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e-Visa Application via the Visa Portal

Visa application via korean diplomatic missions abroad, confirmation of visa issuance application via the visa portal.

  • Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application via Korean Immigration

1. Application Process

Select “Application” >> “E-Visa(Individual)” on the Visa Portal (www.visa.go.kr)

2. Applicant

Application must be submitted by a foreigner or the sponsor on behalf of the foreigner

3. Applicable Status of Stay (as of Dec.8.2014)

  • Professor (E-1), Researcher (E-3), Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4), and Professional (E-5) Visa for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members.
  • Foreign Notional of Special Ability (E-7) visa for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members. - Qualification : the applicant must be an expert in advanced science and technology and have an official employment recommendation letter (a.k.a. GOLD CARD)
  • Short-term General (C-3-1) Visa for a prospective investor invited by a promotion agency of the Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business and his/her accompanying family members
  • Short-term Group Tourist (C-3-2) Visa for Chinese group tourists who can apply for their Visa through a designated travel agency
  • Short-term Medical Tourist (C-3-3) or Recuperation & Treatment (G-1-10) Visa for foreign patients and their caregivers who are invited by an ‘outstanding medical facilitator’ designated as e-Visa agency.

- Qualifications : A foreigner who has entered Korea 3 times or more with a Short-term (C-3) Visa since the implementation of the fingerprint confirmation system for foreigner on Jan. 1, 2012, and who has no history of illegal stay or criminal cases

※ Please refer to the Visa Navigator for more details.

4. Required Documents

  • Visa Application Form (electronic form on the Visa Portal)
  • Scanned image files of passport pages
  • Digital Photograph (in natural color, size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm)
  • Fee (credit card for e-Payment)

- Please refer to the guide on required documents for each type of visa on the Visa Navigator or to the Visa Information on the website of a respective diplomatic office.

5. Procedure

Application by the applicant

  • 1. Applicant - Completion of Application Form (Visa portal)
  • 2. Applicant - e-Payment (Visa portal)
  • 3. Applicant - Submission of Application (Visa portal)
  • 4. sponsor (corporation/individual) - Confirmation Invitation (Visa portal)
  • 5. Visa official - Reception & Review
  • 6. sponsor, Applicant - Confirmation of Results (Visa portal)
  • 7. sponsor, Applicant - Printing & Sending confirmation of E-Visa Issuance (Visa portal)
  • 8. Applicant - Arrival in Korea

Application by the sponsor (inviter)

  • 1. sponsor - Login (Visa portal)
  • 2. sponsor - completion of Application Form (Visa portal)
  • 3. sponsor - e-Payment (Visa portal)
  • 4. Visa official - Reception & Review
  • 5. sponsor - Confirmation of Results (Visa portal)
  • 6. sponsor, Applicant - Printing & Sending confirmation of E-Visa Issuance (Visa portal)
  • 7. Applicants - Arrival in Korea (Visa portal)

1. Application process

Select “Application" >> "Confirmation of Visa Issuance” on Visa Portal (www.visa.go.kr)

Application must be filed by the inviter (sponsor)

3. Applicable status of stay (as of Dec.8.2014)

  • Professor (E-1), Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Researcher (E-3), Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4) Professional (E-5) for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members.
  • Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7) Visa for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members. - Qualification : the applicant must have an occupation under category 1 (executives) or 2 (professionals or related) of the Standard Classification of Occupation announced by the National Statistical Office
  • Short-term Medical Tourist (C-3-3) or Recuperation & Treatment (G-1-10) Visa for foreign patients and their caregivers who are invited by an ‘outstanding medical facilitator’
  • Business Visitor (C-3-6) visa for an invitee of a VIP corporation
  • Student (D-2) and Korean Language Trainee (D-4-1) visa
  • Non-professional(E-9) and Maritime Crew (E-10) visa

※ Please refer to the Visa Navigator for more detail.

  • Application form for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (electronic form on the Visa Portal)

- Please refer to the guide on required documents for each type of Visa on the Visa Navigator, or to the Visa information on the board of the respective website of the Diplomatic Office.

  • 2. sponsor - Completion of Application Form (Visa portal)
  • 3. Visa official - Reception & Review
  • 4. sponsor - Confirmation of Results (Visa portal)
  • 5. sponsor, Applicant - Download Visa application Form (Visa portal)
  • 6. sponsor - Submission of Visa Application & Payment
  • 7. Visa Consul - Visa issuance (Diplomatic Office)

6. Check the Result of Your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application

You can check the result of your application – through “Application Status” via the Visa Portal, ARS (02-2650-6363), text message or e-mail address you gave us.

7. Visa Application

  • The sponsor (inviter) must download Visa application form (for the applicant) from “Application Status” on the Visa Portal, and send it to the applicant via email, or inform him/her of the number and expiry date of the confirmation of visa issuance.
  • The applicant must receive Visa application form for the confirmation of visa issuance or its number (expiry date) from the sponsor in Korea in order to apply for his/her visa at the Korean Embassy or Consulate General.

Confirmation of Visa issuance is valid for 3 months, and is effective for visa issuance just for once. For any other inquiries, please contact the Immigration Contact center (+1345 without an area code or +82+1345 if you are calling from abroad).

1. Location of Application

Korean Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country (or area) of residence.

Application must be submitted by a foreigner or a visa agency on behalf of the foreigner

  • A single-entry or multiple-entry visa for eligible applicants of Diplomat(A-1), Government Official(A-2) Visa
  • A single-entry visa (with 90 days of duration of stay or less), for eligible applicants of - Short-term News Coverage (C-1), Short-term General (C-3) and Short-term Employee (C-4)
  • A multiple-entry visa (with 90 days of duration of stay or less) for eligible applicants of Short-term News Coverage (C-1) and Short-term General (C-3) Visa who are citizens of countries that have multiple-entry visa agreements with Korea.
  • Visas issued at the discretion of the head of a Korean diplomatic mission abroad, such as single-entry visa (with 90 days of duration of stay or less) for eligible applicants of Korean Arts and Culture (D-1) Visa who are planning to engage in cultural arts activities upon invitation of the Korea Foundation or from Korean Culture and Arts Committee

※ Please refer to the Visa Navigator for more details

  • Visa Application Form (application form No.17, or please click the ‘Application’ menu on the Visa Portal >> Fill out the electronic form)
  • Photo (natural color, 3.5cm x 4.5cm)

- You can pay the fee in the currency of your own country only if you receive permission from the head of the Korean diplomatic mission in your country.

The required documents mentioned on the Visa Navigator are of the minimum requirements. Depending on the circumstances of one’s country, the head of the Korean diplomatic mission may request/exempt additional documents for further evaluation. Therefore, in the case that required documents on the Visa Navigator do not match with those of the diplomatic mission, please follow the instructions and requirements provided by the respective diplomatic mission.

  • 1. Applicant - Submission of Application
  • 2. Visa Consul - Reception & Review (Diplomatic Office)
  • 3. Visa Consul - Visa Issuance (Diplomatic Office)
  • 4. Applicant - Arrival in Korea

※ For any other inquiries, please contact the consular affair Korean diplomatic missions in your country of residence.

Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application via Korean Immigration Offices

Korean Immigration Office that has jurisdiction over the area of inviter’s residence

2. Applicants

Application must be submitted by a foreigner or the sponsor/agency (E-9, E-10) on behalf of the foreigner

  • Long-term Korean Arts and Culture (D-1), Student (D-2), Industrial trainee (D-3), General trainee (D-4), Long-term News Coverage (D-5), Religious Worker (D-6), Intra-company Transferee (D-7), Corporate/Foreign investor (D-8), International Trade (D-9), Professor (E-1), Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Researcher (E-3), Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4), Professional (E-5), Artists/Athlete (E-6), Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7), Non-professional (E-9), Maritime Crew (E-10), Family Visitor (F-1), Dependent Family (F-3), Miscellaneous (G-1), and Work and Visit (H-2) Visa for eligible applicants
  • Long-term Visa for citizens of countries with no formal diplomatic relations with Korea, or just specific countries (i.e. Cuba, Syria, and Macedonia) designated by the Korean government.
  • Other people recognized by the Minister of Justice as needed
  • Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application Form (Form No.21)
  • Photocopy of passport pages
  • Photograph (in natural color, size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm)

- The required documents mentioned on the Visa Navigator are of the minimum requirements. The head of the immigration office may request/exempt additional documents for further evaluation.

  • The employment certificate and a copy of the representative’s ID, and a letter of attorney are required if the representative applies on behalf of the applicant. (Representative’s application may be restricted when further evaluation is required)

5. Procedures

  • 1. sponsor - Completion of Application Form
  • 2. Visa official - Reception & Review (Jurisdiction office)
  • 3. sponsor, Applicant - Sending Confirmation No
  • 4. Application - Submission (Diplomatic Office)
  • 5. Visa Consul - Visa Issuance (Diplomatic Office)
  • 6. Applicant - Arrival in Korea

6. Notification of evaluation results

7. Visa Issuance

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Building#1, Government Complex-Gwacheon, 47, Gwanmun-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea ( Immigration Contact Center : +82-1345 )

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Korea Solved

Tourist Visa In Korea

Tourist Visa In Korea: A Simple Guide

Picture this: vibrant Seoul nights, tranquil temple visits, and spicy kimchi feasts.

Ready to pack your bags for an unforgettable Korean escapade?

Before you board, let’s unravel the tapestry of securing a tourist visa for Korea.

How Is Tourism Impacting The Korean Economy?

Tourist Visa In Korea 1

Sights and attractions in Korea collectively are the reason why over 17.5 million visitors arrived in South Korea in 2019. This figure is 14% higher compared to the previous year’s number, making it one of the top visited countries in Asia. 

Travel and Tourism added significantly to the country’s economy, contributing 4.16% to the overall GDP of the country in 2019. 

However, most international travelers embarking on their Korean adventures will have to obtain a tourist visa . 

In this extensive guide, we will walk you through the intricate details of securing a tourist visa for South Korea. From the eligibility criteria to the visa application process, while also providing you with valuable tips to ensure a successful application. 

While we are on the topic, it is important to mention that it is easier for citizens of the developed nations to obtain a hassle-free visa, which is mostly on arrival.

Nations like the EU Member States, Australia, New Zealand, The United Kingdom have a visa waiver agreement with the Republic of Korea.

Other nations which do not have a visa waiver agreement with Korea include countries like The United Arab Emirates, Canada, Russia, Bahrain and others.

However, this in no way implies that it is difficult for the citizens of these countries or other countries to obtain a Korean visa. 

One thing to be noted here is that the famous Schengen visa is not required to enter Korea. The visa required to set foot in Korea is issued and processed by the Government of Korea. Schengen is only required to enter most of the European states. 

What Is the Korean Tourist Visa?

Tourist Visa In Korea 2

Like any country that offers different types of visas for different people, depending on their purpose of visit, Korea also follows the same route.

Visas granted for educational purposes have different requirements, terms and conditions comparatively to a businessman heading to Korea for trade and investment.

Similarly, a visa granted for the purpose of sightseeing is different. A Korean tourist visa, often referred to as a C-3 visa, is the key that unlocks the doors to South Korea for travelers from around the world. 

This visa allows its holder to explore the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant city life, rich cultural heritage, yummy street food, access to the world’s best skincare that South Korea offers, for a specified duration, usually up to 90 days.

Whether your purpose is sightseeing, visiting your friends or family, or experiencing the diverse culture that Korea offers, a tourist visa is your magic wand to a memorable journey through this captivating country. 

What Is The Eligibility Criteria For Korean Tourist Visa?

Tourist Visa In Korea 3

Before embarking on the visa application journey, it is vital to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria for a Korean tourist visa. 

Requirements are set by the Korean Government and individuals going ahead with the process should be aware of the fact that the rules and conditions are the same for all. 

Being fair and unbiased to every nationality is the primary goal of the Korean Government.  

The criteria typically includes:

Valid Passport

Your passport should have the validity of at least six months beyond your intended departure date from South Korea. 

Passport should not expire and should be renewed by the relevant authorities prior to applying for the visa.

Financial Capability

You must demonstrate the financial means to cover your stay in South Korea.

This involves providing your recent bank statements, financial sponsorship letters, or other evidence of sufficient funds.

Intention To Return

You will need to convince the visa granting authority and establish your intention to return to your home country or residence after your visit ends. 

This can be exhibited through ties to your family, employment proof, property ownership, or educational commitments.

Clean Criminal Record

For visiting any country in the world, no matter developed or developing, even the ones plagued with crimes, one must submit proof of the fact that they are civilized, law abiding citizens of their own countries. 

Furthermore, having a clean criminal record is necessary and relevant. Any history of serious criminal offenses may impact the visa application and will most probably result in the visa denial.

Flight Itinerary And Accommodation

Present a confirmed flight itinerary to and from South Korea, as well as all the relevant details of your accommodation for the duration of your stay.

Purpose Of Visit

State clearly the purpose of your visit as tourism. Whether you plan to explore historic sites, indulge in cultural experiences, great food or visit friends and family, your intent should align with tourism .

What Are The Types Of Korean Tourist Visa?

Korean tourist visas are broadly divided into two types:

The C-3 Visa 

This is a short-term tourist visa . It’s the most common type of tourist visa and is suitable for travelers planning to stay in South Korea for a short period of time, typically up to 90 days.  

It is ideal for tourists, those visiting friends or family, or individuals seeking to explore the country’s vibrant culture.

This is the group tourist visa . The C-4 visa is designed for group tourists who are part of an officially recognized tour group.

If you plan to explore South Korea as part of an organized tour, this visa is the one to pursue.

What Is The Korean Tourist Visa Application Process?

Tourist Visa In Korea 4

Obtaining a Korean tourist visa involves a structured application process, which can be outlined as follows:

Download And Complete The Application Form

Access the visa application form from the official website of the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. 

It is important to fill out the form accurately, ensuring there are no errors, and no relevant information is missed out.

Gather Required Documents

Collect the necessary supporting documents , including your passport, passport-sized photos, proof of financial capability, flight itinerary, accommodation details, and any additional documents specified by the embassy or consulate.

Schedule An Appointment

Some Korean embassies or consulates may require applicants to book an appointment for visa submission. It is crucial to check the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate in your area and follow their procedures.

Submit Your Application

Attend the appointment (if required) or visit the embassy or consulate during their designated working hours to submit your application. Ensure that all documents are neatly organized and presented according to their guidelines.

Pay The Visa Fee

Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Visa Interview (If Required)

In some cases, applicants may be called for a visa interview. During the interview, be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, intentions, and other relevant details.

Wait For Processing

The processing time for a Korean tourist visa can vary, ranging from a few days to several weeks. Patience is essential during this period.

Collect Your Visa

Once your visa application is approved, collect your visa from the embassy or consulate. Before leaving, double-check all visa details for accuracy.

How Long Can You Stay In Korea For With A Tourist Visa? 

With a Korean tourist visa, you can typically stay in South Korea for a period of up to 90 days (about 3 months). 

This 90-day period is often referred to as the “duration of stay.” It begins from the date of your entry into South Korea and is indicated on your visa sticker.

It is important to abide by the allowed duration of stay specified on your visa. Overstaying your visa can result in legal consequences, including fines, deportation, and potential difficulties obtaining future visas. 

If you plan to stay in South Korea for longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism, you will need to explore other visa options, such as a work visa, student visa, or long-term residency visa, depending on your specific circumstances and intentions for staying in the country. 

However, the requirements and documents needed for those visas would differ from that of a tourist visa. 

What Is The Visa Fees For A Tourist/Visitor Visa?

Tourist Visa In Korea 5

The visa fee for a Korean tourist visa can vary depending on the nationality of an individual and the type of visa they are applying for. 

As of September 2021 , the standard visa fee for most nationalities was around 60,000 Korean Won (KRW). However, this fees is tentative and can change from time to time. 

There may be variations based on your nationality, visa category, and the specific embassy or consulate where you apply.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa fees for your specific situation, visiting the official website of the Korean embassy or the consulate in your home country is recommended. 

They typically provide detailed information on visa requirements and fees for applicants from different countries. Additionally, you can contact the embassy or consulate directly for clarification on the current visa fees and payment methods.

How Long Does It Take To Process A Korean Short Stay Visa For Tourism?

The processing time for the C-3 tourist visa can vary depending on several factors, including your nationality, the specific embassy or consulate where you apply, and the time of year.

However, here are some general guidelines:

Normal Processing Time

In many cases, the normal processing time for a Korean tourist visa is approximately 5 to 10 business days.

This means that if you submit a complete and accurate visa application, you can expect to receive a decision within the time frame mentioned above.

Peak Seasons

During peak travel seasons, such as the summer months and major holidays like Christmas, Easter and others, visa processing times may be slightly longer due to a higher influx of applications. 

It is advisable to apply in advance during these periods to ensure that your visa is processed in time for your intended travel dates.

Visa Interview

If the embassy or consulate requires a visa interview as part of the application process, this may add extra time to the processing. 

Visa interviews are typically scheduled in advance and can take place before a decision is made.

Complex Cases

If your visa application is considered more complex due to specific circumstances or additional document requirements, it may take longer to process.

For example, if you have a history of visa denials or if you’re applying for a long-term visa, it may require additional attention and thought and will take more time.

What Are The Tips For A Successful Korean Tourist Visa Application? 

Tourist Visa In Korea 6

Securing a Korean tourist visa can be a straightforward process if you follow these essential tips:

Apply In Advance

Commence the visa application process well in advance of your planned travel dates to account for processing time and potential delays.

Provide Accurate Information

Ensure that all information provided on your application form aligns with the supporting documents and is entirely accurate . 

Financial Documentation

Submit clear and comprehensive financial documents to demonstrate your ability to support yourself during your stay in South Korea. 

Travel Itinerary

Craft a well-structured travel plan that outlines your plans and intended destinations within South Korea according to your interests and wants. 

Avoid Overstaying

Respect the validity period of your vis a and adhere to the allowed duration of stay. Overstaying can result in legal consequences and future visa denials.

Visa Exemptions

Investigate whether your country is eligible for a visa exemption or visa waiver program, as these options can simplify your travel plans.

Consult The Embassy/Consulate

If you have any doubts or questions about the application process, do not hesitate to reach out to the Korean embassy or consulate for guidance and clarification since they would have all the adequate information and the ability to answer any question that you might have in a detailed manner. 

Conclusion 

You’re now equipped to embark on your Korean journey with the right visa in hand. From palace tours to K-pop concerts, a realm of experiences awaits. Your Korean odyssey begins now!

Journey Jumpstart!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following:

  • Types Of Visas In Korea
  • Tax Refund In Korea
  • Temporary Residence In Korea

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

South Korea Visa for Tourists in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: March 26, 2024

South Korea Visa

South Korea’s visa policy is generally simple but has a couple of exceptions and specific rules that allow visa-free access where otherwise a visa would be necessary.

The Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) was introduced in September 2021 and is now mandatory for all travelers without visas 18 or older and 65 or younger. This means there is no true visa exemption anymore. However, some nationalities are exempt from the K-ETA until 31 December 2024.

