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.

How long does Korean visa processing take?

Regular processing of a Korean visa takes five working days. However, this may take longer in case of high volume of applications.

How will I know if my visa is approved?

You'll receive a text message from the KVAC when your application is received, once the screening is completed, and when the result is available.

South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipino Tourists in 2024

Q: 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.

Q: How much is the visa to Korea from the Philippines?

The Korean visa application fee costs ₱900 regardless of visa type. If you delegate the application to a travel agency, you’ll need to pay additional charges. Processing fees range from ₱700 to ₱2,000.

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 2024, as well as the application process.

Can I Travel to Korea from the Philippines This 2024?

Yes. South Korea reopened to Filipino tourists last June 1, 2022.^[1] The country 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.

🛡️ Get Travel Insurance for Your SK Vacay

Avail of a travel insurance policy via Moneymax

The Korean Embassy doesn’t list travel insurance as one of the visa requirements. But even if it’s not mandatory, it's wise to get a policy to financially protect yourself and your family from uncertainties during the trip.

Thankfully, you can conveniently explore your options via Moneymax. Use the comparison tool to check offerings from the country’s top insurers.

For your South Korea vacay, check out these options based on a four-day stay:

Insurer	Individual Plan	Family Plan
OONA Insurance	₱299	₱673
PGAI Travel Shield Insurance	₱374	₱874
PGA SOMPO TravelJOY Plus	₱463.23	₱943.25

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 Filipinos this 2024? You can still travel to the Land of the Morning Calm without a visa, albeit with some conditions.

Here are two 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 Jeolla

Filipinos can visit South Korea visa-free via Jeolla, which is located in the country’s southwestern region. 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]This privilege is valid until March 31, 2024.

South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipino Tourists in 2024

Getting a Korean visa isn’t exactly a taxing process. However, note that collecting requirements can take some time.

The South Korea visa requirements for Filipino tourists in 2024 may vary depending on your employment status or relationship with a sponsor or guarantor. Take a look at the following:

Visa application form
One passport-size colored picture
Original passport
Photocopy of the passport’s bio page (page 2)
Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries* for the past five years (if applicable)
Original Certificate of Employment (COE) - This must include your position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR’s landline number (mobile number is not allowed), and HR’s email address.
Original personal bank certificate - This must include the account name, account number, account type, current balance, account opening date, and average daily balance (ADB) for the past six months.
Bank statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last three months)
Photocopy of your Income Tax Return (ITR) or Form 2316
Copy of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) card or Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) card (if applicable)
If personally invited by a Korean national (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter written in Korean
- Photocopy of the inviter’s passport or identification card
If invited by a company in Korea (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter written in Korean
- Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
Visa fee: free if you’re staying in Korea for less than 59 days; ₱2,000 if you’re staying in Korea for 60 to 90 days

Visa application form
One passport-size colored picture
Original passport
Photocopy of the passport’s bio page (page 2)
Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries* for the past five years (if applicable)
Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit
Photocopy of Business Registration from DTI or SEC
Original personal bank certificate - This must include the account name, account number, account type, current balance, account opening date, and ADB for the past six months.
Bank statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last three months)
Photocopy of your Income Tax Return (ITR) or Form 2316
Copy of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) card or Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) card (if applicable)
If personally invited by a Korean national (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter written in Korean
- Photocopy of the inviter’s passport or identification card
If invited by a company in Korea (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter written in Korean
- Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
Visa fee: Free if you’re staying in Korea for less than 59 days; ₱2,000 if you’re staying in Korea for 60 to 90 days

Visa application form
One passport-size colored picture
Original passport
Photocopy of the passport’s first page
Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries* for the past five years (if applicable)
Copy of the invitors’ (Filipino/Korean) Korean Certificate of Marriage History issued within the last three months
Original copy of the invitors’ (Filipino/Korean) PSA Marriage Certificate
Copy of Korean’s and Filipino’s passport’s first page (or valid ID)
- If the Filipino in Korea changed name to a Korean name: Basic Certificate
- If the Filipino in Korea has children born between Korean below seven years old: Korean’s Family Register Certificate
- If the Filipino in Korea is sick or about to give birth: Medical certificate
Invitation letter written in Korean from the Korean National
Visa fee: Free if you’re staying in Korea for less than 59 days; ₱2,000 if you’re staying in Korea for 60 to 90 days

