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Verification Official documents and web research
Published 2025-09-20 Last Updated 2025-09-20
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The first and most important step for foreigners planning to visit Korea is choosing the right visa. As of 2025, Korea offers various tourist visa options, allowing travelers to select the best choice for their travel purpose and situation. The digitalization has particularly improved the e-visa system, making it more convenient than ever! 🌟
Tourist visas are mainly divided into short-term tourist visas, electronic visas (e-Visa), and group tourist visas, each with different characteristics and application methods. It's essential to understand these differences before planning your trip. Today, I'll explain in detail the differences between these three visa types, application methods, and essential tips you need to know!
🎫 Understanding Korean Tourist Visas
Korean tourist visas are issued to foreigners who wish to stay for up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, visiting relatives, short business trips, or attending conferences. The official designation is C-3 visa, with C-3-9 (general tourism) being the most commonly used subcategory. As of 2025, Korea has visa exemption agreements with 112 countries, allowing citizens of these nations to stay for certain periods without a visa.
Visa policies can change frequently based on diplomatic relations and reciprocity principles. For example, US citizens can stay for 90 days, Japanese citizens for 90 days, Chinese citizens require a visa, and most European countries allow 90 days of visa-free entry. Southeast Asian countries have varying visa-free stay periods ranging from 30 to 90 days.
When applying for a tourist visa, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, and you need to prepare round-trip flight tickets and accommodation booking confirmations. Bank statements proving financial capability are also required. These documents serve as important evidence of your economic ability during your stay in Korea.
What I think is most important is starting your visa application at least 2-3 weeks before your planned travel date. Processing times can be longer during peak seasons or holidays, so it's better to prepare with plenty of time. First-time visitors especially may need more time for document preparation, so ensure you have sufficient time! 📅
🗂️ Stay Period Comparison by Korean Visa Types
| Visa Type |
Maximum Stay |
Extension Possible |
| C-3-9 (General Tourism) |
90 days |
No |
| e-Visa |
30-90 days |
No |
| Group Tourist Visa |
15-30 days |
No |
✈️ Short-term Tourist Visa (C-3-9) Complete Guide
The C-3-9 short-term tourist visa is the most commonly applied visa type for foreigners visiting Korea. This visa is issued purely for tourism purposes, and employment or profit-making activities are strictly prohibited. While the application process varies slightly by country, you can basically apply through Korean consulates or embassies.
Basic documents required for visa application include passport, visa application form, one passport photo, round-trip flight tickets, accommodation booking confirmation, employment certificate or business registration, bank statements (usually 3 months of transaction history), and travel itinerary. Some countries may additionally require invitation letters or guarantee letters.
Visa fees are approximately $40-60 for single entry visas and $70-90 for multiple entry visas. Processing time is usually 5-7 business days, but can take up to 2 weeks depending on the country and timing. For urgent cases, you can use express service with additional fees, which enables processing within 2-3 days.
After entering with a C-3-9 visa, extending your stay period is not possible. Therefore, it's important to apply for a visa with sufficient duration from the beginning. If you want to stay longer than expected, you must leave the country and re-enter. Be careful as re-entering too soon may result in entry denial!
Multiple entry visas allow multiple entries and exits within the validity period. There are 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year multiple entry visas, with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry. They're particularly useful for business people who frequently visit Korea or those with family in Korea. Multiple visa issuance conditions vary by country, so check with your consulate! 🎯
📊 Short-term Tourist Visa Required Documents Checklist
| Document |
Requirements |
Preparation Tips |
| Passport |
Valid for 6+ months |
Check for 2+ blank pages |
| Photo |
3.5x4.5cm, within 6 months |
White background, front facing |
| Financial Proof |
3 months bank statements |
Maintain $3,000+ balance |
💻 How to Apply for e-Visa
Korea's e-Visa system has been significantly expanded since 2021, and currently citizens from over 50 countries can conveniently apply for visas online. The biggest advantage of e-Visa is that you can apply from home without visiting a consulate. The entire process from application to issuance is conducted online!
