korean tourist visa application cebu

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Visa by categories.

• · Visa Exempted (B-1)
• Tourist / Transit (General) (B-2-1)
• Tourist / Transit (Jeju) (B-2-2)
• Short-Term General (C-3-1)
• Group Tourist (C-3-2)
• Business Visitor (General) (C-3-4)
• Business Visitor (Agreement) (C-3-5)
• Business Visitor (Sponsored) (C-3-6)
• Short term Visitor (Overseas Korean) (C-3-8)
• Ordinary Tourist (C-3-9)
• Working Holiday (H-1)
• Short-Term News Coverage (C-1)
• Long-term News Coverage (D-5)
• Religious Worker (D-6)
• Cohabitee of diplomat/foreign government official (F-1-3)
• Spouse/underage children of F-4 Overseas Korean (F-1-9)
• Parents of international student (F-1-13)
• Underage children of Korean National (F-2-2)
• Spouse of permanent resident (F-2-3)
• Dependent Family (F-3-1)
• Medical Tourist (C-3-3)
• Treatment and Recuperation (G-1-10)
• Incorporated Enterprise (D-8-1)
• Business Venture (D-8-2)
• Unincorporated Enterprise (D-8-3)
• Technology and Business Startup (D-8-4)
• Intra-Company Transferee (by FTA) (D-8-91)
• Big Investor (F-5-5)
• Spouse of a Korean National (F-6-1)
• Child Raising (F-6-2)
• Associate Degree (D-2-1)
• Bachelor's Degree (D-2-2)
• Master's Degree (D-2-3)
• Doctoral Degree (D-2-4)
• Research Study (D-2-5)
• Exchange Student (D-2-6)
• Korean Language Trainee (D-4-1)
• Student (Elementary, Middle, High School) (D-4-3)
• Foreign Language Trainee (D-4-7)
• International Trade (D-9-1)
• Technician (Industrial Machinery) (D-9-2)
• Technician (Ship Building) (D-9-3)
• Individual Foreign Business Man (D-9-4)
• Korean Arts and Culture (D1-00)
• Industrial Trainee (D-3-11)
• Industrial Trainee (Technology) (D-3-12)
• Industrial Trainee (Plant) (D-3-13)
• General Trainee (Others) (D-4-2)
• Trainee Chef (Korean Cuisine) (D-4-5)
• General Trainee (Private Institute) (D-4-6)
• Short-Term Employee (C-4)
• Job Seeker (D-10-1)
• Business Startup (D-10-2)
• Professor (E-1)
• Foreign Language Instructor (General) (E-2-1)
• Teaching Assistant (E-2-2)
• Foreign Language Instructor (by FTA) (E-2-91)
• Researcher (E-3)
• Technical Instructor / Technician (E-4)
• Professional (E-5)
• Artist (E-6-1)
• Hotel and Adult Entertainment (E-6-2)
• Athlete (E-6-3)
• Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7-1)
• Independent Professional (by FTA) (E-7-91)
• Special talent (F-5-11)
• Overseas Korean (F-4-11)
• Descendant of Overseas Korean (F-4-12)
• Former D or E visa holder (F-4-13)
• University Graduates (F-4-14)
• Permanent resident of OECD country (F-4-15)
• Corporate Executive (F-4-16)
• Entrepreneur of $100,000 (F-4-17)
• Multinational Company (F-4-18)
• Representative of overseas Koreans organization (F-4-19)
• Government Employee (F-4-20)
• Teacher (F-4-21)
• Person of Age 60 or older (F-4-25)
• Manufacturing (E-9-1)
• Construction (E-9-2)
• Agriculture (E-9-3)
• Fishery (E-9-4)
• Service (E-9-5)
• Coastal Crew (E-10-1)
• Fishing ship crew (E-10-2)
• Cruise Ship Crew (E-10-3)
• Household assistant of diplomat (F-1-21)
• Household assistant of big investor (F-1-22)
• Household assistant of high-tech investor (F-1-23)
• Household assistant of professional (F-1-24)
• Intra-Company Transferee (Foreign Company) (D-7-1)
• Intra-Company Transferee (Domestic Company) (D-7-2)
• Intra-Company Transferee (by FTA) (D-7-91)
• Contractual Service Supplier (by FTA) (D-7-92)
• Work and Visit (Family Connection) (H-2-1)
• Work and Visit (Parents/Spouse of D-2 Student) (H-2-2)
• Work and Visit (By lottery) (H-2-5)
• Work and Visit (Expired visa) (H-2-7)
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• Aug 20, 2023

FAQs for Korea Tourist Visa application in Cebu

Planning a trip to Korea? Need a Korean Tourist Visa? Applying for a Korea Tourist Visa can be a bit overwhelming, but worry not! Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to simplify your visa application process.

What type of visa do I need to visit South Korea for tourism purposes? You will need a South Korea Tourist Visa.

What are the requirements for a South Korea Tourist Visa? The requirements typically include a completed application form, passport-sized photos, passport, proof of employment, bank statements, and other supporting documents. You may refer to this blog post for the complete list of requirements .

How early can I apply for a Korea tourist visa? The validity of the visa is only 3 months fr om the issue date so do not apply more than 3 months earlier than your travel date so you still have a valid visa when you travel.

How long does it take to process a South Korea Tourist Visa? Processing times vary, but it usually takes around 5-10 working days from the date of submission.

What is the minimum validity required on my passport to apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa? Your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea.

Do I need to show proof of funds for my trip? Yes, you will need to provide bank statements or other financial documents to demonstrate your ability to cover your expenses during your stay in South Korea.

Is a personal interview required for the visa application? Interviews are not always required, but the embassy or consulate may request one if they need further clarification on your application.

What are some common reasons for visa application rejections? Visa applications can be rejected for various reasons, such as insufficient documentation, inability to prove ties to your home country, or concerns about the purpose of your visit.

What countries belong to the OECD? OECD stands for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and it includes the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Is travel insurance mandatory for a South Korea Tourist Visa? While it might not be mandatory, having travel insurance is recommended to cover unexpected medical expenses and other emergencies.

Is Wow Travel accredited by the Korean Consulate to process applications for Korea Tourist Visa? Yes, Wow Travel is one of the few accredited travel agencies by the Korean Consulate in Cebu.

Can Wow Travel process the visa application for applicants not based in Cebu? Yes but as of now we can only accept Visayas-based applicants since the Consulate in Cebu only accepts Visayas-based applicants.

Can I process my application directly? Yes, you can apply directly to the Consulate but you'll have to dedicate time to find a slot of the appointment, submit the documents and pick-up the visa during releasing. For your convenience, Wow Travel can handle the hassle of doing all those things by yourself. We also review your documents prior to submitting to the Consulate to reduce the chances of deficiencies and/or disapproval.

Do you also offer tour packages for Korea? Yes, we do. Just send us an email or visit any of our branches to learn more about our Korea Tour Packages.

Remember, visa requirements and procedures can change. It's always best to verify with the South Korean embassy or consulate in Cebu for the latest information before applying.

Got questions? Our Travel Consultants and Visa Specialists are here to assist you with your Korea Tourist Visa application. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our branches.

Also, don't forget to check out this blog post about How to Apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa in Cebu

Why file your Korea Tourist Visa application with Wow Travel?

For a small fee, we will handle the hassle of getting a time slot with the Korean Consulate, submitting the application and claiming the visa once it is released.

We will review the documents before we file them to the consulate to reduce the chances of deficiencies and/or disapproval.

We are an accredited Travel Agency by the Korean Consulate of Cebu for visa processing.

We have successfully secured more than 500+ approved Korean tourist visas for our clients.

We have multiple branches in Cebu which are located in very convenient locations.

You can submit the required documents together with the filing fee payment to any of the following Wow Travel branches:

4F Ayala Malls Central Bloc

3F Robinsons Place Cebu

3F Elizabeth Mall Cebu

LGF Gaisano Mactan Island Mall

GF Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan / Basak

GF Mactan Marina Mall

Poblacion Lapu Lapu (inside Sayaka Copy Center)

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How To Get Korean Visa in the Philippines: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Anxious and paranoid about getting rejected for a Korean visa ?

You’ve probably heard success stories of visa approvals and horror stories of denied visa applications from family and friends.

But don’t fret. With enough research and preparation, you can boost your chance of getting approved for a visa to South Korea. Yes, you can achieve your long-time dream to visit the country that ignited your love for K-pop, K-drama, and K-BBQ!

Here’s a detailed guide for tourists who’ll apply for a visa to Korea.

