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A Filipino’s Guide To Applying For A Korean Tourist Visa

Don’t let the dread that comes with applying for a South Korean Tourist Visa stop you from living your dreams of flying to the land of K-Drama, K-Pop, and K-Beauty because the whole process is actually easier than you think!

Here’s our simplified guide to applying for a Single Entry Tourist Visa for employed Filipinos. If you don’t fall under this category, you may find your visa type by visiting the official website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines. 


The Requirements

You are to gather all the requirements being asked by the Embassy for a smooth application process and to establish your intention of visiting South Korea as a tourist.

  1. Accomplished Application Form
    You may download it here.
  1. One (1) piece of passport-size colored photo
    The standard size is 35mm x 45mm, so make sure to inform the photo studio that you are having your picture taken specifically for your Korean Visa application. Submit a recent photo that shows your entire face against a plain (white or off-white background). Attach it onto the space for it on the application form.
  1. Original Passport
    Your passport should be valid for more than six (6) months in order for you to qualify for the application.
  1. Photocopy of your Passport’s Bio Page
    This is the second page of your passport. It contains all your essential information.
  1. Original and photocopies of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past five (5) years—if applicable only
    If you have been to an OECD country that doesn’t issue a visa on passports or arrival stamps on passports, you may submit a copy of your entry grant as proof.
  1. Original Certificate of Employment
    Your certificate must indicate your position, the date when you were hired, amount of compensation, office address, your HR’s landline number and e-mail address.
  1. Original Personal Bank Certificate
    This must include your account type, current balance, account opening date and average daily balance (ADB).
  1. Bank Statement
    Present an original or a certified true copy of your bank statements or passbook for the last 3 months.
  1. Photocopy of Income Tax Return (ITR) or BIR Form 2316.
    Frequent travelers who have visited OECD member countries in the last five (5) years are exempted from submitting this document.
  1. Copy of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Card or Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Card—if applicable only


Other Supplementary Documents

-If you are personally invited by a Korean, you must include an invitation letter and a photocopy of their Passport or Identification Card. Authentication is not required.
-If you are invited by a company based in Korea, submit an invitation letter and a photocopy of the company’s business permit. Authentication is also not required.


Submitting Your Requirements

On July 1, 2018, the embassy officially announced that they will no longer accept applications from walk-in applicants of Korean tourist visa under normal circumstances. Instead, you must course your application through designated travel agencies.

You may view the list of appointed travel agencies here.


Processing Fee

Applying for a stay of 59 days or less in Korea is absolutely FREE; however, you will have to pay the travel agency that will assist you with your application. For a 60 to a 90-day stay, the fee is set at P2,000 on top of the fee of your chosen agency.

 

Processing Time

The processing time for a Korean Visa is seven (7) working days. The travel agency of your choice will inform you once your passport is ready to be picked up.

Best of luck and fighting!

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