Annyeonghasseyo! A LOT of Filipinos are addicted to Korean Dramas, Korean Pop, Korean Beauty Trends and all things Korean. There’s no better way to get a real feel of this Korean addiction than going to Nami Island where Winter Sonata was shot, taste the authentic kimchi, samgyeopsal, and the famous hangover soup, as well as walk around Gyeongbokgung Palace in the traditional Hanbok and witness the changing of guards. You can definitely make dreams into reality with a South Korea Tourist Visa!

It’s a lovely country with such a distinct culture and beautiful weather (4 seasons, nothing less!) - no wonder it’s a favorite destination for Filipinos. But first things first, Philippine Passport Holders need a South Korea Tourist Visa to enter this amazing country unless you are exempted. Read through our guide on how to get one!

It’s a lovely country with such a distinct culture and beautiful weather (4 seasons, nothing less!)-- no wonder it’s a favorite destination for Filipinos. But first things first, we need to get that visa!

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QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE SOUTH KOREA TOURIST VISA

Validity: 3 months for a stay of less than 59 days

Number of Entries: Single

Processing Time: 10 - 15 working days in Manila while 15 working days in Cebu

How to Apply: via designated Travel Agency in Manila but for Cebu, you can go to the consulate or pass thru a designated Travel Agency

Embassy in the Philippines: Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines
Address: 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Philippines
Telephone Number: +63-2-8856-9210

Consulate in the Philippines: Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu
Address: 12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Bussiness Park, Mabolo, Cebu City
Telephone Number: +63-32-231-1516(-9)

Exemptions: Tourists in transit to Third Countries, Foreign transfer Passengers, Entry to Jeju (You may read more from the Embassy’s Announcement)

PRIMARY REQUIREMENTS FOR A SOUTH KOREA TOURIST VISA

1. Application Form which shall be filled out truthfully and legibly;

How To Apply For A South Korean Tourist Visa With Your Philippines Passport

2. 1 Passport size colored photo attached to the application form;

3. Original Passport which should be valid for more than 6 months;

4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2);

5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD Members and Countries for the past 5 years, if applicable;

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6. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB);

7. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)

NOTE: Always keep the receipt of the Bank Statement and Bank Certificate, they may ask for this too.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR SOUTH KOREA TOURIST VISA

Supporting documents are those that you should bring aside from the Primary Requirements. It is to prove your financial capacity to enter and stay in their country as well as your intention to return. The supporting documents vary on your status as follows:

1. For employees - Bring your original Certificate of Employment (must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number (cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address), ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy and copy of PRC Card or IBP Card, if applicable.

2. For business owners - Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI, Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor's Permit, Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 and Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card if applicable.

3. For students - School Certificate (Original), Copy of School ID, Copy of Birth Certificate, Parents' Documents (Check status for the documents), and copy of parents’ NSO Marriage Certificate.

4. Other Status- Please check the complete list of visa requirements here for more details.

Additional Requirements If You’re Invited By A Korean National:

1. Invitation Letter, and

2. Photocopy of Inviter's Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required).

Additional Requirements If You’re Invited By Company In Korea: 1) Invitation Letter, and

3. Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit (authentication not required)

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: APPLYING FOR SOUTH KOREA TOURIST VISA

STEP 1: Complete ALL the requirements;

STEP 2: Fill out the application form legibly and truthfully (don’t leave anything in blank. Write N/A if the item is not applicable to you);

STEP 3: Once you have everything ready, you may now find an Accredited Travel Agency to process your application. Note that personal applications are no longer allowed in the South Korean Embassy unless you are a spouse or child of a Korean national, a government employee on a business trip, an application with urgent humanitarian reasons, a visa issuance number holder from Korea, or applying in Cebu.

STEP 4: You can check your application status on this website. Coordinate with your chosen Travel Agency as to the release of your passport and hopefully, it will be approved! :)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SOUTH KOREA TOURIST VISA

1. What are the Accredited Travel Agencies that process the South Korean Tourist Visa Application?

As of now, here are the Travel Agencies that are accredited by them:

2. How much is the visa processing fee for South Korea?

The visa itself is free of charge if you’re staying for less than 60 days. For those staying for 60-90 days, a fee of PHP 2,000 is required. However, the processing fee is required for the travel agency which could range from PHP 500 - 2,000.

3. How long is the processing time?

Due to the influx of South Korea Tourist Visa applicants, the working time is 10-15 days.

4. Do I need to have a ‘show money’?

Definitely, as they are asking for a bank certificate and bank statement. As per tourist agencies, USD 100 per day per person is needed plus allowance for flight tickets.

5. What if my visa gets denied?

You can re-apply after 6 months. (It’s so long. I know)

6. Are there cases where I do not have to submit my ITR?

Yes. Frequent travelers who have traveled as a tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR. However, if you can’t submit an ITR, you can make a cover letter.

7. Can I apply for a multiple entry visa?

Yes, but only in certain cases. If you have visited South Korea for 4 times over the last 2 years or more than 10 times in total (at least one of the visits must be within recent 2 years), then you can apply for a Multiple Entry Visa.

8. Are there any other cases?

YES! With your BDO Gold Credit Card and Premium RCBC Bankcard, you can apply for a multiple entry visa which is valid for 3-5 years even if you are a first-timer.

9. Do I need a visa to visit Jeju Island?

No need! With your Philippines passport, you can visit Jeju Island for up to thirty (30) days.

10. Do I need travel insurance?

It is not mandatory but I always recommend getting one. You’ll never know what will happen on your trip so getting one is a MUST for me. Mabuti na ang sigurado! :)

11. Is it advisable to avail of the services of a tour agency?

You really need a tour agency when applying in Manila as you can’t submit it personally. If you need a little more assistance, I can give you a one-on-one travel coaching for a minimal fee. Together, we can go through your documents, fill in what’s missing, and work together for you to get that visa!

13 Reasons for a Denied South Korea Visa and How to Avoid Them.jpg

For more information, please visit the website of The Embassy of South Korea In The Philippines. Good luck with your visa application! Send my regards to Lee Min Ho if you happen to see him in South Korea. Haha!