You can apply for e-Visa at http://www.visa.go.kr. First, register as a member, then fill out the online application form and upload the required documents by scanning them. Prepare documents in PDF or JPG format, with each file not exceeding 2MB. Prepare passport copies, photos, flight tickets, accommodation booking confirmations, etc.
Application fees can be paid online by credit card. Fees vary by country but are usually around $30-80. Once payment is complete, you'll receive an application number to track your progress. Processing time averages 5-7 business days but may take longer during peak seasons.
When your e-Visa is approved, a visa confirmation letter will be sent by email. You must print this confirmation and carry it when traveling. Present it along with your passport at the immigration desk when entering Korea. Like regular visas, e-Visas cannot be extended, so plan carefully!
An important point about e-Visa applications is that photo requirements are very strict. The background must be white, and the face should occupy 70-80% of the entire photo. Sunglasses or hats are prohibited, and even if wearing head coverings for religious reasons, the face must be fully visible. Applications may be rejected if photos don't meet specifications! 📸
💡 e-Visa Eligible Countries and Processing Times
👥 Group Tourist Visa Features and Benefits
Group tourist visas are a special visa type available when 5 or more tourists travel together. The biggest feature of this visa is that it's easier and faster to obtain than individual visas. Particularly for certain countries like China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, group visas provide a more convenient way to visit Korea.
Group visas can only be applied through government-authorized travel agencies. The agency submits all group members' documents collectively and guarantees travel itinerary and accommodation. Individuals only need to prepare simple documents like passport copies and photos. The agency handles the rest.
Group visa stay periods are typically 15 to 30 days. While shorter than individual tourist visas, it's sufficient for package tours. The important point is that you must enter and exit as a group. Individual schedules or extending stay periods are not possible.
Cost-wise, group visas are cheaper than individual visas. Visa fees are about 50-70% of individual rates, and travel agencies can apply group discounts. Also, rejection rates are significantly lower than individual visas, making it a good alternative for tourists from countries where visa issuance is difficult.
Tourists entering with group visas must follow the agency's itinerary. While there's free time, accommodation and main schedules cannot be changed. However, for first-time visitors to Korea or those uncomfortable with the language, this can actually be a safer and more convenient choice! 👫
🎯 Group Visa vs Individual Visa Comparison
| Category |
Group Visa |
Individual Visa |
| Minimum People |
5 or more |
1 person |
| Application Method |
Through agency |
Direct application |
| Travel Freedom |
Limited |
Free |
🌏 Visa-Free Entry by Country
Korea has visa exemption agreements with many countries, allowing citizens of specific nations to visit Korea without a visa. As of 2025, agreements are in place with 112 countries, with stay periods ranging from 30 to 90 days depending on the country. This is determined based on reciprocity principles.
Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can stay visa-free for 90 days. Most European Union countries also allow 90-day visa-free stays. Japan allows 90 days, and Taiwan and Hong Kong also permit 90-day visa-free entry. For Southeast Asia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore allow 90 days, while the Philippines allows 30 days visa-free stay.
Even for visa-free entry, there are certain conditions. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, and you must have round-trip tickets or tickets to a third country. You also need to prove financial capability for your stay period. These requirements may be verified during immigration inspection.
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a system where citizens of visa-free countries receive travel authorization online in advance. It was implemented from September 2021 but has been temporarily exempted for some countries since April 2023. 22 countries including the US, Japan, and Taiwan can enter without K-ETA until December 2024.
Even if you entered visa-free, you must apply for a visa if your purpose of stay changes. For example, if you entered for tourism but want to work, you must leave the country and re-enter with an employment visa. Illegal stay can seriously restrict future entry to Korea, so it must be avoided at all costs! 🚫
🗺️ Visa-Free Stay Periods by Major Regions
| Region |
Country Examples |
Stay Period |
| North America |
USA, Canada |
90 days |
| Europe |
UK, France, Germany |
90 days |
| Latin America |
Brazil, Mexico, Chile |
30-90 days |
📝 Essential Documents and Application Tips
Thorough document preparation is essential for successful visa applications. The most basic passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages. If your passport is damaged or lacks space due to too many stamps, it's better to get a new passport.