Visa application form
One passport-size colored picture
Original passport
Photocopy of the passport’s bio page (page 2)
Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries* for the past five years (if applicable)
Original Certificate of Employment (COE) - This must include your position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR’s landline number (mobile number is not allowed), and HR’s email address.
Original personal bank certificate - This must include the account name, account number, account type, current balance, account opening date, and average daily balance (ADB) for the past six months.
Bank statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last three months)
Photocopy of your Income Tax Return (ITR) or Form 2316
Copy of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) card or Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) card (if applicable)
Original PSA Birth Certifcate of the applicant
Copy of the invitors’ (Filipino/Korean) Korean Certificate of Marriage History issued within the last three months
Original copy of the invitors’ (Filipino/Korean) PSA Marriage Certificate
Copy of the invitors’ (Filipino/Korean) passports’ first page (or valid ID)
Invitation letter written in Korean from the Korean national
If the Filipino in Korea changed name to Korean name: Basic Certificate
If the Filipino in Korea has children born between Korean: Korean’s Family Register Certificate
If the Filipino in Korea is sick or about to give birth: Medical certificate
Visa fee: Free if you’re staying in Korea for less than 59 days; ₱2,000 if you’re staying in Korea for 60 to 90 days

Visa application form
One passport-size colored picture
Original passport
Photocopy of the passport’s bio page (page 2)
Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries* for the past five years (if applicable)
Original Certification from Church
Copy of Church SEC in the Philippines
If employed: Original Certificate of Employment (COE) - This must include your position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR’s landline number (mobile number is not allowed), and HR’s email address; a photocopy of your Income Tax Return (ITR) or Form 2316
If businessperson: Photocopy of Business Registration from DTI or SEC, photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit, photocopy of ITR or Form 2316
Original personal bank certificate - This must include the account name, account number, account type, current balance, account opening date, and average daily balance (ADB) for the past six months.
Personal bank statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last three months)
Copy of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) card or Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) card (if applicable)
Visa fee: Free if you’re staying in Korea for less than 59 days; ₱2,000 if you’re staying in Korea for 60 to 90 days
If personally invited by a Korean national (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter written in Korean
- Photocopy of the inviter’s passport or identification card
If invited by the church in Korea (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter written in Korean
- Photocopy of Korean church Business Permit
Visa fee: Free if you’re staying in Korea for less than 59 days; ₱2,000 if you’re staying in Korea for 60 to 90 days

👉 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 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:

Visa application form
One passport-size colored picture
Original passport
Photocopy of the passport’s bio page (page 2)
Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries* for the past five years (if applicable)
Original School Certificate
Copy of School ID
Original PSA-issued Birth Certificate
Parents’ documents
- If employed: Original COE with the position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR’s landline (mobile number not allowed), and HR’s email address; a photocopy of ITR or Form 2316
- If self-employed: Photocopy of Business Registration from DTI or SEC, photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit, photocopy of ITR or Form 2316
- Original bank certificate with the account name, account number, account type, current balance, account opening date, and ADB for the past six months.
- Bank statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last three months)
- Original PSA Marriage Certificate
If personally invited by a Korean national (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter written in Korean
- Photocopy of the inviter’s passport or identification card
If invited by a company in Korea (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter written in Korean
- Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
Visa fee: free if you’re staying in Korea for less than 59 days; ₱2,000 if you’re staying in Korea for 60 to 90 days

Note: If parents already have a valid visa, attach a photocopy of the parents’ valid visas. If not traveling with parents, attach a photocopy of their passport or valid ID.

