The Philippines has been one of South Korea’s largest tourism sources for many years now and it’s not surprising why. Filipinos love everything about South Korea, from history to culture, food to products, and K-pop to K-dramas. They just know the special recipe that caters to the taste of Filipinos. I’m even willing to bet that your dream of visiting Korea starts from one of these, but even if it’s not, I can guarantee that there is a whole another world to explore in South Korea.
Korean entertainment industry is one of the biggest in the world, though I am not an avid fan of it, but in the snippets I’ve seen, I could totally understand why fans are so crazy about them. Walking through the streets of Seoul could transport you directly into Korean drama scenes, it was that Magical! Well, let me tell you that you are just a 4 hour plane ride and an approved Korean Visa away from experiencing all these and to be honest, getting a Korean Visa is not as complicated as you might think since the Korean Embassy is quite lenient in giving out tourist visas to Filipinos, nowadays. Let these 6 simple steps be the start of your adventures in the Land of the Morning Calm!
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I. HOW TO APPLY FOR A SOUTH KOREAN TOURIST VISA (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)
STEP 1: Determine the type of Visa you need to apply for.
Depending on your purpose, there are different types of Korean Visas you can apply for, (such as business visa, student visa, etc.). You may skip applying for a Korean Visa, ONLY if you are qualified to: South Korea Visa-free Program for Filipinos.
This guide is for those applying for a KOREAN TOURIST VISA (with and without sponsor/invitation) only if the purpose of visit is Short-term or for Leisure/Tourism.
If you have a different situation or intention/s, it’s best to directly contact the Embassy of Korea in the Philippines for more information.
STEP 2: Prepare and complete the Korean Visa Requirements.
Make sure all documents are clear and readable. Read this: KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS LIST for Filipinos.
TIP! You can also submit other relevant documents that prove the reason for your travel (such as medical certificate, invitation letter, etc.).
STEP 3: Find an accredited travel agency by The Korean Embassy.
As of July, 2018, due to the rapid increase of Visa applicants, The Embassy of Korea in the Philippines no longer accepts direct applications from individuals applying for Tourist Visa except for special cases (such as a spouse or child of a Korean national/citizen, a government employee on a business trip, and the Korean Consulate in Cebu). Otherwise, the only way to apply is through travel agencies accredited by the Embassy. Read this: KOREAN VISA Full List of Accredited Travel Agencies by the Embassy (with contact details).
STEP 4: Submit the documents and pay for the fees.
The Korean Embassy does not charge a Visa fee for stays shorter than 59 days, however accredited travel agencies do and they usually range from (P500-P2,000) as processing fee. For Visa applications of stays ranging from 60 to 90 days, the Embassy charges P1,800 as Visa fee (this is on top of the travel agency processing fee).
TIP! Be as early as you can on the day of submission as lines can get quite long at times in some travel agencies.
STEP 5: Wait for the Visa application results.
Processing time takes 10-15 business days, but take note that this is very unpredictable due to the influx of South Korea Visa applicants. Which is why I recommend applying at least a month or two before your intended travel to allow ample time.
STEP 6: Claim your Passport and Korean Visa.
The travel agency will notify you via SMS/Text messages once your passport is available for collection but, they wouldn’t usually tell if your visa is approved or not. Some agencies offer different arrangements to claim your passport (such as mail delivery, etc.).
In my experience back in 2017, I applied directly at the Korean Embassy in Manila and I got my Visa after 5 business days.
TIP! If approved, it’s always best practice to check and make sure all information on your Visa is correct to avoid complications in your travels. GOOD LUCK!
I hope you find this helpful in getting your Visa. If you have other tips, suggestions or you have gone through a different Visa procedure, please share your experience in the comment section to help out others. Let’s make this place be the source of useful information and a start of meaningful conversations that gives value to others! 🙂
Klook.comII. SOUTH KOREAN TOURIST VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. Is Travel Insurance required to apply for a Korean Tourist Visa?
