Annyeong! Korean Visa Requirements and Process for Filipino Tourists

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 Korean visa requirements for Filipino tourists in 2023, as well as the application process.

Can I Travel to Korea Now from the Philippines This 2023?

Yes. South Korea has reopened to Filipino tourists since June 1, 2022.^[1] From June 8, the country lifted the quarantine requirement for all travelers regardless of their 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 said short-term visit visa allows you to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days. Generally, a visa is valid for 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]

Nonetheless, Filipinos can still travel to South Korea 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.
• 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.^[3]

Read more: Travelers: Watch Out for These 6 Airport Scams

South Korean Visa Requirements for Filipino Tourists in 2023

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 Korean visa requirements for Filipino tourists in 2023 may vary depending on your employment status. Take a look at the following:

Documentary Requirements for Filipino Employees:

• 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)
• 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 Filipino Businesspeople or Self-Employed Individuals:

• 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)
• 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. Looking at the embassy’s website, you’ll see that there are specific requirements for non-employees, such as students, housewives, and retirees.

Basically, you need to include some financial documents of your guarantor or sponsor. Here are the requirements:

Documentary Visa Requirements for Students:

• 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 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)
  • Original PSA Marriage 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

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.

Documentary Visa Requirements for Housewives:

• 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
• 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 Visa Requirements for Retirees:

• 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
• 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.

Additional Requirements for Filipino Employees, Businessmen, and Applicants with a Guarantor if Invited by a Korean or a Company in Korea

If Personally Invited by a Korean:

• Invitation letter
• Photocopy of the inviter’s passport or identification card

If Personally Invited by a Company in Korea:

• Invitation letter
• Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit

How to Get a Visa to Korea: 4 Steps for Korean Visa Application in the Philippines

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:

1. Determine the type of Korean tourist visa you need to apply for.
2. Collect all the necessary requirements. Double-check them and make sure all details are accurate and up to date.
3. 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. After that, fill out the form and choose an appointment date. 
4. Claim the result of your visa application. Usually, Korean visa processing takes around five working days. But anticipate this to take as long as two weeks 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:

1. Access the Consular Services 24 English site (consul.mofa.go.kr).
2. Click English in the upper left corner and Sign up in the upper right corner.
3. On the Terms and Conditions page, tick all boxes to agree. Then click the Confirm button.
4. Provide the required information. Make sure that 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.
5. 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.
6. Log in to your account by entering your registered email address and password. You can now book an appointment slot.

Alternatively, you can book your appointment with an accredited travel agency if you want things to be easier. The agency will process your application on your behalf, so you won’t have to go to the Embassy.

What are the South Korea Travel Restrictions for the Philippines?

While the Land of the Morning Calm has lifted its strict travel restrictions, there are still health-related rules travelers must observe. As mentioned, foreign visitors to Korea, regardless of their vaccination status, are not required to undergo mandatory quarantine.

Fully vaccinated visitors with no COVID-19-like symptoms (i.e, cough, fever, etc.) during the health screening process can proceed with their tour. Travelers who show symptoms within three days after arrival can get a free COVID-19 test at a testing center or local health clinic. If positive, travelers should quarantine at their place of residence, at a care facility, or at a hospital.

Travelers should also register with Korea’s Q-Code. This is a special QR code that holds all your vaccination details needed for entry.

Where to Process Your Application for a Korean Tourist Visa This 2023

If you’re planning to employ a travel agency, make sure that it’s accredited by the Korean Embassy. Here are some of the travel agencies in the Philippines that are working with the embassy.

For the complete list, visit the official website of the Korean Embassy.

Your Visa Application is Approved. Now What?

Congrats! Your South Korean tourist visa application has been approved. Surely, collecting all the Korean visa requirements for Filipino tourists and queuing at the travel agency or embassy were worth it. But what’s next?

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These are your gift options:

• Disbursed amount below ₱250,000 – Marshall Willen speakers or ₱5,000 GCash credits
• Disbursed amount above ₱25,000 – Apple AirPods 3 or ₱10,000 GCash

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Read more: Travel Loan in the Philippines: When and Where to Apply for One

FAQs on Korean Visa Requirements for Filipino Tourists in 2023

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 processing of a Korean tourist visa in the Philippines?

A South Korean tourist visa is free if you’re staying in the country for less than 59 days. But if you’re planning to stay in South Korea 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 ₱500 to ₱2,000.

3. Can I do a walk-in application for a Korean visa?

No. Walk-in visa applications are not allowed at the Korean Embassy.^[4] You’ll either have to book your application online or work with a travel agency.

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 having between ₱60,000 to ₱70,000 should be enough 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.

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 Korean 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!

Sources:

• ^[1] South Korea Visa Announcement
• ^[2] Frequently Asked Questions on Travelling to Korea
• ^[3] Filipinos Can Now Visit Seoul Visa-Free – But There’s A Catch (Rappler, 2022)
• ^[4] No Walk-Ins Allowed for Korean Visa Application Starting Sept. 15 (Philippine News Agency, 2022)