Visa application form
One passport-size colored picture
Original passport
Photocopy of the passport’s bio page (page 2)
Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries* for the past five years (if applicable)
Additional documents
- If the husband is employed: Original COE with the position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR’s landline (mobile number not allowed), and HR’s email address; a photocopy of ITR or Form 2316
- If the husband is self-employed: Photocopy of Business Registration from DTI or SEC, photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit, photocopy of ITR or Form 2316
- Original personal or husband’s bank certificate with the account name, account number, account type, current balance, account opening date, and ADB for the past six months.
- Personal or husband’s bank statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last three months)
Original PSA Marriage Certificate
If personally invited by a Korean national (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter written in Korean
- Photocopy of the inviter’s passport or identification card
If invited by a company in Korea (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter
- Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
Visa fee: free if you’re staying in Korea for less than 59 days; ₱2,000 if you’re staying in Korea for 60 to 90 days

Visa application form
One passport-size colored picture
Original passport
Photocopy of the passport’s bio page (page 2)
Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries* for the past five years (if applicable)
Original personal bank certificate with the account name, account number, account type, current balance, account opening date, and ADB for the past six months.
Bank statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last three months)
Copy of Senior Citizen’s ID
If personally invited by a Korean national (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter written in Korean
- Photocopy of the inviter’s passport or identification card
If invited by a company in Korea (authentication not required):
- Invitation letter written in Korean
- Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
Visa fee: free if you’re staying in Korea for less than 59 days; ₱2,000 if you’re staying in Korea for 60 to 90 days

Note: If bank documents to be submitted are from another family member, submit proof of relationship, such as a copy of the marriage contract (spouse) or birth certificate (child).

*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.

Simplified Korean Visa Requirements for Special Categories

The Korean Embassy recently made visa applications easier for specific types of Filipino visitors, starting February 1 to December 31, 2024. Read on to see if you’re qualified.

👉 Professional License Holders

If you hold a valid PRC license and work as a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, certified public accountant, or veterinarian, you’re no longer required to submit bank statements, bank certificates, or ITR. The same rule applies to IBP ID holders, such as lawyers (including judges and prosecutors).

The same privilege extends to immediate family members, such as parents, spouse, spouse’s parents, minor children, and adult children who can prove they’re students. Keep in mind that other documents, such as proof of relationship, are still required.

👉 Credit Card Holders

Got a BDO Gold or BDO Elite credit card? If yes, you’ll be exempted from submitting bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR.

The privilege also applies to the cardholder’s immediate family members, such as parents, spouse, spouse’s parents, minor children, and adult children who can prove they’re students. Other documents, such as proof of relationship, are still required.

Supplementary credit card holders are excluded from this perk.

👉 Government Officials

Those with a rank equal to or higher than the Assistant Secretary of the Executive Branch of the Philippine Government and Brigadier General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police won’t need to submit bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR.

This also applies to their immediate family members, such as parents, spouse, spouse’s parents, minor children, and adult children who can prove they’re students. Certain documents like proof of relationship are required.

Keep in mind that those in acting duties are excluded from this privilege.

👉 Elected Politicians

Members of the Senate and the Congress, governors, provincial board members, and mayors (both city and municipality) are exempted from submitting bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR.

Their immediate family members also enjoy the said privilege. These include parents, spouse, spouse’s parents, minor children, and adult children who can prove they’re students. The embassy will require certain documents, such as proof of relationship.

Note: Only the stated financial documents are exempted from submission or can be replaced. Other required documents should still be submitted.

How to Apply for a South Korea Visa in the Philippines

south korea visa requirements for filipino tourist - visa application

Photo: Korea Visa Application Center in Manila (www.visaforkorea-mn.com)

Now that you know the Korean visa requirements for Filipino tourists in 2024, it’s time to gather them and proceed with the application process.

Here are the steps for Korea visa application in the Philippines:

Step 1: Collate All Your Requirements

How to get a Korean visa? First and foremost, check the visa type that you need to get.

Then collate all the necessary requirements. Double-check all of them and make sure the details are correct and accurate.

Step 2: Go to the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC)

In 2023, the Korean Embassy opened the Korea Visa Application Center, or KVAC. All applicants are required to process their visa application at this facility.

You can submit your documents to this center yourself or through an accredited travel agency. KVAC is located at 9/F Brittany Hotel, Aura Complex, 6 McKinley Parkway, BGC, Taguig City. You can also contact the office at 02-8248-5440.

Keep in mind that KVAC’s business hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The office is closed during weekends, Philippine holidays, and Korean consulate holidays.

