KoreaClear · Travel answer

Can I use Korea's automated immigration gates (Smart Entry Service)?

Short answer

Short-term foreign visitors aged 17 and over can use the automated gates when departing, without registering in advance. The registration centers are for departing passengers only.

What to do

Check your age and status: short-term visitors aged 17+ can use the gates on departure.
At departure immigration, follow the signs to the automated (Smart Entry) gates.
Put your passport photo page on the reader for 2–3 seconds, walk in when the gate opens, then give your fingerprint and look at the camera.
If the gate sends you to a staffed booth, use the regular immigration line.

If that doesn't work

Gate won't let you through? Go to a staffed immigration booth.

Check before relying on this

The Incheon registration centers serve departing passengers only.
Alien registration card holders have different age rules (see the table).

More details and examples Expand

At a glance

🛂 Who can use it → Short-term foreign visitors aged 17+: use it on departure without registering → Alien registration card holders: 17+ directly, 14+ after registering, 7–14 after registering with a guardian 🏢 Registration centers (Incheon Airport, departing passengers only) → Terminal 1: 3F, opposite check-in counter H (07:00–18:00, open every day) → Terminal 2: 2F, Ministry of Justice Immigration Services Center (07:00–18:00) 🚪 How to use the gate → Passport photo page on the reader for 2–3 seconds → Walk in when the gate opens → fingerprint → look at the camera

Sources and provider examples

External sources may use another language.

Sources last checked: 2026-11-03. Rules, hours and services can change.