Related: How to Fill Out Korean Visa Application Form: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

Latest updates on korean visa application for filipinos, 1. visitors to jeju island, 2. transit tourists, 3. foreign transfer passengers, 4. passengers of fly gangwon airlines of clark international airport (crk) heading to yangyang international airport, 5. philippine official and diplomatic passport holders, types of korean visa for tourists: single-entry visa vs. multiple-entry visa, south korea express visa, i. accomplished application form, ii. passport-size colored picture, iii. philippine passport, iv. passport bio-page, v. oecd visas and arrival stamps (if applicable), vi. invitation letter and photocopy of inviter’s passport or id (if invited by a korean citizen) or korean company business permit (if invited by a company in korea), i. for employees, ii. for businessmen/self-employed applicants, iii. for housewives, iv. for students, v. for retired senior citizens, vi. for filipinos married to koreans, vii. for religious workers, how to apply for a korean visa at a travel agency, how to apply for a korean visa at the cebu consular office., 4. check your visa application status online, 5. claim your passport, 1. visit visa-free countries first before traveling to korea, 2. for first-time visitors to korea: apply for a single-entry visa with a stay of 10 days or less, 3. inform hr about your korean visa application, 4. maintain an unquestionable transaction history in your bank account, 5. frequent visitors to korea who used to get visas on arrival are now required to apply at the korean consulate., 6. avail of credit card promo for a korean visa, 7. check for korean visa updates regularly, 8. tourists who frequently visit oecd countries within 5 years are not required to submit an itr., 1. what are the names of travel agencies accredited to process korean visa applications, 2. can first-time travelers apply for a korean visa, 3. when should i apply for a korean visa, 4. can i get a visa to korea without an itr, 5. is the company alpha list still required in the korean visa applications, 6. how can unemployed filipinos get a korean visa, 7. are plane tickets and hotel bookings necessary for a korean visa application, 8. can i get approved for a korean visa if my bank account was opened less than six months ago, 9. are both the bank certificate and bank statements required can i submit just one of them, 10. how much show money should i have in my bank account, 11. what requirements should i submit if i have a sponsor, 12. i am a freelancer and don’t have a certificate of employment. can i submit other documents instead, 13. i’m currently abroad. can i ask someone to file my korean visa application for me, 14. we’ll travel to korea as a family. should we apply separately or at the same time does everyone have to be present during the visa application, 15. my old passport is lost. will my visa application be accepted without it, 16. why was my korean visa application denied can i make an appeal, 17. i have an unused korean visa that has expired. do i still need to apply for a new visa, references..

• June 2022: Walk-in Korean Visa application is now open 1 . The Korean Embassy in Manila has announced that they now accept walk-in tourist visa applications on the weekdays from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM (except on holidays). The processing period of the application is five or more working days. Note a daily visa application limit might be set if the embassy received a large volume of visa applications. Meanwhile, processing of applications made through travel agencies has been postponed. However, walk-in applications will be closed as soon as the embassy releases a list of travel agencies and resumes applications through these agencies.
• May 2022: Filipinos may now visit Jeju Island without getting a Korean visa starting June 1, 2022, as long as they adhere to the existing COVID-19 guidelines 2 . Filipino travelers must enter through international airports located in Jeju Island and in Yangyang-gun County, Gangwon do Province. Moreover, it is now allowed to visit the Seoul Metropolitan Area and Gangwon for 15 days visa-free.  However, Yangyang International Airport only allows a group of five or more people from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia 3 . To qualify for visa-free travel, you must book through travel agencies recognized by Gangwon Province. For those who wish to enter Jeju Island, only direct flights are allowed. 

Who Are Exempted From Getting a Korean Visa?

Can Filipinos enter Korea without a visa?

Generally, no. But certain kinds of visitors are allowed visa-free access to the country.

One way for Filipinos to enter Korea visa-free is to fly directly to Jeju International Airport. Currently, there are no direct flights from the Philippines to Jeju Island, but you can take a Manila-Hong Kong-Jeju flight via Cathay Pacific or Dragonair.

Philippine passport holders can stay only on the South Korean island without a visa for up to 30 days.

Transiting through Korea on your way to or from the U.S., Canada, Australia, or New Zealand ?

You’ll be allowed a visa-free stay in Korea for up to 30 days if you have a valid visa to any of those four countries and a confirmed plane ticket or boarding pass leaving Korea within 30 days from the date of entry.

Update : In an official announcement 4 released on November 7, 2019, the Korean Embassy has made it clear that tourists in transit to third countries are qualified to get visa-free entry to Korea, except for nationals of 24 excluded countries which include Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, and Nepal, among others. They have also indicated two specific groups of travelers who are likewise eligible for this visa-free category: (a) Travelers who hold a visa to the United States (including Saipan and Guam), Australia, Canada, or New Zealand who transit through Korea bound for the country of origin or a third country ; and (b) Travelers who hold a visa (or permanent residency) to one of the 30 European countries who transit through Korea bound for the country of origin or a third country. Aside from a confirmed plane ticket for departure, you must also have no criminal record from any of the countries previously mentioned, nor you have been denied entry into Korea or deported in the last 3 years.

Passengers (including Filipinos but excluding those from 24 countries that need visas to enter Jeju Island) can also be granted visa-free entry to Korea if they’re transferring through the Incheon Airport and taking part in the Transit Tourism Program on their way to a third country or their country of origin.

These eligible travelers, also called “general transfer passengers”, can stay in Seoul for up to 72 hours, provided that they have a transfer ticket.

You can visit Seoul City and Gangwon province for up to 15 days visa-free if your flight route is from the Clark International Airport to the Yangyang International Airport via Fly Gangwon airlines 5 . 

To avail of the Visa exemption, you must book with an accredited travel agency and be fully vaccinated. It is suggested to travel in a group of five or with fifteen passengers to avail of cheaper packages. 

High-ranking Philippine government officials have visa-free access to Korea at any time, whether for a temporary visit or an official assignment.

It’s a privilege that official and diplomatic passport 6 holders enjoy under the Visa Exemption Agreement between the Philippines and South Korea.

How To Apply for a Korean Visa in the Philippines: A 5-Step Guide to Getting Approved

1. determine the type of korean visa you’ll be applying for.

Choosing the correct type of Korean visa is crucial to getting approved. Many applicants got denied a visa because they failed to qualify for the visa type they applied for.

Make sure you understand Korean visa types before applying for a visa.

Korean visas are classified into a broad array of categories. There are visas for short-term visits, business, studying, and a whole lot more.

With so many types of Korean visas to choose from, picking the one you need can be overwhelming. Good thing, the Korean Visa Portal has an online tool called the Visa Navigator that can help you find a suitable visa type.

Here’s how to determine the right Korean visa type for you:

• Go to Korean Visa Portal’s Visa Navigator
• At the top-right menu, click on the “English” link to change the language from Korean to English
• Select “Asia” from the Continent drop-down menu
• Select “Philippines” from the Country/Region drop-down menu
• Select the applicable option from the Purpose of Entry drop-down menu (If you’ll visit just for tourism and will not visit anyone in Korea, choose “Short Term Visit”)
• Select your Length of Stay
• Click the Visa Navigator Start button
• A list of visa types based on your search will appear. Check the eligibility requirements and allowed activities per visa type to find the one that matches your purpose
• To see more detailed information about a specific visa type, click on the corresponding button under the Status of Stay column and scroll down the page

Carefully read each description for the possible visa types, as it’s quite challenging to distinguish one visa type from the other.

For example, a person who will visit Korea to attend a relative’s wedding must apply for a visa type (short-term general C-3-1 visa) that’s different from that of someone who will travel just for leisure (ordinary tourist C-3-9 visa).

This guide focuses on the Korean tourist visa for Filipinos. If you’re visiting Korea for a different purpose, call the Korean Embassy at (02) 856-9210 local 270 or 500 or send an email to [email protected] for inquiries.

Filipino tourists may apply for either a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa to Korea.

Single-entry visa holders can enter Korea only once and stay for up to 59 days within three months from the issue date.

Meanwhile, multiple-entry visa holders can go to Korea an unlimited number of times and stay for up to 30 days per visit within a validity period of up to 10 years.

The Korean government has recently relaxed its multiple-entry visa qualification criteria for Filipinos to attract more travelers from Southeast Asia.

The following people may apply for a multiple-entry visa 7 to Korea:

• Highly skilled professionals such as lawyers, doctors , and professors
• Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Korea
• Graduates of a master’s degree from abroad

The express visa is an expedited processing service for a temporary visitor’s visa application only.

It’s processed within just three to five working days (excluding the application date), which is faster compared to the standard processing time of five to 15 working days.

Some accredited travel agencies provide this service.

A filled-out application form for the express visa should be filed together with other requirements when you apply for a Korean visa. A non-refundable service fee for the express visa costs Php 1,000 (in addition to the processing fee charged by the travel agency).

Update:  Starting September 9, 2019, the Korean Embassy in the Philippines will no longer accept Korean visa express applications due to an overwhelming increase in visa applicants. However, in another announcement 8  they released subsequently, the following applicants can still apply for an express visa and get the result after 5 working days:

• Applicants invited by the Korean government and public agency
• Applicants invited by a Korean school, company, or organization
• Family members of Koreans (parents, spouse, children, the family of the spouse, etc.)
• Direct family members of foreigners who stay in Korea and have a valid/registered alien card
• Applicants who need urgent medical treatment
• Applicants with an official request from the Philippine government office
• Applicants who don’t belong to any of the above groups but “recognized urgent matter for the better diplomacy relationship”

Applying for another tourist visa? Read our application guides for an Australian visa , US visa , Schengen visa , and Japan visa.  

2. Prepare the Korean Visa Requirements

This section provides a complete and updated list of Korean visa requirements.

Make sure all your documents are complete before filing your application. Download, fill out, print, and sign the visa application form in advance so that you won’t waste time accomplishing the forms during your application.