In this article, I will guide you through South Korea visa requirements, K-ETA, tourist visas and exceptions.

Table of Contents

Visa policy and visa types.

Passport holders from 110 countries do not need a visa to travel to South Korea. Unless temporarily exempt, all visa-exempt nationals between 18 and 64 (inclusive) must have a pre-approved K-ETA to travel to South Korea.

There are also various provisions for short-term visa exemptions for other nationalities:

  • 30-day visa exemption for holders of visas or residence permits from select countries and in transit to a third country
  • 30-day visa waiver for Jeju Island if arriving by direct flight
  • 15-day visa exemption for tour groups visiting various regions in Korea
  • Tours around Seoul if in transit

In all other circumstances, a tourist visa is required to enter Korea.

South Korea doesn’t issue Visa on Arrival (VOA) or eVisa for tourists.

South Korea Visa Requirements 

South Korea Visa Requirements by Nationality

  • Passport’s expiry date must be after the intended departure date (no extended validity required)
  • Return or onward ticket
  • K-ETA if visa-exempt (unless temporarily waived)

Visa Exemption (K-ETA Required)

South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) Sample

South Korea introduced its form of Electronic Travel Authorization called K-ETA in September 2021. K-ETA is now MANDATORY for all visitors who are exempt from visas. Some nationalities are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2024.

K-ETA eligibility

110 nationalities are visa-exempt. The duration of stay varies from 30 days to 6 months. You must obtain K-ETA before traveling (unless your nationality is exempt until 31 December 2024 ).

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Dominican Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Switzerland
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Kazakhstan #
  • Marshall Islands
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • Vatican City

* Total stay must not exceed 90 days within any 180 days # Total stay must not exceed 60 days within any 180 days

K-ETA validity 

The K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of approval but cannot be longer than the validity of the applicant’s passport.

Applications submitted before 3 July 2023 only received 2-year validity.

The K-ETA costs 10.000 KRW (~8$), payable by card during the online application. A 3% card processing fee is levied, bringing the total to 10.300 KRW.

K-ETA application

You can apply for the K-ETA online on the only official website – the K-ETA Application Portal . Beware of agents and intermediaries posing for official sources.

All you need is your passport, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card.

K-ETA processing time

The processing time of the K-ETA is usually at most 72 hours but can be longer in rare instances.

K-ETA exemption based on age

Everybody younger than 18 years is exempt from the K-ETA. Everybody 65 or older is exempt too.

For more information, read the South Korea K-ETA article for details on the documents required, the application process and current K-ETA exempted countries (until 31 Dec 2024).

Visa Exemption (Jeju Island Visa Waiver)

Jeju Island has its own visa waiver provisions to boost tourism to South Korea’s most popular holiday destination.

Below are the key requirements for Jeju Island visa waiver provision:

  • All nationalities except the below 23 are eligible for Jeju Island visa exemption
  • Jeju Island visa exemption is valid for 30 days only for the province
  • Visitors must enter and depart Jeju via direct flight (i.e. without stopping in any other part of South Korea).
  • Visa-exempt but K-ETA-required nationalities must still obtain K-ETA unless temporarily exempt

Ineligible countries

Jeju Island visa exemption is not available for these 23 countries:

  • Afghanistan

The above 23 countries also become eligible if they:

  • Have a Certificate of Invitation issued by the Jeju Government or Jeju Island Immigration Office (OR)
  • Hold a permanent residence permit from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, or USA AND have previously visited South Korea 3 times since 1996 or once since 2006

Visa Exemption (Visa Holders of Third Countries)

South Korea Visa Exemption in Transit for holders of visas from third countries

You’re eligible for a 30-day visa exemption if you have a visa or a residence permit from one of the following countries :

You MUST also meet ONE of the following requirements:

  • You arrive in South Korea from one of these countries and depart for a third country
  • You arrive in South Korea from a third country and depart to one of these countries
  • You arrive in South Korea from one of these countries and have transited in a fourth country for less than 72 hours before entering South Korea. You then depart for a third country.
  • You arrive in South Korea from a third country, then depart for one of these countries, and will transit to a fourth country for less than 72 hours.

Visa Exemption (Transit Tours at Seoul’s Incheon Airport)

If you’re in transit at Seoul’s Incheon International for less than 24 hours (which is the limit anyway), you’re eligible for any of the free tours around Seoul.

The tours range in price from free to $150 golf courses although most are cheaper than $5. They range from 1 hour to 5 hours in duration.

You can check out the tours and book online via the Incheon Airport website .

Upon arrival, go to the Information desks at either terminal to get routed to your tour.

If you’re from a visa-exempt country but require K-ETA, you must still obtain K-ETA (unless temporarily exempt) for transit tours at Incheon Airport. 

The following 23 countries are not eligible for transit tours:

Visa Exemption (Tour Groups)

Various visa exemptions exist for organized tour groups.

Gangwon-do Region

A 15-day visa exemption for Gangwon-do and Seoul Metropolitan Area is available to tour groups from:

  • Philippines

This is only if flying in and out of Yangyang International Airport until May 30, 2024.

Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, Jeju-do Regions

A 15-day visa exemption for these regions is available to tour groups from:

This is only if flying in and out of Muan International Airport until March 31, 2024.

Traveling to Jeju via Seoul, Busan, Cheongju, Muan, or Yangyang

This exemption is only available to Chinese tour groups.

It allows stays on the mainland of South Korea for up to 5 days followed by up to 15 days on Jeju Island.

Tourist Visa from the Embassy

South Korea Visa Sample

Visitors seeking a tourist visa must obtain it from a South Korean embassy. None of the available e-visas are for short-term tourism visits.

The standard visa for tourism is C-3-9 (Ordinary Tourist).

Requirements

  • Visa Application Form #17 (fill it out online)
  • Passport valid for the duration of stay
  • A standard-size color photo
  • Proof of enough funds for the duration of stay in Korea
  • Complete Visa Application Form online
  • Submit and pay
  • Receive an invitation for the interview
  • Visit the chosen embassy and conduct the interview
  • Check results online
  • Download and print visa.

Transit Visa

If you’re not leaving the airport’s transit zone (i.e. not clearing immigration) you do not need a visa or a K-ETA under the condition that:

  • Incheon Airport (Seoul): You depart within 24 hours;
  • All other airports: You depart on the same calendar day.

If you will be passing through immigration, you must obtain a transit visa, K-ETA or utilize visa exemption as part of one of the transit tours. 

South Korea Arrival Card

Tourists arriving in South Korea have to fill out and submit an arrival card. This is a standard procedure in many countries and chances are that you will be given a card already in the airplane.

If you hold a K-ETA, you’re automatically exempt from having to complete and submit an arrival card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should i apply for k-eta for my children.

Provided your children are 17 years old or younger, it is not necessary to apply for K-ETA for them.

Should I apply for K-ETA if I have a tourist visa?

No. If you have a visa for South Korea you don’t need to submit K-ETA. The K-ETA is only for visa-exempt nationalities.

Do I need a new K-ETA for every visit to Korea?

No. The K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. As long as it’s valid, you don’t need to apply for a new one.

Do I need a K-ETA to travel to Jeju Island?

Yes. Even though Jeju has special visa waivers, you still need to submit a K-ETA.

How much money should I have when I apply for a South Korean tourist visa?

Embassies do not disclose this information and it depends. Travelers have been saying that you need to have a minimum of 150$ per day in your bank account.

Do I need proof of COVID vaccination or a COVID test before traveling to South Korea?

Currently, South Korea does not require any COVID-19 vaccination certificates, testing, or quarantine for entry.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

06. Get your zero-fee ATM card

You can manage money internationally in over 70 currencies using  Wise . With a Wise card, you can store and withdraw cash in 40 currencies with zero ATM fees. 

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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South Korea

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

South korea - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for South Korea.   
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.   
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

No – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy seoul.

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, Korea Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114)  DSN:721-4114 Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate in Busan

Lotte Gold Rose Building #612, Jungang-daero 993, Jin-gu Busan 47209, Korea Telephone: (+82) 51-863-0731 Email:  [email protected]

The Embassy and Consulate are closed on weekends and on  American and Korean holidays .  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +82 (2) 397-4114.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

  • You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the  Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)  is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
  • Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

  • In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the  Korea Immigration Service (KIS)  before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

  • Consult  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide , and follow all instructions.
  • Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
  • Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
  • Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months .

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy  (Including family members/dependents):

  • Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency.  Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements. 
  • TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do  not  require Korean visas and do  not  require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using  Department of State's eCC system  or  DOD APACS system .

HIV/AIDS Restriction:  The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

  • Visit the  Embassy of Korea  website for current visa information. Please read our  Customs Information page .

COVID-19 Requirements :

  • There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
  • Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Safety and Security

Public Demonstrations:  Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK):  An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our  Fact Sheet on North Korea .

Weather-related Events:  Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  website.

Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ):  To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP. 

If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.

Crime:  For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets.

  • Take routine safety precautions.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings.
  • Report any concerns to local police.

Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant:

  • Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts.
  • If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups.
  • Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.

Victims of Crime:  Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can:

  • Help you find appropriate medical care;
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to police;
  • Contact relatives or friends on your behalf;
  • Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms;
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
  • Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States;
  • Replace a lost or stolen passport.

Sexual Assault:   The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security.  Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.

Domestic Violence:  Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if widely available.  It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States. The  Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice  has more information.

Avoid fraud and scams:  See  Department of State  and  FBI  websites for more information.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

  • Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation.
  • There is little tolerance for illegal drugs.
  • If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.
  • Commercial disputes may lead to criminal charges being filed under local laws.

Be aware that some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Dual Nationality and Military Conscription:  Dual national males (including U.S. service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate or the  Korean Military Manpower Administration  regarding potential citizenship obligations  before entering South Korea .

Passport Seizures and Exit Bans:  If you are involved in a criminal investigation or commercial dispute, authorities may seize your passport and/or block your departure. While we may reissue a passport, we cannot lift an exit ban.

Exit Permits:  Exit permits are not generally required. However, if a parent requests a travel restriction on his/her child, Korean authorities may prevent that child from departing even when traveling with the other parent. As of June 1, 2020, foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at the  www.hikorea.go.kr  website.

International Child Abduction:  See our website for information related to the  prevention of international child abduction . 

Working in South Korea:  If working, including teaching or modeling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status without leaving the country. If you begin work without the appropriate visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported. If you are working without a valid work permit and get into a contractual dispute with your employer, you have little legal recourse.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

ROK National Security Law:  Authorities may detain, arrest, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state,” including statements deemed to praise the political system and/or officials of the DPRK. 

Customs Regulations: There is strict enforcement of regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, narcotics and prescription drugs, non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. Importation of materials deemed to be obscene, subversive, or harmful to the public peace is also restricted.

  • Amphetamines are illegal in Korea. Do not bring amphetamines or other prescription narcotics into the country without obtaining advance permission in writing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. See the  U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page .
  • Traveling with Pets: See  Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency  website.

See the  Korean Customs Regulations website for complete information.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTI-oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTI issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Korean citizens can legally change their gender identity.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Mobility Issues:  Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Cross walks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include Korean Braille information. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward.

Quality of Care : Western-style medical facilities are available in most large cities. However, not all doctors and staff, are proficient in English. A  list of hospitals  and medical specialists who speak English is available on our website. For emergency ambulance service dial 119. Ambulance services are widely available. For information on medical evacuation from South Korea, please see the State Department’s brochure on  Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers . 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Verify your health insurance coverage before traveling overseas. See our webpage for information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.

Medication:  Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Most prescription medications, except psychotropic types, can be obtained at Korean pharmacies (brand names often differ). Local pharmacies will require a prescription from a Korean doctor.

Update  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For further health information go to:

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents.

Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Traffic Laws include:

  • International driving permit (or ROK license) is required for all drivers.
  • Left-hand turns prohibited except with green arrow.
  • Seat belts and car seats are mandatory.
  • Motorcycle passengers must wear helmets.
  • Automobile drivers are presumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians.
  • Expect long waits at police stations while police investigate any incidents.
  • Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation.
  • Even if negligence is not proven, criminal charges may be filed.
  • Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
  • Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests; refusal can result in cancellation of your license.

For information about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to our  Road Safety page . You may also visit the  Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of Korea's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the ROK's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

South Korea was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  South Korea.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

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All You Need to Know about Getting to Seoul

Visitors entering the Republic of Korea (ROK) must hold a valid passport and visa to enter the country. Nationals of visa waiver or visa-free countries may enter the country without a visa for tourism purposes only. For any other purposes, such as employment or education, proper visas are required. Nationals of non-visa waiver countries must apply for visas at the nearest Korean embassy or consulate prior to entering the ROK.

tourist visa for seoul

※Countries that are granted visa-free entry for general passport holders. Nationals of the following countries are allowed to enter and stay in ROK for up to 30 days of visa-free sojourn for tourism or visitation.

> List of countries under the Visa Waiver Program (as of Feb. 2007)

> More information about visas

Immigrations and Customs

Once disembarking from your plane, follow the signs to get to immigrations. Non-resident foreigners must fill out an Arrival card like pictured below.

Arrival card

  • ① Chinese character name
  • ② Family (last) name
  • ③ Given name(s)
  • ⑤ Nationality
  • ⑥ Date of Birth
  • ⑦ Passport number
  • ⑧ Home Address
  • ⑨ Occupation
  • ⑩ Address in Korea (Name of Hotel, address, etc.)
  • ⑪ Purpose of visit
  • ⑫ Flight number
  • ⑬ Port of Boarding ex. Bangkok, Los Angeles
  • ⑭ Your signature

After going through immigrations and baggage claim, you must pass through the customs checkpoint before exiting the terminal. You must present your customs declaration form even if you have nothing to declare. If traveling with family, you may fill out one card for the entire family.

Smart Entry Service (SES)

Instead of going through immigration with a live agent, participants of the SES program can go through immigrations through automatic gates in just 12 seconds. Find out more at www.ses.go.kr

Tax exemption limit and requirements for declaration

Duty-free items cannot exceed 1 bottle of alcohol (1 liter), 10 cartons of cigarettes, and 60ml of perfume. (You must be at least 19 years of age to purchase alcohol and cigarettes in ROK.) Overall, duties and taxes are not required on goods worth up to a total of US$400. Also, if you are entering the country with more than US$10,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) in cash, this must be declared.

tourist visa for seoul

For more information on customs, please refer to the official website of the Korea Customs Service.

Website : http://english.customs.go.kr

For more information related to immigrations, please refer to the official website of the Korea Immigration Service.

Website : http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/main_en.pt

Phone: 1345 (without area code)

  • 장기 폭염 예상 기간 프로그램 운영 중단: 7.23. ~ 8.11.
  • 예약은 관광일 기준 최소 3일 전 까지 가능합니다.
  • 3인 미만은 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 기존 등록된 예약 중 그룹별 정원을 초과하지 않는 예약에 한하여 1일 전 17시 까지 추가 예약 가능합니다.
  • 다음달 예약은 전달 15일 이 후부터 가능합니다.
  • 발열 또는 호흡기 증상(열, 기침, 가래, 근육통, 코막힘, 인후통 등)이 있는 경우 프로그램 참여를 삼가하여 주시기 바랍니다.
  • 보호자가 동반하지 않는 만 14세 미만의 아동 관광객의 경우 현장에서 취소됩니다.
  • 기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (발효 즉시 취소처리) ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
  • 해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 서울도보해설관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
  • 한국어를 모국어로 사용하는 대한민국 국민의 경우, 외국어 해설 신청이 불가능합니다.
  • 예약은 관광일 기준 최대 5개월 전부터 최소 5일 전 까지 신청 가능합니다.
  • 희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 특히 주말 및 공휴일, 봄(4~5월) 가을(9~11월) 성수기에는 예약이 조기마감 되오니 이 점 유의하여 주시기 바랍니다.
  • 예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다. (최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 경복궁, 창덕궁, 창경궁, 덕수궁 35인 이상 관람 시, 해당 궁궐 사이트에서 15일 전 단체 입장신청이 필요합니다. (2014.1.1.부터 시행)
  • 해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
  • 예약은 관광일 기준 최소 1주일 전까지 가능합니다.
  • 덕수궁의 경우 복지카드를 지참한 관광객에 한하여 무료입장이 가능합니다. ※ 중증(1~3급) 동반인 포함 2명 무료※ 경증(4~6급) 장애인 본인 1인만 무료
  • 보호자 또는 보조자가 동반하지 않을 경우 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 별도의 보조자가 없는 경우 사무국으로 문의 바랍니다. (02-6925-0777)
  • 예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 덕수궁의 경우 복지카드를 지참한 관광객에 한하여 무료입장이 가능합니다. ※ 중증(1~3급) 동반인 포함 2명 무료 ※ 경증(4~6급) 장애인 본인 1인만 무료
  • 본 프로그램은 수화해설 중심으로 진행되며, 수화가 불가능한 경우 이용이 불가합니다.
  • 본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
  • 보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능 희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
  • Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
  • Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
  • In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
  • Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
  • Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
  • Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
  • All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation) ※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below. (https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
  • The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
  • Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
  • The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
  • Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
  • Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
  • Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
  • 予約は観光予定日を基準に3日前までとさせて頂きます。
  • 個人予約:最大10名 ※京福級、昌徳宮、昌慶宮は20名様までご予約頂けます。
  • 既にご予約されたコースの中で、グループ別の定員を超えない予約に限り、観光予定日の1日前の17まで追加での予約が可能です。
  • 翌月のご予約は前月の15日から可能です。
  • 発熱または呼吸症状(熱、咳、痰、筋肉痛、鼻づまり、喉の痛みなど)がある場合は、解説プログラムへのご参加はお控えください。
  • 保護者を同伴しない14歳未満の児童観光客は、現場でキャンセルとなります。
  • 気象特報(猛暑、台風、豪雨、PM2.5)によりウォーキングツアーの運営が難しいと判断された場合、全ての予約は中止とさせて頂きます。 (発効後直ちにキャンセルを行う) ※ 下記のリンクにてご予約当日の気象特報をご確認ください。 (https://www.accuweather.com/ja/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
  • 観光中に発生する安全事故について、ソウル徒歩解説観光事務局とソウル文化観光解説士は責任を負いません。
  • 予約は観光日を基準として少なくとも1週間前まで可能です。
  • 本コースは、 移動弱者(移動が不自由な高齢者、障害者、ベビーカー利用者など) のためのコースです。
  • 補助人(或いは同行人)を伴わない場合は利用できません。   ※歩行弱者1人当たり少なくとも1人以上の補助人を伴う   ※電動補助具(電動車椅子、電動スクーターなど)使用者の場合、補助人1当たり歩行弱者最大4人まで同伴可能
  • ご希望の日付及びコースに活動可能な解説士がいない場合、予約はキャンセルされることがあります。
  • 予約を確認するため、徒歩観光事務局(02-6925-0777)で確認のための連絡が行われます。 (少なくとも5日~1ヶ月前)3回以上電話が通じない場合、予約が取り消されることがあります。
  • 解説を進行する時に発生する安全事故に対し、徒歩観光事務局とソウル文化観光解説士は 責任を負いません。
  • 观光日基准最少3日前方可进行预约。
  • 最多可申请10人。 (※ 景福宫, 昌德宫, 昌庆宫是例外 最多可申请20人)
  • 在已登记的预约团体中,只接待不超过预约人数的团体,可在前一天17时前追加预约。
  • 下个月的预约可从前一月15日开始。
  • 如有发热或呼吸道症状(发烧、咳嗽、痰液、肌肉痛、鼻塞、咽喉痛等),请避免参与解说活动。
  • 无保护者随同的未满14岁儿童游客,会在现场取消解说活动。
  • 气象特报(酷暑、台风、暴雨 、雾霾 等)导致徒步观光项目暂停时,所有预约将一律被取消。 (发布紧急措施时立即取消) ※ 请在以下网站上随时确认预约当天的气象特报。 (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
  • 对于解说活动中发生的安全事故,首尔徒步解说旅游事务局和首尔文化观光解说社不予负责。
  • 观光日基准最少1日前方可进行预约。
  • 本线路是为了行动不便者(行动不便的高龄者、残疾人、婴儿车利用者等)的路线。
  • 无辅助人员(或同行人)伴随时,不可利用。 ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的辅助人员陪同。 ※ 电动辅助器具(电动轮椅、电动独轮车等)使用者时,每一位辅助人员最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
  • 希望观光的日期及线路上无解说员时,预约有可能被取消。
  • 为了确认预约,徒步观光事务局(02-6925-0777)会致电进行确认。 (最少5日~一个月前) 3次以上无法连接时,预约将被取消。
  • 进行解说时,对于有可能发生的安全事故,徒步观光事务局和首尔文化观光解说员概不负责。
  • 最晚請於預約日期3天前完成預約。
  • 最多可申請10人。 (※ 景福宮, 昌德宮, 昌慶宮是例外 最多可申請20人)
  • 已完成預約的團體若人數超過限制,可於前一天下午5點前追加預約。
  • 每月15日將開放下個月的預約。
  • 若有發燒或呼吸道症狀(發燒、咳嗽、咳痰、肌肉酸痛、鼻塞、喉嚨痛),請避免參與本活動。
  • 未有保護者同行的未滿14歲兒童遊客,會在現場取消參與資格。
  • 氣象特報(酷暑、颱風、暴雨 、霧霾 等)而導致徒步觀光無法進行時,將一律取消所有預約。 (發布限令時將立即取消) ※ 請在以下網站上隨時確認預約當天的氣象特報。 (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
  • 進行解說時,對於有可能發生的安全事故,首爾徒步解說觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光解說員概不負責。
  • 觀光日基準最少1日前方可進行預約。
  • 本線路是為了行動不便者(行動不便的高齡者、殘疾人、嬰兒車利用者等)的路線。
  • 無輔助人員(或同行人)伴隨時,不可利用。 ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的輔助人員陪同。 ※ 電動輔助器具(電動輪椅、電動獨輪車等)使用者時,每壹位輔助人員最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
  • 希望觀光的日期及線路上無解說員時,預約有可能被取消。
  • 為了確認預約,徒步觀光事務局(02-6925-0777)會致電進行確認。 (最少5日~壹個月前) 3次以上無法連接時,預約將被取消。
  • 進行解說時,對於有可能發生的安全事故,徒步觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光 解說員概不負責。

