How to Secure a Korean Tourist Visa

Planning a trip to South Korea? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you secure your tourist visa with ease.

For Residents of Visayas: Residents of Visayas can apply through the Korean Consulate in Cebu, located at the 12th Floor of Chinabank's Corporate Center; Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5 in Ayala Business Park. The application is free if your stay is less than 60 days.

For Residents of Luzon and Mindanao: Applicants from Luzon and Mindanao need to apply through the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) located at 9F~10F, Brittany Hotel BGC, 6 McKinley Pkwy, Taguig City, Metro Manila. There is a fee of ₱900 (as of the time of writing). Alternatively, you can send your application by mail to KVAC via WE Express, which costs ₱1,000 plus the KVAC fee per applicant. For more details, visit: . I believe this is the only accredited courier of KVAC for tourist visa processing. You do not send them via LBC or 2Go and not addressed to the embassy directly. It will be KVAC who will lodge your application to the embassy.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Document Preparation:

   • Gather all required documents. If you can't provide a certain document, write a cover letter explaining the reason.

   • Check the list of requirements here: . Choose the one that's applicable to your profile. Scroll through the list until you find the one applicable to your profile (there are twelve C3 profiles there: Employed Individual, Businessman, Housewife, Student, etc.). Below is list of requirements for employed individuals (C3-9) only. 

   • ■ C-3 (Short Term Visit) Visa Requirements for Employed Individuals

     1. Application Form
     2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
     3. Original Passport 
     4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
     5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)

     6. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
     7. 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]
     8. Original Personal Bank Certificate [must include account name, account number, account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)]
     9. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
     10. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
     11. Visa Fee: GRATIS (59 days below stay in Korea) / PHP2,000 (60 to 90 days stay in Korea) 

     
     

     (If personally invited by Korean ) - authentication not required
     - Invitation Letter written in Korean
     - Photocopy of inviter's Passport or Identification Card
     

     (If invited by Company in Korea ) - authentication not required
     - Invitation Letter written in Korean
     - Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit

   • If you own qualified credit cards (BDO Gold and Elite, BPI Gold and Elite, RCBC Gold and Elite, Metrobank, check the link below for specific credit card types), you may apply through the simplified process until December 31, 2025. Instead of submitting items 8 to 10, you will need to provide:

     1. Certificate of Employment (original)

     2. Copy of Credit Card (with card number)

     3. Latest 3 Months Credit Card Account Monthly Billing Statements (copy)

     All other requirements, except for items 8 to 10, must still be submitted. For more details and to see the list of qualified credit cards, visit: .

   • If possible, print your documents in A4 size paper.

2. Securing an Appointment:

   • Visit the to book an appointment at the Korean Consulate in Cebu. Don't be surprised if the link is dead. It happens from time to time. They usually open slots on Tuesdays at 2:00 PM. So just check the website from time to time. Simply follow the prompts. When you're at the portal, choose "Visit a diplomatic mission" and select Cebu.

     • There is a specific time slot for individual tourist applicants. Choose the time slot that is applicable to you.

     • There is also a time slot allocated for travel agencies. So ensure that you select the correct one.

   • For KVAC applicants in Manila, you may opt to walk in.

   • Appointments typically open every Tuesday at 2 PM. Follow the prompts on the site to book a slot. Note this applies to Cebu application, being a Cebu-based applicant myself.

3. Application Submission:

   • Visit the Korean Consulate in Cebu or the KVAC in Manila with your documents. For Cebu applicants, come at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

   • The staff will advise a tentative date for passport pick-up.

   • Act accordingly while at the consulate. They have instructions like no taking of photos. 

4. Processing Time:

   • The visa processing time usually takes around 10 or more days.

   • Check the status of your application online at: . Once result is in, you may drop by the consulate again to pick up your passport and visa grant notice (if approved).

5. Visa Grant Notice:

   • Instead of a visa sticker, you will receive a printed paper (visa grant notice) like below.

     
     
     

   • You can download and print the notice yourself once your visa is approved. Alternatively, you can wait until you pick up your passport. You will be given a copy of the visa grant notice then.

At the time of my own application last June 2024, there weren't that many applications, so securing a slot was relatively easy for me. This might vary for you, so it’s always best to be prepared and act promptly. If you have more travel tips or questions, feel free to share!