Create a checklist of Korean visa requirements to ensure that nothing is forgotten. Keep them all in an envelope to avoid missing any document.

a. Basic Requirements

• Download from the Korean Embassy website
• Filled out digitally using CAPITAL LETTERS
• Printed in A4-size paper
• Manually signed (Forms with a digital signature are not accepted)
• No erasures and no marks outside the boxes
• For non-applicable items (such as Details of Visa Issuance Confirmation), just leave them blank

READ: How to Fill Out Korean Visa Application Form: A Step-by-Step Guide

• 35 mm. x 45 mm
• With a white or off-white background
• Taken within the last six months
• Shows a full face without a hat
• Pasted on the application form
• Original copy of the latest passport
• Valid for more than six months prior to the departure date
• With signature and at least two blank pages
• For applicants who have traveled to visa and/or non-visa countries: Original copy of old passports with travels or photocopy of arrival stamps within the last five years (This is a new requirement starting March 1, 2019 )

Submit a photocopy of your passport’s second page (which shows your photo and personal information) along with other Korean visa requirements.

If you’ve traveled to OECD member countries for the last five years, submit your old passports, as well as photocopies, that contain the relevant valid visas and arrival stamps.

The Korean Embassy honors the following OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries:

• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Slovak Republic
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States

Having OECD visas speeds up visa processing and exempts you from submitting an ITR, but it doesn’t guarantee approval. Likewise, having no OECD visa doesn’t mean you’ll get denied a Korean visa.

The Korean Embassy has no template or guidelines for the invitation letter. Even so, make sure that the letter from your inviter includes the following details:

• Your purpose and length of stay in Korea, address, and contact information.
• Inviter’s contact information.
• A brief note that the inviter guarantees you’ll comply with Korean laws and regulations.

b. Additional Requirements

The Korean Embassy also requires certain financial documents proving you can shoulder your travel expenses.

The additional requirements vary for employees, entrepreneurs/self-employed people, housewives, students, senior citizens , and spouses of Koreans.

Take note of the Embassy’s specifications for the following income documents:

• Certificate of employment: Must include the position title, hiring date, compensation, office address, HR landline number (mobile number not accepted), and HR email address
• Bank certificate: Must include bank account type, current balance, account opening date, and six-month average daily balance or ADB 9

Income tax return (ITR) : No need to submit an ITR if you’re a frequent traveler to OECD countries within the past five years

• Original certificate of employment
• Original personal bank certificate
• The original or certified true copy of bank statements or passbook for the past three months
• ITR or Form 2316
• PRC card or IBP card (if applicable)
• Photocopy of business registration documents from DTI or SEC
• Photocopy of the business permit or mayor’s permit
• Photocopy of ITR or Form 2316 with payment receipt from a BIR-authorized bank
• If the spouse is employed: Spouse’s original certificate of employment and ITR or Form 2316
• If the spouse is self-employed (photocopies only): Spouse’s business registration documents from DTI or SEC; business permit or mayor’s permit; and ITR or BIR Form 2316 with payment receipt from a BIR-authorized bank
• Original bank certificate (yours or your spouse’s)
• The original or certified true copy of bank statements or passbook (yours or your spouse’s) for the past three months
• Photocopy of NSO/PSA marriage certificate
• Applicant’s documents:

Original school certificate (a document certifying that the student is currently enrolled in the school for the current academic year, with the school’s dry seal and school head’s signature).

Photocopy of school ID.

Photocopy of the birth certificate .

• Parents’ documents:

If parents are employed: Original certificate of employment and photocopy of ITR or Form 2316.

If parents are self-employed (photocopies only): Business registration documents from DTI or SEC; business permit or mayor’s permit; and ITR or Form 2316 with payment receipt from a BIR-authorized bank.

• Original bank certificate
• Photocopy of NSO marriage certificate
• Photocopy of valid visa (if applicable) or photocopy of passport or valid ID (if parents will not travel with the student)
• Photocopy of senior citizen ID
• If a bank certificate and bank statements are named under a family member: Photocopy of marriage certificate, birth certificate, or any relevant proof of relationship
• NSO/PSA marriage certificate
• Certificate of Korean Marriage History (valid for three months)
• Photocopy of Korean’s passport bio-page
• Invitation letter from Korean spouse
• Photocopy of Korean’s visa to the Philippines
• If the Korean spouse is employed: Original certificate of employment
• If the Korean spouse is self-employed: Business registration documents from DTI or SEC
• Photocopy of Church SEC in the Philippines
• If employed: Original Employment Certificate and ITR or Form 2316 (photocopy)
• If businessmen: Photocopies of Business registration from SEC or DTI, Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit, and ITR or Form 2316.
• Original Personal Bank Certificate
• Original Personal Bank Statement
• Invitation from Korea:
• Invitation letter
• Photocopy Inviter’s ID
• Photocopy of Korean church’s business permit

3. Submit Your Korean Visa Application

Walk-in applications for tourist visas are no longer accepted at the Korean Embassy in Taguig. Instead, the Embassy has designated 35 travel agencies to receive visa applications , similar to how Japan visa applications work in the Philippines.

Travel agencies have their own rules for Korean visa applications, which also change from time to time. Some are even strict about details as small as the font size to use for accomplishing the application form .

Contact the travel agency first to inquire about its guidelines and confirm any information before you apply for a visa.

For example, ask the agency about its schedule for receiving visa applications, so you won’t arrive when the office is closed. Also, check if the agency accepts documents sent via courier, in case you live too far from any agency’s office.

Where to Apply for Korean Visa: A Complete List of Accredited Travel Agencies for Korean Visa Application

Although the actual visa application process may vary per travel agency, here’s what you can expect to do during your Korean visa application at an agency.

• Go to your preferred travel agency’s office. Bring an ID aside from your passport.
• Sign in and leave your ID to the guard.
• Present your documents to the staff. Get your queue number.
• When your number is called, go to the appropriate window (with an OECD visa / without an OECD visa). Wait for the staff to finish checking your documents. You may be asked questions about your trip to Korea or to provide additional documents.
• The staff will give you a slip with the pickup schedule for your passport. Keep this piece of paper.

While the Korean visa itself is free of charge for a stay of 59 days or shorter, you’ll have to pay a service fee to the travel agency that will process your application.

Visa processing fees range from Php 500 to Php 1,500 per applicant. If you’ll stay in Korea for 60 to 90 days, you’ll also be charged a visa application fee of Php 2,000.

The Korean Consulate in Cebu still allows walk-in applications every Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. only. Applicants are encouraged to arrive earlier at 8:30 a.m. or until 10:30 a.m. to allow time for processing.

No need to set an appointment for visa application in Cebu, as applicants are served on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Here are the visa application steps at the Consulate in Cebu:

• Go to the Cebu Consular Office (12/F Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City). Bring two valid IDs aside from your passport
• Register and leave your ID at the concierge in the lobby. Take the elevator to the 12th floor
• Get a queue number from the guard. You’ll be asked to present an ID
• Wait for your number to be called. When it’s your turn, proceed to the Visa window and submit your documents. The staff will check them to ensure they’re correct and complete
• Get the slip that contains the schedule for your passport pickup

Visa processing in Cebu is free for a 59-day stay or less. If you’ll stay in Korea for 60 to 90 days, you’ll have to pay Php 1,350

If you have questions about visa application in Cebu, you may contact the Consulate via email at [email protected] or phone at (032) 231-1516(-9).

Waiting for the result of your Korean visa application can be as worrisome and nerve-racking as gathering the requirements.

Good thing, you can view the status of your application through the Korea Visa Portal. Here’s how:

• Visit the Check Application Status page of the Korea Visa Portal
• Click on the “English” link in the upper right corner to change the language from Korean to English
• Next to “Type of applications,” select “Diplomatic office”
• Select “Passport No.” from the drop-down menu. Enter your passport number
• Type your name as shown in your passport using this format: SURNAME FIRST NAME (Example: DELA CRUZ JUAN)
• Enter your birthdate in this format: YYYY-MM-DD (Example: 1984-08-19)
• Click the Search button

The search result will show one of these statuses:

• No Search Data Has Been Found – It may mean an error in the spelling or format of the information you provided. Do the steps again, making sure you enter your data correctly this time. If the same status appears, it probably means the travel agency hasn’t forwarded your documents yet to the Embassy.
• Application Received – The Embassy has received your requirements and has yet to decide on your application. Refresh the Korea Visa Portal a few times to see if the status will change.

Approved – Congratulations on your visa approval!

Visa processing times vary depending on where you file your application.

If you submit your requirements to a travel agency, processing may take five to 15 working days. This is the typical lead time for a visa application without an OECD visa.

Update: In late 2019, the Embassy of Korea in the Philippines announced that the processing of South Korean visa now has an average lead time of 24-30 business days . However, in a more recent update, released on January 20, 2020 , the Embassy reveals that they have allotted additional visa staffs to help with the processing of applications, reducing the total waiting time from an average of 25 days to as short as 10 to 15 days.   This reduced processing period will be retained even during the peak season (March – April) to accommodate tourists who are eager to see the cherry blossoms.

Processing an express visa application or a regular one with an OECD visa is faster, usually around three to 10 working days.

Visa applications filed at the Consulate in Cebu are processed for seven working days, with or without OECD visas. The consular office releases Korean visas every Monday to Friday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. only.

Most agencies require claiming the passport personally from their office, while a few others can mail it to you.  

When you pick up your passport and found out you’re approved, check the visa carefully to ensure all data are correct.

Tips and Warnings

Some Filipinos got approved for a visa to Korea even if they’d never traveled before. However, it doesn’t mean approval for all first-time international travelers.

You’ll have a greater chance of Korean visa approval if you’ve established yourself as a frequent traveler. The easiest way to build a travel history is to visit visa-free countries 10 such as Hong Kong , Thailand, Indonesia, and most Southeast Asian countries.