tourist visa for seoul

Visas for South Korea: here’s what you need to know

Charles Usher

Feb 18, 2024 • 4 min read

A young woman traveling in South Korea pauses to enjoy the view while hiking down from the summit of Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea located on Jeju Island.

Visiting South Korea lets you take in the country’s cutting-edge cities and beautiful natural attractions © Joel Carillet / Getty Images

Not many countries have the sights-to-size ratio of South Korea . You can get from one corner of the country to the other in just two and a half hours, and in between you’ll find mountain trails leading to Buddhist hermitages, super-spectacle K-Pop concerts, back-alley pubs serving craft rice wines, enchanting bamboo forests and much more.

Getting the most out of a visit here starts with getting your entry requirements in order, a simple enough process for most travelers. Here are the basics on who needs a visa to South Korea and how to apply.

Who can travel to South Korea visa-free?

Many travelers – including those from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries – can visit Korea for up to 90 days with no visa required. Canadians can do so for up to six months, while South Africans get 30 days. To check the most up-to-date requirements for your country, visit the Korean government’s Visa Portal and enter your information in its  Visa Navigator .

Although you might not need a visa, you will need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (₩10,000) on the  K-ETA website or K-ETA app (for  iOS  and  Android ) at least 72 hours before your departure. Once you’ve applied, you should receive your results via email within 24 hours. Your K-ETA will remain valid for two years from the date your application is approved, meaning you don’t have to reapply if you visit multiple times within that window.

Rear view of a woman using chopsticks to eat a spread of Korean food

Who needs a tourist visa for South Korea?

Citizens of countries that don’t have a visa-waiver agreement with South Korea or that Korea doesn’t grant visa-free entry will need a visa, which is typically for a single entry and permits stays of 90 days.

If you do need a visa, after entering your information in the Visa Navigator , select the visa you’re applying for (most likely Ordinary Tourist, or C-3-9) and then find the eligibility criteria that applies to you (most likely “travel for holidays or leisure”). Complete your application online ( e-Form ) or by hand ( downloadable PDF ) and then visit a Korean embassy or consulate with your application or a printout of your completed e-Form, your passport, a 3.5cm x 4.5cm (1.4in x 1.7in) passport photo and any additional required documents. The application fee for a basic tourist visa is $40, though it can vary by country.

Horseback riding near the Udo Lighthouse, Jeju-do, South Korea

The Jeju-do visa exception

Jeju-do Island is a designated Special Tourist Zone, which means many (though not all) citizens from countries that require visas for South Korea do not need them to visit Jeju-do for up to 30 days. Note that you must arrive in Jeju-do via ship or direct flight from abroad; you may not connect through another South Korean airport.

Extending your stay in South Korea

In almost all cases, if you’re visiting South Korea as a tourist, you are not allowed to extend your stay. If you need to stay longer because of an emergency, however, contact the Korea Immigration Service. The Hi Korea website provides immigration info for international visitors and residents.

Visas for working and studying in South Korea

Thanks to its all-conquering pop culture and dynamic economy, South Korea is an attractive destination for international students and professionals, and a wide range of visas is available for those wishing to study or work in the country. The first step is determining which visa you need, whether you’re seeking to enroll in a Korean university, teach English or do something else. You can sort through the options and get details on eligibility and requirements at the Visa Navigator  site. Work and study visas generally permit stays of up to two years, with one year being the most common length.

Neon lights on a street in Seoul, South Korea, East Asia

Working holidays in South Korea

South Korea offers one-year working holiday visas to citizens of 25 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many European nations. Travelers with a working-holiday visa are permitted to work up to 25 hours per week and can also study the Korean language at private academies and university programs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Working Holiday Info Center and Working Holiday Guide provide extensive information on who can apply, what the restrictions are, and work, study and housing resources.

Visas for people of Korean descent

If you’re of South Korean descent, you’ll likely have the option of applying for an overseas Korean visa, colloquially referred to as a gyopo visa. These are available to individuals who were born in Korea but have acquired another country’s citizenship or whose parent or grandparent was a Korean citizen. These visas allow initial stays of up to two years and provide a lot of flexibility in terms of what you can do for work or study.

This article was first published July 2022 and updated February 2024

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BEST First-Time Visitor’s Seoul Itinerary (3-7 Days)

Last Updated: Nov 11, 2023 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

South Korea is a land of mountains, palaces, and busy streets, and this 3 to 7 day Seoul itinerary will put you right in the middle of it all. With the city’s futuristic architecture and state-of-the-art technological advancements, people sometimes get culture shock when they see how integrated they are into more traditional lifestyles.

Everywhere you go, there’s always an event happening or a festival on, and there are plenty of surprises in store – especially if you visit any of the Seoul hotspots detailed below. But while Korea is truly a magical place, it’s far from what we see in the K-Dramas.

Fans often come here expecting to meet a dashing chaebol randomly in the streets (which is highly unlikely), and are disappointed when they’re not hit on in the nightclub. Dramas and idols are just a small fraction of Korean culture .

To truly experience it for yourself, you’ll have to immerse yourself in Seoul for 3 days or more, before heading further south. That way you’ll get to try everything Korea has to offer; from delicious food to astounding historical landmarks.

So if you’re figuring what to put in your Seoul itinerary, let us help you plan how many days in Seoul you should spend, and what to do and where to go during your South Korea vacation. Use the 'Jump To' box below to go to a specific section.

tourist visa for seoul

Basics of Travel in South Korea

How to maximize your seoul experience, faq about seoul, where to stay in seoul, seoul itinerary 3 days, seoul itinerary 7 days, tips for visiting seoul.

Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization ), applied for at least 72 hours before departure. If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free – no K-ETA required!

Currency: South Korean won ( KRW or ₩ )

Arrival in Korea: all international flights arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the best-rated airports in the world. It usually takes about 1 hour to get through security & pick up checked bags.

Getting Around: Korea has an extensive & reliable public transport system. A refillable T-Money card is your ticket to buses and trains across the country; you can buy and refill yout TMoney card at any subways station or convenience store in Korea.

Internet & SIM Cards: Rent a Wi-Fi egg or purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, available for up to one month of connection.

Travel Insurance: always recommended, though some credit card companies offers limited coverage when booking.

How many days should I spend in Seoul? While most guides will tell you that three days in Seoul is enough, we recommend that you stay in Seoul for a week.

But for those with tight budgets, we can help maximize your Seoul itinerary for as many days as you have, and thanks to the advanced metro system in Seoul, you’ll jump from one place to another without issue.

That being said, Seoul at night is a treat for the eyes, and most of the attractions in Seoul occur when the sun begins to set. Banpo Bridge, for example, has an incredible fountain show and the title of the World’s Longest LED-light display.

Around the same time each evening, stalls are set up where people enjoy delicious foods while waiting for fireworks to decorate the sky. The best part is, there’s a way to do all of these things in Seoul for free.

Simply purchase a Discover Seoul pass before your trip, and you can get into most of these attractions (once each) without worrying too much about your budget. There are three kinds of passes you can choose from (24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours), and even if you run out of hours, you can still use it to avail of discounts in any of the partner tourist attractions.

Other sites that provide discounts are kkday , Trazy and Klook .

Unfortunately, each attraction’s opening hours may change due to public holidays or unforeseen events. So if you follow this Seoul itinerary, please develop a habit of checking attractions’ schedules first if you don’t want to wait hours for a show that has already been cancelled.

tourist visa for seoul

For a solo traveler, a vacation in Seoul may cost between ₩1,000,000-2,000,000 ($800-1,600USD). This takes into account 3 meals a day, a public transport card, and a week in a hotel, which can all vary widely in price. The rest of your money will go to experiences and souvenirs.

The best time to visit Korea is from May to June and September to October, since this is the best time to see the cherry blossom trees bloom or watch the fall colors in the mountains. Moreover, the weather at this time is generally pleasant for locals and foreigners alike, making walking around more pleasant than in summer or winter.

Three days should be sufficient for a first trip to Korea, especially if you have a Discover Seoul pass , though one week is ideal. The pass enables you to visit key locations once for free, and best of all, get discounts on other destinations and experiences.

Here are the essentials to pack for Seoul: passport, credit cards, and travel medical insurance, as well as shorts, a sun hat, and tops with sleeves. Moreover, certain cellphones do not work in Korea, so you need to check if your phone is not region-locked or that it is equipped to intercept the networks provided in Korea, and possibly rent a phone for your trip.

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Seoul is known for having culturally diverse neighborhoods, full of history, good food, and memorable experiences. There are several fantastic neighborhoods I'd recommend staying in when you visit Seoul.

There’s always something that will pique your interest, but you have to make sure that the neighborhood matches your preferences - since you might choose to add to your Seoul itinerary by experiencing the bustling Seoul nightlife .

Specifically in Ichon-dong, this is probably the most convenient place to look for accommodation, especially if you want something quick and cheap. This is also a convenient location if you want to visit the most popular areas in Seoul for free , like the National Museum of Korea, Yongsan Family Park, and Ichon Han River Park.

Creatives and digital natives love coming to this hub because this neighborhood is panned towards the younger crowd. If you’re reminiscing about your college days, this is the neighborhood in Seoul for you.

Cafés regularly host language exchange parties, coffee and pub crawls , and art appreciation guilds. Sometimes buskers hold small concerts in the streets, from late afternoon into the wee hours of night.

Rub elbows with the rich and famous by staying in this Seoul neighborhood . With large-scale suites with spectacular views of the Seoul night sky, this area boasts popular attractions for those with luxurious tastes.

Apgujeong-dong and Garuso-gil, for example, hold multiple high-end luxury chains with clothes made by internationally renowned designers, and worn by the famous K-Celebrities we know and love (like Lisa of BLACKPINK and V of BTS).

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This is the city where tradition meets modernity, and you deserve to experience both sides during your 3 days in Seoul. This itinerary covers the basics and the must-sees of the city if you have limited time, with an optional extension to 7 days below.

Seoul Itinerary Day 1: Embracing Korea’s Traditional Side

Note: If your first day falls on a Monday or a Tuesday, you’ll want to move this day’s schedule to a later date— most of the palaces are closed on both those days.

Did you know that entry to any of the five Grand Palaces in Seoul is free when dressed in a hanbok ? Be sure to reserve a full day’s use online ahead of time to avoid the stress of long lines on the day of. The best thing about reserving online is that it also comes with a hefty discount.

Try checking the massive selection provided by the Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store , which actually has a Korean hairstyling service too! 

Stop 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Time: 9:30AM

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩3,000, Children: ₩1,500; Groups have a discount, with ₩2,400 for Adults and ₩1,200 for children; It is free if you come wearing a hanbok.

The best way to start your day is to arrive at Gyeongbokgung Palace 30 minutes before it opens. That way you get to see the Opening Ceremony of the Palace Gates, and the procession that takes place as the guards shift their duties.

As you enter, the first thing you should do is fall in line to see Geunjeongjeon Hall. It’s quite a bit of a walk, and you’ll initially pass by the pumgyeseok (the markers court officials used to indicate where they should stand if the King calls for a meeting) before reaching the steps.

However, the view of the majestic ancient Korean architecture and the people wearing hanboks will make you feel like you have time-traveled all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty. As soon as you get to the red throne, you only have a few minutes to admire its splendor, so make sure to bring your camera with you.

If you’re able to join an English-language tour, your guide will certainly point out the parts of the palace that were heavily influenced by Chinese architecture , a fact quite revealing of the times.

Other notable parts of the palace are the Gyeonghoeru Pavillion, or what used to be the setting for lavish official banquets, and the beautiful Hyangwonjeong, a small temple-like structure on top of an artificial island on Hyangwonji Lake. 

There are plenty of things to do at Gyeongbokgung, but there’s a special tea ceremony that lets you drink the tea that delighted the King and Queen back then, and I’d highly recommend it. You’ll feel like royalty after just one sip. 

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Stop 2: Hwangsaengga Kalguksu

Address: 78, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03053 South Korea

Prices: ₩₩-₩₩₩

Notorious for being the “best noodle and dumpling shop” near Gyeongbukgung Palace, expect long lines of people dying to have a taste. Since these dishes don’t take long to cook, people don’t have to wait long to try some of their most famous offerings, like the cold soybean soup or the rich ox bone noodles. 

Stop 3: National Palace Museum of Korea

Time: 2:00 PM

Address: 12 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest Metro Stop: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5)

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, head back to the steps leading to the museum and walk further on in. This facility has everything you need if you wish to know more about Korea’s glorious and often difficult past.

Fourteen of Korea’s ‘National Treasures,’ including recovered pieces from the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire, are housed in this free museum . Periodically they even host events to educate the people who come, usually involving activities like calligraphy, tea ceremonies , and even Korean traditional dance lessons.

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Stop 4: Gwanghwamun Square

Time: 4:00PM

Fee: Adults: ₩3,000, Children: ₩1,500; Groups have a discount, with ₩2,400 for Adults and ₩1,200 for children.

This wide park is actually a huge commemoration site for the military strategist that led Koreans to victory during the Japanese invasion, Admiral Yi Sun-sin. His statue stands proudly next to the water fountain which entertains local kids every summer, and may be even more famous than the statue!

But this installation actually has a meaningful story behind it, because the water jets shoot exactly 18 meters high, with 300 smaller jets to symbolize the battles the Admiral fought on sea.

Meters away from the great admiral’s statue, an intimidating gold statue of Sejong the Great watches over you, perfect for taking selfies and startling visitors.

Stop 5: Cheonggyecheon Stream and Cheonggye Plaza

Time: 5:00PM

Address: 530 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Just a 10-minute walk from Gwanghwamun Square is a long man-made stream that doubles as a public recreation space. I recommend coming here in the late afternoon because the sunset view is legendary; you can rest your weary feet in the stream as you wait for the night to come.

By then, the lights will turn on, illuminating the traditional lanterns above and the long strip that makes the stream sparkle below. This makes for a beautiful sight, most especially if you look at it from above.

If your trip hits around summer, the sunset may come around 8PM, and the wait can get quite hot & sweaty. So if you have plans to really see the sunset, swing by Cafe imA, a coffee shop next to the Ilmin Art Museum. Visitors rave about their Hamburg Steak (₩13,500), but you can also try their desserts and waffles (₩6,500-₩8,000).

There’s also Dal.Komm Coffee on the other side of the stream, near the starting point. Most of their coffee, juice, and tea selection ranges from ₩4,100 to ₩6,100, but their Real Strawberry Lemonade (₩5,300) is the best drink to beat the summer heat.

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Stop 6: Deoksugung Palace

Time: 7:00PM

Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Fee:  Adults: ₩1,000, Children: ₩500; Groups have a discount, with ₩800 for Adults and ₩400 for children; It is free if you come wearing a hanbok.

Cap off your first day by visiting Deoksugung , or the small palace that used to be the residence of Korea’s Royal Family. Unlike the other Five Grand Palaces , this one has the Seokjojeon , a building that features a more prominent modern & western style that King Gojong would use to enthrall the diplomats who came to visit Korea.

It’s also a beautiful sight at night, and if you arrive before 7:30 PM, you should sign up for “Seokjojeon at Night.” This is an evening tour program that lets you stroll and observe Deoksugung’s highlights, enjoy tea at the terrace, and watch a musical performance at the reception area (where the King used to meet with important figures in history).  

Seoul Itinerary Day 2: Feel Young Again in Hongdae

Stop 1: Thanks Nature Cafe 

Time: 8:30 AM

Address: 29 World cup buk-ro 4-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: ₩₩-₩₩₩

For breakfast , there’s a famous cafe nearby that lets you make friends with two massively fluffy and docile sheep. You can mingle with them in the playpen while waiting for your breakfast, or watch from afar if you’re just there for the pics.

