Introduction

안녕하십니까! Korean dramas such as “Winter Sonata” and “Boys Over Flowers” are just two examples of why Filipinos like South Korean culture. Apart from that, we have Kpop (BTS, Itzy, Twice), Korean beauty, and even Korean food such as samgyupsal, all of which entice Filipinos to experience South Korean culture firsthand. What better way to fulfill this desire than to travel to Korea? It is, without a doubt, the best.

But before we get into the exciting part of experiencing living in Korea, here’s a detailed guide for you to acquire your Korean Visa! 

Korean Visa Requirements 

What do you need to know before gathering the requirements?

First of all, before acquiring all necessary documents to apply for a Korean Visa,  you need to first determine the form of South Korean visa you require.   Of course, there are numerous sorts of South Korean visas available that you may apply for, such as a visa for study, a visa for business, a visa for family unions, and so on.

However, because this is an experience I’ve had, I’ll just be outlining the entry requirements for a tourist visa in this guide.

Requirements you’ll need to prepare

The requirements to acquire a Korean Visa is pretty straightforward. Short-term visa applications for Korea for tourists and/or business may be submitted up to three months before the anticipated trip date. 

You’ll need the following documents prepared for submission, they are as follows: 

Duly Accomplished Application Form

Application Form printed on A4 bond paper (must be digitized or written in Arial font size 12 and follow the same page numbers; fields that are not applicable should be left blank). You can download the application form here

Passport Photo 

1 passport-sized colored photo (with collar; colored, white background; no nameplate); Your photo should be attached on the first page of the application form. Please see the sample below. 

Original Current Passport

Your Original  Passport should be valid for more than 6 months

• a) For recently issued passports, sign on PAGE 3.
• b) Complete the emergency contact page at the back.
• c) Provide a photocopy of your passport’s biometric page.

[if applicable] Previous Passport

If appropriate, an old passport or passports with previous travel dates within the last 5 years, as well as a photocopy of the biometric page, are required.

[if applicable] Previous Passport

If appropriate, an old passport or passports with previous travel dates within the last 5 years, as well as a photocopy of the biometric page, are required.

[if applicable]  Photocopy of existing OECD Visa

If appropriate, photocopies of OECD visas/stamps issued during the previous 5 years (for example, those issued by the United States, Schengen states, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and so on). 

What is an OECD Visa? 

Similar with Schengen Visa <insert how I got my Schengen Visa link here>  OECD visas are issued by OECD member nations. If you have this, your South Korean visa application will be more likely to be accepted. For a comprehensive list of OECD member countries, please see the following link: https://www.oecd.org/about/members-and-partners/ 

Applying for a Korean Visa

STEP 1: PROCESSING YOUR VISA AT AN ACCREDITED AGENCY

Once you’ve gathered all of the above-mentioned documents, visit any of the Korean Embassy-accredited travel agencies. Here’s a site that I’ve found very useful for locating agencies that process Korean Visas. <embed link> https://www.traveloka.com/en-ph/explore/tips/guides-south-korea-visa-list-travel-agencies/63851 

Our first visa application was fairly easy because they allowed walk-in applications, but the second time around, they somehow changed their policy and required that only accredited travel agencies represent you in the application. There are a lot of accredited agencies, I would suggest you check the link above or visit the embassy here in the Philippines. 

STEP 2: VIEWING YOUR RESULTS AND PROCESSING TIME

The South Korean Embassy typically takes the following time to process visas. However, because a travel agency will be delivering your application, you may need to add one to two days to account for the fact that they will be sending and picking up your passport. 

If you’re an OECD Visa holder, most likely than not your visa will be processed faster. That’s why if you’re planning to visit different countries, be sure to check out what nations are involved with the OECD Visa. 

Typically, processing time takes about 10 to 35 days before your visa is released. 

REMINDERS

• I highly suggest that you do NOT book a flight or accommodation without determining the results of your visa. Especially now in a state of the pandemic, regulations are more strict. 
• It is preferable to apply three months before your vacation. Please keep in mind that the number of processing days has been reduced. Visas might now take up to 35 working days from the date of filing to be processed.
• Once you are granted a visa, you are able to stay in Korea for 59 days. However, if you’re not granted, you may re-apply again in 6 months.