How Much Bank Balance is Required for a South Korea Tourist Visa?

When preparing your application for a South Korea Tourist Visa, one of the most common questions Filipino travellers ask is: “how much bank balance is required for South Korea tourist visa?” This is an important concern because your financial documents can strongly influence the outcome of your visa application.

To increase your chances of getting approved, you will need an average daily balance of ₱100,000 and at least ₱150,000 in bank balance for a short trip of about 5–7 days.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

How to Estimate the Bank Balance You Need

The Embassy of Korea does not publish an official fixed requirement, but you can use this simple rule of thumb:

1. Calculate your total trip cost – For a 5–7 day stay, this is around ₱100,000.
2. Match your average daily balance (ADB) – Your bank’s ADB should cover at least this amount.
3. Add a safety margin – Multiply the trip cost by 1.5 to determine the safest balance to show. ₱100,000 × 1.5 = ₱150,000. So you must have at least ₱150,000 bank balance.

This way, your balance shows that you can pay for your trip comfortably, with a buffer for emergencies.

Disclaimer: This is how we compute and guide our clients. Final visa approval is at the discretion of the Embassy.

Why Does Bank Balance Matter for a South Korea Tourist Visa?

The bank balance isn’t just about numbers. It’s the embassy’s way of checking if:

• You can afford your trip without financial problems.
• You’re unlikely to overstay, since you can show stable ties to the Philippines.

And here’s where many Filipino travelers get confused: your bank balance is different from your bank certificate. The balance is the actual money you have, while the certificate is the official document you submit to the embassy as official proof.

If you need help preparing this document, here’s a practical guide on how to get a bank certificate for visa.

Factors That Affect the Required Bank Balance

Every traveler’s case is different. Your “safe amount” depends on:

• Duration of stay – More days = more expenses.
• Number of travelers – Solo is easier; family trips require bigger funds.
• Type of travel – Budget itinerary vs. premium hotels and tours.
• Employment and source of income – Steady work and documented income help.
• Travel history – Previous visas (Japan, Schengen, US) may give more flexibility.

Tips to Strengthen Your Visa Application

Even if your balance feels modest, you can still build a strong application. Here’s how:

• Maintain an active account – Show regular saving and spending, not sudden deposits.
• Avoid “instant” large deposits – The embassy can see if funds were only added right before applying.
• Provide consistent supporting documents – Certificate of Employment, Income Tax Return (ITR), and flight reservations should match your declared financial capacity.
• If you have a sponsor – Submit their bank documents, plus proof of relationship.
  

If you want personalized help, you can check our South Korea Visa Assistance page for guidance.

Common Concerns of Filipino Travelers (FAQs)

1. Do I need to keep the money untouched until my trip?

No. The embassy mainly looks at your saving habits and consistency, not whether the money just sits there unused.

2. What if my trip is sponsored by a family member?

That’s allowed. Just prepare their financial documents (bank certificate, COE, ITR) along with a letter of support and proof of relationship.

3. Can I still apply if I don’t meet the amount?

Yes, you can still try. Many Filipinos with modest savings still get approved if the rest of their documents are strong. For the latest rules and updates, always check the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines before submitting your application.