They have a wide selection of coffee, smoothies, and breakfast waffles; you have to try the latter, as they only use seasonal fresh fruits on the waffles. Unfortunately, breakfast in Korea is always enjoyed at home, so not many spots are open super early.

An alternate nearby recommendation for vegans or vegetarians is Salad Brothers , a fantastic salad bar that lets you put as much dressing as you want. Their Cobb Salad is a crowd favorite because it packs quite a punch, even though the portions are small. Plus, the food is just as photogenic as their menu.

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Stop 2: Coconut Box – formerly known as the Trick Eye Museum

Time: 10:00 AM

Address: 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: ₩23,000  

I was sad to learn that they closed the Trick Eye Museum in Seoul; I had many fond memories there. Still, the replacement attraction of Coconut Box is a worthy visit— they reinvented the entire place into a Southeast Asian beach, with sand on the floor and wooden huts you can sit in.

You can pretend that you’re vacationing in a tropical island garden, but the real highlight of the visit is the “metaverse play” in one of their bungalows. Getting there at 10am, shortly after they open, will guarantee you’ll have the chance to enter & interact in one of the most famous paintings in the entire world: Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Stop 3: Abiko Curry

Address: 25, Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu Hotel Seokyo Annex B106, Seoul

Fee: ₩-₩₩

If you’re craving a good Japanese curry, Abiko Curry lets you enjoy variations of this dish at a reasonable price. Sure it’s a little cramped, but if you don’t mind that, I swear their tonkatsu is to die for, and Koreans basically consider it a local dish at this point. Set meals are also good for sharing, and the servers are kind to foreigners. 

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Stop 4: Caface Seoul

Address: 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Near Abiko Curry stands Caface Seoul. This popular spot is one of those ‘only in Korea’ kind of things, that lets you have your face printed as latte art. This is also the perfect way to commemorate your day in Hongdae, and then bring your masterpiece on a stroll around the neighborhood.

Just give them any of the selfies you took earlier, hand over ₩2700, and you can have a “face latte.” I know you’re too pretty to drink, but their coffee definitely tastes better warm – so drink it while it’s hot!

Stop 5: Hongdae Shopping Street

Time: 3:00 PM

Address: 365-8 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

In any trip, it is important to have a bit of time to do some quick retail therapy. In Hongdae, where the hip, young, and fashionable gather, most of the clothes for sale are aimed at the younger crowd.

But it’s amazing how much branded stuff has heavy discounts here, albeit mostly ‘free size’ (generically large or stretchy clothes), and there are a lot of ‘2 items for $8’ offers.

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Stop 6: Mapogalmaegi

Time: 7:00 PM

Address: 14 Hongik-ro 5an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Expect lots of young women in here, because this restaurant is located close to Ehwa Women’s University. I’m a meat-lover, so I can’t let you vacation in Seoul without eating in at least one typical barbecue-type restaurant.

All Korean BBQ spots are best enjoyed with a group of people due to the layout, but most places will accept a single person unless they’re packed. Aside from meat, this spot offers soju or beer, and you can try a variety of delicious banchan to go with your meats of choice.

Another option is the Analog Garden, a charming coffee house that serves delicious salads. Though most of their dishes have meat and egg in it, a there's a vegan-friendly option called the "Falafel Wrap" worth ₩7,500.

If that is too small for you, get the "Falafel Plate" instead for ₩11,000. But what people actually come for is a homemade fake-meat set meal (soy-based), that’s said to go well with their roasted coffee.

Stop 7: Come back to Hongdae Shopping Street

Time: 9:00 PM

Come back here after dinner, because this is when the buskers come to perform. Around the performance areas are food stalls packed with delicious Korean foods for a couple bucks each; if you couldn’t or didn’t want to eat KBBQ for dinner, you can find something here.

The beauty about this place is that you can stay out late and still spot people roaming around, browsing and entering restaurants and bars. This is why most shops close past midnight here.

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Seoul Itinerary Day 3: See Iconic Locations in Seoul

Stop 1: K-Pop Square

Time: 10:30 AM

Address: Right outside Samseong Station, Exit 5

K-Pop Square is a large public area in Samseong, featuring a massive LED-screen that promotes show-stopping performances from the past. This is an ode to K-Pop, which is responsible for a large portion of the country’s tourism, and why Korea is so well known across the world.

Fans will also be happy to know that somewhere in the area is a wall that lets them hold hands with their favorite idols. Also known as the “K-Pop Handprint Wall,” big stars like BTS, Shinee, and even EXO are among the artists featured here.

Stop 2: Statue of Gangnam Style

Time: 10:45 AM

Address: 524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

At first I just thought this was a strange gold installation of two hands shielding you from the sun, but when I finally got close to it, I knew immediately who it was: Psy oppa !

Though this ‘Gentleman’ has been relatively quiet since his 2012 hit, the song Gangnam Style remains in the Youtube hall of fame as one of the fastest to hit a billion views. If you know how to dance Gangnam Style, this is the perfect location for you to shoot a dance cover of the video. 

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Stop 3: Bongeunsa Seoraewon ( 봉은사 서래원)

Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Imagine enjoying a warm meal inside a small Korean temple, without ever leaving Seoul. Bongeunsa Seoraewon lets you have that experience in the heart of the city, and the noodle prices are affordable too; most especially the sets.

After your meal, you can just walk outside and visit Bongeunsa Temple directly. What’s cool about this place is that it also has options for vegans (ask for their Bongeun Tofu).

Stop 4: COEX Starfield Library

Time: 1:30 PM

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

This is by far the most famous library in Seoul. It’s a real operating library, located inside the largest underground shopping mall in all of Asia: CoEx Starfield. Book lovers will cry at the sight of tens of thousands of books filling the 13-meter shelves.

Visitors also come to watch famous authors do book signing events, and famous poets visit to motivate young children to write.

The downside about this place is only that it is always crowded and noisy – it’s hard to appreciate the rare book you found if there are couples chatting on either side of you. But did I mention that this space is free? This is why people often try to sneak out the books, which I discourage you from trying. 

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Stop 5: COEX Aquarium

Time: 5:00 PM

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, 서울특별시

Fee: Adults: ₩28,000; Children: ₩24,000; Senior Citizens: ₩20,000

CoEx Aquarium in Seoul is for those who want to see marine life up close, with more than a hundred display tanks and over 40,000 sea creatures in various themed zones. Shark lovers will be thrilled to know that this is the aquarium that houses the highest number of sharks in Korea.

Touch pools also let you feel the fish (like the manta ray), allowing you to have a healing experience with nature in a safe setting.

Stop 6: Gosoo Dalgalbi Gangnam

Time: 7:30 PM

Address: 20, Teheran-ro 5-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩-₩₩

For dinner, you should definitely try the tastiest dakgalbi in Seoul. This is a famous Korean dish not common internationally, but very popular domestically. The dish consists of loads of chopped cabbage with tender bits of chicken rib meat, stir-fried in a thick, spicy sauce (that tastes so much better with cheese, in my opinion!).

What’s so wonderful about this place is that their special, the 치즈모듬사리 ( Cheese Modeumsari ), is a party plate full of cheesy rice cake and glass noodles that is perfect for sharing.

For a fun vegan option, come to Veg Green, a delicious vegan buffet that has a homey vibe - the staff will still smile at you, even if you come late at night for dinner. At just ₩12,000 per person, it’s full of options for those who enjoy large mixed salads, including fruits and jam in a cozy ambiance.

Stop 7: GSM Terrace

Address: 327-45 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩10,000 for unlimited drinks

Friends are important, and meeting fun people from diverse, cultural backgrounds may also make your stay in Korea a fulfilling one. Sure, it’s an activity for international people, but you may spot some Koreans who are seeking places to practice their English.

Additionally, you can play all sorts of games with them if you run out of things to talk about. Everything comes easy and natural here, and all people are welcome to join in the fun.

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If you find that 3 days in Seoul is not enough, you’re not alone. Most visitors spend 5-7 days in Seoul to get a taste of the culture, nightlife, and food in Korea.

The suggestions below are ideal for people who are looking for other things to visit on their Seoul vacation, since the first three days have pretty much hit all the popular places. A good alternative to Everland is Lotte World.

Seoul Itinerary Day 4: Everland Theme Park

Everland is a popular theme park in Seoul, perfect for people who just want to have a magical day with their date, family, or friends. With over 40 attractions scattered across five different themed areas, it might take an entire day or two to exhaust all of the attractions.

What I love about this place is that it always has festivals and seasonal events to entertain guests of all ages.

Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

Fee: Adults: ₩54,000 to ₩64,000; Children: ₩43,000 to ₩51,000; If you want to skip the line, you can buy the tickets ahead of time . There’s also a fun option of wearing a Korean school uniform, which you can rent online or on-site.

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Stop 1: Global Fair

If you’ve always wanted to travel to far-flung destinations, this fair lets you see the world all at once. Historical structures, both existing and ancient, line one area of this zone - and here you can see various architecture from different points in time, instantly turning you into a time traveler.

Stop 2: Live Hologram Adventure (Global Fair)

Time: 11:00 AM

Never been to a K-Pop concert before? That’s okay, because the Live Hologram Adventure lets you experience a 30-minute snippet of a K-Pop concert in high definition.

If you also decide to take pictures and videos, it’d look so realistic that you can trick your friends into thinking that you actually went to a BIGBANG concert.

Stop 3: Snack Buster for Lunch

When you’re in a theme park , you need a lot of grub to keep your energy levels high. Unlike other theme parks with food in small, reduced servings, Snack Buster has generous servings of high-quality Korean foods sold at an affordable price.

I highly recommend their Korean fried chicken with french fries and tteokbokki, because it’ll come in a plate that’s big enough to share with your family or friends.

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Stop 4: Carnival Square (European Adventure)

Time: 2:30 PM

Around this time you should join the people gathering by the Carnival Square, because this is when you get to witness a spectacular event only seen in Everland.

Here they’ll launch flowery floats with vivacious dancers and mascots, all inviting you to come join their party. Imagine being in Rio de Janeiro, but when you leave, you’re back in Korea.

Stop 5: Panda World (Zootopia)

Time: 3:15 PM

Need I say more? Pandas are such gentle creatures, and imagine entering a world full of these adorable bears. Everland’s Zootopia should be in your Seoul itinerary for this very reason. If you don’t like pandas and prefer a different animal, then next to this enclosure is the Friendly Monkey Valley.

Stop 6: Lost Valley (Zootopia)

Enjoy zipping through a safari, riding a tram that crosses difficult terrain dotted with real animals. To enjoy this experience, then join the queue at the Lost Valley, where you’ll find your ride crossing the stream.

The trip will take you  into landscaped enclosures full of large animals including elephants, giraffes, camels, and rhinos. And then, if there’s still time, your guide will let you hand-feed these animals, giving you a chance to interact with them up close.

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Step 7: Thunder Falls (Magic Land)

Time: 6:00 PM

Speaking of getting wet, there’s a fun flume ride in Everland that features backward drops and steep falls. It’s such a thrill to be on this ride, and the danger can be so exhilarating! But if you need more adrenaline rush, see if you can queue for the T-Express (aka. Everland’s Scariest Ride).

Step 8: Robot VR and Gyro VR (American Adventure)

Have you ever fantasized about channeling your inner Han Solo? These rides let you pilot a futuristic spaceship and navigate the stars. Sci-fi fans love this ride because the effects feel so real— the ride itself even follows the joystick you’re controlling!

Step 9: Four Seasons Garden & Rose Garden

Time: 8:00 PM

When the sun sets, this is the best area to end your day in Everland.  There’s always a light show with fireworks around this time, and a variety of performances that go along with it.

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Seoul Itinerary Day 5: Feel the National Pride

As a tourist, one of the best ways to experience Korea is to visit the location where they played host to countries from all over the world. Coming here, you’ll see the effort Korea puts forth in promoting peace and harmony, as well as soak in the welcoming spirit. Plus, Olympic Park is 100% free to visit!

Stop 1: World Peace Gate

Time: 9:30 AM

Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

The World Peace Gate is a marvelous winged structure that reveals a beautiful painting of a phoenix, tiger, turtle, and a dragon if you stand beneath it. This is called “A Painting of Four Spirits,” signifying the desire of Korea to be friends with everybody in the world.

As you stand underneath, it’s like a gate that genuinely welcomes you to enter and experience Korea. I’ve always thought it was a beautiful place to stand and reflect on your experiences in the country.

Stop 2: Olympic Museum

Learn more about the athletes that represented Korea in the past Olympic Games! Documentation about Korea’s best athletes, their training process, and even their histories are comprehensively explained here. Also, thanks to this museum, you’ll get to closely observe the gear used in the recent 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang. 

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Stop 3: Olympic Park’s Peace Square

Address: 326, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

If you time your visit around the last week of September to the first week of October this year, there will be a grand festival called the Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival in the Olympic Park’s Peace Square.

Coming here lets you experience the rich Hanseong era in Korea, featuring food tastings, tea ceremonies, parades and performances, and even a demonstration of a hawk-aided hunting!

Moreover, the reason why they’re holding it here is because the Mongchontoseong Fortress area is known to be a remnant of the Baekje capital. Hopefully you’ll get to see this festival in person, because it truly is a fascinating way to learn more about Korea’s fascinating past.

Stop 4: Bukchon Hanok Village

Time: 4:00 PM

Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Perhaps one of the oldest villages in Seoul, this area dates back all the way to the Joseon Dynasty. Also called the “northern village,” this is also where two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno, are located.

What’s admirable about this area is that people hold traditional events here, giving curious tourists an opportunity to get to know the Joseon dynasty even better. Fun activities such as hanbok wearing, etiquette demonstration, and even tea ceremonies are hosted by the people here, and all of these usually occur in the afternoon.

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Stop 5: Insadong Street

Address: Insadong, Jongro-gu, Seoul

One of the popular destinations in Korea, Insadong Street has a long array of lively stalls and shops to give you something to look at everywhere.This is also the best place to grab a quick snack, because they serve a variety of Korean foods you should make it a point to try.

If you’re interested in trying something new and enjoy green tea , track down O’Sulloc Tea House and order their matcha cake. Since this is one of your last days in Seoul, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Insadong is one of the best places to buy souvenirs for your family and friends!

Stop 6: Noryangjin Fish Market

Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

I know that capping your day in a fish market is unusual, but after you swing by Insadong Street, head to the Jonggak Station and ride the subway to Noryangjin , because this is where people can eat the freshest seafood in Seoul.

You can even try the unique dishes they serve, most especially try delicacies that you definitely haven’t before - like the penis fish. You should come try the small octobps, king crab, and hwe (sliced raw fish) here, for example.

Don’t be shy if you can’t speak a lick of Korean because the people are so used to seeing foreigners that they have devised a way to make things easier and enjoyable for you.

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Seoul Itinerary Day 6: See Korea’s Highest Point

Stop 1: Namsan Park

Address: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

This public park is a nature-friendly rest area smack in the middle of the city. It has clear walking trails leading to Namsan Seoul tower, but I’d encourage you to take your time appreciating this quiet, vast expanse, because it has more facilities than your average park.

Aside from seeing gardens and free physical activity facilities, there’s also a library, a botanical garden, a memorial hall, and a culture center. 

Stop 2: Mok Myeong San Bang

Address: 71 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Namsandong 2-ga, Jung-gu 1F, Hannam Building, Seoul 04629 South Korea

People might have a hard time locating this place, but keep your eyes peeled for a hanok within Namsan Park. Mok Myeong San Bang is a vegetarian-friendly, healthy, traditional lunch restaurant that serves authentic Korean cuisine.

In fact, they pride themselves as chefs who never use artificial seasoning. I highly recommend their bibimbap , which is known to be the best in Seoul, but you should explore dishes like the crispy cheesy pancake and the yukhoe (raw beef).

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Stop 3: Namsangol Hanok Village

Address: 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

After a savory lunch, walk to Namsangol Hanok Village on the north side of Namsan Mountain. Here you get to see homes that were restored to their original form to give tourists a sense of how people in the Joseon dynasty used to live.

Sometimes you may chance upon demonstrations that show people how to play a traditional board game ( yunnori ) or fold a traditional paper called hanji . Sometimes there’s also a fun segment on how traditional herbal medicines are made and used.

Stop 4: N Seoul Tower

Time: 4:30 PM

Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Fee: (Observatory) Adults: ₩11,000; Children: ₩9,000

Also known as the second highest tower in Seoul, Namsan Tower’s Observation Deck provides an unobstructed view of the whole city. There’s also a powerful telescope available for use that lets you have a high quality LCD view of wherever you’re pointing it at. 

Aside from museums and exhibitions, what people really come here for is attaching their own lock to Love Lock Bridge. This is the infamous site in Seoul where couples fasten a lock to symbolize their everlasting love— hence why there’s an area full of locks, and a booth that lets you customize your own to add to the bridge.

Stop 5: Lotte World Tower

Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩27,000; Children: ₩24,000; Fast Pass for all ages: ₩50,000

After seeing the second highest point, go to the tallest building in the entirety of Korea! Lotte World Tower, just 55 minutes away from Namsangol Hanok Village. Sleek and slender with a gentle curved design, you can end your evening in a fantastically fast elevator, taking you directly to the highest point in Korea.

The ride also allows you to take great photos, because you get to see the entire city transition to night time as you arrive. Inside you can also test your courage as you walk through the highest indoor glass floor, giving you perspective of how high up in the sky you are (and how teeny every person looks from above).

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Seoul Itinerary Day 7: Enjoy the Night at Dongdaemun

Stop 1: Dongdaemun Seonggwak Park

Address: right outside Dongdaemun Station Exit 1

If you feel like doing a bit of walking in the afternoon, this little tourist trap has an uphill road that takes you to a nice park. It’s not as pretty as the other ones, but it has everything you need, and it's very conveniently located for a chill afternoon out.

Since it is a little bit elevated, you get to have a clear view of Dongdaemun , which lets you see the fusion of traditional and modern elements scattered around the city. Moreover, this is where the beautiful Heunginmun gate is located, perfect for pictures on your last day in Seoul.

Stop 2: Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun Gate)

Address: 288 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Don’t skip this gate before you leave. This is an ancient monument which used to stretch longer, as it used to be a fortress with three other gates. All four gates apparently have a meaning attached to their name, and Heunginjimun is loosely translated as “benevolence, with good energy.”

There’s also a semi-circular ongsung inside, which is a pagoda-like traditional structure that makes it stand out compared to the existing gates in Seoul. Plus, the reason we’re coming to see it at 6pm is because it lights up beautifully against the backdrop of cars.

tourist visa for seoul

Stop 3: Bulgwangsikdang ( 부광식당 )

Time: 6:30 PM

Address: 207-26 Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Not many are comfortable in crowded places, but for this one, most will surely make an exception. If you feel like eating a proper home-cooked meal for dinner, this is the best option in Seoul. Since this is more frequented by the elderly and locals, most of the meals are made to appeal to their taste.