Showing a lot of stamps on your old passports proves that you’re a tourist who just wants to tour a country for a short time, returns each time, and never overstays.

While it can be tempting to request a two-week or one-month stay in your Korean visa application, you’re better off settling for a shorter stay if this is your first time visiting Korea.

Asking for a longer stay will raise doubts about your true intention for traveling to Korea, especially if your bank documents show that you don’t have enough money to fund your trip.

From the consul’s point of view, there’s a risk of overstaying or getting a job illegally in Korea.

“The documents you have submitted cannot be verified.” This is one of the common reasons the Embassy gives to Filipinos who are denied a visa.

If the Embassy can’t contact the concerned parties for validation of your documents, there’s no way it can ensure the accuracy of the information on your visa application.

So make it easy for the consul to verify your certificate of employment, bank certificate, bank statements, and other documents. Give a heads-up to your HR department, employer (or clients, if you’re a freelancer), and bank. Tell them to expect a call or email from the Korean Embassy for document verification.

Your bank certificate and bank statements will be closely scrutinized. If the consul spots a strange transaction in your bank statements—like a one-time large deposit a few weeks or days before your application—it raises a red flag and may lead to rejection.

So keep a normal transaction history in your bank account. If you’re a regular employee with a payroll account, much better. The more frequent the transactions are, the better because it means your account is active. 

You’re considered a frequent visitor if you’ve visited Korea more than four times in the last two years or more than 10 times in total (with one of the visits made within the last two years) . You also should have never overstayed or violated any law in Korea.

Under the old system, these frequent visitors could easily travel to South Korea and simply receive their visas at the port of entry or on arrival.

However, a notice 11 released in February of 2017 announced that foreigners (Filipinos included) under the Frequent Visitors Policy are now required to apply for a visa at the Embassy, a process that’s easier than regular Korean visa applications.

To apply for a visa for frequent travelers, just go to the Korean Embassy in Taguig or Consulate in Cebu. However, this information was the one available in 2017. As recently as September of 2019, one of our readers informed us that the Korean Embassy in Taguig doesn’t process applications for frequent travelers and was asked to apply via a travel agency instead. 

Here are the documents you need to submit:

• Visa application form
• Passport (original and photocopy)
• One passport-size picture taken against a white background
• Photocopy of previous Korean visas and/or arrival and departure stamps

For frequent travelers to Korea, a multiple-entry visa with a five-year validity and a maximum stay of 30 days is issued. This visa is free of charge.

Did you know that you can qualify for a multiple-entry visa to Korea without having to submit a bank certificate and ITR?

You can enjoy this privilege if you have a BDO credit card or BPI credit card that’s eligible for the promo (Check the Korean Embassy website 12 for the list of eligible cards). Simply present your original credit card and submit a photocopy of the card and the original credit card account statement to the travel agency when applying for a Korean visa.

The promo is valid until December 31, 2019, but it may be extended, just like it did in the previous years.

Sometimes, the Embassy issues new rules and processes regarding visa applications. Keep yourself updated to avoid mistakes and getting rejected for a visa.

Regularly check the Visa Announcement page of the Korean Embassy website for updates. You may also follow the Korean Embassy’s Facebook page .

Note that Japan is not included in this qualification.

Frequently Asked Questions.

• Rocamora, J. (2022). Korea opens walk-in visa application for Filipinos. Retrieved 20 June 2022, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175636
• Jeju Island And Gangwon Province Are Now Visa-Free For Pinoys. (2022). Retrieved 23 May 2022, from http://pageone.ph/jeju-island-and-gangwon-province-are-now-visa-free-for-pinoys/
• Koumelis, T. (2022). Visa-Free Entrance to Jeju & Yangyang, Korea from June 1. Retrieved 23 May 2022, from https://www.traveldailynews.asia/visa-free-entrance-to-jeju-yangyang-korea-from-june-1
• The 3 ways to go to Korea visa free 상세보기 |Visa AnnouncementEmbassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines. (2019). Retrieved 15 November 2019
• Abadilla, E. (2022). Visa-free flights to Korea via Clark. Retrieved 27 July 2022, from https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/01/visa-free-flights-to-korea-via-clark/
• Diplomatic and Official Passport Section Frequently Asked Questions . (2019). Retrieved 3 October 2019
• Ri, P., & Hana, L. (2018). 11 Southeast & South Asian countries granted multiple-entry visas for Korea : Korea.net : The official website of the Republic of Korea. Retrieved 3 October 2019
• Notice on Change of Visa Processing Period from Sep. 12, 2019 and subject of express visa . (2019). Retrieved 3 October 2019
• What is the average daily balance (ADB)? definition and meaning . Retrieved 3 October 2019
• Rey, A. (2018). LIST: 63 countries where Filipinos can travel visa-free . Retrieved 3 October 2019,
• Notice on Frequent Visitors Policy 상세보기 |Visa RequirementEmbassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Singapore. (2017). Retrieved 15 November 2019
• Announcement on BDO and BPI Credit Card Promo . (2017). Retrieved 3 October 2019

Written by Venus Zoleta

in Juander How , Travel and Leisure

Last Updated July 27, 2022 03:32 PM

Venus Zoleta

Venus Zoleta is an experienced writer and editor for over 10 years, covering topics on personal finance, travel, government services, and digital marketing. Her background is in journalism and corporate communications. In her early 20s, she started investing and purchased a home. Now, she advocates financial literacy for Filipinos and shares her knowledge online. When she's not working, Venus bonds with her pet cats and binges on Korean dramas and Pinoy rom-coms.

Browse all articles written by Venus Zoleta

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SOUTH KOREA TRAVEL TIPS AND ESSENTIALS

• If you have limited time (let's say 3 days and 2 nights only) and you want to maximize you time in Seoul, I highly recommend that you take the early morning flight from Manila and late night flight from Seoul. This will allow you to have full days on your first and last days in Seoul. Please see my recommended Seoul, South Korea Sample Itineraries to help you plan your trip.
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• To help you plan your trip, check out my post SEOUL BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE with an ₱8,000 Pesos DIY Itinerary for suggestions and recommendations on top things to do in Seoul, tourist spots, and attractions. It also includes information on visa requirements and process, transportation, suggested tours, sample itineraries, and more.

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DEE Explores

by Dee Ruiz

Korean Tourist Visa Application Guide for Walk-ins in Cebu

Everybody must have read something like this by now but I’m sharing my experience anyhow. If you can relate to my situation then read on.

Just so you don’t have to scroll down so much and end up saying “I wasted my time reading this article”, here’s a quick peek at my situation.

My visa application requirements are not entirely complete. Yes, I think you know what I mean. I don’t have a copy of my ITR and I’m telling you how and why.

“Applying for a visa can be nerve-wracking” – I bet you’ve read this everywhere! And I agree 100% especially when you don’t have all the papers required by the embassy or consulate in my case. PLUS you’re traveling alone.

I’ve read a lot of blogs before I decided to push through with this trip. I love reading other blogs because I gain a lot of information but sometimes too much reading stirs anxiety.

Many of my friends say it will be easier for me since I was issued an Australian visa. But having other visas from other countries is not an assurance for the approval of your next visa application. Don’t ask me why. Different countries have different laws and regulations, so whatever they decide on, if they permit or deny you to enter their land is up to their discretion.

So here’s how I applied for my Korean Tourist Visa in Cebu. This only applies to Philippine passport holders. For other types of applications, please visit the embassy’s website or contact the Consulate’s office.

<UPDATED –  PUBLIC ADVISORY : From the Consular Office of Korea in Cebu, all visa applications will be processed in 25-30 days. Tentative claiming dates will be scheduled (26) TWENT-SIX DAYS after submission, effective October 7, 2019. By the end of February, the current visa processing period will be reduced from 25-27 days to 10-15 days. >

STEP ONE: READ [INSTRUCTIONS] CAREFULLY

What happened was, I already prepared the requirements basing on other blogs that I’ve read and by checking the Korean Embassy’s website. I was ready to submit all my requirements but when I got to the Consulate’s office, I missed out one thing: TIME.

If you haven’t known yet, the office of the Korean Consulate here in Cebu opens from 9AM to 4PM daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. TAKE NOTE: Visa applications will only be catered from 9 to 11 in the morning, while visa releasing will take place in the afternoon between 2 and 4. All along I thought they process visas all day. [Now you know!]

Since I was already there, I got a copy of the list of requirements to double check if what I already have were good to go.

