Planning your travel to the captivating East Asian nation of South Korea? With dynamic cities like Seoul and Busan, historical landmarks, modern wonders, and a tantalizing culinary scene, it’s sure to offer diverse travel experiences for all. But before you embark on your journey to the Land of the Morning Calm, you’ll want to make certain you’re well-prepared for your adventure.
As of July 2023, regulations for the South Korea visa application have undergone a number of changes after resuming its issuance of short-term travel visas in 2022. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free process, we break down the important requirements and must-knows for Philippine passport holders. Read on to know more!
Also read: South Korean Visa Approval: These Pinoys Share Their Application Stories
Recent developments in South Korea visa application 2023
On 27 Jun 2023, the Ministry of Justice in Korea launched the e-group visa, a new visa option for groups of three persons. This includes company incentive tour groups, education tour groups below the collegiate level, and regular tour groups.
To be eligible for the e-group visa, travellers must arrive and depart South Korea using the same scheduled means of transportation. Additionally, accredited travel agencies recognised the Korean government will be responsible for processing e-group visa applications on behalf of the travellers. Applications will be processed online through the Korea Visa Portal.
In other news, on 14 Aug 2023, a new Korea Visa Application Centre (KVAC) will be opening in Bonifacio Global City. During the pilot operation period, which will take place from 14–25 Aug 2023, the new facility will solely entertain visa applications with prior online reservations.
However, walk-in applications will be accepted even without an online reservation once official operations begin on 29 Aug 2023. That said, the current online appointment system will no longer be operational after the last opening slots in August, so online reservations will no longer be required.
Note: Walk-in visa applications will be accepted on weekdays, with no limit on the number of applications accepted per day.
For more information on these updates, visit the official website of the South Korean embassy in the Philippines.
Also read: South Korea Visa: Increase Your Chances of Approval With These Tips!
South Korea visa for Philippine passport holders: Required documents for all tourists
Before heading to the South Korean embassy, make sure to prepare all the necessary documents for Philippine passport holders. Depending on your professional status, you will be required to submit specific documents. All Filipinos applying for a South Korean tourist visa must submit the following:
- Application form. Download it here.
- One (1) passport-size picture. This should be 35mm x 45mm, coloured, full-faced, with a white background, and taken within the last six months.
- Original passport. This must be valid for at least six months from the intended arrival date, with at least one or two blank pages.
- Photocopy of passport bio page. You can find this on the second page of your passport.
- Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past five years (If applicable). These include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
*Frequent travellers who have travelled as a tourist to OECD member countries (excluding Japan) within five years are exempted from submitting an ITR.
**If you were personally invited by a Korean citizen, bring your invitation letter and a photocopy of the inviter’s passport or identification card. If you were invited by a Korean company, bring your invitation letter and a photocopy of the inviter’s Korean company business permit.
Also read: Here’s How to Look Good in Your Passport Photos
Additional required documents for employees
1. Original Certificate of Employment (COE). This must include the following information:
- Job title
- Date hired
- Compensation
- Office address
- HR landline number (mobile number is not allowed)
- HR email address
2. Original personal bank certificate. This must include the following information:
- Account type
- Current balance
- Account opening date
- Average daily balance (ADB) for six months
3. Bank statement. This must be an original or certified true copy of bank statements or passbooks for the last three months.
4. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or BIR Form 2316.
5. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (if applicable).
Additional required documents for self-employed individuals
1. Photocopy of Business Registration. You may get this from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Department of Trade and Industry Philippines (DTI).
2. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit.
3. Original personal bank certificate. This must include the following information:
- Account type
- Current balance
- Account opening date
- Average daily balance (ADB) for six months
4. Bank statement. This must be an original or certified true copy of bank statements or passbooks for the last three months.
5. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316.
6. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (if applicable).
Additional required documents for students
1. Original school certificate.
2. Photocopy of school identification card (ID).
3. Original PSA birth certificate.
4. Parents’ required visa documents. See the lists above for required documents for employed or self-employed individuals. Additionally, students must prepare their parents’ bank certificates, bank statements, and original PSA marriage certificates. If the parents have a valid South Korean visa, attach a photocopy. If not travelling with parents, attach a photocopy of their passports or valid IDs.
Also read: 7 Valid IDs in the Philippines You Should Have Right Now as an Adult
Additional required documents for unwaged spouses
1. Spouse’s required visa documents. See the lists above for required documents for employed or self-employed individuals.
2. Original personal bank certificate. Alternatively, you may provide your spouse’s bank certificate. This must include the following information:
- Account name
- Account number
- Current balance
- Account type
- Account opening date
- Average daily balance (ADB) for six months
3. Bank statement. Alternatively, you may provide your personal bank statement or your spouse’s bank statement. This must be an original or certified true copy of bank statements or passbooks for the last three months.
4. Original PSA marriage certificate.
Additional required documents for religious workers
1. Copy of Church SEC in the Philippines.
2. Certification from Church. See the lists above for required documents for employed or self-employed individuals.
3. Original personal bank certificate. This must include the following information:
- Account type
- Current balance
- Account opening date
- Average daily balance (ADB) for six months
4. Bank statement. This must be an original or certified true copy of bank statements or passbooks for the last three months.
5. Invitation from Korea. This must include the following information:
- Copy of business permit of a Korean church.
- Invitation letter
- Copy of inviter’s ID.
Also read: ‘The Asiansoul’ JYP Spotted in Cebu City, Philippines
Other things to note
Regardless of professional status, the South Korea visa fee for Philippine passport holders is free for those staying below 59 days in the country. If you wish to extend your stay for 60 to 90 days, you will be charged ₱2,000.
You may process your South Korea visa from Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 8.30am to 11am. The processing period is five working days, but may extend depending on the volume of visa applications the embassy receives.
You may apply through legitimate travel agencies or via the online appointment system. Moreover, the South Korean embassy released an official list of accredited travel agencies, which can be viewed here.
Also read: Hallyu Visa: What Philippine Passport Holders Should Know
Travelling to South Korea visa-free for Philippine passport holders
No visa? No problem! Philippine passport holders can still travel to South Korea without a visa, under the following conditions:
Jeju Island
Travelling to Jeju Island is permissible via direct flights, with a maximum stay duration of 30 days. However, excursions beyond the province are not allowed. It’s also worth noting that there are no direct flights available from Manila to Jeju Island. Nevertheless, travellers have the option of transiting through the nearest airports operating the said route like Singapore Changi Airport and Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan.
Gangwon Province
Philippine passport holders are required to participate in a group tour programme arranged by an accredited travel agency. Moreover, arrival and departure flights must be through Yangyang International Airport. Filipino tourists are only allowed to travel in the Gangwon Province and the Seoul Metropolitan area with a maximum stay of 15 days.
Jeolla Province
Pinoys also have the opportunity to visit South Korea’s third visa-free destination: Jeolla Province. Here, the Muan International Airport will serve as the entry point. To qualify for this visa-free travel, you must be part of a group tour program organised by an accredited travel agency. During your visit, you are only allowed to explore North Jeolla Province, South Jeolla Province, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and Jeju Island with a maximum allowable stay of 15 days.
Also read: How Filipinos Can Visit Jeju Island & Gangwon Province Visa-Free
Now that we’re counting the days to your dream trip to South Korea, why not start planning your itinerary today? Check out our articles on the best cafes, staycation homes, restaurants, and attractions in South Korea.
For questions or more information, visit the official website of the South Korean embassy in the Philippines.
Featured image credit: Vincent_St_Thomas via Canva Pro
