South Korea Visa

South Korea is one of the most popular travel destinations for Filipinos due to its rich culture, scenic landscapes, and vibrant cities like Seoul. If you're planning a vacation to South Korea, you’ll need to apply for a Tourist Visa (C-3-9). This guide provides you with all the information you need to successfully apply for a South Korea tourist visa as a Filipino citizen.

Filipino passport holders must apply for a tourist visa before visiting South Korea. This applies to all types of tourists, whether you are planning to visit for leisure, sightseeing, or cultural experiences.

If you're planning a short visit (up to 90 days), you’ll need to apply for a single-entry tourist visa. If you’re unsure about the type of visa, check you may chat with us for guidance.

General Requirements:

1. Valid Passport

   • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry to South Korea.

   • The passport must have at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.

2. Completed Visa Application Form

   • Download and fill out the South Korea Tourist Visa Application Form from the Korean Embassy website. The form must be filled out completely, signed, and dated.

3. Recent Passport-Sized Photograph

   • Submit 1 or 2 passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm) taken within the last 6 months. Make sure the photo has a plain white background.

4. Visa Fee

   • The visa fee is ₱1,900 for a single-entry tourist visa. Payment should be made in cash (Philippine Peso) at the embassy or consulate.

   • Note: Fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.

Additional Documents:

1. Flight Reservation

   • Provide a round-trip flight reservation showing your entry to and exit from South Korea. The flight booking should match your intended travel dates.

2. Hotel Reservations/Accommodation Details

   • Submit proof of accommodation during your stay. This can be:

     • Hotel reservations for the duration of your visit.

     • Invitation letter from a relative or friend in South Korea, along with their address and a copy of their Korean ID or Alien Registration Card (ARC), if staying with a host.

3. Proof of Financial Capacity

   • Provide bank statements from the past 3 months showing sufficient funds to cover your trip to South Korea. The embassy typically looks for at least ₱100,000 in your account.

   • If you are employed, you can submit a Certificate of Employment (COE) and recent pay slips.

   • Alternatively, you can provide other proof of financial support, such as an Income Tax Return (ITR).

4. Travel Insurance

   • While not mandatory, having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and unexpected trip cancellations is highly recommended. It should be valid for your entire stay in South Korea.

5. Additional Documents (If Applicable)

   • If you are employed: Certificate of Employment (COE), recent pay slips, or proof of your leave of absence.

   • If you are a student: School enrollment certificate or certificate of leave.

   • If you are self-employed or a business owner: Business registration and tax records.

   • Previous travel history: If you’ve traveled abroad previously, you may submit copies of old visas or entry/exit stamps as supporting documents.

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How to Apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa

Follow these steps to submit your tourist visa application to the Korean Embassy or Consulate:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

• Ensure you have all the required documents listed above, including the completed application form, passport, photos, bank statements, flight booking, hotel reservation, and proof of employment (if applicable).

Step 2: Submit Your Application

• In person: You can submit your application through a visa agency like TravelFilms Travel Services.

  • Our Address (Quezon City): Unit 403, K Plaza Building, 18 Mindanao Ave Ext, Tandang Sora, Quezon City, 1116 Philippines

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

• Pay the ₱1,900 visa fee in cash (Philippine Peso) or via bank transfer. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• The typical processing time for a South Korea tourist visa is 12-15 business days.

• You may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview during the processing period. Be patient and check the status of your visa application with the embassy.

Step 5: Collect Your Visa

• Once your visa is approved, you can collect your passport with the visa stamp. You can either pick it up in person at the embassy or have it delivered (depending on the embassy’s service options).