Are you a Filipino planning to visit South Korea? It’s important to understand the South Korea visa requirements for Filipino tourist. The visa application form doesn’t ask what type of visa you want. It won’t say if you’re applying for a single or multiple entry visa. The South Korean Embassy decides what to issue.
This article will focus on a Korean visa application for tourists. Multiple Entry Visa holders can stay in South Korea for up to 30 days per visit. The visa’s validity depends on your eligibility. It also depends on your passport’s expiration date.
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Korean Embassy Update (2025): As of January 2025, the Korean Embassy still accepts multiple-entry visas. This is only for those issued before April 5, 2020. These visas must also still be valid.
ADVISORY: Visa processing now takes 20 to 25 working days. The waiting time depends on how many people are applying. It can also depend on your travel history.
How to be Eligible for a Visa
To improve your chances of getting a Multiple Entry Visa, you must meet one of these:
Frequent Visitor
- Visited Korea more than 4 times in the last 2 years
- OR visited Korea more than 10 times in total. You must also have at least 1 visit in the past 2 years.
BDO Credit Card Holders
Card types that qualify:
- BDO Gold Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay, JCB, or American Express Gold
- BDO Elite Cards: Platinum Visa, Titanium, Platinum, or World Elite MasterCard
- AMEX Platinum, Cathay Pacific AMEX (Standard or Elite)
- AMEX Intl. Dollar, Diamond UnionPay, Diners Club Premiere or JCB Platinum
What to Submit:
- Latest 3 months of credit card billing
- Photocopy of your card (front only)
- Valid until December 31, 2025
- No bank certificate or ITR needed
RCBC Bankard Premium Card Holders
Eligible card types:
- World MasterCard (including Balesin or City Club co-brands)
- Black or Diamond Platinum MasterCard
- Visa Infinite, Visa Platinum, JCB Platinum, or UnionPay Diamond
What to Submit:
- Latest 3 months credit card billing
- Photocopy of the card
- Valid in 2025 until further notice
- No bank certificate or ITR needed
Note: The RCBC Bankard notice link is no longer available.
Basic Visa Requirements
1. Original Passport – Valid for more than 6 months
2. Visa Application Form – Fully filled out and signed. Attach photocopies of your bio page and valid ID.
3. Photo – One colored passport-size photo. It must be taken in the last 6 months.
4. OECD Visa or Arrival Stamps – Photocopy of valid visas or arrival stamps from the past 5 years. Examples include Australia, Canada, Japan, the US, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy.
5. Original Bank Certificate – Must show account type, current balance, average daily balance (ADB), and when the account was opened
6. Bank Statement or Passbook Copy – Covering the last 3 months. Credit card holders can submit card statements instead.
Supporting Documents
- Income Tax Return (ITR) – Not needed if using credit cardholder privilege
- If Employed – Certificate of Employment with job title, salary, and contact info
- If Business Owner or Self-Employed
- DTI or SEC Certificate
- Mayor’s Permit from your municipality
- Business Permits
- If Invited by a Korean National
- Invitation letter
- Copy of the inviter’s ID
- Proof of relationship (if needed)
- If You Have a Guarantor
- Guarantor letter
- Financial proof
- If Applying with Immediate Family Members:
- Birth certificate and proof of relationship
- Minor children
- Flight Ticket and Hotel Booking – Not required but recommended
- Travel Health Insurance – Strongly recommended
Tip: You may add a cover letter explaining your trip. This can explain your travel expenses, purpose of visit, and flight reservations.
Visa Fees
- Free for stays under 59 days
- Around PHP 500–2,000
Additional Tips
- If passing through (transit) countries like Vietnam, Thailand, or Ghana, include this in your cover letter
- Land Bank (LBP) account holders can use passbooks or statements for financial proof
- PRC card holders may add a photocopy of their license
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
STEP 1: Collect the documents. Also, prepare supporting papers.
STEP 2: Find an accredited travel agency to process the application.
STEP 3: Wait for processing. This usually takes 20–25 working days.
STEP 4: Claim your passport. Check if your Korean visa was approved.
Embassy and Consulate Details (2025)
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines
122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634
☎ +63-2-8856-9210
Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu
12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City
☎ +63-32-231-1516(-9)
Good luck with your 2025 application for a 5-Year Multiple Entry South Korea Visa! It’s a great option for travelers who love Korean culture. Perfect for visiting in every season. Also, ideal for attending concerts or visiting again without reapplying.
Don’t forget your luggage, your solar power bank, and your portable mini fan. Now, come on. Korea is waiting!
FAQ
The Korean Embassy does not list a specific amount. But your funds should be enough to cover your trip. A good guide is ₱10,000 per day in South Korea.
Yes, if you don’t have a visa. You either need a valid Korean visa or a valid K-ETA to enter. You won’t be allowed to board your flight without one.
Yes, if you are transiting through or coming from the US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. You may be allowed visa-free entry if you’re headed to or coming from one of those countries.