Dreaming of exploring the bustling streets of Seoul, hiking in the picturesque Korean mountains, or indulging in mouthwatering Korean cuisine?

To make your Korean adventure a reality, you'll need to secure a Korean visa. If you're a Filipino citizen looking to travel to South Korea, this article will guide you through the application process, requirements, and fees for obtaining a Korean visa in the Philippines.

Before Going to South Korea

Here are essential travel information for South Korea:

Currency: South Korean won (KRW). $1 is equivalent to approx. ₩1,384.45.
Daily budget for 1 person: A daily budget of around ₩118,323 ($85).
Languages: The official spoken language in South Korea is Korean.
Socket type: Type F, 220V supply voltage and 60Hz.
Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +09:00.
Top 3 cities to visit: Seoul, Busan, and Incheon.
Top 3 landmarks/monuments: National Museum of Korea, Jeju Island, and National Maritime Museum.

READ: Comparing Seoul, Busan and Jeju (Which is Best for You to Visit)

WHAT TO PACK FOR SOUTH KOREA

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Stylish face mask
Water container/tumbler to rehydrate
Sunscreen for skin protection
Goggles for swimming or snorkeling
Stylish Swimsuit
Travel backpack / luggage
Reusable vacuum storage packs
Selfie stick
Waterproof phone case
Acion cam
Camping tent
WiFi kit
Power bank

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

South Korea Visa Overview

The South Korean government has a few visitor requirements: a valid passport and a Tourist Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Most nationals can apply for a South Korea ETA, a travel document that replaces a visa. With a K-ETA, it’s easy to be ready for the trip to the Republic of Korea since the application is 100% online.

You can use the iVisa Visa Checker to see if you are eligible to apply. If you’re not, you need to get a consular tourist visa at the embassy. Be aware that the Korean authorities don’t recognize dual citizenship (South Korea and another nationality).

South Korea ETA explained

The South Korea ETA is a mandatory travel document required by local authorities for visitors whose nationality is exempt from a visa. The ETA is a Multiple Entry document, valid for 2 years after arrival, so you can visit the country as often as you want during the validity period.

1. Determine Your Visa Type

Before diving into the application process, it's essential to determine the type of Korean visa you need. The most common types of Korean visas for tourists are the Tourist Visa (C-3) and the Temporary Visitor's Visa. Make sure you select the appropriate visa type based on your travel plans and purpose.

2. Gather Required Documents

Here's a list of the essential documents you'll need to prepare for your Korean visa application:

A. Visa Application Form

Obtain the application form from the Korean Embassy in the Philippines or download it from their official website. Ensure it is filled out accurately and legibly.

B. Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned entry date to South Korea. It should also have at least one blank visa page.

C. Passport-sized Photo

Provide one recent 35mm x 45mm colored passport-sized photo with a white background. Ensure it adheres to the Korean Embassy's photo requirements.

D. Proof of Financial Capacity

You need to demonstrate that you can financially support your trip. Bank statements, Certificate of Employment with an approved leave of absence, and Income Tax Return (ITR) are commonly accepted documents.

E. Flight Itinerary

Present a copy of your round-trip flight reservation, which includes your travel dates and flight details. Check upcoming flights to South Korea from Manila.

F. Accommodation Details

Show proof of your hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your Korean host if you're staying with a friend or family member.

G. Visa Fee

The visa fee varies depending on your nationality and visa type. At the time of writing, the fee for a Korean Tourist Visa (C-3) for Filipinos is PHP 2,000.

H. Additional Documents (as applicable)

Depending on your visa type and purpose, additional documents may be required, such as an invitation letter from a Korean sponsor, business documents, or proof of relationship (if visiting family).

3. Visa Application Process

After gathering all the necessary documents, you can proceed with the visa application process:

A. Submission of Documents

Submit your visa application documents in person at the Korean Embassy in the Philippines. No appointment is necessary for visa application submissions.

B. Visa Processing

The visa processing time typically takes around 5-7 business days, but it may vary depending on the volume of applications.

C. Visa Collection

Once your application is processed, return to the embassy to collect your visa. Make sure to bring your claim stub for reference.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

4. Visa Fee

As mentioned earlier, the visa fee for a Korean Tourist Visa (C-3) for Filipinos is PHP 2,000. Ensure you pay this fee at the designated bank before submitting your application. The bank details can be found on the Korean Embassy's website.

5. Visa Approval

The Korean Embassy will notify you of the result of your visa application. If approved, your visa will be stamped on your passport, allowing you to travel to South Korea.

6. Visa Validity

Korean Tourist Visas (C-3) typically have a validity period of 90 days, allowing you to stay in South Korea for up to 59 days. However, the exact duration of your stay will be determined by the Korean immigration officer upon your arrival.

Visiting South Korea soon? Here's Top 3 Airlines for Booking a Manila-Seoul Return Ticket

Conclusion

Applying for a Korean visa in the Philippines may seem like a daunting process, but with the right documents and preparation, you can turn your Korean travel dreams into reality. Make sure to double-check the requirements and fees on the official website of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines, as they may change over time.

With the right planning and a little patience, you'll soon be exploring the vibrant and diverse culture of South Korea. Safe travels!

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines

Address: 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Telephone: (+63 2) 8856-9210

Email: consular@koreanembassy.org.ph

Website: Korean Embassy in the Philippines

Flying to South Korea: Flights, Airports & Airlines

South Korea, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, is an enticing destination for travelers from around the world. To explore this dynamic nation, you'll likely need to book a flight. In this article, we'll provide you with essential information on booking flights to South Korea, including airports, airlines, tips for finding the best deals, and what to expect during your journey.

Choosing Your Airport

South Korea boasts several international airports, with the two major ones being:

Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Located near Seoul, ICN is one of the busiest airports in Asia and a major gateway to South Korea. It offers a wide range of international flights, making it a convenient choice for travelers arriving in the capital city.

Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
Situated in Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, PUS primarily serves the southeastern part of the country. It offers international flights, particularly to and from Asian destinations.

Airlines to South Korea

A variety of international and South Korean airlines operate flights to and from South Korea. Some of the major carriers include:

Korean Air: The flagship carrier of South Korea offers extensive domestic and international routes.
Asiana Airlines: Another prominent South Korean airline with a global network.
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines: Major U.S. carriers that operate flights to South Korea, often with layovers in U.S. cities.
Air Asia, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, China Southern Airlines: Popular international airlines connecting South Korea to various Asian destinations.
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways: Middle Eastern airlines with routes to South Korea, offering connections to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Visit my guide to find the best deals for flights to South Korea.

Where to go in South Korea?

How to Get Approved for Korean Visa (Application Guide to Filipino Tourists)