STEP TWO: PREPARE THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS

Here’s the list of requirements based on the list that I got from the Korean Consulate’s office in Cebu:

• Accomplished  Application Form  – Fill out this form completely and correctly.  Provide the details which only apply to you. Put N/A in items that are not applicable. Write in block letters either in English or Korean. You can either submit a type-written form or a handwritten form.
• 1 piece of Passport size Colored Picture – Paste it to your application form.
• Original Passport – It should be valid for more than six (6) months.
• Photocopy of Passport Bio-page – If you have the newly issued Philippine Passport, include the page which has your signature. I met someone who was asked to come back because she wasn’t able to provide the third page.
• Original and Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past five (5) years – The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organization with 36 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade. Korea is part of the OECD but Korean visas will not be counted as part of the requirements. Other countries such as Australia, Japan, United States, and/or other Schengen countries can be included.
• Original Certificate of Employment – This should include your position, date hired, compensation, office address, office landline number, and your HR’s e-mail address.
• Original Personal Bank Certificate – This should include your account type, current balance, account opening date, and average daily balance (ADB).
• Bank Statement  – An original or a certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last three (3) months is required to be submitted.
• Photocopy of Income Tax Return (ITR) or Form 2316 – This should be checked and stamped by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). (Company Alpha List is no longer required.)
• Copy of PRC Card of IBP Card, if applicable

If personally invited by a Korean National, you are required to include the following:

• Invitation Letter
• Copy of Invitor’s Passport

If invited by a Company in Korean, you are required to include the following:

• Copy of Korean Company Business Permit

Here’s what I submitted:

• Accomplished  Application Form  – Don’t forget to sign and put the  application date. I also filled out the “Details of Sponsor” part. Check the additional requirements below.
• 1 piece of Passport size Colored Picture
• Original Passport
• Photocopy of Passport Bio-page
• Original and Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past five (5) years
• Original Certificate of Employment
• Original Personal Bank Certificate
• Bank Statement signed by Bank Officer

Additional Requirements

• Photocopy of Income Tax Return (ITR) of my father
• DTI, Mayor’s Permit/Business Permit of my father’s businesses
• Photocopy of my father’s government IDs
• Photocopy of my PSA Birth Certificate as Proof of Relationship to Sponsor
• My father’s Original Bank Certificate 
• My father’s Bank Statement signed by Bank officer
• Notarised Affidavit of Guarantee
• Cover Letter of the company explaining why I can’t submit my ITR
• Itinerary with the dates of departure to Korea, arrival in the Philippines, flight and hotel details

STEP THREE: SUBMIT ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS 

A few months ago, it was announced that Korean Visas will only be processed through accredited travel agencies. I got upset at first because I didn’t want to pay so much since I knew that Korean Visas are gratis/free and I already have my requirements ready. I researched so much about Korea that I feel like there’s no need to ask an agency to process my visa.

A few days after the effectivity of the “no walk-in” rule, a friend of mine said she was able to get her visa at the Korean Consulate in Cebu ON HER OWN! I got excited! This means that the circular was only applicable in Luzon. The Korean Consulate in Cebu still accepts walk-in applicants! The only difference was if you apply in Cebu, your visa processing can take up to seven (7)   ten (10) working days. The 3-day rule for applicants with OECD visas does not apply here. If you want to make sure, you can always call the Consulate’s office.

I went to the Consulate’s office to submit all my documents. I suggest you go there early at around 8:30 in the morning. They already allow applicants to go in and queue. It’s better to be there early because if they request for other additional documents, you can still submit it on the same day.

Follow their security protocol. Your bags will be checked, your phone cameras will be blocked by stickers, and you have to log in your details and get a queue number. Wait for your number to be called and proceed to the Visa Window. The consulate officer will screen and evaluate all your documents. If you pass, you’ll be given a slip. It will indicate the tentative date your passport will be released.

You can check your visa application status here:   https://www.visa.go.kr/

STEP FOUR: PRAY TO GOD THAT EVERYTHING GOES WELL!

Here’s why: I submitted my visa application a few days before my trip to Hong Kong. I needed to get my passport back just in time for my HK trip. This added more thrill to my experience. I was really hoping that all my documents are okay so there’s no need for an extension.

And then… I got an email from the Consulate. Good thing I was able to check my email early that day. The Consulate said I needed to submit another document! I panicked for a bit because it was already 10 in the morning and their office closes at 11:30 for lunch break. I decided to call the Consulate’s office. The heavens answered my prayers! They said I can just scan and email the document and there’s no need for me to go to their office. I was able to breathe…

I was just hoping they will not extend the releasing of my passport.

STEP FIVE: CLAIM YOUR PASSPORT (Hopefully with an approved Visa)

I went to the Consulate’s office following the date indicated on the claim slip. I went there at around 2 in the afternoon. There weren’t many people. I got my passport back in less than an hour.

THANK YOU, JESUS!

I went home with a huge smile on my face. One, because they did not extend the releasing of my passport. Two, because my HK trip is pushing through. Three, I GOT MY VISA!!!

So that was my visa application experience! I hope this can help you in one way or another. I can’t wait to share with you what happened on my solo trip to Korea!

Here’s a little sneak peek to my #goSeoulo trip!

Feel free to leave comments or message via e-mail if you have any questions. If you like this article and want to see and know more about my trips and tips, follow me on  Instagram ,  Facebook,  and  Twitter.

For further details, contact the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu

• Address: 12/F Chinabank Corporate Center, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City, 6000 Philippines
• Contact number: (032) 231-1516

KOREA TRAVEL QUICK LINKS

Celebrating Chuseok: A Korean Holiday

Best of Gapyeong: A DIY Day Trip Guide

How I Spent 15,000 PHP in South Korea

10 Tips for Solo Travelers Going to South Korea

PUBLIC ADVISORY : From the Consular Office of Korea in Cebu, all visa applications will be processed in 25-30 days. Tentative claiming dates will be scheduled (26) TWENT-SIX DAYS after submission, effective October 7, 2019.

By the end of february, the current visa processing period will be reduced from 25-27 days to 10-15 days., share this:, 10 comments add yours.

• Pingback: Celebrating Chuseok: A Korean Holiday – DEETOXIFY
• Pingback: Best of Gapyeong: DIY Day Trip from Seoul – DEETOXIFY
• Pingback: How I Spent 15k in South Korea – DEETOXIFY
• Pingback: Celebrating Chuseok: A Korean Holiday – DEE Explores
• Pingback: Best of Gapyeong: A DIY Day Trip Guide – DEE Explores
• Pingback: How I Spent 15,000 PHP in South Korea – DEE Explores
• Pingback: 10 Tips for Solo Travelers Going to South Korea – DEE Explores

its superb as your other content : D, thankyou for putting up.

Aw, this was an extremely good post. Spending some time and actual effort to create a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and never seem to get anything done.

• Pingback: Four Ways to Visit Korea Visa-Free – DEE Explores

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How to Schedule a KOREAN VISA APPLICATION Appointment (Korean Embassy Manila)

One of the countries I’ve been almost desperately wanting to return to is South Korea. So when the Korean government announced it would finally begin accepting tourist visa applications again, I was the first to book flights.

The problem is, Korea is an extremely popular destination, especially among Filipinos. While the Korean Embassy in Manila is still trying to get back to normal operations, visa applications started piling up. But that’s not all. The embassy has also posted a notice warning against submission of falsified requirements like certificates of employment, bank certificates, ITR or other documents, implying a rise in dubious documents it receives. According to travel agents we talked to, it’s because of this that the embassy became stricter and more meticulous in reviewing applications.

All these led to the Embassy limiting the number of applications it accepts per day. Walk-in applicants formed long queues as early as the night before just to make sure they make it to the cutoff. I know this because I have attempted multiple times! I fell in line for hours only to be told that they couldn’t accept my application because they had already reached the day’s quota.

Fortunately, the Korean Embassy recently launched an online appointment system! The good news is, it eliminates the need for applicants to physically spend the night lining up. The bad news is, as with any other new system, it can still be quite confusing. Thankfully, I was able to successfully reserve a slot while documenting the entire process. In this article, I’ll share with you exactly how to secure a visa application appointment with the Korean Embassy.

But first, a few reminders:

• Make sure you have the following with you: – a working e-mail address. You’ll need this to retrieve an authentication code. – your passport details, particularly your name and passport number.
• You can schedule an appointment for yourself and accompanying parents, children and spouse ONLY. Outside these conditions, applying for a group or other people isn’t allowed.
• The best time to book is the morning of the last Thursday of the month, which is usually when the embassy opens slots for the coming week. More info about that in the FAQs section below. “Usually” because this does change in some months. (Sometimes it gets moved to the Thursday before the last.) The Embassy announces on its FB page when there are changes. However, some slots do open up on other days if other applicants or the embassy itself cancels their appointment.
• Use Google Chrome. I find it to be more compatible to the website than other browsers.
• Be quick. The number of slots dwindle FAST and be all gone in a matter of minutes.
• This guide is only for individual applicants. You may apply via a travel agency but they will be following this same process.

Here’s how to get an appointment with the Korean Embassy for visa application:

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

1. Visit the Korean Embassy’s Consular Services website.

You can find it at https://consul.mofa.go.kr/en/main.do .

Under the APPLY FOR A CONSULAR SERVICE tab, click on RESERVATION TO VISIT A DIPLOMATIC MISSION . It’s the first button under this tab.

2. Fill out the non-membership log-in form.

On the next page, a pop up will appear: Please log in as a non-member to access this service. Click OK. Then, follow these steps.

• On the log-in form, click on the CONSENT TO ALL TERMS & CONDITIONS OF USE button. It will display the terms. Read and scroll down, and then click CONFIRM .
• Enter your name as indicated on the passport that you will use.
• Enter your email address.
• Click SEND AUTHENTICATION NUMBER. The system will send a code to the email address you just entered. It usually takes a minute or so, but at peak times, it can take as long as 30 minutes.
• Enter the authentication number you received and click VERIFY .
• Under contact information, enter your phone or mobile number.
• Click NON-MEMBERSHIP LOG IN .

3. Choose the embassy and service type.

Before you reach this type, you might be redirected first to a virtual “waiting room”, depending on how heavy the visitor traffic is at the time. The page will show you how much time (in seconds) you need to wait before it takes you to the reservation page.