To streamline your application, you can book an appointment with KVAC via its official website.^[4]

Step 3: Wait for the Result of Your Application

Usually, the Korean Embassy processes an application within five working days. But manage your expectations, as the embassy receives large volumes of applications. Given that, the release of your visa result may take longer than usual.

KVAC will notify you about the status of your visa application via SMS. The office will then ask you to pick up your passport and visa result.

Accredited Travel Agencies in the Philippines That Process Korean Visa Applications

You can have an accredited travel agency process your Korean visa application for you if you want things to be easier. You won’t have to go to KVAC.

Note that the Embassy accepts only applications coursed through its accredited travel agencies. Here are some of them:

Travel Agency	Address	Contact Details
Adventure International Tours, Inc.	118 G/F Eurovilla 2 Condo, Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City	02-8884-9400
Ark Travel Express, Inc.	LG 3, 4, 14, & 15 Alfaro Place 146, LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City	02-8810-4520 02-8714-4637 09293933837
Attic Tours Philippines, Inc.	PASAY: Unit G-05 Antel Seaview Tower A, #2626, Roxas Blvd., Brgy. 76, Pasay City PASAY: Unit 126 Level 1, South Parking Building, MALL OF ASIA, Pasay City LAS PINAS: Loc. 343 3F, SM Southmall, Almanza Uno, Las Pinas City MANDALUYONG: Unit MS104(A), Mega Strip Bldg, A, SM Megamall, J. Vargas, Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City QUEZON CITY: ANE 106 SM CITY North Edsa The Block, Barangay Sto. Cristo, Bagong Bantay, Quezon City QUEZON CITY: Upper Ground Level, Parkway Annex 3 Bldg., SM City Fairview, Quirino Highway cor. Regalado Ave.Brgy. Greater Lagro,Novaliches, Quezon City	02-8556-6301 to 05 loc 201/202 (Antel Pasay) 09369155793 (Antel Pasay) 02-8552-0868 (SM MOA) 09660696616 (SM MOA) 02-8281-8506 (SM Southmall) 09660696615 (SM Southmall) 02-8706-6030 (SM Megamall) 09660696615 (SM Megamall) 02-8372-3254 (SM North Edsa) 09660696613 (SM North Edsa) 02-8829-0761 (SM Fairview) 09660696612 (SM Fairview)
Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc.	23/F Zuellig Building, Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City	02-8863-6804
City Travel and Tours Corporation	LG8 Cityland 10 Tower 1, H.V Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City	02-8812-3553 09176294247 09178852780 09237332780
Casto Travel Philippines, Inc.	2/F Tuscan Bldg., 114 VA Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City	02-8810-0079
Constellation Travels, Inc.	2/F CSJ Bldg., 105 Aguirre St., Legazpi Village, Makati City	02-8991-0000
Danpoong Travel Services	MANDALUYONG: 26/F The Podium West Tower, corner ADB Avenue, Dona Julia Vargas, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City TAGUIG: 10/F Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, 5th Avenue corner 4th Avenue and 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City	09621981066 (Mandaluyong) 09621397431 (Mandaluyong) 09278689429 (Taguig) 09696275681 (Taguig) 09178057707 (Taguig)
Feel Yeson Travel and Consultancy Corp.	3/F ECH Building, Makati Avenue corner Jupiter St., Makati City	02-8828-8877 02-8869-6546 09665021212 09496611212
First United Travel, Inc.	MAKATI: Garden Level Corinthian Plaza, 121 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City CEBU: Unit 118, The QC Pavilion, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City BULACAN: Unit 201 Santa Maria Town Center Bldg., Poblacion, Santa Maria, Bulacan SUBIC: MG Grand Hotel formerly Best Western Hotel Plus – Lobby Area Lot C-5B Block C Dewey Avenue, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo, Zambales	02-8818-7181 (Makati) 02-8819-3919 (Makati) 8861-8850 (Cebu) 8861-5053 (Bulacan) 09209493275 (Bulacan) 8404-2860 (Subic) 09985845210 (Subic)
KP Joeun Consultancy, Inc.	Retail 7, Goldland Millenia Tower, Escriva Drive, Brgy. San Antonio, Ortigas Center, Pasig City	02-8451-1282
Las Palmas Tours and Travel Agency, Inc.	G/F Unit B2 Imperial Bayfront Tower, 1642 A. Mabini St., Brgy. 699, Zone 076, Malate, Manila City	02-8711-7069
Rajah Travel Corporation	MAKATI: 3/F 331 Building, 331 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City MANILA: Room 202 GLC Building, A. Mabini corner T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila City	02-8894-0886 (Makati) 02-8523-8801 to 02 (Manila)
Sharp Travel Service Philippines, Inc.	Suite 501-504, Alexander House Bldg., 132 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City	02-8812-3323
Worldwidelink Travel and Tours	4/F Palacio Grande Bldg., Gen. Luna corner Anda St., Intramuros, Manila City	02-5310-2643