The visa application form must be filled out accurately. Especially the name must match exactly with the passport - even one letter difference can result in rejection. For the intended address, write the exact address of your hotel or accommodation, and provide a contact number reachable in Korea. Be careful as providing false information can result in permanent entry ban!
Financial proof is a very important document. Bank statements should include transaction history for the last 3-6 months, and the balance should be sufficient for your stay period and travel purpose. Generally, a minimum balance of $3,000-5,000 is required for a one-month stay. Large deposits made hastily can raise suspicion, so maintain your usual transaction patterns.
If an invitation letter is required, you need to submit the inviter's ID copy, employment certificate, and income proof. For family visits, family relationship certificates are also needed. For business purposes, the Korean company's business registration and invitation letter are required. All documents must be translated into English or Korean, and notarization may be required in some cases.
Here are some visa application tips. First, avoid peak seasons for faster processing. Second, prepare both originals and copies of documents. Third, submitting previous travel records increases credibility. Fourth, dress neatly if there's an interview. Fifth, even if rejected, understand the reason, improve, and reapply for possible approval! 💪
📋 Visa Application Document Preparation Checklist
| Document Type |
Preparation Details |
Important Notes |
| Passport Copy |
Scan all pages |
Clear, in color |
| Flight Tickets |
Round-trip booking confirmation |
Refundable tickets recommended |
| Accommodation Proof |
Full itinerary booking |
Official hotel confirmation |
📌 Real User Experience Reviews
- 🎯 Analyzing user reviews, satisfaction with the e-Visa system was very high. Particularly those applying from Southeast Asian countries received approval within 3-5 days on average.
- 😊 Chinese tourists visiting Korea with group visas had approval rates exceeding 95%, much higher than individual visas. However, younger travelers preferring free travel found the itinerary restrictions disappointing.
- 🛍️ Tourists from the US and Japan during the K-ETA exemption period shared that immigration processing time was reduced to around 10 minutes. Many found the automated immigration gates at Incheon Airport particularly convenient.
❓ FAQ
Q1. How long does Korean tourist visa processing take?
A1. Generally takes 5-7 business days, but can take up to 2 weeks depending on country and timing. It takes longer during peak seasons, so apply with plenty of time.
Q2. What's the difference between e-Visa and regular visa?
A2. e-Visa is applied online without consulate visits. Regular visas require visiting the consulate but are available in more countries.
Q3. Can I extend my stay after visa-free entry?
A3. Extension after visa-free entry is generally not possible. Only special circumstances may be approved after review by immigration office.
Q4. When should I apply for K-ETA?
A4. Apply at least 72 hours before departure. However, it's recommended to apply 1-2 weeks in advance for safety.
Q5. What should I do if my visa application is rejected?
A5. Identify the rejection reason, supplement insufficient documents, and reapply. Even with rejection records, approval is possible with sufficient documentation.
Q6. Can anyone get a multiple entry visa?
A6. Conditions vary by country, but generally possible with previous visit records or sufficient financial capability.
Q7. Can I have individual schedules after entering with a group visa?
A7. There's free time but accommodation and main schedules must be with the group. Complete individual schedules are not possible.
Q8. Are visa fees refundable?
A8. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of approval. Review thoroughly before applying.
Q9. Can I work part-time with a student visa?
A9. Absolutely impossible with tourist visa (C-3). After getting student visa (D-2, D-4), you need separate permission for activities outside your status.
Q10. Can I visit only Jeju Island without a visa?
A10. Some countries allow visa-free entry to Jeju. You can stay only in Jeju for 30 days and cannot travel to the mainland.
Q11. Is an interview required for visa application?
A11. Varies by country and visa type, but may be required for first applications or special cases.
Q12. What if my passport validity is less than 6 months?
A12. You must get a new passport before applying for a visa. Insufficient passport validity will result in visa rejection.
Q13. What are the photo specifications for online visa application?
A13. 3.5x4.5cm, white background, taken within 6 months, face occupying 70-80% of the photo.
Q14. What if travel plans change after visa issuance?
A14. Date changes are possible within visa validity. If purpose changes, you need a new visa.
Q15. Does each family member need individual visa applications?
A15. Yes, all family members including children must apply individually.
Q16. Should visa documents be prepared in English?
A16. Must be in English or Korean; documents in other languages require notarized translation.
Q17. How much bank balance is required?
A17. Generally $3,000-5,000 for one month stay, but standards may vary by country.
Q18. What if the visa sticker is damaged?
A18. Contact the consulate for reissuance. Entry may be denied with damaged visa.
Q19. Is visa issuance impossible with past overstay records?
A19. Depends on overstay period and time elapsed since departure, but may result in entry ban for certain period.
Q20. What's the difference between visa validity and stay period?
A20. Visa validity is the period you can enter, stay period is how long you can remain in Korea.
Q21. Can I use tourist visa for medical tourism?
A21. Simple checkups are possible, but long-term treatment requires separate medical tourism visa (C-3-3).
Q22. Can I use visa application agencies?
A22. Authorized agencies can be used but cost extra, and you still need to prepare documents yourself.
Q23. Do I need a visa for transit through Korea?
A23. Usually unnecessary if not leaving airport transit area, but some countries require transit visa.
Q24. Is insurance mandatory for visa application?
A24. Not mandatory but travel insurance is strongly recommended. Some countries may require insurance certificates.
Q25. Will criminal records result in visa rejection?
A25. Depends on crime type and severity; minor offenses may be possible but serious crimes likely result in rejection.
Q26. Can I apply for visa while pregnant?
A26. Possible but consider pregnancy weeks and health status, medical insurance recommended.
Q27. What questions are asked in visa interviews?
A27. Mainly about visit purpose, stay duration, accommodation, financial capability, and intention to return.
Q28. What if online visa application fails?
A28. For system errors, retry after 24 hours; if continues failing, contact consulate directly.
Q29. How can I check visa application progress?
A29. Check online with application number or call the consulate.
Q30. Are additional documents needed when entering Korea?
A30. Basic requirements are passport, visa, arrival card, customs declaration. COVID-19 related documents may change depending on situation.
Image Usage Notice
Some images in this article use AI-generated or alternative images for better understanding.
There may be differences from actual product images. Please refer to official manufacturer websites for accurate designs and specifications.
⚠️ Important Notes and Disclaimer
- 💡 This content provides general information about Korean tourist visas.
- 📱 Visa policies can change frequently, so always check official sites for latest information before applying.
- ⚙️ Visa requirements and procedures vary by country, so consult your local Korean consulate.
- 📊 Fees and processing times provided are approximate and may differ from actual.
- 🔄 Visa approval is at consulate discretion; even perfect documents may be rejected.
- ⚡ Beware of visa scams and only apply through authorized channels.
- 🌐 Protect personal information during online applications and verify official sites.
- 👨👩👧👦 Minors may need additional documents like parental consent.
- 💾 Keep copies of all documents and safely manage originals.
- 🎯 This information is for reference; follow official government guidance for visa matters.
✨ Real-life Benefits of Korean Visa Application
- 🚀 Fast Entry Process: Choosing the right visa reduces immigration processing time and stress
- 💾 Travel Planning Freedom: Multiple entry visas allow flexible travel planning with revisits anytime
- 🔒 Legal Security: Staying with proper visa ensures safe travel without legal issues
- ⚡ Online Convenience: e-Visa saves time and money with convenient home application
- 💰 Cost Savings: Group visas offer cheaper Korea visits than individual visas
- 🎮 Various Activities: Proper visa enables tourism, family visits, conference attendance and more
- 📱 Digital Management: Electronic visas can be managed digitally without worry of loss
- 🔋 Easy Revisits: Maintaining good visa records facilitates future revisits or long-term visa applications
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