NO. It’s not part of Korean Visa Requirements. However once your Visa is approved, I strongly recommend getting one because while South Korea is a very safe destination, remember that you can’t really eliminate the risk when traveling, but you can always add protection! That said, here’s my recommendations;
- For the best “budget-friendly travel insurance”: SafetyWings
- For the best “travel insurance coverage”: World’s Nomads
2. How much is the Korean Visa fee?
It’s FREE, but accredited travel agencies charge from (P500-P2,000) as processing fee (for stays less than 59 days). An additional (P1,800) change by the Embassy only for those who applied for Visa (stays ranging from 60 to 90 days).
3. Is Korean Visa Fee refundable?
Unfortunately, it’s Non-Refundable regardless of the outcome (Approved/Denied/Withdrew).
4. Do I need a travel agency to apply for a Korean Visa?
The Embassy of Korea in the Philippines no longer accepts direct applications from individuals applying for Tourist Visa except for special cases (such as a spouse or child of a Korean national/citizen, a government employee on a business trip, and the Korean Consulate in Cebu). Otherwise, the only way to apply is through travel agencies accredited by the Embassy. Read this: KOREAN VISA Full List of Accredited Travel Agencies by the Embassy (with contact details).
5. How long is the processing time for a Korean Visa?
10-15 business days, But take note that this is very unpredictable due to the influx of South Korea Visa applicants.
6. How early can I apply for a Korean Visa?
3 months before your intended travel, (but keep in mind that it might be very close to the expiry date).
7. When is the best time to apply for a Korean Visa?
At least a month or two before your intended travel to Korea is the ideal time to apply for a visa. Why? Because sometimes, Korean Visa processing time takes longer than usual due to the volume of the visa application the Embassy receives. Also, it’s always a best practice to allow ample time to avoid complications in your travels.
8. How long is the validity of a Korean Visa?
3 months from the date of approval and for stay up to 59 days (based from my experience with my Korean Single-Entry Visa).
9. Is ‘show money’ required to apply for a Korean Visa?
YES! The Korean Embassy requires financial documents for a reason and that is to establish your financial capability to cover all your expenses while in Korea, as well as your intention to return. If your trip is sponsored by someone, you need to submit their financial documents instead.
10. How much is the ‘show money’ to apply for a Korean Visa?
The Korean Embassy did not specify how much money you should have in the bank. It may be because it varies from person to person and the amount can also be totally different for everybody. But trust me, your financial documents don’t need to have millions, it just has to be realistic! So, if you intend to travel for a duration of 15 days with ONLY P20,000 in the bank, well that will raise a lot of red flags. In this case, you may want to consider applying with a Sponsor/Guarantor.
Most people I know who applied for a 5 to 7-day stay with P100,000+ in their bank accounts were pretty successful in getting a Korean Visa. I guess that’s a reasonable amount for that duration and their situation. But, a friend of mine got approved with only P35,000 in the bank for a 4-day stay. It was very risky, but it worked. I don’t recommend it though.
Again, the amount in your bank account should suffice to all your projected expenses in your trip to Korea, plus some extra funds for miscellaneous expenses. Also, you don’t necessarily have to spend all of them on that trip (which is why others refer to this as ‘Show Money’).
11 Do I need to book flights and hotel/s before applying for a Korean Visa?
No. You are not required to submit nor book flight tickets and hotel/s before applying for a Visa. Applicants are encouraged to secure a visa first before booking their flights and hotel/s.
For the question on the application form regarding your address while in Korea, you can reserve it online (for FREE) through through Agoda.com with a REFUNDABLE option if you cancel it a day before your intended stay. That way, you can also fill up the exact address and contact information needed on the application form.
12. What is the approval rate of Korean Visa?
90% is the approval rate for a Korean Visa, according to the travel agency I consulted.
NOTE: This may NOT be the exact approval rate by The Korean Embassy! This is just meant to give you an idea. Besides, not even the actual percentage nor anyone can guarantee you a visa, but only the Visa Officers and how convinced they are with your application.
13. What if my Korean Visa gets denied, can I apply again?
Yes! You can apply again after 6 months (from the date of your initial Korean Visa application results).
14. What’s the address of The South Korean Embassy in the Philippines?
KOREAN EMBASSY IN MANILA
122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Email Address: ph04@mofa.go.kr
Telephone: (63-2) 856-9210, local no. 270, 500
KOREAN CONSULATE IN CEBU
12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Cebu
Email Address: phi_cebu2015@mofa.go.kr
Contact No.: (63-32) 231-1516(-9)