South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipino Tourists in 2024: FAQs

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?

As per KVAC, the best time to apply for a Korean visa is two months before your intended travel date. Factor in the time needed for gathering the documents and checking their details.

2. How much is the Korean visa processing fee?

The South Korea visa fee in the Philippines is ₱900, to be charged by KVAC. Note that KVAC only accepts cash. Regardless of the visa result, the fee is non-refundable.

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 have my visa result mailed to my address?

Yes. You can avail of KVAC’s delivery services for a fee:

Within Metro Manila – ₱300 per applicant and sent within three to five working days
Outside Metro Manila – ₱400 per applicant and sent within five to seven working days

4. How much is the show money for a Korean tourist visa in the Philippines?

The Korean Embassy doesn’t indicate the required minimum bank balance for a South Korea visa. 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.

5. 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.

Nevertheless, KVAC says that a tentative flight date and hotel name will suffice.

6. Is there anything I need to bring once my passport is ready for pick-up?

You just need to bring your application receipt (the one with the barcode) and a valid government ID. In case someone will pick up your passport on your behalf, your representative will need to present your application receipt, a photocopy of your valid ID, the representative’s ID, and a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA).

7. I lost my application receipt. Will I still be able to pick up my passport?

Yes. Just head to the visa issuance counter and present your valid ID. In case a representative will pick up your passport, they’ll need to secure a police report with a notarized Special Power of Attorney.

8. What to do if my Korea visa application in the Philippines is denied?

You can reapply for a Korean tourist visa after three months. However, those applying for a spouse visa can only re-apply 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 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.

Final Thoughts

Flying to Korea is an exciting adventure. But don’t get too carried away yet. You have some work to do—namely completing the South Korea visa requirements for Filipino tourists in 2024.

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!

💳 Get the Best Credit Cards for Travel

Aside from taking care of the visa requirements, you need to consider how you'll be paying for flights, accommodations, and other travel expenses. Use the best credit cards for travel below:

Credit Card	Travel Benefits
UnionBank Rewards Card	3x non-expiring rewards points when you shop and dine here and abroad Worldwide acceptance Rewards at participating restaurants, shopping outlets, and leisure establishments nationwide
Metrobank Platinum Mastercard^®	1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend Points redeemable for air miles
Metrobank World Mastercard^®	2x rewards points for international purchases Exclusive access to airport deals
HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate	5% rebate on travel and shopping transactions Free travel accident and travel inconvenience coverage Exclusive deals at shopping, travel, dining, and health and beauty merchants worldwide
Security Bank Platinum Mastercard	Dual currency billing 2 complimentary lounge access annually in more than 1,300 lounges in 500 airports worldwide Unlimited access to A Lounge, Marhaba Lounge, and PAGSS Lounge Up to US$200 coverage with Mastercard E-Commerce Purchase Protection Free travel insurance
Security Bank World Mastercard	6 complimentary lounge access annually in more than 1,300 lounges in 500 airports worldwide Free travel medical insurance worth up to US$100,000 with COVID-19 coverage Exclusive automatic cashback offers from participating stores overseas
BPI Platinum Rewards Card	2 BPI Points for every spend on foreign transactions abroad or online worth ₱20 Low forex conversion rate of just 1.85% Up to ₱10 million in travel insurance coverage 0% interest on airline installment all year round Up to 4 free lounge access annually to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
BPI Signature Card	2 BPI Points for every ₱20 spend Complimentary lounge access to PAGGS at NAIA 1 and NAIA 3 Preferential exchange rates on foreign currencies 24/7 worldwide concierge by Visa