Once on the Reservation page, choose the following:

• Under SELECT A DIPLOMATIC MISSION, choose EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA TO THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES. This is the Korean Embassy in Manila. (It’s toward the bottom of the list.) Note that there are two Philippine missions on the list. The other is the Consulate General in Cebu. Make sure you pick the right one.
• Under SELECT A CONSULAR SERVICE, choose VISA (INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS FOR TOURISM). And then, under it, tick the box next to VISA (INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS FOR TOURISM). It’s the only selectable box.

4. Select an appointment date.

You’ll see that not all dates are clickable. The grayed out dates cannot be chosen. Pick a date.

After you pick a date, click the radio button beside the time that applies to you. These are the time allocations:

• 08:30 – Visa Issuance Number holders only
• 09:00 – Koreans’ Filipino Family Visit (F6-1, C3-1, F1-5, F2-2)
• 09:30 – Individual Applicants for Tourism (C-3-9)
• 10:00 – Business (C3-1, C3-4, C4-5)
• 10:30 – Official Conference, Study and others (C3-1, C4-5, D2, D4, A1, A2, etc)

Even if there’s only one option, don’t forget to still tick the radio button. You won’t be able to move on to the next step otherwise.

If all dates are grayed out and not clickable, it means there are no more available slots at the time. You can wait and keep on refreshing.

NOTE: The Embassy usually opens slots for the coming weeks on the last THURSDAY of the month. That’s the best time to try to get an appointment. In some months, it gets moved to the second-to-the-last Thursday of the month. The Embassy usually announces changes like this on its Facebook page. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find a slot any other day. Sometimes, the Embassy or the applicant themselves cancel their appointment, putting refreshed slots up for grabs.

5. Check reservation details and type your passport number.

‼️ Under NOTES, enter your passport number! If you’re also applying for your parents/children/spouse under this appointment, you should enter all your full names and corresponding passport numbers.

If you don’t fill in the SPECIFIC REQUESTS field, the Embassy will automatically cancel your appointment and you’ll have to find a new slot. I learned this the hard way, so don’t make the same mistake.

Once everything is in order, type in the CAPTCHA code and click MAKE RESERVATION .

A note will pop up. Check if all the details are correct. You won’t be able to modify it afterwards. If you need to change something, you’ll have to cancel and make another reservation. If everything is correct, click OK.

6. Print out your Reservation Confirmation.

You’ll be taken back to the RESERVATION page, which will now display your scheduled appointment. On the far right, under RESERVATION RECEIPT, click PRINT.

It looks like this:

‼️ IMPORTANT! Do not forget to print or save a copy of this receipt. They will check it when you visit the Embassy on your appointment date. Without it, you’ll be denied entry to the premises.

You’ll also receive a confirmation via email.

7. Show up at the Embassy on scheduled appointment date and time.

Bring the following:

• a printed or soft copy of your Reservation Confirmation
• Completed visa application form
• Passport and identification card
• All the other required documents

‼️ IMPORTANT! Only the visa applicants themselves whose names and passport numbers are indicated on the Reservation Receipt will be allowed to enter the Embassy. If you’re caught applying for someone other than yourself, your parents, your children or your spouse, you will be blacklisted by the Embassy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I didn’t make an appointment. can i still make a walk-in visit to the embassy.

NO. Walk-in applicants are no longer accepted, regardless of the visa type you’re applying for.

An appointment is required to be allowed entry.

Can I make an appointment for my spouse (husband/wife)?

YES. On October 4, the Korean Embassy published an update announcing that spouses may now be included in group appointments. So now, you can schedule an appointment for yourself, your parents, your children, or your spouse.

Previously, it was not allowed. According to the Embassy’s FB page before, husbands and wives must make a separate appointment.

But the rule has since been changed.

Can I make an appointment for my siblings (brother/sister)?

NO. You may only apply for yourself, your parents, your children, or your spouse.

Siblings are not included in any of the Embassy’s comms, even though they are immediate relatives, too.

The Embassy adds: “Your appointments for your cousins, nephews, nieces and other relatives will be cancelled by the Embassy.”

Can I make an appointment for my friends who will be my travel companions to Korea?

NO, they must secure an appointment slot on their own even though you will be traveling together.

Each applicant can book only for himself alone or for a parent, child, or spouse. If your companion isn’t a parent, spouse or a child, they need to secure a separate appointment.

Can I make multiple appointments under my name?

NO. Only appointments for yourself, spouse, parent or child will be accepted. All of your appointments will be cancelled by the Embassy.

If you’re caught making two or more appointments under one name, you and all the other applicants associated with you will be blacklisted by the Embassy.

When is the best time to book an appointment?

The Embassy only opens slots for the coming two week every other THURSDAY. This is the best time to try to get an appointment. In some months, when the last Thursday falls towards the very end of the month, the opening gets moved to the second-to-the-last Thursday of the month. The Embassy usually announces changes like this on its Facebook page.

Here’s the schedule for the next few months.

For June 2023, it is scheduled on JUNE 22 (the second to the last Thursday), NOT JUNE 29.

However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find a slot any other day. Sometimes, the Embassy or the applicants themselves cancel their appointment, putting refreshed slots up for grabs.

I keep on getting this error: 시스템에 일시적으로 장애가 발생했습니다. 잠시 후 다시 시도하여 주십시오. What does it mean?

It reads: The system has temporarily failed. Please try again later.

You may just refresh the page because it would keep on giving this error no matter what you click.

Updates Log

2023/4/27 – Reflected 2023 Q2 schedule updates 2023/1/26 – Reflected 2023 Q1 schedule updates 2022/10/11 – Reflected the October 4 update that includes spouse in application appointment. 2022/9/29 – First up Published: 2022 • 09 • 21

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hi, i was able to booked an appointment but i was super “taranta” so i just put my name and passport no. and forgot to put that of my family. when i checked my reservation i was able to edit and put my parents name. question is, do you have an idea if they will accept this or will they forfeit my reservation? thank you

Hi Shelley! I can’t be sure because I haven’t experienced something like this. But I think it’s OK as long as you print the reservation receipt again and their names should be on it.

In my case, when I failed to enter the right details, I was informed the next day that my reservation was cancelled. If you don’t receive any notification that yours has been cancelled, then I think you should be fine. But again, this is just my guess.

How about cebu? Pwde pa ba mag walk in dun?

Im trying to book an appointment for me, my husband, daughter and son…when i was filling up the special request to put all our full name and passport it doesnt fit since only max 100 characters are allowed. Do u think its ok if i just put all our first name without last name then passport number?TIA

Hi, when you applied for your family do they need to be with you sa embassy on the date of the appointment? TIA

May i know if naging ok?

Yes..inaaccept nila ung first name wala na tanong tanong…

Hi, any update on this? did they get your application even first name lang nakareserve? thanks

Hi, so far d naman rejected yung appointment namin.will come to know on 14th only when we go there.i got hard time kasi booking an appointment palaging puno slot.

Hi Sheene, not sure, but I would probably do the same since there isn’t much choice.

Thank you!!!

Hello po. I’m just wondering if applicable pa ba yung BDO/BPI credit card promo when applying for Korean tourist visa? Sabi kasi if mayron nun onte nalang requirements isusubmit? Then the cc site says promo is valid until end of this year.

Hi Cher. Naku, di ko po sure if ongoing pa ung promo now.

Hi, Do they require booked itineraries already once you apply for a visa?

Hindi naman po.

Hello, anytime po ba mag l-login same process po sa number 1 and 2?

Hello, kapag inaapply ko rin ang spouse ko and children need pa ba sila isama sa appointment? Or pwedeng ako nalang pupunta? Nakakuha kasi ako ng slot may pasok ang mga Bata.

Same question here, i tried to search pero wala ako mahanap if ok lang na d na sila kasama.

Can I reschedule my appointment po or hindi?

Ang alam ko po ay hindi.

Hello, can we include grandchild sa special request since minor namn sya, student and i am sponsoring his trip o talagang separate application din sya? TIA

Hi. In the Non-membership log-in, it says there to put name as seen in passport. May I ask if I should include the middle name? Is there a required format ? (surname first then first name or first name, middle name, surname?)

I have 3 previous SK visas but this is the first time that I’m doing the online appointment. Thank you for any input.

Hello! When entering your name as shown in passport, is it in the order of A. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE NAME] [LAST NAME] B. [LAST NAME], [FIRST NAME], [MIDDLE NAME] C. [FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME] D. [LAST NAME], [FIRST NAME]

Hope you can help!

I got an appointment last Nov.18 . i suppose to apply just tourist visa. Before i applied business visa 3months With invitation of korean company.

When i’m in the embassy guard instruct me at window 3 i submit all my documents w/o invitation and the person assist me ask the invitation letter if you cant provide it will more chance of deny application.

Next week will arrive my invitation , it is possible to re~consider my appointment last Nov. 18 to re~submit application once my invitation arrive?

Can i represent my daughter at the embassy to submit her application because she must not absent in the school since she is academic scholar.

Hindi po ba instant ung pagkaka-received ng authentication code sa email? im currently applying now, pero hindi pa rin ako nakaka-received ng authentication code.

Sa case ko po, if I remember correctly, a few minutes lang dumating na. Pero sa teammates ko, mas matagal, umabot 20 minutes yata yun. Dun sa isa naman, hindi dumating yung code at all kasi dami nag-aapply at the same time.

