[2022] KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS LIST for Filipinos

This set of requirements are for those applying for 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.

I. Korean Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipinos

1. Philippine Passport

A) Philippines passport must have at least 6 months’ remaining validity prior to your intended travel date with 2 blank pages for stamps.
B) The passport must be in good condition and have a signature (on page 3 in new 10-year passports).

2. Photocopy of the Passport Bio Page

A) This is located on page 2 of your CURRENT Passport.

3. Previous Passports (only if applicable)

A) Only applicable if you have traveled abroad within the last 5 years (if not then you can skip this).

4. Original and Photocopy of All Your OECD Visa/s and Stamps (only if applicable)

This is only applicable if you have traveled to OECD Countries listed here (excluding Japan) in the last 5 years (if not then you can skip this).

• If you have been to any of the OECD Countries (excluding Japan) then you need to submit the PASSPORT that contains OECD Visa/s and stamps.
• Photocopy of the USED OECD Visa/s and stamps.

TIP! Submitting an OECD Visa/s can expedite and increase your chances of approval.

UPDATE: As of June, 2019, Japan is still part of OECD countries, but the Korean Embassy does NOT accept JAPAN VISA anymore due to several incidents of applicants submitting FAKE Japan Visas.

5. One (1) Passport-sized Photo

A) Passport-size: 35mm x 45mm (colored photo against white background).
B) The photo must be clear (pixelated photo is NOT allowed).
C) Photo must be pasted properly on the designated area on the Application Form (page 1).

• For sample, click here.

6. A Duly Accomplished South Korean Application Form

A) Download the Korean Visa Application Form here or through this link.
B) Must be Typed/Typewritten with Arial font size 12. (Update: As of November, 2019)
C) Leave blanks to the questions that are not applicable to you.
D) Print the accomplished application form in A4-size papers ONLY.

TIP! For the question on the application form regarding flight details, you can simply check the airline’s website and copy the details of the flight you are eyeing for. For hotel/s, you can reserve it online (for FREE) 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.

7. Invitation Letter (only if applicable)

A) If invited by a Korean National/Citizen or Foreign National legally residing in Korea submit the following:

• Invitation Letter
• Photocopy of inviter’s Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required).

B) If invited by Company in Korea submit the following:

• Invitation Letter
• Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit (authentication not required).

8. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

On top of the primary requirements above, you will also need to provide supporting documents to prove and establish your financial capability to cover all your expenses throughout the trip as well as your intention to return. The supporting documents required differ depending on your status.

A) FOR EMPLOYEES

• Original Certificate of Employment: The certificate must indicate applicant’s position, hired date, compensation, HR email address, complete office address, and HR landline numbers (mobile numbers are NOT allowed).
• Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) or (Form 2316). If you do not have an ITR, you may write a letter explaining why you’re unable to provide it. (e.g. newly employed, etc.) In addition, you can also submit copies of your payslip or other proof of income.
• Original Bank Certificate: Should be under your name and must be issued within 3 months from the date of your visa application along with the receipt. Also, it must indicate your account type, current balance, account opening date, and average daily balance (ADB). You are exempted to submit this ONLY if you hold eligible BDO or BPI cards listed here.
• Original or Certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months from the date of your visa application and should be under your name.
• Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (only if applicable).

B) FOR SELF-EMPLOYED/BUSINESS OWNERS

• For Business Owners, provide photocopies of your Business Registration issued by DTI/SEC (for SEC Registration the pages should indicate the names of stockholders).
  • Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit.
• For Self-employed/Freelancer, submit your latest Income Tax Return (ITR) or (Form 1701A) with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank. If you do not have an ITR, you may write a letter explaining why you’re unable to provide it. In addition, you can also submit a sample of your work and copies of your payslip or other proof of income.
• Original Bank Certificate: Should be under your name and must be issued within 3 months from the date of your visa application along with the receipt. Also, it must indicate your account type, current balance, account opening date, and average daily balance (ADB). You are exempted from submitting this ONLY if you have been to any of the OECD Countries with USED Visa/s (excluding Japan) or if you hold eligible BDO or BPI cards (as mentioned above).
• Original or Certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months from the date of your visa application and should be under your name.
• Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (only if applicable).

C) FOR HOUSEWIVES/HOUSEHUSBANDS

• Spouse Original Bank Certificate: Should be under your name or spouse’s name and MUST be issued within 3 months from the date of your visa application along with the receipt. Also, it must indicate the account type, current balance, account opening date, and average daily balance (ADB). You are exempted from submitting this ONLY if you have been to any of the OECD Countries with USED Visa/s (excluding Japan) or if you hold eligible BDO or BPI cards (as mentioned above).
• Spouse Original or Certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months from the date of your visa application and should be under your name or spouse’s name.
• Photocopy of NSO Marriage Certificate.

• If Spouse is Employed
  • Spouse Original Certificate of Employment: The certificate must indicate spouse position, hired date, compensation, HR email address, complete office address, and HR landline numbers (mobile numbers are NOT allowed).
  • Spouse Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) or (Form 2316).

• If Spouse is Self-Employed
  • Spouse’s copy of Business Registration from DTI/SEC.
  • Spouse’s copy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit.
  • Spouse’s copy of Income Tax Return (ITR) with BIR stamp or (Form 2316) with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank.

D) FOR STUDENTS

• Submit the following only if you’re currently enrolled;
  • Original school certificate.
  • Photocopy of your School ID.
  • Photocopy of your NSO Birth Certificate.
  • Parents’ Original Bank Certificate: Should be under your Parents’ name and must be issued within 3 months from the date of your visa application along with the receipt. Also, it must indicate the account type, current balance, account opening date, and average daily balance (ADB).
  • Parents’ Original or Certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months from the date of your visa application and should be under your Parents’ name.
  • Photocopy of NSO Marriage Certificate (only if applicable).

• If Parents’ are Employed
  • Parents’ Original Certificate of Employment: The certificate must indicate Parents’ position, hired date, compensation, HR email address, complete office address, and HR landline numbers (mobile numbers are NOT allowed).
  • Parents’ photocopy of Income Tax Return (ITR) with BIR stamp or (Form 2316) with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank.

• If Parents are Self-Employed
  • Parents’ copy of Business Registration from DTI/SEC.
  • Parents’ copy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit.
  • Parents’ copy of Income Tax Return (ITR) with BIR stamp or (Form 2316) with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank.

• If your sponsor is not your parents, you MUST submit:
  • Guarantee/Cover Letter: This letter must explain your relationship and should indicate that he/she is funding your trip including their contact information (such as address, email, and contact number).
    • Guarantee Letter Formats for Seafarers sample, click here.

E) FOR RETIRED and/or SENIOR CITIZENS

• Original Bank Certificate: Should be under your name and must be issued within 3 months from the date of your visa application along with the receipt. Also, it must indicate your account type, current balance, account opening date, and average daily balance (ADB).
• Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months from the date of your visa application and should be under your name.
• Clear copy of Senior Citizen ID.

II. Once all requirements are completed, here’s the full: KOREAN VISA GUIDE for Filipinos (Step-by-Step).