ASIA
Updated! How to apply and get a South Korea Tourist Visa in the Philippines 2018
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
You must be plotting a Kpop scheme that's why you come across this blog entry. Or maybe not :) Well, there are tons of reasons why people would want to go to South Korea I, myself, have a list of things I want to do when I get to SK. And I tell you, the list gets longer every day! BTW, what I will share is my personal experience so I cannot answer queries related to visa processing.
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my friends Jett and Maki at Changgyeongung |
After I had my visa approved, I received a lot of questions from friends and office mates if the application is easy or not. Well, for first timers like me, it was a bit nerve wracking. Completing the requirements is a piece of cake, it is the chance of getting approved that was a pain in the ass. If you check forums online, you will read a lot of horrible stories about denied visa application.
The type of visa that you need to apply will be based on the purpose of visit. For a short trip like mine, Single Entry Visa would be the appropriate choice. The C3 Single Entry Visa is valid for 90 days from the day of approval. The application fee is gratis, that is you don't have to pay for visa application processing. The length of stay allowed is for 59 days only.
The type of visa that you need to apply will be based on the purpose of visit. For a short trip like mine, Single Entry Visa would be the appropriate choice. The C3 Single Entry Visa is valid for 90 days from the day of approval. The application fee is gratis, that is you don't have to pay for visa application processing. The length of stay allowed is for 59 days only.
Updated Visa Requirements
1. Visa Application Form - you may download the form using this link.
2. Original passport and copy of the first page (at least 6 months valid)
3. If applicable, original and photocopy of all your OECD visas for the past 5 years
4. One passport-size colored picture
5. Certificate of Employment - must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, address, office landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), e-mail address.
6. Bank Ceritificate - must include account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)
7. Bank Statement - original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months
8. Income Tax Return copy - with personal tin number
9. If applicable, copy of PRC Card or IBP Card
Optional: Cover Letter - A letter addressed to the consul explaining your purpose of visit. You may also create this letter if you cannot submit a particular document like ITR or Certificate of Employment.
This list of requirements is applicable to employees. If you have a different situation, you check out the embassy's list of requirements.
This list of requirements is applicable to employees. If you have a different situation, you check out the embassy's list of requirements.
Here's some FAQs that might help you:
How much money should I have on my bank account?
No one really knows exactly how much you need to have in your bank cert to get approved. Based on my experience (and other people), the stability of source of income bears more weight than the the actual balance. To be honest, I only have 40,000 php in my account when I applied.
I am a first time traveler, do I have a lesser chance of getting approved?
No. Don't be afraid to apply if you don't have any previous travels abroad. Honestly, I don't have any stamps on my passport as well and I was approved. There are numerous people who were denied even though they had several out of country trips.
No. Don't be afraid to apply if you don't have any previous travels abroad. Honestly, I don't have any stamps on my passport as well and I was approved. There are numerous people who were denied even though they had several out of country trips.
Do I need to appear personally at the embassy?
No. Since application goes thru approved travel agencies, personal appearance at the embassy is not required.
What is the turn around time for visa processing?
Five working days for first time travelers and three working days for visa holders.
Do I need to submit a copy of hotel bookings and airline tickets when I pass my requirements?
NO. It is not required.
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my visa :) |
I still remember how delighted I was when I got my visa approved. It was like passing the board exams lol. I was close to trembling when the consul handed my passport. And there it was. My visa :) I was jumping for joy at the embassy and everyone is looking at me. Haha. I don't mind looking foolish because I just can't contain my happiness.
I hope this blog entry will somehow help you. Good luck on your application. Remember, there is NO sure fire way of getting a South Korea Tourist Visa. You have to take a risk. You won't lose anything if you apply. FIGHTING! :)
I hope this blog entry will somehow help you. Good luck on your application. Remember, there is NO sure fire way of getting a South Korea Tourist Visa. You have to take a risk. You won't lose anything if you apply. FIGHTING! :)
Photo taken at Jusangjeolli Cliff of Daepo, Jeju Island |
UPDATES
December 2013
When I applied for a tourist visa for the second time, I was asked to pay PHP 1,350 as a penalty for my unused visa. I was granted a 90-day visa instead of the usual 59 days. I am not sure if it will be imposed to all applicants with unused visa because in my case, I had an unused visa on that same year. Until now, there is still no latest announcement on the embassy's website.
June 2015
To accommodate more applicants, visa application and releasing hour have been extended.
ã…‡ Application: 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM (Monday to Friday)
ã…‡ Releasing: 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
July 2015
The Republic of Korea has decided to implement proactive measure in order to provide foreign tourists with easier and convenient access to Korea due to the recent Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak. The validity of every single-entry visa that was issued before and after the MERS development (from March 1 to June 30, 2015) was extended from the current three months to six months. Persons subject to the extension are allowed to enter the Republic of Korea even after the visa expiration date, which would prevent them from going through inconvenient procedures such as visiting Korean embassy to have their visa extended.
June 2015
To accommodate more applicants, visa application and releasing hour have been extended.
ã…‡ Application: 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM (Monday to Friday)
ã…‡ Releasing: 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
July 2015
The Republic of Korea has decided to implement proactive measure in order to provide foreign tourists with easier and convenient access to Korea due to the recent Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak. The validity of every single-entry visa that was issued before and after the MERS development (from March 1 to June 30, 2015) was extended from the current three months to six months. Persons subject to the extension are allowed to enter the Republic of Korea even after the visa expiration date, which would prevent them from going through inconvenient procedures such as visiting Korean embassy to have their visa extended.
May 2018
Due to increased number of temporary visitor’s visa applicants, walk-in applicants will no longer be accepted while only designated travel agencies will be allowed to file temporary visitor’s visa application. Thus, the Korean Embassy in the Philippines is going to designate Philippine travel agencies which will be authorized to apply for temporary visitor’s visa at the Embassy. The 10 agencies which were selected for the group visa are automatically included as designated travel agency.
Below is the list of officially designated travel agencies for the processing of Tourist Visa:
1. Rakso Air Travel and Tours Inc.
2. Hanatour Manila Inc.
3. Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc.
4. International Journeys Inc.
5. Pan Pacific Travel Corporation
6. Rajah Travel Corporation
7. Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc.
8. Grand Hope Travel, Inc.
9. Horizon Travel & Tours, Inc.
10. Ark Travel Express Inc.
10. Ark Travel Express Inc.
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Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines
Consulate in Manila
Address: 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines
Address: 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines
Contact Numbers
Telephone: (63-2) 856-9210 visa local no. 270, 500
Fax: (63-2) 856-9008, 9019, 9024(Consular section)
Email: philippines@mofa.go.kr, ph04@mofa.go.kr (Consular section)
Consulate in Cebu
Address: 12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City
Contact Numbers
Telephone: (63-32) 231-1516(-9)
Fax: (63-32) 231-2950
Email: phi_cebu2015@mofa.go.kr