[surname, given name middle name] po ba ung format sa online appointment?

Hello po! Thank you for this detailed post. Mas malaki po ba ang chance na ma-approve ang Korean visa if ikaw mismo ang magsusubmit sa Korean Embassy ng requirements as compared to seeking assistance from an accredited agency? Thank you po!

Hi Cza, I don’t think it matters. But ang OK lang when coursing it through a travel agency is you have an extra layer of checks, so if mayroong makita ang agency na kaya mo pang idagdag or alisin to improve your chances, lalo if complicated yung case, they can give advice. But the submission method per se doesn’t have weight, I think.

I tried awhile ago to inquire in an accredited agency. Wala na daw silang slot for visa assistance. A few minutes later, they offered a travel package which includes visa application assistance. I prefer DIY travel ksi. Assistance on visa application lng need ko kasi I’m from South Cotabato.

Hello! Do you have any idea of the time frame for the approval? Back in 2019, it took 30-45 days before you can find out if you got approved or not.

If I applied for my parents and child, do I need to bring them along for the consul appointment or it’s okay showing just by myself?

Hi, Can i ask someone to collect the my passport on my behalf ..ano po yung mga requirements? Individual application not through agency thank you po

How can i book an appointment here in korea embassy in the philippines

Hi! 1st time traveller with my husband pero si husband sa ibang country mag mumula at mag pprocess ng korean pwede. Ano po kaya mga dapat na requirements ko na dala?

Hi! For Nonmembership log in, it says Enter name as shown in passport, is it Surname, Given name or Given name Surname?

Hoping for a replyyy. Thank you!!!

Please indicate your surname, then given name. Kumbaga how Koreans write their name, too. Surname muna.

Hi Yosh. I tried the online scheduling today. But is it normal that i tried several times but its always error. I tried twice and got authentication number sent to my email but everytime I entered it for verification. It always Error. Try again later. Then it will return to WAITINGROOM again which will take 30mins more… How can i really get an appointment if this website always like this?

Hello. They said that travel agencies can no longer process Korean visa,is this true?

The travel agency accreditation system has been abolished, so there are no more “designated travel agencies”. You may still apply via any travel agency but they will have to go through the same process as anyone else, in terms of securing an appointment. :)

If i was able to logged in as non member but have not booked an appointment, is it ok to log in multiple times?

Yep, you can log in naman multiple times.

Hi, how fast do slots for appointment reservation close? I’m supposed to travel first week of May and have yet to secure an appointment slot.

Based on experience, when slots open, they are gone in minutes.

Hi! Renewing my Korean visa which expired in 2020. Can I include my 9 year old grandson’s visa application in my appointment schedule? His single mom is currently studying/working abroad. I have his mom’s notarized Affidavit of support and consent. I want to bring him to Korea for a short vacay.

Hi, I missed answer two questions on Visa App: #8.8 (relatives in Korea) and #11 (assistance w form) and I may hv made mistake in Purpose of trip. Encoding Tourism, while my purpose is Business. Do I need to change the application form? My supposed trip is on Mar 06 2023. What your experience for this kind of tight schedule? Thank You

Hello po . Pag nakabook po ba appointment for visa, may interview po ba or submission lang ng requirements ang gagawin po?

Naka reserved ako ng appointment and unfortunately hindi ko nailagay yung Passport Number ko sa notes sa sobrang taranta, pwede pa ba tong ma update? or ano kaya pwede ko gawin? Should I email them?

Hello, i tried to book for an appointment. i clicked the make reservation na ang clicked ok. wala pa rin siyang lumalabas. And nagkamali ako, naclick ko yung check reservation. tapos bumalik siya sa waiting room. May idea ka po anong meaning nun? hindi po ba yun na get thru? :(

what’s the diff between membership and non-membership login?

Membership: you can log in when you need/want to. Its advantage is that it’s more efficient than the non-membership login. Non-membership: less efficient since you have to wait for the OTP to arrive at your email pa. From what I hear, matagal siya dumating sa email address mo on days that the reservation slots are opened.

I would recommend that you make an account (membership) prior the appointment slot para mas mabilis ka na makakuha ng slot. Hope this helps!

I was able to get an appointment slot, though I don’t want to take a leave on the appointment day due to work. Pwede ba ipalakad yung documents ko sa travel agency?

Di ko po sure ah, pero I think dapat ikaw. Kasi if ipapalakad sa agency, you should’ve chosen Travel Agency dun sa options po.

options po saan?

Naku, March pa po itong reply ko sa kanya. Baka iba na po ngayon.

Hi Yosh! Thanks for replying to my concern. So in my last application, pinalakad ko siya sa travel agency. Pwede naman pala :) My application was also approved.

Hello pag na blacklisted ba sa online appointment may iba pang way para makapag appointment ng visa?

Hi, thank you so much for this very informative content ☺️ may I ask how much is the visa fee? Thank you again ☺️

It’s FREE of charge.

About PSA Birth certificate and marriage certificate okay lang ba na almost 2 yrs ago na kinuha sa PSA, will they still accept as long as galing sa PSA?

Just make sure that it’s still the original copy, and updated ang details.

Are covering letters required or optional?

Cover letter for visa application? Optional.

Hello! I still have a valid visa but will be the one applying sana for my senior father & minor daughter. Do you know if thats possible? TIA and Thank you for the very informative post.

Hi Justine! I’m not sure if it’s possible, but I *think* it is allowed.

Hello, when claiming the Korean Visa in the embassy, do we need to print anything again? And how would we know if our visa already okay for pick-up? Thank you.

Hello po! Mag a-apply palang po kaming passport this Apr. 17 then sa Apr. 27 po open ng slots ng Embassy. Pede po kaya mag sign up na kahit wala pa po passport on hand?

**Additional: May format/ template po ba ang letter of invitation for Korean visa?

Ask ko lang po kujng pano po kapag mag aapointment sana ng date para makpunta sa Embassy para malaman or macheck po kung wala po kami sa list ng BAN For re entry sa korea.. Dto din po ba mag appointment?

Hi,ok lang po ba na ibang email address ang gamitin sa pagkuha ng visa appointment slot? Nag pa book kc ako ng appointment online then email ng setter ang nakalagay pero name ko naman ang nakalagay sa reservation hindi po ba yun magkaka problema?explain ni setter email nya ang nilagay nya to get the authentication code at maka pag pa reserve ng slot.wala daw po yun magiging problema…any adia po?tsaka tanong ko na din po pwede ba include ang name ng mga makakasama ko sa tour like spouse and children with their passport numbers bali 1 family kami 3pax?or need ko sila kuhanan ng separate appointment?pls enlighten me po tsaka pwede ba hindi na isama ang spouse and child kc may work at nag aaral anak ko. ako nalang pupunta sa mismong appointment schedule?thanks po

hello, may nabago po ba dito? pwede po ba walk-in? thank you

Hindi pa po pwede walk in. Need pa rin po ng appointment

Hi po.. when booking an appointment ano po difference between Individual application for Tourism 1 , 2 and 3? thanks po

No difference naman between the three. They just have more slots na ngayon probably due to the demand. :)

Hi! Question, how many days usually ang visa approval? Thanks!

Hi! In my experience, usually a week after mo malalaman if you’ve been approved or not.

For Korean visa, can I make one appointment slot together with 2 adult single children? thank you

Hi may I ask if pinayagan po?

what are the documents needed for my nephew? he’s still a minor (13y/o)? gusto namin siyang isama. pwede bang ikuha ng appointment siyang mag isa?

Applicable pa po ba ang travel agency visa application?

Thank you po sa mga sasagot

Hi Maureen, pwede pa rin yata but need yata nilang dumaan sa same process as normal applicants. To be honest, sa sobrang daming beses nagbago, kahit ako naguguluhan na.

Hi! I’ve been traveling this summer and am not in my home country (USA) but I will be studying abroad in Korea this fall. Therefore, I need a student visa. However, in Japan, I checked the online embassy calendar for visa appointment and it’s full for all of July. I was debating on whether just going to the Korean embassy in August before school starts and getting a visa there. But I was wondering how long it takes for the visa to come… Also I think I would have to reserve a visa appointment at the Korea embassy and not be able to walk up. Is there an online visa application form because I cannot find it.

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2024 Korean Visa Guide for Self-Employed Filipinos — How I Got Approved!

After publishing my freelancer BIR registration guide where I briefly mentioned that I got my Korean visa in Cebu approved as a self-employed professional , I’ve been receiving inquiries about the Korean visa requirements for self-employed individuals. Even my freelancer friends personally asked me how I did it.

Did I submit an Income Tax Return (ITR) ? This is a common concern for freelancers and digital nomads who haven’t registered their profession or freelancing gigs at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) yet.

Although I was granted a Korean visa without ITR before, I made sure to have all my documents complete this time around. I got my BIR Certificate of Registration (COR) as well as my ITR (BIR Form 1701A) and submitted them for my Korean visa application in Cebu.

Thankfully, I got my Korean tourist visa and finally experienced spring in Korea , indulged in a variety of delicious Korean street food , and shopped for Korea souvenirs again.

Now, let me guide you through the process if you would like to apply for a Korean visa as a self-employed individual.

Steps for Korean visa application for self-employed individuals

Step 1: gather your korean visa requirements for self-employed.

For self-employed professionals and freelancers , you may refer to the list of Korean visa requirements for Employed Individuals .

