Types of South Korea visas

South Korea, a dynamic nation of culture, technology, and innovation, offers a diverse range of visas to accommodate the millions of visitors arriving annually for tourism, business, education, and employment. Selecting the appropriate visa is essential and depends on nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the different types of visas South Korea offers, categorized by purpose:

Required Documents for South Korea Visa Applications

Applying for a South Korea visa involves submitting a set of essential documents tailored to the purpose of your visit. Below is a concise guide to the key documents typically required.

General Requirements for All Visa Type

Completed Visa Application Form
Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity, with at least one blank page)
Passport-Size Photographs (recent, 3.5 x 4.5 cm)
Visa Fee (varies by visa type and entry frequency)
Proof of Financial Stability (bank statements, pay slips, etc.)
Travel Itinerary (flight reservations and travel plans)
Proof of Accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letters)
Proof of Ties to Home Country (employment, property, or family ties documents)

General South Korea Visa Application Process

Applying for a South Korean visa involves several steps that vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of residence. Below is a general outline of the process:

Choose the Right Visa Type: Identify the correct visa based on your purpose, such as tourism, business, work, or study. Check the South Korean embassy website for specific requirements.
Prepare Required Documents: Commonly needed documents include a valid passport, application form, photos, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and supporting documents like an invitation letter if applicable.
Submit Your Application: Apply at the South Korean embassy, consulate, or a designated visa center. Some applicants may qualify for an online e-visa.
Pay Fees & Attend an Interview (If Required): Visa fees vary by type. Some applicants may need to attend an interview to discuss their travel plans.
Track & Collect Your Visa: Monitor your application status online or through the embassy. Once approved, check for any errors before traveling.

South Korea Tourist/Visitor Visas

Tourism is one of the major reasons for visiting South Korea. The country’s stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and modern cities attract millions of visitors annually. For short-term stays, the following visas are available:

C-3 (Short-Term Visit Visa)

The C-3 visa is specifically designed for visitors planning a short-term stay in South Korea for various purposes, including tourism, visiting family, attending business meetings, or medical treatments. This visa is generally valid for up to 90 days and is categorized into several subtypes based on the purpose of the visit.

Subcategories of the C-3 Visa

C-3 Visa Type	Description
C-3-1: General Tourism and Sightseeing	For leisure and cultural exploration, this single-entry visa allows stays of up to 90 days. Ideal for visiting attractions like Seoul or Jeju Island and attending festivals such as the Boryeong Mud Festival.
C-3-9: Multiple-Entry Visa	Designed for frequent travelers, it permits multiple entries over 1–5 years, with each stay up to 90 days. Suitable for business visitors and regular tourists with strong travel histories.
C-3-4: Medical Tourism Visa	For medical treatments in South Korea, this visa offers single- or multiple-entry options, valid up to 90 days per visit. Requires proof of medical appointments and sufficient funds, often used for cosmetic surgeries or advanced therapies.

South Korea Work Visas

South Korea’s thriving economy and demand for skilled professionals have led to the creation of various work visa categories. These visas cater to individuals looking to take up employment or professional roles in the country.

E-Series Visas:

E-1 (Professor Visa) For academic professionals teaching or researching at higher education institutions.
E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor Visa) For teaching foreign languages, primarily English, in schools or private academies.
E-3 (Research Visa) questionsFor researchers specializing in advanced technology or natural sciences.
E-4 (Technology Transfer Visa) For professionals involved in transferring or implementing new technologies.
E-5 (Specialty Occupation Visa) For specialized professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants.
E-6 (Arts and Entertainment Visa) questionsFor individuals working as performers, artists, or models.
E-7 (Specially Designated Activities Visa) questionsFor professionals in designated fields like IT, engineering, or skilled trades.

H-2 (Working Holiday Visa)

Issued to nationals from specific countries under reciprocal agreements. Allows short-term employment for up to one year while exploring South Korea.

South Korea Student Visas

South Korea has gained significant popularity as a destination for international students due to its world-class universities, cutting-edge technology, and vibrant culture. The country offers various student visa options to accommodate individuals pursuing higher education or specialized training. These visas are categorized under the D-Series, which includes the D-2 and D-4 visas.

D-Series Visas

D-2 (Study Visa): For students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs at recognized South Korean institutions.
D-4 (Training Visa): For individuals attending language schools, technical training programs, or other non-degree courses.

South Korea Business Visas

South Korea’s dynamic economy and business-friendly environment attract entrepreneurs and professionals from around the world. Business visas are designed to facilitate short- and long-term business activities.

