South Korea Tourist Visa Application: The Complete Guide

If you’re wondering how to get a South Korea tourist visa from the Philippines, you’re not alone. Many Filipinos dream of visiting Korea to see the royal palaces of Seoul, the shopping streets of Myeongdong, and the scenic landscapes of Nami Island. But before you can experience these destinations, there’s one important step: your South Korea Tourist Visa Application.

The good thing is, the process isn’t as complicated as it may seem. With the right preparation, you can complete your South Korea Tourist Visa Application smoothly and avoid unnecessary stress.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

Tourist Visa Requirements for Korea

South Korea Visa Requirements for Employees

1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original and OLD Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. Original Certificate of Employment (must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address)
7. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB) See our full guide here: How to Get a Bank Certificate for Visa Processing
8. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
9. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
10. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
11. PSA Birth Certificate and/or Marriage Certificate if travelling with family.

If personally invited by Korean

• Invitation letter
• Photocopy of inviter’s Passport or Identification
  Card(authentication not required)

If invited by Company in Korea

• Invitation letter
• Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
  (authentication not required)

If you are a frequent Traveller

• Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries
  (excluding Japan) within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.

South Korea Visa Requirements for Businessmen

1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original and OLD Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for
   the past 5years (If applicable only)
6. Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
7. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit
8. Original Personal Bank Certificate
   (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
9. Bank Statement
   (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
10. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
11. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
12. PSA Birth Certificate and/or Marriage Certificate if travelling with family.

If personally invited by Korean

• Invitation letter
• Photocopy of inviter’s Passport or Identification
  Card(authentication not required)

If invited by Company in Korea

• Invitation letter
• Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
  (authentication not required)

If you are a frequent Traveller

• Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries
  (excluding Japan) within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.

Visa Requirements for Students

1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original and OLD Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the
   past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. School Certificate (Original)
7. Copy of School ID
8. Original PSA Birth Certificate
9. Parents’ Documents

• If employed: Employment Certificate Original [must include position, date hired,
  compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed),
  HR e-mail address], Photocopy of ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form2316 Copy
• If Self-employed: Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Copy), Business Permit or
  Mayor’s Permit(Copy), Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
• Original Bank Certificate [must include account type, current balance, account opening
  date, 6 months average balance (ADB)]
• Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3
  months)
• Original PSA Marriage Certificate

If personally invited by Korean

• Invitation letter
• Photocopy of the inviter’s Passport or Identification
  Card(authentication not required)

If invited by a Company in Korea

• Invitation letter
• Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
  (authentication not required)

If you are a frequent Traveller

• Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries
  (excluding Japan) within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.

*If parents already have a valid visa, attach photocopy of parents’ valid visa. If not travelling together
with parents, attachphotocopy of passport or valid ID of parents.

Visa Requirements for Retirees

1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture (Please attach on the application form)
3. Original and OLD Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the
   past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. Original Personal Bank Certificate
   (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
7. Bank Statement
   (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
8. Copy of Senior citizen’s ID
9. PSA Birth Certificate and/or Marriage Certificate if travelling with family.

• If bank documents to be submitted are named to another family member, submit
  proof of relationship. (Ex. Copy of Marriage Contract for spouse, Birth Certificate for
  child, etc)

If personally invited by Korean

• Invitation letter
• Photocopy of inviter’s Passport or Identification
  Card(authentication not required)

If invited by Company in Korea

• Invitation letter
• Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
  (authentication not required)

Visa Requirements for E-Group

Basic requirements for Employees

• Individual visa application form with passport size picture
• Certificate of employment (with salary, position, date hired and company contact
  details)
• Company ID
• Bank certificate (original)
• Bank statement for the last 3 months
• ITR
• Guarantee letter from company

Basic Requirements for Students

• Individual visa application form with passport size picture
• School certification (original)
• School ID
• PSA birth certificate
• Affidavit of support and consent from parent
• Guarantee letter from school
  

Additional Requirements for E-Group visa (1 copy for everyone in the group)

• Ticket itinerary
• Tour itinerary and hotel address in Korea
• Business permit of Korean land operator (email address and contact number)
• Group visa application form
• Company DTI
• Company Mayor’s permit
• Company bank certificate
• Company bank statement
• Company ITR
  

Note: Upon filing the E-group visa, the group should have 1 departure and return date and 1 hotel. Otherwise, re-filing the E-group visa will be required.

How to Process Your Application for a South Korea Tourist Visa

If you’re wondering how to get a South Korea tourist visa from the Philippines, the actual process is straightforward.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Requirements Collection – Prepare and organize all necessary documents.
   
2. Submit Application – Apply either directly via the Korean Embassy in Manila or a designated visa processing center. You may also apply through your through a travel agency that provides South Korea visa assistance services.
   
3. Claiming Your Passport – Once processing is complete, you can collect your passport, which will show the result of your visa application.

To improve your chances of approval, you may consult travel agencies who offer South Korea visa assistance services.

Visa Fees, Processing Time, and Validity

• Visa Fee: Php3000
  
• Processing Time: Around 21–35 working days
  
• Validity: Maximum of 5 years validity, with maximum stay of 90 days per entry.
  

Common Reasons for Visa Denial

Some applications are denied because of:

• Incomplete or inconsistent documents
  
• Lack of financial proof
  
• Unclear travel purpose
  
• Previous immigration violations in Korea or other countries
  

Tips for a Successful Application

• Submit authentic, complete documents
  
• Make sure your income and employment match your savings
  
• Avoid unexplained large deposits before applying
  
• Create a realistic itinerary that matches your budget
  
• Maintain a healthy balance even after accounting for the cost of travel
  

FAQs

1. Can I apply directly at the Korean Embassy?

Yes, the Korean Embassy in Manila accepts applications directly, but some categories are processed through their official visa application center.

2. How much bank balance is required for a South Korea Tourist Visa?

There’s no fixed amount, but for a 5 to 7-day trip, applicants are generally advised to prepare at least ₱100,000 in bank balance or sufficient funds to cover airfare, accommodation, and daily expenses.

3. Can I reapply if my visa is denied?

Yes. You can submit a new application, especially if the reason for denial is not connected to any immigration violation or criminal record. It’s best to review with a visa processing expert and make sure the issues in your previous application are corrected before reapplying.

4. Where do I address my letters or Bank Certificates related to my visa application?

Embassy of the Republic of Korea
122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center,
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634