Annyeong, chingu!
To say that Filipinos love South Korean culture is an understatement. We’re living it! You can easily see that in our affinity for almost everything Korean—K-pop, K-dramas, K-BBQ, K-beauty, K-fashion, and more. That’s why flying to the Land of the Morning Calm is a dream come true for many of us.
But before you actually get to South Korea, you’ll need to fulfill a legal obligation first: your visa. Avoid the hassle by prepping and knowing what to do. This article covers the South Korea visa requirements for Filipino tourists in 2023, as well as the application process.
Can I Travel to Korea Now from the Philippines This 2023?
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Yes. South Korea reopened to Filipino tourists last June 1, 2022.[1] The country has also lifted the quarantine requirement for all travelers regardless of vaccination status.
So if you’re an ARMY planning to see the iconic BTS locations or a K-skincare aficionado who wants to scour Myeongdong for great finds, now is the right time to plan your trip.
What is a South Korean Tourist Visa?
A Korean tourist visa is a short-term stay visa that allows you to legally visit and stay in South Korea within a specific number of days. This visa is coded C3.
The C3 visa applies to the following visitors:
- Employees
- Businesspeople or self-employed individuals
- Students
- Housewives
- Retirees
- Religious workers
- Korean’s parents-in-law
- Korean’s sister- or brother-in-law
The said short-term visit visa allows you to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days. Generally, the Korean visa validity from the Philippines is three months from its issuance. That means that you have to enter Korea within three months of visa issuance. Otherwise, the visa will lapse, and you’ll need to apply again.[2]
Can I Travel to South Korea Without a Visa?
Is Korea visa-free for Filipino this 2023? You can still travel to the Land of the Morning Calm without a visa, albeit with some conditions.
Here are three ways to travel to South Korea visa-free:
- Via Jeju – Visits to Jeju Island are allowed via direct flights. You can stay here for up to 30 days. Tours outside Jeju, however, are not permitted. Keep in mind, though, that there are no direct flights from Manila to Jeju Island. But you may transit via the closest airports operating the said route, such as Singapore Changi Airport and Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan.
- Via Yangyang – Filipino tourists must be part of a group tour program organized by a designated travel agency. Flights in and out of the country must be via Yangyang International Airport. For this trip, you’re only allowed to travel in Gangwon Province and the Seoul Metropolitan area for 15 days.
- Via Jeolla – This is the third regional destination in South Korea that Filipinos can visit visa-free. The point of entry will be Muan International Airport. To be eligible for this privilege, you’re required to join a group tour arranged by a designated travel agency. You’re only allowed to visit North Jeolla Province, South Jeolla Province, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and Jeju Island. You’re entitled to a 15-day stay.[3]
South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipino Tourists in 2023
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Getting a Korean visa isn’t exactly a taxing process. However, note that collecting all the requirements can take some time. Fast-track your application by knowing what to do. Let this section help you.
The South Korea visa requirements for Filipino tourists in 2023 may vary depending on your employment status or relationship with a sponsor or guarantor. Take a look at the following:
👉 Documentary Requirements for Filipinos with a Guarantor or Sponsor
A stable source of income increases your odds of getting your Korean visa application approved. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a visa if you’re currently unemployed.
If you’re wondering about Korean visa requirements for unemployed travelers, the embassy’s website lists down the specific requirements for the following: students, housewives, and retirees. Basically, you need to include some financial documents of your guarantor or sponsor.
Here are the requirements:
*OECD countries include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Related reading: HK Vacay: Hong Kong Travel Requirements and Recommendations
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How to Get a Visa to Korea: Steps for Korean Visa Application in the Philippines
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Now that you know the Korean visa requirements for Filipino tourists in 2023, it’s time to gather them and proceed with the application process.
Here are the steps to remember:
- Determine the type of Korean tourist visa you need to apply for.
- Collect all the necessary requirements. Double-check them and make sure all details are accurate and up to date.