But who knows, you might find your favorite Korean meal here! Plus, the owners are kind and friendly, making it a less intimidating place for foreigners to try. Vegans might want to swing by Vegan is Hip (비건이즈힙), a wide sandwich and waffle bar that offers choices that range from sweet potato, tofu salad, fruits, and vegetables.

Their waffles are super delicious, even if they are made with rice flour and plant-based cream, a combination that most non-vegans find challenging to like. If you choose to come here, try their apple jam whipped cream waffle, and you won’t regret it.

Stop 4: Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Address: 43 Eulji-ro 45-gil, Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

See that majestic neon embryo thing? That’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This huge building is absolutely worth seeing at night, since it glows brightly and makes for a good aerial photo. There are lots of free things to do inside since this also doubles as a museum and an exhibition center.

Speaking of which, there’s a large LED screen that allows you to relax your eyes with soothing colors that dance along to therapeutic music. Take your time strolling around inside. There are plenty of fun things you can do, like browse inside for things to buy or check out the books on the shelves.

You can even play on the funny chairs that let you spin without falling! There are also rest areas that let you charge your phones while you sip the coffee from the food carts outside. If you’re a K-Pop fan and you like artists from SM Entertainment, you’ll be happy to know that SM Town is inside.

Stop 5: Dongdaemun Night Market

Time: 10:30 PM

The reason you should come here late in the day is to experience one of the best night markets in Seoul . Known as a fashion destination throughout Seoul, plenty of people frequent Dongdaemun Night Market to shop, play, and eat. The best part? Most of the stalls are open until as late as 5am!

tourist visa for seoul

So you’re finally coming to Korea. Your bags are packed and your ticket is ready. Congratulations! But before you leave, here are helpful tips for visiting Korea that you might want to read before you arrive.

  • Learn some key phrases in Hangul – or download Papago

While most of the buildings and public spaces in Seoul provide English translations for foreigners, it is rarely enough to travel without learning a few key phrases . Trust me, you’ll want to know what to say if you need to know where the nearest station is or the cost of something.

If you cannot cram these many Korean phrases into your memory, I can relate, and I recommend that you have the Papago translation app ready to assist you just in case.

  • Learn basic etiquette 

Of course people don’t expect you to bow everywhere, but you should show them respect. One way to do this is, when you are giving or receiving things, you use both of your hands. As a foreigner, never call strangers ‘ahjussi’ or ‘ahjumma’ if you happen to talk to them, and most of all, learn how to respectfully address people in Korea .

  • You can connect to the internet almost everywhere in Korea, but get a sim card or wifi egg just to be safe 

Don’t assume that everywhere you go, the Internet will always be with you; most Koreans have cell phones with unlimited data now, so wifi is ironically harder to access. One of the hacks I’ve used to be able to connect while on the go is to find a metro station and connect to the free Wi-Fi in there.

But in cases where a station is quite far from you, and you need to use apps like KakaoMaps to sort out your route, it’s best to have a Korean sim card handy.

tourist visa for seoul

  • Bring a power bank!

You never know when you’ll run out of battery, and Korea is a big city. Even though cafes let people stay for a long time, you may happen to come on days when most are either closed or crowded, so you can’t count on that.

Sometimes you can visit a convenience store and ask if they have ports to charge your phone, but if you don’t want a dead battery to ruin your trip, take a power bank with you (or buy one when you arrive).

  • Don’t rely on Google Maps

I cannot stress this enough! Google Maps doesn’t work in Korea, and what’s worse is that what they tell you is rarely accurate. Instead, download Kakao-brand apps when possible. Even though KakaoMaps is made primarily for Koreans in Korea, it is foreigner-friendly and even has an English version.

  • Ride public transportation instead of taxis

Taxis are expensive, but Seoul is even more expensive. Also known as the 7 th most expensive capital in the world, most of the fun things to do require you to shell out more money than you might want to.

So to save on your vacation to Seoul, when you can, choose to ride the subway or the bus. Both systems are very clean, extensive, and reliable.

  • Carry your own trash

Bring your trash back home with you. Unlike other cities where you can freely throw garbage in any bin, Seoul has very few public trash cans and a very specific system for sorting their waste.

In South Korea, there’s actually a national Zero Waste Policy which has resulted in 5 different types of trash and recyclables, each of which warrant a separate type of bin (I got a stern talking-to a few times over the years for using the wrong types of bags to toss my various types of trash).

I know this has been quite the Seoul travel guide, but that’s just proof that there’s plenty of things to do in Seoul. So whether you’re in Seoul for a week or just three days, I hope this Seoul itinerary can help you make the most of your trip.

More South Korea

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Reader Interactions

vincent Liptrot says

July 13, 2023 at 2:57 am

great info in here about Seoul. As you can see many fun places are in small allies and harder to reach places. it can be tricky to navigate on your own an tiring by foot to get between sights, though have a wonderful time in Seoul and enjoy this excellent blog!

July 16, 2023 at 10:05 am

Thanks, Vincent!

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tourist visa for seoul

  • Passports, travel and living abroad
  • Travel abroad
  • Foreign travel advice

South Korea

Entry requirements.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in South Korea set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the South Korean Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering South Korea.

Passport validity requirements

If you are visiting as a tourist for up to 90 days, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ after the date you are leaving South Korea.

If you are entering South Korea on a long-term visa, your passport should have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to visit South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days. You must have an onward or return ticket. It’s illegal to work on a tourist visa, whether as a teacher or in any other capacity.

If you are travelling for any purpose other than short-term business or tourism, check visa requirements with the South Korean Embassy in the UK .

For those in South Korea on a work visa, all employment changes must be authorised by Korean Immigration.

Re-entry permits for long-term visa holders

Most foreign nationals in South Korea on long-term visas are allowed to re-enter South Korea within one year of departure without the need for a re-entry permit. Check with the Korea Immigration Service .

If you are resident and intend to spend more than a year outside of South Korea, in most cases, you must apply for a multiple re-entry permit via the Hi Korea website before departure. If you require a re-entry permit, engage early with the immigration authorities and apply for a re-entry permit at least 4 working days ahead of any planned travel. 

Visas for working as an English teacher

To get a visa to teach English in South Korea, you must have a 3-year university degree. A Teaching English as a Foreign Language ( TEFL ) qualification alone is not enough. If you are found to have a teaching visa by deception, you will be detained and deported.

British nationals teaching English in South Korea have sometimes found living and working conditions to be below their expectation or have had difficulties getting the correct visas and residence permits. Some also report more serious problems such as breach of contract, confiscation of passport, payment being withheld and inadequate insurance.

Check all terms and conditions of your employment carefully. If possible, speak to other teachers from the place where you plan to work before accepting any offer. If you are in South Korea and in need of assistance, you should contact British Embassy in Seoul .

Vaccination requirements

At  least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s South Korea guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of South Korea . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

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How To Get A South Korea Tourist Visa For Filipinos

March 9, 2023 November 3, 2023 by Tin V

tourist visa for seoul

South Korea is one of the countries Filipinos longed to visit after the travel restrictions have eased. Who doesn’t want to visit the land of K-Dramas, K-Pop, skincare, soju, and its shopping streets? It’s so easy to fall in love with Korean culture, but the thing is we need to get a tourist visa for a vacation in South Korea. So, how do you get a Korean tourist visa, you ask? Here’s the detailed guide.

Why do you need a Korean visa?

tourist visa for seoul

Unfortunately, Filipinos can’t enter Korea visa-free. The good news is that it’s technically easy to apply for a visa and not to mention, it’s FREE. For this specific blog, we’ll be discussing how to get a tourist visa for Filipinos, a type of visa that is used for short-term visits to the country.

Korean Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipinos

tourist visa for seoul

Before sending in your visa application, you need to prepare the following requirements:

Korean visa application form

Accomplish the Korean visa application form that you can download here . Filling out should be done by computer, using the font Arial in size 12. Make sure to print this form on A4-sized paper. 

1 piece of passport-sized photo

Your photo should be 35mm x45 mm, colored, full-faced, and on white background taken within the last six months. Paste it on the first page of your application form.

Your original passport

Your passport should, at least, have a six-months validity, and must not be deformed or defaced. 

A photocopy of your passport’s bio page

Original and photocopy of valid visa/s or arrival stamps in oecd-member countries for the past five years .

If you’ve recently traveled to OECD-member countries such as Australia , Italy , Spain ,   or Switzerland you can include a photocopy of your valid visa in your requirements. View the full list of OECD member countries here.  

Original Certificate of Employment (if employed)

Your COE must have your current position, date hired, compensation, and the contact details of your company, including the office address, your HR telephone number, and the HR email address. But if you’re a business owner, you need to present a separate set of requirements, which will be mentioned below. 

Original bank certificate

You also need to present your personal bank certificate, which should have your account type, current balance, the opening date of your account, and your average daily balance.

Original or photocopy of your bank statement

Submit an original or certified true copy of your bank statement or passbook for the last three months. 

Photocopy of your BIR 2316

Lastly, you also need to submit your Income Tax Return (ITR) or what’s commonly known as BIR Form 2316. 

For Filipino business owners, you need to submit the following requirements:

  • A photocopy of your Business Registration from SEC or DTI
  • A photocopy of your Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit

tourist visa for seoul

For Filipinos who are invited to visit Korea:

Submit the invitation letter and a photocopy of the inviter’s passport, or the invitation letter and the Korean Company Business permit if invited by a company.

nami island

How to schedule an appointment with the Korean Embassy

Follow the steps below to schedule an appointment with the Korean Embassy.

  • Go to the Korean MOFA website: https://consul.mofa.go.kr/en/main.do .
  • Click the “Reservation to visit a diplomatic mission” icon under the Apply for a consular service tab.
  • Log in at the “Non-Membership” portion of the page. 
  • Click Consent to All Terms and Conditions of Use, and click “Confirm.”
  • Enter your details accordingly: – Name as shown on the passport – Email address – Authentication Number (to be sent to the email address you provided). Click verify after. – Contact information
  • Click “Non Membership Log In.”
  • After waiting for a few minutes depending on web traffic, you’ll be redirected to a new page.
  • Choose the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of the Philippines or the Consulate General in Cebu, whichever you prefer to schedule an appointment with. 
  • On Select a Diplomatic Mission, choose “Visa Individual Applicants for Tourism”, and then tick the box that says “Visa Individual Applicants for Tourism.”
  • Choose your preferred appointment date and tick the radio button 9:30 am which is the time allotted for individual applicants for tourism visa. 
  • On the reservation details, enter your name or your family’s name with the passport number in the Special Request box. 
  • Type the generated captcha, and click “Make Reservation.”
  • Confirm all details then click OK to proceed. 
  • A Reservation page will appear. Save a copy and then print.
  • On your scheduled appointment, bring the following: – Printed or soft copy of the reservation – Completed visa application form – Required documents – Passport and valid ID

tourist visa for seoul

How to Apply for a Korean Tourist Visa via Travel Agencies

If you’re unable to submit your requirements personally at the Embassy, you can also seek help from accredited travel agencies. 

  • Accomplish the visa application form.
  • Check out the list of accredited travel agencies by the Korean Embassy. See the full list here.
  •  Submit your requirements to the travel agency of your choice. 
  • Pay the processing fee.
  • Wait for your visa to be released!*

*Note: Even if you submit all your requirements, it’s the discretion of the embassy to grant a visa or not. Ensure to complete all needed requirements to increase your chances of securing one!

Korean Tourist Visa Application Tips

tourist visa for seoul

We’ve got a few tips for you to make your Korean tourist visa application as hassle-free as possible.

  • Ensure that you have an approved visa first, before booking a flight.
  • Walk-ins are not allowed anymore–scheduling an appointment is required.
  • You can only include your own, your parents, your children, or your spouse in group appointments. If you’re applying with friends, you need to schedule appointments individually.
  • The Korean Embassy opens slots every other Thursday so check on these days for scheduling appointments.
  • Your reservation confirmation must have your passport number or the name of the accredited travel agency. If it doesn’t, your appointment reservation may be canceled and denied.

For more updates on getting a Korean tourist visa, visit the Korean Embassy in the Philippines’ official website. 

KKday promo code for you!

Enjoy a 5% OFF discount on select KKday Korea tours and travel essentials using the promo code “BLOG5OFF” upon checkout on the KKday app!

Korea KKday Promo Code

Download the KKday app now: iOS | Android 

Planning for a South Korea trip soon? Browse tours, restaurants, accommodations, and more on KKDay!

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Hi, I'm Tin! When I'm not at work, you'll catch me playing with my three aspin dogs, biking around, or drinking coffee. Read more of my works here: clippings.me/tinvaleriano

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South Korea Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens

Application and requirements for south korea from india.

Indian citizens need a visa to visit South Korea. Currently, Indians must obtain a visa with a South Korean Embassy.

Depending on your travel plans, there are different embassy visas available . These include single or multiple entry, which permit a range of activities, from tourism to business.

Read on to find out more about the visa requirements for visiting South Korea with an Indian passport.

Do Indians Need a Visa for South Korea?

Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to go to South Korea.

Visitors must apply before departure at an embassy. There is no visa on arrival in South Korea for Indians.

Indians can usually spend 90 days in South Korea with a tourist visa. Other types of Korean visas are available to study or work.

South Korea Visa Requirements for Indians

Several different types of South Korea visas for Indians are available depending on your travel plans. The specific requirements depend on the kind of visa requested.

Indian citizens will need to complete a visa application . Basic personal data, contact information, and passport details will be requested. To be eligible, Indians must also meet the health and safety criteria.

Necessary Documents for Indians

The required documents depend on the type of visa applied for.

To request a South Korea tourist visa from India, the following documents are usually required:

  • Indian passport : valid for at least 6 months
  • Passport-style photograph : taken recently
  • Proof of sufficient funds : for the entire stay
  • Credit or debit card : to pay the processing fee

Travelers requesting a permit to study or work in the Republic of Korea will need additional supporting paperwork.

How to Request a South Korea Visa from India

Indians must organize an appointment at their nearest South Korean Embassy to start their visa application. The South Korean Embassy in India is in New Delhi.

Applicants can download the visa application and complete it in advance.

Indians must bring their completed application form and any supporting documents on the day of their visa appointment.Visa applications for South Korea can usually be made between 15 days and 3 months before the intended date of departure. Processing times vary depending on the embassy.

South Korea Border Requirements for Indian Visitors

Indian citizens need the following paperwork to enter South Korea:

  • Indian passport valid for 6 months
  • Approved South Korea visa

A valid visa does not always guarantee entry. South Korean border control make the final decision for who can enter the country.

South Korea transit visa for Indian passport holders

Indians do not need a visa to transit through the Republic of Korea :

  • Incheon International Airport, Seoul— for less than 24 hours for
  • Other airports— when departing on the same calendar day

Passengers must not leave the transit area. Anyone who intends to leave the airport must have a visa.

Visit South Korea from India

There are non-direct flights to South Korea from several major Indian cities. Flights to Seoul depart from:

  • Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai
  • Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore

There are also flights with one or more stops to other areas in South Korea, such as Busan and Jeju Island .

Korean Embassy in India

To visit South Korea in 2022, Indians must contact the embassy for information about visa applications during COVID-19.

Find below the details of the South Korea Embassy in New Delhi , India:

9 Chandragupta Marg

Chanakyapuri Extension

New Delhi 110021

FAQs About Indians Visiting South Korea

Can indians go to south korea.

Indian citizens can visit South Korea if they have the required paperwork and meet the entry requirements. Indians need a valid passport and a South Korean visa.

The South Korean government could change entry restrictions at short notice. Indian passport holders must check the latest advice before making any travel arrangements.

Can Indian citizens request a visa on arrival in South Korea?

No, Indians cannot get a visa on arrival in South Korea. Indian nationals must get a visa before departure through the South Korean Embassy.

Can Indian citizens visit South Korea without a visa?

No, Indians cannot visit South Korea without a visa. Currently, travelers must obtain a visa with the South Korean Embassy in New Delhi.

Indians can normally stay in South Korea for 90 days with a tourist visa.

  • • HOME  ›  Visa

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ADVISORY ON RESUMPTION OF PRE-PANDEMIC VISA PROCESSES BEGINNING 01 APRIL 2022

Pursuant to Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution No. 165 dated 24 March 2022, all COVID-19 restrictions on visa issuance are hereby lifted, and all pre-pandemic visa processes are hereby reinstated beginning 01 April 2022, subject to the existing health protocols and requirements prescribed by the IATF , as follows:

Beginning 1 September 2022, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul will be following a new procedure for accepting visa applications for 9(a), 9(b), 9(f), 9(g), 47(a)(2) and 13(a). The procedure may be found here: www.philembassy-seoul.com/ann_details.asp?id=14014

The visa application process for 9(c) (seafarer/crewlist) and 9(e) (diplomatic/official business) visas remain the same, and the applicants or their representatives may personally submit their applications at the Philippine Embassy from 09:30 A.M. to 12:00 N.N.; P.M., Sundays to Thursdays.

Please make sure to bring all the required documents, as listed in this Advisory. The Philippine Embassy reminds all foreign nationals that additional documents may be required if and when deemed necessary by the visa officer.

A Philippine visa is an endorsement by a consular officer on a travel document (e.g. passport) denoting that the visa application has been examined, and that permission is requested from Philippine immigration authorities at ports of entry to allow the bearer to enter and stay in the Philippines for a specified period of time. A visa is not a guarantee that the holder will be automatically admitted into the country as admission of foreign nationals into the Philippines is a function of the Bureau of Immigraton (BI) . Philippine visa holders are, therefore, subject to regular and discretionary immigration control at ports of entry. The BI may deny entry of any visa holder for any valid reason.

Entry Exemption Documents (EEDs) will no longer be required beginning 01 April 2022 from foreign nationals entering the Philippines, provided they comply with all the visa requirements, immigration entry and departure formalities, and other health protocols required by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. Nevertheless, all foreign nationals with valid and subsisting EEDs issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Republic of the Philippines prior to 01 April 2022 shall still be allowed entry into the Philippines.

A properly filled-out application form is required from all visa applicants. These forms may be downloaded at www.philembassy-seoul.com/forms.asp. However, 9(a) visa applicants must preliminary submit their applications through the Philippine Visa Online Portal at www.visa.gov.ph

All photos must conform to the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, as follows:

  • All applicants are required to wear decent clothing for passport photo capture.
  • When having their photos captured, applicants may smile, but without showing their teeth and gums.
  • Eyeglasses and colored contact lenses should not be worn.
  • As much as possible, both ears of the applicant should be visible.
  • Any accessories (e.g., earrings, necklaces) should be removed prior to photo capturing.

All documents required below must be presented before the visa officer. Please print all documents using an A-4 sized paper.

Personal appearance is required from all visa applicants, except for 9(c) seaman and crew list visa applicants who may submit through their legitimate agents through an authorization letter.

