Many social media posts mention "visa-free South Korea for Indonesians" without explaining the key details. There are actually two separate schemes, both running until 31 December 2026, with very different conditions:
Visa-free group entry: the group does not need to apply for a visa at all.
Visa fee waiver: a visa is still required, only the application fee is waived, and this only applies to group visas, not individual visas.
Solo travellers (or pairs) do not benefit from either scheme and still pay the full visa fee as usual.
Scheme 1: Visa-Free Group Entry (28 May - 31 December 2026)
South Korea's Ministry of Justice set up a trial visa-free scheme for Indonesian groups of at least 3 people, running from 28 May to 31 December 2026. The group must book through a travel agency designated by the Korean government, and the group roster must be registered in the HiKorea system at least 24 hours before arrival (36 hours for sea arrivals). The allowed stay is a maximum of 15 days anywhere in South Korea.
The scheme was first announced at the 11th National Tourism Strategy Meeting on 25 February 2026, chaired by the President of South Korea.
There is also an oversight mechanism: if a travel agency's violation rate (members absconding or overstaying) exceeds an average of 2 percent per quarter, that agency's designation is revoked.
Scheme 2: Visa Fee Waiver for 6 Countries (Extended to 31 December 2026)
Separately, there is a visa application fee waiver for group tourist visas (category C-3-2) from six countries: China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Cambodia. The waived fee is USD 15 (about KRW 22,500) per application. This policy was originally set to end in June 2026 but has been extended to 31 December 2026.
The important detail: this fee waiver only applies to group visas (C-3-2) filed through a designated travel agency. Individual tourist visas (C-3-9) are not covered.
Solo Travellers Still Pay the Full Visa Fee
If you are travelling alone, or not as part of a registered group of 3 or more, you still need to apply for a C-3-9 tourist visa through the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) Jakarta at Lotte Mall Ciputra World 1, 5th Floor.
Official fees as of 1 July 2026 (cashless payment):
Single entry visa: IDR 680,000 + KVAC admin fee IDR 240,000 = total IDR 920,000
Anyone entering South Korea, whether through the visa-free group scheme, a group visa, or an individual visa, must still complete the e-Arrival Card online at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within 3 days before arrival. This requirement became mandatory on 1 January 2026 for all foreign nationals not otherwise exempt (for example, holders of a valid K-ETA or group e-visa holders).
Checklist Before the 31 December 2026 Deadline
Confirm whether you fall under the group (3+) or solo category, because the benefits differ significantly.
If travelling in a group, confirm the travel agency is actually on the Korean government's designated list.
If travelling solo, set aside IDR 920,000 (single entry) and allow 10 working days at KVAC Jakarta.
Note your arrival date and submit the e-Arrival Card no more than 3 days before.
Watch for official announcements from South Korea's Ministry of Justice, as no decision has been made yet on extending either scheme beyond 31 December 2026.
If you are still planning your itinerary and want help arranging your trip to South Korea, Calestira can help you plan your schedule according to your budget and visa type.
Korea's Visa-Free Group Scheme and Visa Fee Waiver for Indonesians End 31 December 2026 · Calestira
