Do you want to go to South Korea?
The different types of visa you need.
With its varied and delicious cuisine, fashion influence, and unique blend of modernity and tradition, South Korea is an incredible travel destination for everyone. Have you ever dreamed of traveling to South Korea? And do you know what types of visas are best for your stay?
In this article, Musasian introduces you to the different types of visas in South Korea.
Tourist Visa
Ordinary Tourist Visa (C-3):
This is the most common tourist visa for South Korea. It is issued to tourists who plan to stay in the country for less than 90 days. The visa is valid for three months from the date of issue and allows multiple entries into the country.
Group Tourist Visa:
If you are traveling to South Korea as part of a group, you are eligible for a group tourist visa. This visa is issued to groups of five or more people who plan to stay in the country for less than 30 days. The visa is valid for 30 days from the date of issue and allows multiple entries into the country.
Working Holiday Visa:
If you are between 18 and 30 years old, you are eligible for a working vacation visa. This visa allows you to work and travel in South Korea for up to one year. You must have a valid passport, proof of financial support and a clean criminal record to apply for this visa.
Transit Visa:
If you are passing through South Korea on your way to another destination, you may be able to obtain a transit visa. This visa is issued to travelers who plan to stay in the country for less than 72 hours. You must have a valid passport, a confirmed onward ticket and proof of financial support to apply for this visa.
Medical Tourist Visa:
If you are traveling to South Korea to receive medical treatment, you may qualify for a medical tourist visa. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to six months. You will need to provide proof of medical treatment and financial support to apply for this visa.
Tourist and Business Visa (C-2):
This visa is issued to travelers who plan to conduct tourism and business activities in South Korea. It is valid for up to 90 days and allows multiple entries into the country.
Cultural and Arts Visa (D-4):
If you plan to study Korean culture or arts, you may qualify for a cultural and arts visa. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to one year and is issued to students who plan to enroll in a Korean language or cultural program.
Business Visa
General Business Visa (C-4):
The general business visa (C-4) is the most frequently used type of visa in South Korea. It is issued to individuals who intend to participate in general business activities, such as meetings, negotiations, or conferences. This visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows the holder to enter the country multiple times.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa (D-7):
If you are transferring from your overseas company to its subsidiary in South Korea, you may be eligible for an intra-company transfer visa. This visa is valid for up to two years and allows multiple entries into the country. You will need to provide proof of your employment and skills to apply for this visa.
Investment Visa (D-8):
If you plan to invest in a South Korean company, you may be eligible for an investment visa. This visa is granted to individuals who plan to invest at least KRW 100 million (approximately USD 90,000) in a South Korean company. It is valid for up to two years and allows multiple entries into the country.
Commercial Visa (D-9):
If you intend to conduct business activities, such as buying or selling goods, you may be eligible for a commercial visa. This visa is valid for up to one year and allows multiple entries into the country. To apply for this visa, you will need to provide proof of your business activities.
Foreign Language Teacher Visa (E-2):
If you plan to teach English or another foreign language in South Korea, you may be eligible for a foreign language instructor visa. This visa is valid for up to two years and allows multiple entries into the country. To apply for this visa, you will need to provide proof of your skills and employment.
Professional Worker Visa (E-1):
If you are a foreign professional with specialized skills, you may be eligible for a professional employment visa. This visa is valid for up to two years and allows multiple entries into the country. To apply for this visa, you will need to provide proof of your qualifications and employment.
Student Visa
D-2 Visa:
The D-2 visa is the most commonly used student visa for international students studying in South Korea. This type of visa is specifically for students who are studying full-time at a Korean language university or institute. To obtain a D-2 visa, it is necessary to show proof of enrollment and financial support.
D-4 Visa:
The D-4 visa is specifically for students who wish to study Korean in South Korea, usually for less than six months. It should be noted that this visa is not renewable. Therefore, students who wish to continue their studies beyond this period will need to apply for another type of visa.
D-1 Visa:
The D-1 visa is for students studying at a vocational school or technical college in South Korea. The documents required for this visa are different from the D-2 visa, including proof of admission to the school and a certificate of study.
D-3 Visa:
The D-3 visa is specifically for students who are participating in non-degree programs such as language or cultural exchange programs in South Korea. This type of visa is valid for up to two years and can be renewed.
D-4–1 Visa:
The D-4–1 visa is for students participating in internship or vocational training programs in South Korea. This visa is valid for a maximum of one year and requires a letter of invitation from the host organization.
D-4–6 Visa:
The D-4–6 visa is designed for students participating in a special program approved by the Korean government. Approved programs may be related to science and technology, culture and arts, or sports.
D-4–7 Visa:
The D-4–7 visa is issued to students participating in an internship program in South Korea. This program allows students to work part-time while pursuing their studies, and the visa is valid for up to one year.
Working Visa
E-1 Visa:
The E-1 visa is for foreigners wishing to engage in international trade activities in South Korea. The applicant must be a national of a country that has a free trade agreement with South Korea.
E-2 Visa:
The E-2 visa is for foreigners wishing to teach English in South Korea. The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and be a native English speaker.
E-3 Visa:
The E-3 visa is for foreigners wishing to work in a designated field in South Korea. The designated fields include engineering, natural sciences, and management consulting. The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in the designated field.
E-4 Visa:
The E-4 visa is for foreigners wishing to work in South Korea as a technician. The applicant must have a high school diploma and have completed vocational training in the designated field.
E-5 Visa:
The E-5 visa is for foreigners wishing to work in South Korea as an artisan. The applicant must have a high school diploma and have completed vocational training in the designated field.
E-6 Visa:
The E-6 visa is for foreigners wishing to work in the entertainment industry in South Korea. The applicant must have a contract with a Korean entertainment agency.
E-7 Visa:
The E-7 visa is for foreigners wishing to work in a non-professional field in South Korea. The designated fields include manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. The applicant must have a specific job offer from a Korean employer.
E-8 Visa:
The E-8 visa is for foreigners wishing to work in South Korea as a foreign language instructor. The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in the designated language.
E-9 Visa:
The E-9 visa is for foreigners wishing to work in the manufacturing industry in South Korea as a non-professional. The applicant must have a specific job offer from a Korean employer.
Can you go in South Korean now ?
South Korea offers different types of visas for foreign visitors, depending on their purpose and length of stay:
The tourist visa is intended for those who wish to visit South Korea for leisure or tourism purposes. It allows a stay of 90 days maximum.
The business visa is intended for people travelling to South Korea for professional reasons, such as business meetings, negotiations, or conferences. It allows a stay of 90 days maximum.
The student visa is intended for people who wish to study in South Korea. It is usually issued for a period of one year or more.
The work visa is for people who want to work in South Korea. It is issued for a period of 1 to 3 years and may be renewed.
Finally, there are other types of visas, such as a permanent resident visa, a visa for the husbands or wives of Korean citizens and a visa for people of Korean origin. Did you get any answers about the suitable visa choice you can make?