Non-Korean nationals must submit the original and valid passport, as well as the original and photocopy of their Alien Registration Card (front and back).

All foreign national minors below 15 years old and planning to enter the Philippines unaccompanied by parents must have a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG). Under Section 29(a) (12) of the Commonwealth Act No. 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, alien minors who are below fifteen (15) years of age who are unaccompanied by or not coming to a parent, are classified as excludable. In order for them to be admitted into the Philippines, they must secure what is known as a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG) from the BI. They may be allowed admission upon the approval of the WEG application by the Commissioner of the BI.

To obtain a WEG from the Philippines, please visit the BI website at immigration.gov.ph/faqs/waiverforexclusion-ground and at immigration.gov.ph/images/FORMS/Checklist/9Others/2.%20Waiver%20of%20Exclusion%20Ground.pdf

Alternatively, parents based in South Korea may also follow this procedure:

Submit the following documents at the Philippine Embassy:

Three (3) original duly accomplished Affidavit of Support and Guarantee with Consent to Travel for WEG, to be signed in person by the child's parent/legal guardian at the Embassy;

Valid passport of the minor and two (2) copies of the data page;

Valid passport of the minor's travel companion and two (2) copies of the data page;

Valid passport of the parent/legal guardian who executed the affidavit (2 copies of the data page);

Submit the minor's English Family Registration Certificate [영문 가족관계증명서] if the child is registered at the Korean City Hall; and

Payment for the acknowledgement of the Affidavit of Support and Guarantee with Consent to Travel. Please note that this payment is separate from the WEG fee that will be paid at the port of entry (to be explained below).

Upon arrival in the Philippines, the travel companion will file the application for the WEG Order before the BI at the port of entry with the following documents/payment:

Duly-filled up WEG application form signed both by the parent and the travel companion. A copy of the WEG application form may be found here: www.philembassy-seoul.com/forms.asp

Original copy of the Affidavit of Support and Guarantee and Consent to Travel notarized by the Philippine Embassy and the minor's English Family Registration Certificate [영문 가족관계증명서] if the child is registered at the Korean City Hall;

Photocopy of the return ticket of the minor child;

Photocopy of the passport of the travel companion;

Photocopy of the passport of the minor; and

Payment of PHP3,120 (Philippine pesos) for the processing and approval of the WEG. Please note that BI fees may vary.

All foreign national minors 15 to below 18 years old and planning to enter the Philippines unaccompanied by parents, an Affidavit of Parental Consent and Guarantee of Financial Support and parent's proof of employment/ business must be submitted to the Philippine Embassy.

The following are the visa types which may be issued by the Philippine Embassy:

Applicants of the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) may directly submit their applications to the Philippine Retirement Authority at www.pra.gov.ph

Nationals of the countries listed below who are traveling to the Philippines for business or tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days, provided (i) they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or to their next port of destination, and (ii) their passports are valid for a period of six (6) months beyond their contemplated period of stay in the Philippines.

Nationals of Israel and Brazil are visa-free for a period of fifty-nine (59) days from entry, pursuant to existing bilateral agreements with the Philippines.

Upon arrival in the Philippines, citizens of the below-listed countries who wish to stay longer than thirty days can apply for an extension at the nearest BI office. Alternatively, they can submit an application for a temporary visitor's visa at the Philippine Embassy prior to their departure in South Korea.

All other foreign travelers with passports issued by countries not listed below need to secure an appropriate visa before traveling to the Philippines.

Effective 13 April 2015, nationals of India travelling to the Philippines as a temporary visitor may be granted a visa-free entry for an initial stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days, provided they possess the following:

Either a valid Australian, Canadian, Japanese, Singapore, UK, U.S. visa or permanent residence permit;

A national passport valid at least six months beyond the contemplated stay in the Philippines;

Return or onward ticket to the next country of destination; and

No derogatory record with the BI, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and the International Police (INTERPOL).

The 14-day visa-free entry may be extended by an additional seven (7) days for a maximum of twenty-one (21) day stay. This type of admission cannot be converted to other types of visa categories.

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines for pleasure and recreation purposes (as tourists or to visit friends or relatives), and/or business (of commercial, industrial or professional character) of a temporary nature without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days , provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports are valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay:

Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports;

Holders of Macao-Portuguese passports; and

Holders of People's Republic of China passports coming for tourism purposes only and with either a valid Australian, Canadian, Japanese, Schengen, or US visa.

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines for pleasure and recreation purposes (as tourists or to visit friends or relatives), and/or business (of commercial, industrial or professional character) of a temporary nature without a visa for a stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days , provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports are valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay:

Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative (SAR) passports; and

Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports.

  • Beginning 15 March 2022, all foreign nationals who wish to apply for 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s visa must file their visa applications via the DFA Philippine Visa Application Portal through the following link https://www.visa.gov.ph .
  • Printed online portal application form;
  • 2x2 passport size photo (similar to the uploaded photo in the online portal);
  • Round trip ticket (open-ended and one-way tickets are not accepted);
  • Itinerary with details
  • Proof of hotel accommodation or lodging; and
  • Valid passport for at least six (6) months from the date of visa application and copy of passport data page.
  • Filled out Letter of Guarantee form (available at www.philembassy-seoul.com/forms.asp) , including copy of guarantor’s valid passport. If the guarantor does not have a valid passport, a copy of a valid Korean government-issued ID may suffice. If the guarantor is a foreigner, a copy of his/her valid passport and Korean Alien Registration Card (front and back) are required. Please note that the guarantor cannot be an individual traveling with the applicant.
  • The following supporting documents must also be submitted to the visa officer during the selected interview schedule. These supporting documents should have been issued within one (1) month from the date of visa application.
  • Per Memorandum Circular RSDJR-12-018 dated 12 October 2012, for visa-required nationals without 9(b) visas (transit visas), the passenger/s shall be under airline custody, disallowed from leaving the vicinity of the airport. They shall remain in the airport transit lounge until their actual date and time of departure.
  • Original passport and copy of its data page. The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines;
  • Duly accomplished non-immigrant visa application form with visa applicant's signature;
  • Passport-size color photograph of the visa applicant, taken within the last three (3) months, pasted in the designated box in the application form; and
  • Confirmed onward ticket showing flight details of travel from country of origin to destination country via the Philippines.
  • Original passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of departure from the Philippines;
  • Copy of the passport data page and must have the applicant's signature on the original passport before making a copy;
  • Original Seaman's Book;
  • Copy of the seaman's book bio/information page;
  • Filled-out application form with picture taken with picture taken not more than six (6) months from the date of application;
  • Copy of the electronic ticket;
  • Letter of Guarantee from the employer confirming the applicant's purpose of visit to the Philippines, indicating the name of the vessel to be joined and the place where the application will join the vessel. The letter must also indicate the date or arrival of the vessel to the Philippines, date of arrival of the crew, date of embarkation and date of vessel leaving the Philippines. The letter of guarantee must be issued within two (2) weeks from the date of visa application;
  • Letter of invitation from the company in the Philippines confirming the applicant's purpose of visit to the Philippines, the duration of stay of the visit, indicating the name of the vessel to be joined, and the place where the application will join the vessel. The letter must also indicate the date or arrival of the vessel to the Philippines, date of arrival of the crew, date of embarkation and date of vessel leaving the Philippines. The letter of invitation must be issued within two (2) weeks from the date of visa application; and
  • If applying through a representative, the representative must bring his/her copy of passport, Korean government-issued identification card and business card, English Employment Certificate or English Business Certificate. The Representative can only be an employee of the same company or a travel agent.
  • Copy of the Vessel Register showing the vessel's name, official number (IMO) and specification particulars;
  • Copy of the passport of all crew members. The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of departure from the Philippines;
  • Copy of the Seaman's Record Book of all crew members. The copy of the Seaman's Record Book/maritime credentials record must show the page with the latest disembarkation and embarkation log entry. The copy of each crew members' Record Book must be printed in separate pages, and the latest disembarkation of the previous vessel and embarkation of the latest vessel are properly ordered;
  • Signed letter from the vessel owner naming the Vessel Master/Captain (full personal data from Passport and Seaman Book), identifying the authorized ship agent (with contact details), and requesting entry crew list visa for the vessel's foreign crew members. This letter should also state the total number of foreign crew members, and indicate the name of the port of entry and the date of disembarkation. If the disembarking crew members are less than five (5) people, please indicate their full personal data from the Passport and Seaman Book; and
  • Crew list visa application form and list of foreign crew members. The application form (excel file, not PDF) and all the documents required must be emailed at [email protected] and all information must be filed-out (N/A or TBA is not allowed).
  • the particulars of the visa applicant;
  • his/her official designation in the mission/consular office in the Philippines;
  • his/her expected departure date from the country of origin;
  • expected duration of assignment in the Philippines; and
  • the complete name and designation of the official he/she is coming to replace (or if he/she is an additional official being deployed in the Sending State's mission/consular office in the Philippines).
  • In the case of qualified dependents: that the visa applicant is traveling to the Philippines to join and live with the principal for the duration of the principal's assignment.
  • Duly filled-out application form;
  • One (1) colored photo, 4" x 4", taken within six (6) months before the date of application with white background, pasted in the designated box in the application form;
  • Clear copy of the visa applicant's diplomatic/service/official passport;
  • Declaration or Itinerary; and
  • Supporting documents to establish family ties, marital union, employee-employer relations, etc. as may be deemed necessary, in order to properly ascertain appropriate visa type per existing rules and regulations.
  • Student visa applicants must be a foreign national who is at least eighteen (18) years of age who seek to enter the Philippines temporarily and solely for the purpose of taking up a course of study higher than high school at a university, seminary, academy, college or school, permitted by the BI to accept foreign students.
  • Duly accomplished non-immigrant visa application form with visa applicant's signature; and
  • Passport-size color photograph of the visa applicant, taken within the last three (3) months, pasted in the designated box in the application form;
  • Original and photocopy of the accepting Philippine school's Notice of Admission (NOA);
  • Original and photocopy of the Certificate of Admission and Eligibility (CAE) issued by the CHED, if enrolled in courses/programs where restrictions exist due to shortage of facilities (i.e. medicine, dentistry);
  • Original and copy of apostilled police clearance issued by the Korean police authorities and translated in English; and
  • Original medical health certificate accomplished by a General Practitioner. The medical certificate must also include the x-ray results with CD, laboratory reports, etc. The medical exam must be taken within one (1) month from the date of visa application.
  • the admitting school/university/college/Higher Education Institution (HEI), for purposes of enrolment and competency level assessment; and
  • the BI Student Visa Section, for registration and processing of his/her Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) i-Card application.
  • The Philippine Embassy does not endorse applications for admission to any school in the Philippines. Please refer to the admitting school authorities for specific details of their foreign student admission programs.
  • Upon arrival in the Philippines and acceptance by the learning institution, the foreign national should apply for a Special Study Permit at the BI's Student Desk. Details about the required documents by the BI for the issuance of the Special Study Permit can be found at their website at: immigration.gov.ph/services/special-permits/special-study-permit
  • Foreign nationals proceeding to the Philippines to engage in any lawful occupation be it for wages or salary, or other forms of compensation where bona fide employer-employee relations exist fall under this category of entry visa. Applicants may range from various professions, inclusive of medical practitioners, nurses, professors, technical experts, scientists and other skilled professionals for banking, commercial, industrial, agricultural, business, and similar enterprises.
  • Prior approval from the DFA is required prior to issuance of a visa under this category.
  • The employing corporation in the Philippines shall file the application for a pre-arranged employment visa under category 9(g) of the Philippine Immigration Act, and submit the necessary documents to the BI;
  • After assessment and evaluation of the submitted documents, approved applications are communicated by the BI to the DFA; and
  • The DFA gives authority to the corresponding Philippine Embassy for the issuance of a 9(g) visa abroad.
  • Copy of the passport data page with signature of the applicant;
  • Filled-out Application Form with picture taken not more than six (6) months from the date of application;
  • Round trip e-ticket (open-ended tickets are not acceptable);
  • Letter of guarantee from the employer confirming the applicant's employment, purpose of visit to the Philippines (i.e., short business related trip and shall not be employed nor service income in the Philippines), and financial support while in the Philippines. The letter must have the official company seal and/or employer's signature. Guarantee letters from family members, friends or company co-workers are not allowed. The guarantee letter should have been issued within two (2) weeks from the date of visa application;
  • Letter of invitation from the company in the Philippines confirming the purpose of visit of the visa applicant and the duration of stay of the visit (must match the dates in the flight ticket), with a guarantee that until the applicant obtains the 9(g) working visa from the BI, the company guarantees that he/she will not be employed by nor derive income from the Philippine-based company and will financially support the applicant. The letter must have the official company seal and/or employer's signature, and should have been issued within two (2) weeks from the date of the visa application;
  • Colored copy of the employment contract;
  • Colored copy of the receipt for the 9(g) visa fee from the BI;
  • Colored copy of the Philippine Alien Employment Permit ID;
  • Original medical health certificate accomplished by a General Practitioner. The medical certificate must also include the x-ray results with CD, laboratory reports, etc. The medical exam must be taken within one month from the date of visa application.
  • Items 37(a) to (d) above;
  • Letter of guarantee from the company where the family member of the dependent applicant is currently employed. The guarantee letter must mention the confirmation of the family member's employment; relationship of the dependent applicant to the family member employed; and purpose of the visit to the Philippines (e.g., to reunite and support his father/mother/husband/wife); and financial support while in the Philippines;
  • Letter of invitation from the company in the Philippines where the family member of the dependent applicant is employed, confirming the family member's employment; relationship of the dependent applicant to the family member; purpose of the visit to the Philippines (e.g., to reunite and support his father/mother/husband/wife); duration of stay of the visit (similar to the dates in the round-trip e-ticket) and guarantee that the dependent applicant shall not be employed by nor derive income from the Philippine-based company;
  • Colored copy of the employment contract of the family member currently employed;
  • Colored copy of the receipt for the 9(g) Visa Fee from the BI;
  • Colored copy of the Philippine Alien Employment Permit ID of the family member currently employed; and
  • Original and copy of English Family Registration Certificate issued in the applicant's name;
  • A special non-immigrant visa is issued to qualified foreigners coming to the Philippines as professors, scholars, trainees, fellows, students, technical personnel, volunteers, and other participants of certain entities and programs under the auspices of particular institutions, agencies, foundations, and corporations recognized by the Philippines.
  • For more information, please visit the DOJ website at www.doj.gov.ph/visa_application.html and the PEZA website at www.peza.gov.ph/documents/visachecklist.pdf
  • Original passport and photocopy of the data page. The passport must bear the applicant's signature before making a copy. It must also be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines;
  • Roundtrip e-ticket (open-ended tickets are not allowed);
  • Letter of Endorsement from the relevant Philippine government agency;
  • Original Letter of Guarantee from the employer confirming the applicant's employment, purpose of visit to the Philippines (i.e., short business-related trip and shall not be employed nor derive income in the Philippines until the appropriate visa is obtained from the DOJ), and financial support while in the Philippines. The letter of guarantee must have the official company seal/employer's signature and a guarantee from family members, friends or co-workers are not acceptable. The letter of guarantee must have been issued within 2 weeks from the date of the visa application.
  • Original or colored copy letter of invitation from the company in the Philippines confirming the purpose of the visit of the visa applicant and the duration of stay of the visit, with a guarantee that until the applicant obtains the 47a(2) visa, the company guarantees that he/she will not be employed by nor derive income from the Philippine-based company. The duration of stay of the visit should match the dates in the flight ticket. The letter of invitation must be issued within 2 weeks from the date of the visa application.
  • Items 41(a) to (c) above;
  • Letter of invitation from the company in the Philippines where the family member of the dependent applicant is employed, confirming the family member's employment; relationship of the dependent applicant to the family member; purpose of the visit to the Philippines (e.g., to reunite and support his father/mother/husband/wife); duration of stay of the visit (similar to the dates in the round-trip e-ticket) and guarantee that the dependent applicant shall not be employed by nor derive income from the Philippine-based company.;
  • Employment contract of the family member who is currently employed;
  • The Philippine Embassy may issue a permanent residence visa (specifically the 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa) to the qualified non-Filipino spouse of a Filipino citizen. The applicant must be married to a Filipino citizen or unmarried children under twenty-one (21) years of age of a Filipino citizen, if accompanying or following to join such citizen.
  • Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt (visa applicant must be a male and married to a female Philippine citizen), El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Fiji, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea South, Latvia, Lesotho, Libya (visa applicant must be a male and married to a female Philippine citizen), Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Malta (provided that the marriage took place before 24 April 2001 or the couple has been married for at least 5 years), Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Northern Mariana Island, Norway, Oman (visa applicant must be a male and married to a female Philippine citizen), Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia (visa applicant must be a male and married to a female Philippine citizen), Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela.
  • Two (2) original filled-out application forms;
  • Joint letter request addressed to the Commissioner of the BI from the applicant and the petitioning Filipino spouse/parent;
  • Applicant's passport, with validity of at least one (1) year at the time of filing;
  • Two (2) copies of the data page and latest immigration admission stamp in the Philippines;
  • Passport of the petitioning Filipino spouse/parent, with validity of at least one (1) year at the time of filing, and two (2) copies of the data page. The Filipino spouse/parent should maintain his/her Filipino nationality;
  • Four (4) passport-size (2x2) ID photos;
  • For spouse, original and 2 copies of the PSA-issued Marriage Certificate. If married abroad, a Report of Marriage duly issued by the PSA. For unmarried children, original and 2 copies of the Birth Certificate which should contain the applicant's name and his/her parents;
  • Original and copy of apostilled police clearance issued by the Korean police authorities and translated in English;
  • Original medical health certificate accomplished by a General Practitioner. The medical certificate must also include the x-ray results with CD, laboratory reports, etc. The medical exam must be taken within one month from the date of visa application;
  • Original and 2 copies of proof of sufficient financial capacity to live in the Philippines, such as, but not limited to bank statement, at least three (3) months, employment certificate from the employer indicating position and salary, or certificates of stocks, or proof of business registration for self-employed;
  • Original or printed clear scanned copy of other supporting documents proving that your Filipino spouse or parent is currently in the Philippines (e.g., Philippine immigration arrival stamps, certification issued by the local municipality/barangay where the Filipino national resides, or duly notarized employment certificate); and
  • If traveling with the Filipino spouse/parent, original and copy of the round-trip or one-way e-ticket for the Filipino spouse/parent traveling on the same flight.

Two Monkeys Travel Group

3 Day Seoul DIY Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea

If you are off to South Korea , then don’t you dare miss the capital, Seoul . Seoul is everything you need to see in a country; the traditional historical side, modern and advancing side, and the natural beauty. Go off to the Palaces, the gorgeous Han River, Markets, and skyscraper buildings of mega-industries. To see all of that, here’s a 3 Day Seoul Itinerary that could help you cross everything off your list.

