Umrah from Seoul
What pilgrims leaving from Seoul need to know: the flight, the visa route for South Koreans, the season and a realistic budget.
Flying from Seoul
South Korea has a small Muslim community, mostly made up of foreign workers, students, and a smaller number of Korean converts, and pilgrims from Seoul connect through a Gulf hub or Istanbul rather than flying nonstop, since Incheon International Airport has no scheduled direct route to Jeddah or Madinah. Seoul's Umrah travel trade is small, centred partly around the Seoul Central Mosque in Itaewon, and it's worth seeking agencies with specific experience in religious travel rather than general tourism operators. Given the limited local market, some pilgrims also compare fares and packages with agencies in Malaysia or the Gulf. The South Korean won is used locally. Seoul's climate brings cold winters and hot, humid summers, so pack according to your travel month, keeping the shift to Saudi Arabia's heat in mind. Book well ahead given the more limited flight and hotel-package options available through this smaller, less established Umrah travel market.
Umrah visa for South Koreans
South Korean passport holders are on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so most South Koreans can apply directly through Nusuk or Visit Saudi rather than use an agent. The eVisa is multiple-entry, valid a year, covers Umrah as well as tourism, and allows up to 90 days per entry. It must still be used to enter within 30 days of issue, and hotel and transport now have to be booked inside Nusuk before it is issued. For the 1448 AH Umrah season (31 May 2026 to 7 Apr 2027), book early, since rooms and Rawdah or Mataf permit slots fill fast around Ramadan. South Koreans who prefer a fully organised trip can still book the same journey through a licensed Umrah company instead.
Full visa guide for South Koreans →
When to go
Ramadan carries the greatest reward and the greatest crowds and prices; the weeks after Hajj (late Dhul Hijjah into Muharram) and the winter months (November to February) are cooler and quieter. The 1448 AH season runs from 31 May 2026 to 7 April 2027 for arrivals and departures. See the best time to perform Umrah.
What it costs from Seoul
Your biggest variables are the flight from ICN, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in KRW, then compare operator quotes line by line: visa, flights, hotel nights and category, transfers, and Makkah, Madinah transport.
Before you book
- Check that the operator is contracted through Nusuk Masar (ask for their Saudi partner's name).
- Confirm the hotel name and distance, not just "near Haram".
- Read how to avoid Umrah scams and how to choose an operator.
- Install the offline companion before you fly.