How to Apply For South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos

Plan your next South Korea trip! Here’s our guide for Filipinos about applying for South Korea tourist visa. Enjoy the Land of the Morning Calm.

With the popularity of ‘Hallyu’ or the Korean wave, whether it be Korean drama, K-pop, or anything related to Korea, it’s not surprising that a lot of people want to go here. But of course, there’s more to see in South Korea other than those we mentioned! Its unique culture, fabulous fashion, delicious food, and awesome lifestyle, anyone would fall in love with this beautiful country!

However, for us Filipinos, we still need to obtain a tourist visa before we can enter South Korea. But don’t worry as applying for a visa is not that difficult as long as you have the right and complete requirements (and of course the right amount of money). And in this article, we prepared you a guide about the requirements needed and other important information you must know in applying for a tourist visa to South Korea.

ADVISORY: As per Embassy of South Korea, starting August 23, 2022, visa processing is 25-30 working days.  

Facts about South Korea

• Korean babies are considered 1 year old at the time of their birth.
• It is legal in South Korea to drink alcohol in public.
• If a Korean’s name is written in red ink, it indicates that the person is about to die or is already dead. So, never write a South Korean’s name with red ink (if he/she is alive and healthy).
• South Koreans believe that the number 4 is bad luck, the same as Japan.
• South Korea has the world’s fastest internet speed.
• Jinro Soju is the world’s best-selling liquor. 

Main requirements in applying for South Korea Tourist Visa

• A Valid Passport (It should be valid for more than 6 months)

• Completed Visa Application Form. Read our guide on How to Fill Out a South Korea Visa Application Form [Step by Step Guide]

• 1 Passport size colored photo.
• Passport Bio-page on page 2 (Photocopy)
• Valid visa/s and arrival stamps to any OECD countries for the past 5 years if applicable (original and photocopy)
• Original copy of the applicant’s bank certificate (it must include current balance, account type, account opening date, and ADB). 
• Bank statement (it must be original or certified copy of bank statements or passbook within the last 3 months). 

Remember to always keep your Bank Statement and Bank Certificate receipt, they usually ask for this too.

Supporting Documents for South Korea Tourist Visa

For employees

• Income Tax Return / ITR or Form 2316.
• Original copy of Certificate of Employment (applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline (not cellphone number), and HR e-mail address must be included.
• Copy of IBP Card or PRC Card (only if applicable).

For Business Owners

• Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Photocopy)
• Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit (Photocopy)
• Income Tax Return / ITR or Form 2316.
• Copy of IBP Card or PRC Card (only if applicable).

For Students

• Original School Certificate
• Copy of School ID
• Copy of Birth Certificate

• Parent’s Documents (read the main requirements above and the status of parents if they’re employed or self-employed), and a copy of NSO Marriage Certificate.

For other status, check the list here. 

If you’re invited by a Korean National

• Invitation letter;
• Photocopy of Inviter’s passport or ID Card (authentication is not required).

If you’re invited by a Company in Korea

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

Visa Processing Fee for South Korea Tourist Visa

The tourist visa itself is free if you will stay for less than 60 days. But if you plan to stay in South Korea for 60-90 days, you need to pay PHP 2,000. The processing fee, however, may depend on the travel agency, but it ranges from PHP 500 – PHP 2,000, and this is required.

Embassy in the Philippines

Note: You don’t need to go or contact the embassy of Korea when you apply for the visa. All visa applications must be done at any of their accredited travel agencies ONLY. Contact the embassy if you have other personal concerns.

Check the list of their accredited agencies here.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Korea Tourist Visa

1. Do I need to provide a ‘show money’, if yes, how much should I have?

Yes. Since the embassy requires applicants to provide a copy of their bank statement and bank certificate. As per tourist agencies, a budget of at least USD 100 per day per person is needed and of course allowance for the flight tickets. 

2. I don’t have an ITR, what should I do?

Just write an explanation/cover letter to the Korean Embassy stating the reason why you can’t provide an ITR.

3. I’ve been to some of the OECD member countries within 5 years, do I still need to submit all the documents?

No. Frequent travelers who have been to any OECD member countries (excluding Japan) within 5 years are exempted to submit an ITR.

4. I want to apply for a Multiple-Entry Visa, is there any qualifications?

Yes. If you’ve traveled to Korea for 4 times within 2 years or more than 10 times in total, with at least 1 of the visits is within 2 years, then you can apply for a Multiple-Entry Visa. Read How to Apply For Five Year Multiple Entry South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos.

5. I want to visit Jeju Island, do I still need to have a visa?

No, Filipinos don’t need a visa to go to Jeju. You can stay on the island for up to 30 days.

6. Do I need to book a flight and accommodation before I apply for the visa?

It is not required to have a confirmed ticket and accommodation before you apply. A RESERVED flight ticket and hotel accommodation are advisable (with free cancellation is much better). Don’t take a risk of buying a plane ticket and booking accommodation when you’re not really sure if your visa will get approved or denied. Renting a flight is highly recommended as it’s cheap and reliable.

7. Do I need to have travel insurance?

Though South Korea is perfectly a safe country, we still recommend you get travel insurance. We don’t know what will happen during your trip. So, having one is advisable!

8. What if my visa got denied?

If your visa got denied, no worries as you can re-apply after 6 months. Just make sure to fully review your documents before you submit them.

For more details, visit the main website of the Embassy of South Korea in the Philippines.

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