 is the ideal time for you and your family to reward yourself with a complete trip abroad. Among destinations in Asia, the land of kimchi is always the top choice thanks to the perfect combination of romantic natural scenery and unique culture. The beginning of September is also the time when Korea begins to transform from summer to autumn with extremely cool and pleasant weather.
However, because this is the peak travel season for Vietnamese tourists, careful preparation before takeoff is the decisive factor to help your journey go smoothly. So What do you need to prepare when traveling to Korea on the September 2nd holiday?? Please join Joy Travel in saving the complete set of standard checklists below from experienced travel experts.
Documents and procedures need to be prepared when going to Korea on September 2
Administrative procedures are always the first and most important step in every trip abroad. Especially during peak seasons like the September 2nd holiday, document preparation needs to be done early to avoid arising risks.
Passport, visa (note peak season approval time)
Tourist visa and passport documents need to be prepared 4-6 weeks in advance to avoid overload during the peak holiday season.
Passport is an indispensable item and must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into Korea. If your passport is about to expire, renew or renew it at least 1–2 months in advance.
Regarding visas, South Korea requires Vietnamese citizens to have a tourist visa (usually C-3-9) except for some special cases exempted according to current regulations. During the peak holiday season of September 2, the number of applications submitted to the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) increased dramatically. Visa processing time may take longer than usual (from 10 to 14 working days, or longer). Therefore, you should prepare and submit your visa application at least 4-6 weeks before your departure date to ensure your schedule.
Especially for guests going on tour together Joy Travel: When registering for a package tour at Joy Travel, the entire process of document preparation, notarized translation and visa submission are all handled by a team of experts. You can completely feel secure in owning a travel visa without having to worry about filling in incorrect information or waiting in line during the busy holidays.
Airline tickets, tour confirmation, travel insurance
When checking in at Korean airports (Incheon, Gimhae...), customs may ask you to present round-trip air tickets and accommodation information. You should print out paper copies or save PDF versions on your phone of the following documents:
Round-trip airfare (or onward ticket to a third country).
Confirm detailed hotel reservations for each night.
Confirmation of tour service (if traveling as a travel tour).
International travel insurance certificate.
Online immigration declaration and time zone difference
Korea is located in the time zone GMT+9, faster than Vietnam 2 hours. For example, when the clock in Vietnam shows 06:00 AM, in Seoul it is already 08:00 AM. Be proactive in adjusting your watch as soon as the plane lands so you don't miss your schedule or miss your shuttle bus
To shorten check-in time at the airport, the Korean government encourages tourists to declare information online before flying. After filling in all information, the system will give you a QR code. You just need to scan this code at the quarantine gate instead of having to line up to fill out a manual paper declaration at the airport
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): Applicable to visa-exempt subjects or licensed special tourist groups.
Q-CODE system (Enter smart quarantine information): Helps you declare your health online before departure to receive a QR code. When you arrive, you just need to scan this code at the quarantine gate instead of lining up to fill out a paper declaration.
The online Q-CODE smart medical declaration system interface helps shorten check-in time at the airport
Particularly for guests on tour with Joy Travel: When registering to buy a package tour at Joy Travel, the entire process of online entry declaration, document preparation and visa submission are fully handled and explained to customers by a team of travel experts. You won't have to worry about filling in incorrect information or missing the deadline during the busy holidays.
Korean weather in early September and what clothes to wear
Korean weather in early September is a gentle interplay between the late summer sunshine and the cool breezes of early autumn. The average temperature ranges from 18°C to 26°C. During the day, the weather is sunny and warm, dry, very suitable for traveling and sightseeing. The temperature amplitude of day and night is relatively large; When night falls, the temperature can drop below 20°C, bringing a very pleasant chilly feeling.
Weather characteristics | Suggest appropriate clothing |
Daytime (Sunlight, warm) | Airy cotton T-shirts, long skirts, jeans combined with a thin shirt over the top. |
Late Afternoon & Night | Light jackets such as cardigans, light blazers, denim jackets or thin windbreakers. |
Moving shoes | Comfortable sneakers and soft-soled doll shoes because you will walk a lot in palaces and old streets. |
Checklist of luggage to Korea for the September 2 holiday: Flight regulations and personal belongings
Regulations on weight and size of airline luggage
To avoid problems arising right at Vietnam airport security gate or Incheon customs control area, properly classifying luggage is extremely important. Below is the most detailed and complete classification guide for you:
1. Hand luggage (Prohibited or strictly limited)
Hand luggage is the items you bring with you into the passenger cabin. The following items Absolutely do not appear in carry-on baggage:
- Sharp objects and tools capable of causing damage: All types of knives (including small fruit knives, multi-purpose folding knives), scissors, metal nail files, nail clippers with small knives, sharp-tipped tweezers, sewing needles, or toys shaped to simulate weapons (plastic guns, plastic swords).
- Liquids and gels exceeding the specified capacity:
Cosmetics, perfumes, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo... are only allowed to be brought on the plane when stored in containers. Bottles with a capacity of NO MORE THAN 100ml each.