- Book an appointment with the Korean Embassy. If you want to process your application personally, visit consul.mofa.go.kr/en/main.do. Under the Apply for a Consular Service tab, click Reservation to Visit a Diplomatic Mission. If you don’t have an account, apply under the Non-Membership Log-In. You may also want to create your account prior to setting an appointment. Instructions are discussed below.
- Fill out the form and choose an appointment date.
- Submit your visa requirements on the appointment date.
- Claim the result of your visa application. Usually, Korean visa processing takes around five working days. But anticipate this to take as long as 10 to 15 days since the Korean Embassy continuously receives a large volume of applications. If you want to know the status of your visa application, just go to www.visa.go.kr. Once there, click the Check Application Status tab.
✔️ Tips for an Easier Appointment Booking for Korean Visa Processing
Having difficulty getting an appointment slot for your visa application? Here's good news for you: the Korean Embassy has made the reservation process easier and smoother.
Since February 13, 2023, the Consular Services 24 English website has been made available for tourists to register for an account. The Korean Embassy recommends undergoing online user registration before making a reservation to avoid delays in securing a slot.
Here are the steps to create an account for your appointment booking:
- Access the Consular Services 24 English site (consul.mofa.go.kr).
- Click English in the upper left corner and Sign up in the upper right corner.
- On the Terms and Conditions page, tick all boxes to agree. Then click the Confirm button.
- Provide the required information. Make sure all details are correct and that the name on the user information must be the same as the name on your passport. When you're done, click the Register button.
- Check your inbox for a verification email and then click the provided link. You'll then be directed to a page that confirms your successful account registration.
- Log in to your account by entering your registered email address and password. You can now book an appointment slot.
Where to Process Korean Visa Applications in the Philippines
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Alternatively, you can book your appointment with an accredited travel agency if you want things to be easier. The agency will process your Korean visa application in the Philippines on your behalf, so you won’t have to go to the embassy.
However, the embassy will only accept applications coursed through its accredited travel agencies. Here are some of them:
Read more: Should You Get Passport Assistance From a Travel Agency?
Important: Upcoming Changes in the Korean Visa Application Process
As of now, the visa application process is status quo. But the Korean Embassy will be implementing changes effective August 2023. Here are the important things you should remember:
❗ Opening of the Korean Application Visa Center or KVAC
The embassy will be launching the Korean Visa Application Center or KVAC located at 9F to 10F, Brittany Hotel BGC, 6 McKinley Parkway, Taguig City. Once the KVAC is opened, the embassy will no longer accommodate visa applications or release visas. Applicants are required to file their applications and pick up their passports at the said visa center.
Take note of the following:
- The KVAC will start its operations on August 14, 2023. For its pilot operation starting from August 14 to 25, 2023, the KVAC will only accept applications with online reservations.
- The official operation of the KVAC will be on August 29, 2023 (tentative). From this date, online visa reservations won’t be required anymore. Visa applications will only be accepted if filed in person or via an embassy-accredited travel agency.
- Once the KVAC is fully and officially operational, walk-in applications at the center are accepted on any working day. The KVAC won’t put a limit on the number of applications accepted daily.
❗ Notes on the Online Visa Appointment System
There will also be changes in the embassy’s online visa appointment system:
- The current online appointment system will cease to operate after the last opening of slots for the month of August.
- Online visa reservation is still a requirement for applications to be filed from August 1 to 25, 2023.
- Online reservation slots for August will open on July 27, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
- From August 1 to 11, 2023, applications with online reservations will be accommodated at the Korean Embassy
- From August 14 to 25, applications with online reservations will be accommodated at the KVAC.
South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipino Tourists in 2023: FAQs
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Want to make your Korean visa application as foolproof as possible? Here’s some additional information you may find useful.
1. How soon should I apply for a Korean tourist visa?
To avoid last-minute hitches and delays, it’s wise to apply as early as three months or 90 days before your departure date. Factor in the time needed for gathering the documents and checking their details.
