New Korea Visa Application Centre in BGC Opens in August: Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea soon, then we’ve got good news for you: A new Korea Visa Application Centre (KVAC) will be opening in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) on 14 Aug 2023.

Heading there ASAP? Not so fast. During the pilot operation period of KVAC from 14–25 Aug 2023, only visa applications with online reservations will be accepted at the new facility. Once official operations begin on 29 Aug 2023, walk-in applications will be accepted even without an online reservation.

Also read: South Korean Visa Approval: These Pinoys Share Their Application Stories

Expect changes in South Korea visa application policies, too

In line with the upcoming launch of the Korea Visa Application Centre, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea will be implementing a number of changes in its visa application system.

For one, all submissions of visa applications and release of passports will be at KVAC upon the opening of the new centre. That means the embassy will no longer be accepting visa applications or releasing visas after 14 Aug 2023.

Additionally, the current online visa appointment system will no longer be operational after the last opening of slots in August. Starting 29 Aug 2023, online reservations will no longer be required and walk-in visa applications will be accepted on weekdays. The embassy won’t be setting a limit on the number of visa applications accepted daily.

Keep in mind that starting on the official operations of the centre on 29 Aug, visa applications in KVAC will only be accepted if they’re filed in person or through one of the designated travel agencies.

Dates to remember

27 Jun 2023: Opening of online reservation slots for August
1–11 Aug 2023: Online reservations will be accepted at the Korean Embassy
14 Aug 2023: Opening of KVAC
14–25 Aug 2023: Online reservations will be accepted at KVAC
29 Aug 2023 onwards: Walk-in applications will be accepted at KVAC

For more information and updates, visit Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines on Facebook.

KVAC Address: 9F~10F, Brittany Hotel BGC, 6 McKinley Parkway, Taguig City, Metro Manila

Also read: 20 Stunning Hanoks in South Korea You Can Book on Airbnb

Well, it looks like we’re all booking a flight and preparing our South Korea visa application soon. If you’d rather visit visa-free Korean destinations, check out our guides to Jeolla-do, Jeju Island, and Yangyang.

Featured image credit: Sanga Park via Canva Pro

Facebook image credit (R): Neophoto via Canva Pro

Celia Grace Nachura

There are very few things Celia won’t do for a good story, but her favourite ones always involve the beach, animals, or any type of outdoor activity. She’s been writing for as long as she can remember, and can usually be found typing away at home with her cute dogs at her feet. Away from work, she spends most of her time trying out every hobby she can get her hands on, from running to crocheting to baking (she’s pretty okay at most things that don't involve cooking).

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