All bottles and jars must be collected in a clear, zip-top plastic bag, total liquid volume Do not exceed 1 liter (1,000ml) per passenger.
Note: If you bring a bottle of filtered water purchased from outside the airport, you will have to leave it at the security gate before entering the departure lounge.
Types of tools and instruments: Baseball bats, golf clubs, batons, ropes or repair tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers...).
2. Checked baggage (No carry - Must leave or carry on)
Checked baggage is stored under the aircraft's boiler compartment during the flight. To ensure aerial fire and explosion safety, the following items are available deposit is absolutely prohibited:
- Electric storage devices and Lithium batteries:
Backup charger: This is the most common mistake of Vietnamese tourists. All power banks (common capacity under 20,000mAh) Must be kept in hand luggage and carry it with you, absolutely do not check it out.
Electronic devices using removable Lithium batteries: Cameras, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, or electronic cigarettes... must have the battery removed (if removable) and carried in portable form.
- Flammable, explosive and corrosive substances:
Lighter (lighter box), matches (can only bring a maximum of 01 regular gas lighter with you in your hand luggage).
Spray cans with compressed air (hair spray, insect spray, paint spray).
Chemical corrosives, battery acid, oxidizing agents.
- High value assets: Cash, gold, gems, passports, important original documents or expensive technological devices are recommended not to be kept in checked baggage to avoid the risk of loss or damage.
3. Prohibited from entering Korea (Applies to both carry-on and consignment)
Korea is a country with extremely strict controls on biosecurity and agricultural diseases. You will be fined very heavily (from 1 million Won to 10 million Won - equivalent to 18 million to 180 million VND) or be permanently banned from entry if you intentionally bring the following foods without declaring:
- Animal meat products (Including cooked, dried, and canned foods):
Pork/pork: Sausage, sausage, pork floss, pia cake with pork fat, instant noodles with seasoning packet containing pork sauce, dried pork.
Beef, poultry: Beef jerky, shredded beef, spicy shredded chicken, poultry eggs (including duck eggs, salted eggs).
- Fresh plants, vegetables and fruits:
All fresh fruits (mango, longan, lychee, mangosteen, grapefruit...) and fresh unprocessed vegetables.
All kinds of plant seeds and fresh flowers have roots attached to the soil.
Special notes on safe replacement products: If you want to bring spare food, you should only bring sweet biscuits, rice cakes, ripe dried nuts (such as cashews, shelled chestnuts) or vegetarian noodle packages that do not contain ingredients extracted from animal meat.
Required personal belongings and connected devices
Personal hygiene items: Most hotels in Korea today follow the trend of environmental protection, so they do not provide free toothbrushes, toothpaste or razors. You should prepare yourself from Vietnam to be proactive. Because Korean weather is drier than Vietnam, bring moisturizer, mineral spray and lip balm.
Convertible power outlet (Adapter Type C/F): Korea uses double round sockets recessed into the wall (types C and F) with a voltage of 220V/60Hz. Please prepare a universal adapter plug from Vietnam to charge your phone and camera.
Internet and SIM Data: Maintaining an Internet connection is required for you to look up local maps Naver Map (because Google Maps doesn't work effectively in Korea). You should pre-purchase an eSIM or 4G Sim to receive at the Vietnamese airport to have internet access as soon as you land.
Personal electronic devices, power banks and wifi transmitters are indispensable items in luggage
Strict regulations on cash and customs when entering and exiting the country
According to current legal regulations of the General Department of Vietnam and Korea Customs, visitors should note the following financial limits:
Limit for carrying cash when leaving the country: Each individual is only allowed to carry a maximum 5,000 USD (or foreign currency equivalent) and 15,000,000 VND cash when passing through Vietnam customs border gate. If you carry more than this amount, you are required to have a legal license certificate from a competent banking authority.
Tariff regulations when entering Vietnam: If you shop for goods in Korea whose total value exceeds 300 USD (including electronics, expensive brands...), you will have to declare and pay import tax according to current regulations when returning to your country. The tax rate applied to electronic items exceeding the limit can range from 50% to 75% outstanding portion value.
Supreme security principles: Absolutely do not accept luggage for anyone at the airport or security control area. Each passenger must be responsible for and personally move their luggage through customs.
Financial preparation and smart shopping experience in the land of kimchi
Korea is one of the busiest shopping paradises in Asia. Good financial management will help you enjoy your experiences without worrying about interruptions.
Experience in exchanging Won (KRW) money to optimize costs
Change in advance an amount of Won (KRW) in different denominations for convenient spending at small stores
The official currency of South Korea is the Won (KRW). The current reference exchange rate fluctuates around 1,000 Won ~ 18,000 VND. You should exchange a certain amount of cash in advance in Vietnam for convenient spending at small stores, street dining or buying train cards:
In Hanoi: You can exchange money at reputable gold shops on Ha Trung street or major commercial banks.
In Ho Chi Minh City: Gold shops around Ben Thanh market area or Le Thanh Ton street (District 1) are familiar foreign currency exchange locations.