2. How much is the visa to Korea from the Philippines?
if you’re staying in South Korea for less than 59 days, you don’t have to pay the Korean visa fee in the Philippines. But if you’re planning to stay in the country from 60 to 90 days, prepare to pay ₱2,000. Keep in mind that this fee is just for the visa itself.
If you delegate the application to a travel agency, you’ll need to pay additional charges. Processing fees range from ₱700 to ₱2,000.
3. Can I do a walk-in application for a Korean visa?
As of now, walk-in visa applications are not allowed at the Korean Embassy. You’ll either have to book your application online or work with a travel agency.
But as mentioned, the Korean Embassy will start accepting walk-in applications on August 29, 2023 via the Korea Visa Application Center or KVAC. Keep in mind that the said date is still tentative.
4. Can I reserve a slot online even if I don't have an account?
Yes, you can still book an appointment without a registered account. Just log in as a non-member on the Consular Services 24 site. However, expect delays in your reservation if you're not a registered user. Thus, it's advised that you create an account for a more convenient appointment booking process.
5. Can I make an appointment on behalf of my family?
Yes. However, you can make an appointment only for your parents, children, and spouse. Booking an appointment for your cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and even friends is not allowed.
6. How much should I have in my bank account?
The Korean Embassy doesn’t mention the required minimum balance. But as a general rule, your money should be enough to cover your daily expenses during your trip.
Some experienced travelers recommend having at least ₱10,000 per day in South Korea. This means that your show money for a Korean tourist visa in the Philippines should be between ₱60,000 to ₱70,000 if you’re planning to stay there for six days.
7. Do I have to book flights and accommodations before applying for a Korean visa?
Thankfully, flight tickets and accommodations are not a requirement when applying for a Korean visa. Just to stay on the safe side, get a visa first. That way, nothing will go to waste in case your application isn’t approved.
8. What to do if my visa application is denied?
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do. You can reapply for a Korean tourist visa after six months.
9. Any tips for increasing my chances of getting approved?
Many travelers can’t help but compare the application processes of the Japan tourist visa and the Korean tourist visa. Some think applying for the latter is more challenging.
If you want to increase your odds of getting a Korean visa approval, here are some of the things you need to remember:
- Fill out your application form completely and accurately.
- Prove that you have a strong and legitimate reason to come back to the Philippines. This means attaching your employment certificate, income tax return, school ID, and the like.
- If it’s your first time traveling to Korea, try gunning for a short stay between five to 10 days.
- Make sure your show money can cover the estimated daily cost of living in Korea.
- When submitting bank documents, choose an active account to show regular activity.
- Attach your old passport, especially if you traveled extensively in the past. Doing so can help prove you actually have the means to travel abroad.
10. What are the South Korea travel restrictions for the Philippines?
The Land of the Morning Calm has already lifted its COVID-19 restrictions. You’re not required to present a pre-departure negative PCR test certificate and undergo a mandatory seven-day quarantine. Moreover, vaccination is not a requirement for entry into South Korea.
However, if you test COVID-19-positive while in Korea, you‘ll have to undergo a seven-day quarantine. Travelers should also register with Korea’s Q-Code. This is a special QR code that holds your health-related details.
Final Thoughts
Flying to Korea is an exciting adventure. But don’t get too carried away yet. You have some work to do—completing the South Korea visa requirements for Filipino tourists in 2023.
Applying for a Korean visa shouldn’t be too challenging if you can easily procure the documents. But don’t underestimate the amount of time that it’ll take. Otherwise, you may experience anxiety-causing snags and even delays, which may endanger your travel plans.
May this guide help you with your visa application. Hwaiting!
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Sources:
- [1] South Korea Visa Announcement
- [2] Frequently Asked Questions on Travelling to Korea
- [3] South Korea Announces Third Visa-Free Entry Route for Filipinos (Manila Bulletin, 2023)
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