[UPDATE]: If you are a professional holding a PRC license such as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, accountants, and lawyers (IBP ID), you are exempted from submitting bank certificates, bank statements, and Income Tax Return (ITR) under the Simplification of Visa Application announced by the Korean Embassy and Korean Consulate in Cebu .

For those who have a business , you may refer to the list of Korean visa requirements for Businessmen .

You might be wondering why there are different types of Korean visa requirements for self-employed individuals. Actually, if you check both lists, the requirements are pretty much the same except that you need to provide a Certificate of Employment (COE) for employees and SEC / DTI Business Registration and Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit for businessmen .

If you registered at BIR as a self-employed professional like me, you won’t have any of those documents. Instead, you may submit a photocopy of your BIR Certificate of Registration (COR) together with a cover letter explaining your situation.

Here are the Korean visa documents I submitted as a self-employed professional:

1. Accomplished Korean Visa Application Form 2. Passport size colored photo to be pasted on the form 3. Philippine Passport 4. Photocopy of the bio-page of my Philippine Passport 5. Original and photocopy of valid visas and arrival stamps to OECD countries I visited for the past 5 years (I submitted my previous Australia visa and Japan visa ) 6. Photocopy of BIR Certificate of Registration (COR) and proof of payment 7. Original Personal Bank Certificate (Average Daily Balance or ADB for 6 months) 8. Bank Statement (Last 3 months) 9. Photocopy of Annual Income Tax Return (ITR) or BIR Form No. 1701A (This form is specific for individuals earning solely from profession or business) 10. Cover letter explaining my situation as a self-employed professional

Step 2: Accomplish the Korean visa application form for self-employed

Download the new Korean visa application form and print in an A4 size bond paper.

Tips in accomplishing your Korean visa form

• Write or type your information or data carefully.
• Use BLOCK LETTERS or ALL CAPS when filling out the fields.
• Put N/A for all fields that are not applicable to you.
• To avoid erasures and errors, I suggest that you download the editable .doc format of the Korean visa application form where you can just type your information, edit if you need to, and print the pages after.

Take note of the following fields:

1.7 국가신분증번호 National Identity No.

Put N/A if you don’t have your National ID yet.

2.2 체류자격 Status of Stay

Put C-3-9 TOURIST if you are applying for a Korean tourist visa.

8.9. 동반입국 가족 유무 기재 Are you traveling with any family member?

Family members only mean your spouse , parents , children , and siblings . Your romantic partners and friends are not included, so don’t write their names down even if you are traveling with them.

10.2 경비지불자 Who will pay for your travel expenses?

a) 성명/회사(단체)명 Name of Person/Company(Institute)

Put the name of the entity who will fund your Korea trip. If you are funding yourself, then put your name.

b) 관계 Relationship to you

Put your relationship to the entity who will fund you. Put SELF  if you will fund your trip.

c) 지원내용 Type of Support

Put the type of support you are getting or you will shoulder such as FINANCIAL SUPPORT , HOTELS , FLIGHTS , or TOURS .

Sample Korean visa application form for self-employed individuals completely filled out for your reference

• a) Name of Company: Write your registered company name on your BIR COR. For self-employed professionals, it’s just your complete name. (E.g. JUAN DE LA CRUZ)
• b) Position: Write the profession or occupation you declared in your BIR COR. (E.g. FREELANCE WRITER, WEB DEVELOPER, GRAPHIC ARTIST)
• 8.4 Address in Korea: LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL – 30 EULJI-RO, JUNG-GU, SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
• 8.5 Contact No. in Korea: +82 2-771-1000

Step 3: Schedule your appointment and submit your documents

Arrange your Korean visa documents according to the listed requirements so you can easily check if they are all in order. Then, proceed to submit them.

If you are based in Manila and other parts of the Philippines , you can walk-in and submit your Korean visa documents at the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Manila. KVAC charges a service fee of ₱900. You may refer to our Korean visa guide for Filipinos for more details.

If you are based in Cebu , you need to schedule an online appointment before you can submit your documents to the Korean Consulate in Cebu. Please refer to our Korean visa online appointment guide for the steps. It’s free and you don’t need to pay for any service fees. Read our Korean visa in Cebu guide if you are applying in Cebu.

Alternatively, you may submit your documents to any designated travel agencies to process your Korean visa. Their handling fees vary, but for your reference, RELI Tours & Travel costs ₱2,400 to process your Korean visa, which already includes the ₱1,500 handling fee and ₱900 visa fee.

South Korea visa fees 2024

• FREE if you only stay for 59 days or less
• ₱2,000 if you stay for 60 to 90 days

Step 4: Wait for your Korean visa

Once you submit your Korean visa requirements, it’s just waiting time.

South Korea visa processing time 2024

According to the Korean Embassy’s announcement , the Korean visa processing time is now 7 working days .

For your reference, I actually got my Korean visa in Cebu after 10 working days.

Step 5: Claim your passport and Korean visa

For those who applied via KVAC or travel agencies, you will receive a text message once your passport is ready for pick up regardless of the outcome.

Cebu-based applicants will get a slip where the tentative release date and time is indicated. You can proceed to the Korean Consulate in Cebu on the specified schedule.

You may also check your Korean visa status online via this KOREA VISA PORTAL .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I’ve compiled some questions from our readers so you can also learn from them.

1. Can I apply for a Korean visa without ITR?

This is the most common question, especially since most freelancers and digital nomads don’t have an Income Tax Return (ITR) yet. But yes, you may apply like I did where I created a cover letter explaining my situation. You may refer to my Korean visa without ITR guide , but I do not guarantee the same outcome for you. So, apply at your own risk.

To avoid complications, I suggest that you register your freelancing gig or online job at BIR so you’ll get your Certificate of Registration (COR) and ITR (BIR Form 1701A) as proof of your ties to the Philippines, and that you have a source of income to finance your Korea trip. You may read my freelancer BIR registration guide if you’re interested.

2. How early can I apply for my Korean tourist visa?

You may apply for your South Korean tourist visa at least 2 to 3 months prior to your intended travel dates. Once your visa is granted, you still have 3 months (90 days) to use it before it expires.

3. Can I book my flights ahead and submit them as supporting documents?

I understand how seat sales and promo fares get tempting at times. However, the Korean Embassy does not encourage you to book your flights ahead since visa approval is still not guaranteed. Having a confirmed flight ticket is not a sufficient supporting document and does not guarantee your Korean visa approval.

4. What other supporting documents can I submit?

Really, there’s no need to submit supporting documents if you have completed all your Korean visa requirements. That should be enough.

But if you really want, you can consider submitting your credit card statements and proof of owned properties in the Philippines. You also need to write a cover letter explaining your current situation, especially when you lack some required documents like the ITR or COE.

5. How do I write a Korean visa cover letter?

You can check my Korean visa without ITR guide where I added a sample Korean visa cover letter. Feel free to tweak it based on your situation and what requirements you lack.

For my recent Korean visa application, I still submitted a cover letter explaining my current status as a self-employed professional.

6. Should all documents be in A4 size bond paper?

Yes, all documents including photocopies should all be in A4 size. But if your bank does not print your bank certificate and bank statements in A4, it’s fine. Just make sure the rest of your documents are in A4 size.

7. If I completed all my Korean visa requirements, will it guarantee my visa approval?

There’s still no guarantee that your Korean visa will be approved even if you submitted all the requirements. In fact, I overheard one applicant asking why she got denied when she submitted all required documents. She didn’t get a specific answer and could not do anything about it. It’s still a case-by-case basis and up to the Korean Embassy’s decision.

8. How do I increase my chances of visa approval?

I understand how applying for a visa is nerve-wracking, time-consuming, and costly, so you’d want to increase your chances of visa approval as much as possible.

While there’s really no definite formula, I suggest that you start off by traveling to visa-free countries to build up your travel history, and of course, save enough funds to finance your trip. You may read my tips to increase your chances of visa approval .

9. My visa got denied when I applied in Manila. Can I re-apply in Cebu?

Unfortunately, you cannot apply or re-apply in Cebu if you are based in Manila or other parts of the Philippines. Only those who are based in Cebu can apply at the Korean Consulate in Cebu. Meaning, you must work or live in Cebu to apply for a Korean visa in Cebu .

10. If my Korean visa gets denied, can I make an appeal?

Unfortunately, the Korean Embassy does not accept appeals for visa denial.

11. If my Korean visa gets denied, when can I reapply?

You can only reapply after three (3) months from your visa denial.

Do you have other Korean visa questions or concerns not tackled here? Feel free to let us know on our social media channels: Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube and we’ll try our best to respond to you.

All the best in your Korean visa application!

Excited to plan your Korea trip? You might want to read our Korea guides and itineraries:

• Korea Tourist Card Guide
• Discover Seoul Pass Guide
• T-Money Card Guide
• SIM Card or Pocket WiFi Guide
• Nami Island Guide
• N Seoul Tower Guide
• Lotte World Seoul Guide
• 5-Day Korea Winter Itinerary
• 5-Day Korea Spring Itinerary

Ready to jumpstart your self-employment or freelancing career? You might also want to read our SSS Online Payment Guide , PhilHealth Online Payment Guide , and Pag-IBIG Online Payment Guide .

Disclaimer: I do not claim to be a Korean visa expert. While I was granted a single-entry Korean tourist visa as a self-employed professional, I do not guarantee the same outcome for you. Visit the Korean Embassy or Korean Consulate in Cebu for more information.