Additionally, you can bring USD (latest series) to exchange at legal private money exchange counters in Seoul or Busan. It should be noted that locals do not accept direct payments in USD at regular stores.
Using international cards and shopping culture at traditional markets
Korea has the highest cashless payment rate in the world. International credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted from major shopping centers to taxis.
When shopping, you need to understand the following two rules so you don't get caught wrong:
At supermarkets and shopping centers: All goods have clearly listed prices, visitors absolutely do not bargain (bid).
At wholesale markets or small stores that do not list prices: You can completely negotiate the price from 10% to 50% Depending on the value of the item to get the best price. Don't forget to prepare a small computer on your phone for convenient transactions.
Reference budget for shopping and dining
If you travel on your own, the average food cost ranges from 10,000 KRW to 25,000 KRW/meal (about 180,000 - 450,000 VND). For shopping for cosmetics and clothes in Hongdae and Myeongdong areas, the budget will depend on personal needs, but you should prepare about 300,000 - 500,000 KRW in cash or equivalent card limit for freely incurred expenses.
Safety notes and behavioral culture when traveling to Korea on the September 2nd holiday
A complete trip requires not only material preparation but also understanding of culture and travel regulations.
What type of travel insurance should I buy?
Travel insurance is not just a paperwork process to apply for a visa but is a shield to protect you against medical risks, accidents, lost luggage or flight delays/cancellations abroad. You should choose insurance packages from reputable units with minimum medical coverage limits of 30,000 USD or more and 24/7 emergency medical relief services.
Commitment from Joy Travel: We understand that no one wants their trip to have problems. Therefore, in all international travel itineraries, Joy Travel always integrates the most advanced travel insurance package for customers, ensuring maximum benefits and absolute safety for you throughout the trip.
Tip regulations and group tour regulations
If you choose to travel as a package tour, please note the following international practices:
Mandatory Tip: According to foreign travel practices, tips for the driver and local tour guide are not included in the tour price. The current minimum customary tip level for the Korean route is 5 USD/person/day.
Strict group separation regulations: The tour is a package program subsidized by travel and shopping partners in Korea. Any form of voluntary cancellation of service will not be refunded. In case a tourist wants to separate from the group for personal business, you must notify the group leader in advance and pay the group separation fee according to travel regulations. 200 USD/guest/day
Suggested itinerary to explore Korea for the September 2 holiday: Busan - Seoul - Everland 6 days 5 nights
To fully experience the beauty of the changing seasons of both the southern sea and the bustling capital, the journey connecting Busan and Seoul is the perfect choice for this vacation.
Day | Trip | Outstanding experience |
|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Hanoi/HCMC - Busan | Vietnam Airlines night flight |
Day 2 | Busan | Gamcheon mural village, coastal ship, Haeundae beach |
Day 3 | Busan | Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Oryukdo Skywalk, 5-star cruise |
Day 4 | Busan – Seoul | KTX bullet train, Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Museum, Bukchon Hanok |
Day 5 | Seoul – Everland | Everland Park, bustling Myeongdong market |
Day 6 | Seoul – ICN | Namsan Tower, Haneul Park, duty-free shopping |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Is it difficult to get a Korean tourist visa for the September 2 holiday and how long does it take?
During the peak holiday season, the number of applications is very large, so the Embassy/Consulate's review process will be more strict and the time may last from 12–15 working days. For the highest pass rate, you should prepare transparent financial and work documents and submit them at least 1.5 months before your departure date, or choose to follow a tour from reputable travel companies to receive maximum procedural support.
2. Can I shop with US dollars (USD) at Korean traditional markets?
Most traditional markets or small shops in Korea only accept Won (KRW) cash or domestic/international cards. USD is only accepted at large duty-free shops at airports or high-end shopping malls. Therefore, you should exchange Won money before departure.
3. Does Joy Travel's Korea tour include tips for tour guides and drivers?
According to international travel practices, foreign tours often do not include mandatory tips for drivers and local guides. This cost range is usually clearly stated in the "Not Included" section of the tour program. You can contact Joy Travel's hotline directly to get detailed advice from experts on the regulations for the Korean leg.
Experience Korea to the fullest on the September 2nd holiday with Joy Travel
The same destination, but those who prepare carefully and those who go in a hurry will have two completely different experiences.
With Korea Tour itinerary September 2nd 6 days 5 nights, Joy Travel takes care of everything from visas, flight tickets to every meal, so you don't have to deal with a series of tasks in the already busy days leading up to the holidays: quick procedures, 4-star hotels, smooth travel throughout the journey, carefully calculated schedule so you don't miss any experience.
Whether traveling with family, loved ones or close friends, this is still the choice to help make the September 2nd holiday easier and more memorable, instead of tiring because you have to take care of everything yourself.
Contact Joy Travel now to Get free 1:1 consultation And reserve your spot early before it runs out during peak holidays!
Hotline: 084 554 9369
Fanpage: Joy Travel - Happy Journey