D-8 (Business Investment Visa): Issued to foreign investors or representatives managing business operations in South Korea.
D-9 (Trade Management Visa): For individuals involved in international trade or managing foreign company branches in South Korea.
C-4 (Short-Term Employment Visa): For individuals engaged in short-term business projects or contractual work, valid for up to 90 days.

South Korea Residence and Family Visas

For individuals planning to reside in South Korea long-term or join family members already in the country, the F-Series visas provide structured pathways to establish a home. These visas are tailored to meet the needs of various groups, including dependents, overseas Koreans, long-term residents, and foreign spouses of South Korean citizens. Below is an in-depth overview of each F-Series visa type.

F-Series Visas

F-2: Long-Term Residency Visa: Designed for individuals with strong ties to South Korea through employment, marriage, or family. It permits long-term stays, employment across industries, and is renewable, often leading to permanent residency.
F-3: Dependent Visa: For spouses and minor children of long-term visa holders (e.g., E-series or D-series). It allows dependents to stay as long as the primary visa is valid, with restrictions on employment.
F-4: Overseas Korean Visa: Available to ethnic Koreans with foreign citizenship. It provides broad residency and work rights without requiring sponsorship and helps reconnect individuals with their Korean heritage.
F-5: Permanent Residency Visa: Grants indefinite residency and work rights to those with long-term ties, investments, or family in South Korea. Holders enjoy benefits similar to South Korean citizens.
F-6: Marriage Visa: For foreign spouses of South Korean citizens. It allows long-term residency, work rights, and integration into South Korean society, subject to proof of marriage and basic Korean language skills.

South Korea Special Purpose Visas

Special purpose visas cater to individuals traveling to South Korea for specific reasons that do not align with standard visa categories. These visas ensure flexibility for unique circumstances and provide tailored permissions for various activities.

H-1 (Working Holiday Visa): A program for young travelers from certain countries to explore South Korea while working part-time to support their stay.
G-1 (Miscellaneous Visa): Issued for reasons such as medical treatment, legal disputes, or humanitarian cases.

questionsSouth Korea Diplomatic and Official Visas

South Korea accommodates diplomats, government officials, and their dependents with dedicated visa categories for official duties and state functions.

A-Series Visas

A-1 (Diplomatic Visa): For diplomats representing their countries in South Korea.
A-2 (Official Duty Visa): For government officials visiting South Korea on official assignments.
A-3 (Agreement Visa): For dependents of individuals holding A-1 and A-2 visas.

South Korea Religious and Humanitarian Visas

South Korea offers visa options tailored to individuals engaged in religious missions or requiring humanitarian assistance. These visas allow for specific activities, ensuring appropriate support for clergy, missionaries, and those facing extraordinary circumstances.

D-6 (Religious Workers Visa): For clergy members, missionaries, and other religious workers.
F-1-10 (Humanitarian Visa): For individuals granted temporary residence due to humanitarian considerations, such as political asylum seekers.

Tips to Prevent South Korea Visa Rejection

To increase your chances of a successful South Korean visa application, it's essential to follow the right steps and avoid common mistakes. Here are key tips to help you avoid rejection:

Submit Complete and Accurate Documents: Ensure all required documents are accurate and complete, with no errors or missing information.
Provide Proof of Financial Stability: Show sufficient funds for your stay through bank statements, employment records, or scholarships.
Adhere to Visa Requirements: Apply for the correct visa type based on the purpose of your visit.
Avoid Overstaying or Violating Previous Visa Conditions: Follow all visa conditions and avoid overstaying during past visits.
Apply Early: Apply well in advance to allow for processing time and avoid last-minute complications.
Follow Embassy Guidelines: Adhere to the specific guidelines provided by the embassy or consulate.

Frequently Asked questions

A tourist visa (C-3-1) is for those visiting South Korea for leisure or sightseeing, while a business visa (C-3-4) is for individuals traveling for work-related purposes such as meetings, conferences, or temporary business activities.

To apply for a D-2 student visa, you must be accepted into a recognized South Korean educational institution. Required documents include an admission letter, proof of tuition payment, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses.

Yes, it is possible to extend a C-3 tourist visa for up to 30 days by applying at the local immigration office in South Korea before the visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for specific reasons and may require additional documentation.

The F-4 visa is for ethnic Koreans living abroad who wish to work, study, or live in South Korea. Applicants must prove their Korean heritage and meet other specific eligibility criteria, such as providing family records or proof of citizenship.

Visa processing typically takes between 1-6 Working Days, depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. Processing times can vary, especially if additional documentation or an interview is required.

Yes, D-2 student visa holders can work part-time under certain conditions. They are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours during school breaks. Permission must be obtained from the immigration office before starting any work.

Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in January 2025, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.