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days

Remember, Filipino citizens, need a South Korea Tourist Visa to enter South Korea unless you are exempt, according to the embassy’s announcement . However, it’s pretty easy as they don’t have an interview and if you have complete documents.

Discover Seoul Pass All the Benefits and Sample Itinerary

When you go to Seoul, I recommend buying a Discover Seoul Pass . It costs KRW 39,900 for a day, KRW 55,000 for 2 days, and KRW 70,000 for 3 days. It can get you to enter attractions, tours, and other perks for FREE. I know it’s quite expensive to look at first, but if you follow this itinerary, it’s going to be worth it if you purchase a 3 day one. Check out also my detailed article of the pros-cons of buying the Discover Seoul Pass .

Table of Contents

3 Day Seoul, South Korea DIY Itinerary

Day 1: seoul itinerary.

  • Hanbok Rental at HANBOKNAM
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
  • Bukchon Hanok Village

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days

Start your day on the traditional side of Korea and go to Hanboknam to rent Korean Traditional Wear. With that, you can enter palaces or shrines for free! Off you go to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of 5 palaces in Seoul. After that, you can go across and see the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which was also featured in Korean dramas. You can walk to Bukchon Hanok Village to see traditional houses from 600 years ago. There are also shops nearby so you can eat lunch there. You can return the Hanbok too.

Discover Seoul Pass All the Benefits and Sample Itinerary

If you want to ask why I don’t suggest going to another palace, it’s because they are quite similar to each other. One is enough. However, if you don’t like the other one, I suggest Changdeokgung Palace. It has a gorgeous secret garden!

  • Grevin Museum
  • [Alternative] Running Man Experience
  • [Alternative] Alive Museum

Discover Seoul Pass All the Benefits and Sample Itinerary

Use that Discover Seoul Pass and go to modern museums. Grevin Museum is a wax museum with famous people like President Obama, Korean artists like Psy, and celebrities like Tom Cruise. After that, you are off to L’atelier, which is an art theme park with replicas of famous paintings. Both are very fun.

Discover Seoul Pass All the Benefits and Sample Itinerary

You can also choose the Running Man Experience, especially if you are a group. Alive Museum is also a 4-D art museum in Seoul. However, the first option optimizes your Discover Seoul Pass as the cost of Grevin + L’atelier is KRW 39,000 but free with the pass while the other one is KRW 28,000.

  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza
  • Dongdaemun Night market

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days6

In the evening, go to Dongdaemun Design Plaza, where you can see modern Seoul. The landmark is also where some scenes in Kdramas like “My Love from the Star” and “She Was Pretty” was filmed. Off you go to Dongdaemun Night market to go shopping and eat the best street food Seoul offers.

Day 2: Seoul Itinerary

  • Purchase a Seoul City Bus Tour: Panorama Course (Can start at Gwanghwamun, 9:30 AM)
  • Namsan Cable Car
  • N Seoul Tower

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days

Get a Seoul City Bus Tour and choose the Panorama Course. It’s a hop-on-and-hop-off, so you can get off at Namsam Cable Car first, then ride to N Seoul Tower. You can also try the Hanbok experience in the Tower or the Hello Kitty Museum. There are also restaurants there so you could have lunch there. Ride the Namsam Cable Car back to the spot to wait for the bus.

Things to do near Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong

  • Ewha Woman’s University
  • Myeongdong Cathedral

Things to do near Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong

Ride the bus and hear the guided tour and description of the spots. Drop off at Ewha Womans University; you can walk from the bus stop towards the University. There are many shops and restaurants as well. Then get dropped off at Myeongdong, there are many beauty shops, clothes stores, street food cafes there. There is also the Myeongdong Cathedral. Ride a train to Hongik University Station after.

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days

  • Hongik University

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days

Hongdae or where Hongik University is a great place to spend nightlife. It’s a hip area with many young university students like to hang out. There are free outdoor concerts and many more. It’s a fun place to be.

Day 3: Seoul Itinerary

  • COEX – Starfield Library
  • SM Town Museum
  • [Alternative] COEX Aquarium

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days5

For the third day, you can be touring the South Part of the Han River. Go to COEX Mall and find the gorgeous instagrammable library, Starfield Library, inside. When you go out, there is the SMTown Museum outside. For those fans of KPop groups like Super Junior, Girls Generation, EXO, Red Velvet, and NCT, this where you can see their albums, a training room, and many more. If you are not into KPop, then try COEX Aquarium which is just nearby. You can also eat lunch here.

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days4

  • K-Star Road
  • Somesevit or Sebitseom Islet

Go to the famous Hallyu K-Star Road and take pictures with 18 big Gangnamdol. If you don’t want to go to entertainment offices, you proceed to Somesevit. It’s a floating structure in the Han River where there are 3 glowing islands. There are Gavit, Chavit, and Solvit – along with Yevit, a performance area on the water.

  • Eland Cruise

Discover Seoul Pass All the Benefits and Sample Itinerary

Ride to 63 Square, a gold skyscraper in Yeouido Island . After that, you can cruise on the Han River with Eland Cruise at night. It’s the best way to end your Seoul trip!

Savings with Discover Seoul Pass

If you bought the Discover Seoul Pass , here is the computation of the total attractions and benefits you will pay versus DSP:

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days

As you can see, you can save KRW 80,400 when you get a Discover Seoul Pass. It’s very worth it, so you should buy it.

Find accommodation in Seoul, South Korea

Where to stay in seoul, south korea, where to stay in seoul, south korea if you want luxury.

Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong

My Seoulful Experience with Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong

Located in 49, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Jongno-Gu, 03145 Seoul.

This newly built building is surrounded by Art Galleries and near the palaces. The rooms are cozy with TVs, Air Condition, and ensuite bathroom with toiletries. I highly recommend this for your stay in Seoul.  Read my personal experience with Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong .

Price: Starts at USD 105   for One Standard Room  for Two Persons

Where to stay in Seoul, South Korea if you’re on a Budget

Grid Inn Hotel

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days

Located in 49, 9-6, Jong-ro 18-gil, Jongno-gu, Jongno-Gu, 03192 Seoul.

Grid Inn Hotel is located near Jongno-3ga Station and Jongmyo Shrine. They have rooms good for a single person or a group of 5. They have comfortable rooms with complete amenities and friendly staff.

Price: Starts at USD 50   for One Single Room for One Person

Where to stay in Seoul, South Korea if you’re a Backpacker

Gateway Korea Guesthouse

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days

Located in 2F, 50, Dongmak-ro 3-gil, Mapo-Gu, 04047, Seoul.

They have shared dorms (mixed and separate for females), and double rooms. It very near Hapjeong Subway Station. There is Wi-Fi, air-condition, heating, shared bathrooms with towels and toiletries, and a shared kitchen.

Price: Starts at USD 19   for One Bunk Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room , free breakfast.

List of Restaurants that you can try while in Seoul, South Korea

Palsaik Samgyeopsal

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days

Enjoy authentic Korean Pork Belly at Palsaik Samgyeopsal. What’s so unique about this establishment is that they have 8 flavors of pork belly like red wine, curry, or miso. They also have side dishes.

Tosokchon Samgyetang

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days

If you are cold or just want to try some homey soup, go to Tosokchon Samgyetang. Their chicken ginseng soup is super delicious. It will make you feel energized after a long day.

Gaon Restaurant

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days03

Dine at one of Seoul’s 3-starred Michelin Restaurant, Gaon. Menu changes depending on the best seasonal ingredients. You are not only there to eat but also experience Korean Culture in every dish.

Frequently Asked Questions for Seoul, South Korea

3 Day Seoul Itinerary Get Best of Seoul, South Korea in 3 Days

1. What is the language spoken in Seoul?

Korean is mostly spoken in Seoul, South Korea. Though the South Koreans really try hard to speak English, I suggest downloading google translate just in case.

2. What currency do they use?

Korean Won are used throughout the city.

3. Are credit cards accepted?

Yes, major credit cards are accepted. However, for those small restaurants or shops, it’s better to pay in cash.

4. How much will you spend in Seoul?

It’s quite expensive in South Korea; prepare at least USD 100 per day (with food and accommodation). You can pay KRW 10,000 per meal at a restaurant. However, what will make you spend are the attractions and shopping.

5. Do you have any saving tips?

  • Use Discover Seoul Pass so that you can save on attractions and transportation
  • Avail Duty-Free and Tax Refunds for tourists
  • For breakfast, if it’s not free at the hotel, you can buy kimbap at the convenience stores
  • Bring water container and refill it, water is quite expensive (about KRW 1,000+)

6. Where to purchase Souvenirs ?

You can shop at the stores in Insadong, Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, or Hongdae.

7. Is it safe to travel to Seoul?

Yes, South Korea is one of the safest places to travel in the world. I have traveled solo in Seoul, and I was at ease. People are disciplined and friendly.

8. Should I get travel insurance before heading to Seoul?

I always recommend buying travel insurance when we go out of the country since we don’t know what will happen. You can check out Safetywing .

9. Do I need a visa for Seoul?

Philippine passport holders need a South Korea Tourist Visa to enter Seoul except if they are exempted . As for other nationalities, please check if you need one before going.

10. How to get to Seoul?

There is Incheon International Airport that serves Seoul. There are flights from the Philippines, the rest of Asia, Australia, Africa (Ethiopia), the US, Canada, and Europe. You can also travel via train or bus if you are going to Seoul. I suggest you use the AREX (Airport Railway Express) .

My Solo Travel and Experience Staying at Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong in Seoul, South Korea

I hope you find this 3 Day Seoul Itinerary helpful for your future adventures in South Korea! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Don’t also forget to comment about your experience in Seoul. Happy Travels!

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.

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Is an airport transit visa required in Seoul?

Travel Destinations

April 12, 2023

By Kristy Tolley

Understanding the Airport Transit Visa

An airport transit visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to pass through a country’s international transit area while en route to their final destination. It is typically required for travelers who are not citizens of the country they will be transiting through. The purpose of an airport transit visa is to regulate the entry and exit of foreign nationals and prevent illegal immigration.

South Korea’s Visa Policy: An Overview

South Korea has a fairly strict visa policy, with most travelers needing a visa to enter the country. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including citizens of certain countries who are eligible for visa-free entry or visa-waiver programs. South Korea categorizes its visa policy into four types: A, B, C, and G. Type A visas are for diplomats, Type B visas are for business or work purposes, Type C visas are for short-term visits, and Type G visas are for those in transit.

Transit Visa Requirements in South Korea

To qualify for a transit visa in South Korea, you must meet certain requirements. These include having a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, having a valid visa for that third country (if required), and having no criminal record or history of immigration violations. Additionally, you must not leave the international transit area of the airport during your layover.

Do You Need an Airport Transit Visa in Seoul?

Whether you need an airport transit visa in Seoul depends on your nationality and the length of your layover. Citizens of some countries are exempt from the transit visa requirement, while others must obtain a transit visa regardless of their layover length. It is important to check the visa requirements for your specific nationality before traveling to ensure you have the necessary documentation.

Qualifying for an Airport Transit Visa

To qualify for an airport transit visa in Seoul, you must meet the requirements outlined by the South Korean government. This includes having a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, having a valid visa (if required), and not leaving the international transit area of the airport during your layover. Additionally, you must have no criminal record or history of immigration violations.

Applying for an Airport Transit Visa in Seoul

If you need an airport transit visa for your layover in Seoul, you can apply for one at a South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. Alternatively, you can apply for a transit visa upon arrival at the airport in Seoul. However, it is recommended to apply for the visa in advance to avoid any potential delays or issues.

Required Documentation for an Airport Transit Visa

When applying for an airport transit visa in Seoul, you will need to provide certain documentation. This includes a valid passport, a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, and a visa (if required) for that third country. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of your financial means to cover your stay in the airport transit area.

Processing Times and Fees for an Airport Transit Visa

The processing time and fees for an airport transit visa in Seoul vary depending on your nationality and the embassy or consulate you apply at. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to process a transit visa application. The fee for a transit visa also varies, but it is generally less expensive than other types of visas.

Exceptions to the Airport Transit Visa Requirement

There are some exceptions to the airport transit visa requirement in Seoul. For example, citizens of certain countries are exempt from the requirement, as well as those with a valid visa for South Korea. Additionally, travelers with a layover of less than 24 hours may also be exempt from the requirement.

Understanding the Consequences of Not Having a Transit Visa

Not having a transit visa when one is required can result in serious consequences. This can include being denied entry into the country, being detained at the airport, or being forced to return to your home country at your own expense. It is important to research the visa requirements for your specific nationality before traveling to avoid any potential issues.

Tips for a Smooth Transit Experience in Seoul

To ensure a smooth transit experience in Seoul, it is important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your connecting flight. Additionally, make sure you have all the necessary documentation for your transit visa if required. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the layout of the airport and any immigration procedures you may need to go through.

Conclusion: Navigating the Airport Transit Visa in Seoul

Navigating the airport transit visa in Seoul can be a complex process, but it is essential for a smooth layover experience. By understanding the requirements for a transit visa, gathering the necessary documentation, and applying in advance if needed, travelers can avoid any potential issues and enjoy a hassle-free transit experience in Seoul.

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Living and traveling in Korea

The Soul of Seoul

Visa Runs From Korea: Where To Go

Living in Korea on a short-term visa and need to do a quick visa run to reset your tourist visa or change visas? Visa runs are a common practice for foreigners residing in Korea who need to extend their stay without the luxury of obtaining a long-term visa. Or, if you’re changing your visa, a visa run may be in order. I had to do a visa run decades ago when I was switching from a tourist visa to an E2 teaching visa in Korea.

If you’re trying to figure out how easy a visa run is, where the best places for you to take a quick visa run from Korea are, or what you’ll need, I’ve got you covered. From a quick nearby destination to an exciting adventure, there are some pretty great places to go for a visa run from Korea.

Incheon International Airport, Nest Hotel, Design Hotel, Incheon, Korea

Let’s get ready for a visa run from Korea:

What is a visa run?

Fukuoka, japan, tokyo, japan, taipei, taiwan, planning your itinerary, preparing the necessary documents, enjoying your visa run, returning to korea and repeat visits, exploring alternatives.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

American Passport

A visa run refers to the process of leaving a country, such as Korea, to reset your visa status and gain a new entry stamp or change visas as some are required to be applied for outside of the country. This is especially prevalent among individuals who have entered Korea on a tourist visa or visa waiver, both of which have limitations on the duration of stay. A visa run allows you to basically reset the time and start over.

Incheon International Airport, Incheon, Korea

The best places to take a quick visa run from Korea

When planning a visa run, choosing the right destination is crucial. Ideally, you want to select a neighboring country that offers visa-free entry or grants visas upon arrival for citizens of your nationality. If you had a Korean visa previously, you probably applied from your home country, but you don’t have to go all the way back there, say to the US, to apply for another one necessarily. Popular choices for visa runs from Korea include Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong as they’re nearby so only a few days are necessary.

Here are 4 of the best places to take a quick visa run from Korea. If you’re just looking to reset your tourist visa, these are fun spots, and if you need to visit a Korean Embassy, all of these cities have one.

Fukuoka, Japan

The closest Korean embassy to head to for a visa run from Korea, Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu and is one of the most populated cities in Japan, though it doesn’t feel like that at all as you can easily walk the streets and see a ton. Fukuoka, Japan today is actually two cities that joined in 1889; the port city of Hakata and the castle town of Fukuoka. Today, Hakata is the name of a central district in the city and the main railway station which you will no doubt visit at some point during your visit.

I headed here when I was switching from a tourist visa to a teacher’s visa… I think. It was years and years ago that first time, but Fukuoka was a great place to do it. Easy to get around, the office wasn’t busy, and I got to eat great food while I waited for processing.

  • Fukuoka, Japan Itinerary
  • Flight duration from Seoul: 1.5 hours
  • Korean Embassy Address: 1 Chome-1-3 Jigyohama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0065, Japan
  • Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
  • What To Prepare: Fukuoka City Subway 1 Day Pass , Fukuoka Tourist City Pass
  • What To Do While You’re There: Join the Fukuoka City, Half Day Heaven Tour

Tokyo, Japan

With its close proximity and excellent transportation links, Tokyo is an ideal destination for a quick visa run from Korea. Experience the bustling streets of Shibuya, visit the iconic Tokyo Tower, or explore the historic Asakusa district. Eat all the sushi, do all of the shopping, have all of the fun of Tokyo!

  • Flight duration from Seoul: 2.5 hours
  • Korean Embassy Address: 1 Chome-2-5 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan
  • Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
  • What To Prepare: Tokyo Subway Ticket – Unlimited Rides 1/2/3 Days
  • What To Do While You’re There: Tokyo Hop-On Hop-off Skyhop Bus

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan

Taipei, the vibrant capital city of Taiwan, offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Take a scenic hike up Elephant Mountain for breathtaking views of the city, visit the famous National Palace Museum to witness ancient artifacts, or explore the bustling night markets and indulge in local street food. Taipei is a visa run destination that will leave you captivated and warm you up if it’s winter in Korea when you’re headed out.

  • Flight duration from Seoul: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Korean Embassy Address: No. 333, Section 1, Keelung Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
  • Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am ~ 12:00pm; 2:00pm ~ 4:00pm
  • What To Prepare: Taipei Fun Pass
  • What To Do While You’re There: Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus Ticket

Hong Kong

Known for its stunning skyline and bustling markets, Hong Kong is a popular choice for a quick visa run. Take a ride on the iconic Star Ferry, shop till you drop in Mong Kok, or unwind on Lantau Island, home to the renowned Tian Tan Buddha. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, adventure, or culinary delights, Hong Kong has it all and has plenty to do while you’re waiting for your Korean visa to process.

  • Flight duration from Seoul: 4 hours
  • Korean Embassy Address: Hong Kong, Admiralty, Harcourt Rd, 16號, Far East Finance Centre, 5/F
  • Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am ~ 12:00pm; 1:30pm ~ 4:30pm
  • What To Prepare: Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card
  • What To Do While You’re There: Hong Kong Big Bus Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off

Korea travel planning: How to do the K-ETA

Planning your visa run itinerary is essential. Take into consideration the duration of your stay, transportation options, and the specific requirements of the destination country. Make sure to allocate some additional time for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your visa run. If you’re just looking to reset your tourist visa, you can head out for a day and you’re good to go. If you do need to visit the Korean Embassy, make sure you know when it’s open, go there first thing after dropping off a bag at your hotel, and get that process started.

Book a flight

I usually check out Skyscanner to find deals first and then go through Expedia or direct with airlines to book.

Book a hotel

The best sites to book a hotel for Asian destinations in my experience are Booking.com and Agoda.com .

Korea travel planning: How to do the K-ETA

Before embarking on your visa run, ensure that you have the required documents in order to avoid any complications or delays. Typically, you will need:

  • Valid passport:  Ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
  • Passport photo
  • Visa application
  • Proof of accommodation:  If required, make reservations for your stay in the destination country and carry the relevant documentation.
  • Proof of Onward Travel:  Some countries may request proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination.

Fukuoka, Japan

While the primary purpose of a visa run is to extend your stay, it is also an opportunity to explore a new destination and immerse yourself in a different culture. Take advantage of your time abroad by engaging in local activities, trying new cuisines, and visiting popular landmarks. Treat your visa run as a mini-adventure, it is one afterall.

Nammireuksa Temple, Gangjin, Seoul, Korea

After successfully completing your visa run and obtaining a new entry stamp, you can return to Korea and continue your stay. However, it is important to note that visa runs are not a long-term solution. Yes, there are people that have done them for years and in some cases, the Korean Immigration has actually advised people to do it. (I’m not even making that up, I have a friend who is currently in Korea and the immigration office says this is the best course of action for their current situation.) Korean immigration authorities may scrutinize repeated visa runs though, as it may raise suspicions of visa abuse.

If you find yourself relying heavily on visa runs to prolong your stay in Korea, it may be worth exploring alternative options. Consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or exploring visa pathways that align with your long-term goals. Obtaining a proper visa or residency status will provide you with peace of mind and stability.

Visa runs from Korea can be a practical solution to extend your stay, whether you are a student, tourist, or expat. By choosing the right destination, preparing the necessary documents, and planning your itinerary effectively, you can successfully navigate the visa run process. Remember to enjoy your time abroad, but also explore long-term solutions to ensure a seamless stay in Korea.

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Visa Runs From Korea: Where To Go: Need to reset your tourist visa? Switch visas? Here are best places to go nearby for a visa run from Korea.

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  • South Korea Visa For Indians: A 2024 Guide To Give You An Insight In The Details!

23 Mar 2023

A land of culture and beauty, this is a country in East Asia, and the capital is Seoul. South Korea makes up for most of the South of the Korean peninsula region. The country’s citizens are responsible enough and the men have to definitely serve the country’s army for some part of their life, hence creating a sense of duty for the motherland. If one is to visit this land of culture and intellect, they surely need to acquire a visa first. Now, as easy as the statement sounds, the process in itself is not so if you do not know the basics of it. And therefore to help you through it, we are here! In this guide we explain how easy it is to get a South Korea visa for Indians if they know the basics of it. Read on to know more!

How To Apply For A South Korea Visa For Indians?

surreal view of the south korea

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As discussed earlier, you can surely apply by either of the online and offline processes. What is to be kept in mind is the document requirements. A standard South Korea visa is to be allotted to the individual who applied for the same. The reason for the visit can be varied but is mostly and usually for tourism. However, if you are going there for work purpose, you need to provide some kind of proof of the same. Here are some of the important steps to apply for a South Korea visa for Indians.

  • Get all the important information you need and try to know about the process before you get started.
  • Visit the official website to apply for the visa and if you are not very comfortable with technology you can visit the centers to get your work done.
  • The most important part of the process is filling up the application form.
  • You can pay either online via your debit card or rely on the traditional offline processes. Either way, just make sure to have the proof of your payment as its a requirement in the form

Must Read: 28 Stunning Places To Visit In South Korea

Types Of South Korea Visa For Indians

As childish as it may sound, you need to maintain a good character, have string enough ties in your homeland for you to have a reason to return, and have a good health condition to be eligible for applying for a tourist visa to South Korea. You need to keep your documents handy. Some of the documents you need would be one that proves your identity, your bank balance, and the purpose of the visit to start the application process. You can apply by broadly two ways, as listed below.

1. Get An E-Visa

get an e visa online to south korea

With everything around and surrounding us getting digitised this is the most convenient option as you can start the application completely at your convenience and do not even have to leave your house. Visit the online website, file your request and wait for your turn for them to call you. They will then tell you about the process you need to follow which majorly includes filling up a form. The entire process can take any amount of time, from weeks to months, depending on the amount of applications that are lined up at the moment.

Suggested Read: Top 10 Reasons To Visit South Korea & Have A Blast With Your Family

2. Opt For The Offline Process

fill the form for visa

If you are not very comfortable with the online processes for getting a South Korea visa for Indians,then you can always opt for the traditional offline process. You need to visit the embassy, gather required and related information, wait for your turn for them to call you and wait for them to take the process further. This might be the more time consuming and a slightly tedious process but if it suits you then you should go for it.

Suggested Read: 10 Places Near Seoul That Are Must-Visit Attractions In South Korea

Documents Required For A South Korea Visa For Indians

carry the important documents for applying the visa

Indian passport holders usually need a visa to visit the Korean land. And the process is quite simple and does not require any extravagant time for its completion and you can get a ninety days visa quite easily online or by visiting your nearest South Korea consulate. There are some documents that you need to provide and that’s all that there is to the main process.The following documents are required for getting a South Korea visa For Indians .

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • Passport sized pictures of the applicant
  • Fees payable-preferably in cash or via postal address, but not cheques.
  • Bank statements, backing up your funds required for the tour.

Apart from the above list, if the reason for the visit is something other than travelling, such as say official purpose or student scholarship, then the applicant must provide documents justifying the reason for the applicant’s stay or visit.

Suggested Read: 13 Incredible Things To Do In Korea For Once In A Lifetime Experience

South Korea Visa For Indians Fees

cost for applying the indian visa

The cost of the visa varies greatly with the kind of visa you have applied for. There are mainly two categories of South Korea visa for Indians- namely single entry visa and multiple entry visas. If you want a single entry visa valid for up to ninety days, then you will have to pay an approximation ofINR 2800 and if you want the visa for more than ninety days then it is INR 4200. For multiple entry visas, it costs about INR 6300. Also, if the purpose of the visit requires a double-entry visa, the visa fee becomes INR 4900.

Travellers are advised to contact their nearest consulate or embassy regarding fees required for them to get the visa, and especially and more so in case of group visas. An application for a residential certificate for a stay of more than 90 days is to be submitted before the beginning of the process. The visas are valid for about three months from their date of issue, although this may vary.

Further Read: Korea Travel Tips: 10 Tips To Keep In Mind While Traveling to The Korean Peninsula!

We hope this cleared all the doubts and resolved all your queries about South Korea visa for Indians, the documents and other requirements. However, it is advised to visit the embassy before you start with the entire process and go through all the details of the information once again for a better perception of the idea of the process. So, don’t waste anymore time. Apply for that South Korea visa for Indians today and take that long pending trip to South Korea .

Disclaimer:  TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note:  Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Korea Visa For Indians

Can someone else collect my visa from the South Korea Consulate?

No, South Korea consulates do not allow a third person to collect your visa. There are however some exemptions regarding immediate family members such as parents or children.

Are there different requirements for different categories of visas?

Yes, there are different purposes of the visit to a place, such as work, study, tourism and so on. And for all those different agendas you need to apply for your visa in the corresponding process.

Are there any age requirements while applying for a tourist visa for South Korea?

No, there is no age criterion for applying for the visa. Anyone can apply for it and get it. However, individuals below eighteen years of age need to provide a NOC from their parents.

What are the documents required for an advance visa?

For an advance visa, you would need documents such as your valid passport, passport size photograph, consular fee slips, bank statements, proof of your hotel reservations and your return ticket. Be prepared to face a thousand and one questions while boarding the plane from India.

Where is the South Korea embassy situated in India?

The consulate of South Korea is located in West Bengal near Millennium Park. Its complete address is Hare Street, BBD Bag, Kolkata, West Bengal. The other embassy is situated in New Delhi, 9, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri Extension, New Delhi.

How many days does it require for the visa to arrive?

It takes about five business days for the visa to arrive. Sometimes, however, it may take less and around only two business days.

How long does the Korean e visa process take?

Visa processing time varies greatly and depends highly on the organization via which you apply for it. For example, if you have applied for your visa via a travel agency, it may take as long as fifteen days for the visa to get processed.

For how long is a Korean e visa (individual) valid?

The answer to this is highly dependent on what kind of visa you have opted for. While people with a single entry visa can enter Korea only once and travel there for 59 days within three months from the issue date. While a multiple entry visa allows you to visit the place as many times they want.

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Traveloka Team

16 Mar 2024 - 3 min read

Complete Guideline of South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipinos 

In this era of globalisation, South Korea has become an attractive destination for Filipino tourists. However, before planning your trip, it is important to thoroughly understand the visa requirements. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide for readers on the procedures for having a South Korean tourist visa for Filipinos.

tourist visa for seoul

We will discuss each step in detail from the required documents to the application process. Quickly find the latest information needed to ensure your journey goes smoothly and without obstacles. Pay close attention to this guide to prepare for your unforgettable adventure in South Korea!

Do Filipinos Need a Visa Before Visiting South Korea?

tourist visa for seoul

Yes, Filipinos are required to have a visa before visiting South Korea. However, the good news is that you can visit South Korea without a visa under certain conditions. Here are two ways to travel to South Korea without a visa:

Visits to Jeju Island are allowed through direct flights. You can stay here for up to 30 days. However, tourism outside Jeju is not permitted. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Manila to Jeju Island. You can transit through the nearest airports serving that route, such as Singapore Changi Airport, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Macau, Hanoi, and so on.

Filipinos can visit South Korea without a visa through Jeolla, located in the southwest region of the country. The entry point is Muan International Airport. To qualify for this privilege, you are required to join a group tour organised by a designated travel agency. You are only allowed to visit North Jeolla Province, South Jeolla Province, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and Jeju Island.

If you want to travel around South Korea comfortably, you are required to use a visa. No need to worry, as the application process is relatively easy and free of charge.

Manila to Seoul flight

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Sat, 20 Apr 2024

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What are the South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipinos?

tourist visa for seoul

South Korea visa requirements for Filipinos include several documents that must be carefully fulfilled. Here are some South Korea visa requirements you need to pay attention to:

1. Visa Application Form

2. Passport Photo

3. Passport Documents

4. Original Employment Certificate (If Applicable)

5. Financial Requirements

6. Tax Documents

7. Additional Requirements for Filipino Business Owners

It is essential to always check the official website of the South Korean embassy or consulate or contact them directly to confirm the latest South Korea visa requirements before submitting the visa application. Carefully fulfilling all these requirements will enhance the chances of a smooth visa application process and ensure preparedness before travelling to South Korea.

However, the Korean Embassy recently simplified the visa application process for certain categories of Filipino visitors from February 1 to December 31, 2024. Holders of professional licences and specific credit cards are granted privileges without the need to submit financial documents. Government officials and elected politicians are also exempted from certain requirements. This helps facilitate the visa application for specific groups, while other documents remain necessary.

Tips to Apply for South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos

Here are some tips for applying for a South Korean tourist visa for Filipino citizens to ensure a smoother process:

By following these tips, it is hoped that the application for a tourist visa to South Korea can be done more efficiently and successfully.

Understanding the requirements and tips for visiting South Korea is an important initial step. Make sure your required documents are complete and follow the tips outlined to ensure a smooth journey. Now, it's time to realise your travel plans! Quickly book your flight tickets from Manila to South Korea through Traveloka , a trusted travel partner, to ensure comfort and safety during your adventure in South Korea. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the beauty and uniqueness of South Korea. Happy planning for your trip!

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  1. theTravelingMD: Getting Korean Tourist Visa for Students: A Guide

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  2. How to apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos

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  3. How to apply for South Korea Tourist Visa

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  4. South Korea Tourist Visa Application Guide

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  5. How to apply for South Korea Tourist Visa

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  6. South Korea Visa Application for Filipinos in 5 Easy Steps

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  2. HOW TO GET SOUTH KOREA VISA || EASY DOCUMENTS || EASY PROCESS 2023

  3. KOREA VLOG ❄️ MY FIRST SNOW EXPERIENCE AS A FILIPINO 🥹

  4. BIG VISA 90 DAY TOURIST Change PLUS WP and Work VISA....is it all over folks ?

  5. South Korea family visa requirements & application

  6. seoul south korea Gyeongbokgung Palace

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  1. Visa

    All You Need to Know about Getting to Seoul Visa. Visitors entering the Republic of Korea (ROK) must hold a valid passport and visa to enter the country. Nationals of visa waiver or visa-free countries may enter the country without a visa for tourism purposes only. For any other purposes, such as employmentor education, proper visasare required.

  2. Korea Visa Portal

    Short-term Group Tourist (C-3-2) Visa for Chinese group tourists who can apply for their Visa through a designated travel agency; Short-term Medical Tourist (C-3-3) or Recuperation & Treatment (G-1-10) Visa for foreign patients and their caregivers who are invited by an 'outstanding medical facilitator' designated as e-Visa agency. Business ...

  3. Tourist Visa In Korea: A Simple Guide [March 2024 Update]

    With a Korean tourist visa, you can typically stay in South Korea for a period of up to 90 days (about 3 months). This 90-day period is often referred to as the "duration of stay.". It begins from the date of your entry into South Korea and is indicated on your visa sticker. It is important to abide by the allowed duration of stay specified ...

  4. South Korea Visa for Tourists in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

    Published: January 5, 2024. South Korea's visa policy is generally simple but has a couple of exceptions and specific rules that allow visa-free access where otherwise a visa would be necessary. The Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) was introduced in September 2021 and is now mandatory for all travelers without visas 18 or older ...

  5. South Korea International Travel Information

    You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.; Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

  6. Get your Visa to Travel to Seoul

    Tourist visa for Seoul. Overseas tourists who are not eligible for visa-free entry need to apply for a South Korea tourist visa for Seoul.. This visa is the correct option for people visiting Seoul on holiday or for leisure purposes.. Transit visa for Seoul. Citizens of most countries can transit through Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul without a visa for up to 24 hours.

  7. South Korea visa information

    Required documents: Passport and visa issuance application form (for details, visit www.visa.go.kr) Visa issuance fee: About $40 to $90 (may differ according to the duration of stay) The Official Website of Seoul. You can view a wealth of information about the city, including the main policies, history, culture, tourism, metropolitan experience ...

  8. Visit Seoul

    Visitors entering the Republic of Korea (ROK) must hold a valid passport and visa to enter the country. Nationals of visa waiver or visa-free countries may enter the country without a visa for tourism purposes only. For any other purposes, such as employment or education, proper visas are required. Nationals of non-visa waiver countries must ...

  9. Visa requirements for South Korea

    Complete your application online ( e-Form) or by hand ( downloadable PDF) and then visit a Korean embassy or consulate with your application or a printout of your completed e-Form, your passport, a 3.5cm x 4.5cm (1.4in x 1.7in) passport photo and any additional required documents. The application fee for a basic tourist visa is $40, though it ...

  10. Guide to South Korea Visa Application and Requirement

    South Korea is a versatile country, known for both the modern cities like the capital Seoul, as well as the traditional temples and the picturesque countryside. To visit it, citizens of several countries will have to apply for a South Korea visa - although a fair number of them are exempt from visa requirements for […]

  11. South Korea Entry Requirements

    Visa processing times differ depending on which South Korean Embassy is handling the request. Tourists are advised to apply at least 15 days before their travel date. At times of high demand, tourist visa processing may take longer. The most popular time to visit South Korea for tourism is between spring and autumn.

  12. Visas

    Nonimmigrant Visa Inquires. English and Korean speaking customer service agents are ready to assist you 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The call center is closed for U.S. and South Korean holidays. A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to travel to the U.S. generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler's ...

  13. BEST First-Time Visitor's Seoul Itinerary (3-7 Days)

    Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization), applied for at least 72 hours before departure.If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free - no K-ETA required!

  14. Visa and residency for Seoul, South Korea

    Required. Namibia. Required. Nepal. Required. Visa not required for a stay of max. 30 days provided holding visa for Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand or U.S.A. and in transit to/from those countries Although Visa Not required to Visit Jeju Island for the period of 30 Days. Netherlands. Not required. 90 days.

  15. Entry requirements

    If you are visiting as a tourist for up to 90 days, your passport must have an 'expiry date' after the date you are leaving South Korea. If you are entering South Korea on a long-term visa ...

  16. How To Get A South Korea Tourist Visa For Filipinos

    2.4A photocopy of your passport's bio page. 2.5Original and photocopy of valid visa/s or arrival stamps in OECD-member countries for the past five years. 2.6Original Certificate of Employment (if employed) 2.7Original bank certificate. 2.8Original or photocopy of your bank statement. 2.9Photocopy of your BIR 2316.

  17. South Korea Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens

    The required documents depend on the type of visa applied for. To request a South Korea tourist visa from India, the following documents are usually required: Indian passport: valid for at least 6 months. Passport-style photograph: taken recently. Proof of sufficient funds: for the entire stay. Credit or debit card: to pay the processing fee.

  18. Visa

    For purposes of validating the purpose of travel to the Philippines, the English language school should also send to the Philippine Embassy by email ([email protected]) an official letter signed by an authorized official of the school the letter or acceptance or a list of accepted students indicating the name of the visa applicant ...

  19. Visa Information

    NOTE:- All the Applicant/Travel Agent/Representative are here by informed for Temporary visit visa all the column needs to filled adequately in block letters; Visa Fees . A. Visa Fees (For Indians applying from India): Visa Category ... (Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province) Status of Stay and Period : Tourism & Transit (B-2) visa, Within 72 hours ...

  20. 3 Day Seoul Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea

    9. Do I need a visa for Seoul? Philippine passport holders need a South Korea Tourist Visa to enter Seoul except if they are exempted. As for other nationalities, please check if you need one before going. 10. How to get to Seoul? There is Incheon International Airport that serves Seoul. There are flights from the Philippines, the rest of Asia ...

  21. Is an airport transit visa required in Seoul?

    To qualify for an airport transit visa in Seoul, you must meet the requirements outlined by the South Korean government. This includes having a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, having a valid visa (if required), and not leaving the international transit area of the airport during your layover. Additionally, you must have no criminal ...

  22. Visa Runs From Korea: Where To Go

    Taipei is a visa run destination that will leave you captivated and warm you up if it's winter in Korea when you're headed out. Flight duration from Seoul: 2 hours 45 minutes. Korean Embassy Address: No. 333, Section 1, Keelung Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110.

  23. South Korea Visa For Indians: Here Are All The Details (2023)!

    Suggested Read: 10 Places Near Seoul That Are Must-Visit Attractions In South Korea. Documents Required For A South Korea Visa For Indians. Image Source. Indian passport holders usually need a visa to visit the Korean land. And the process is quite simple and does not require any extravagant time for its completion and you can get a ninety days ...

  24. Complete Guideline of South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipinos

    This article will serve as a comprehensive guide for readers on the procedures for having a South Korean tourist visa for Filipinos. ... Manila (MNL) to Seoul (ICN) Fri, 12 Apr 2024. Book Now. Jeju Air. Start from ₱ 5,367.00. Manila (MNL) to Seoul (ICN) Tue, 23 Apr 2024. Book Now. Cebu Pacific. Start from ₱ 6,995.23.

  25. Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 to Come to Seoul for First Time, World

    The 2024 Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, often dubbed "the Academy Awards of the culinary industry", will take place in Seoul from March 23 (SAT) to March 27 (WED), as announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs.