You know you’ve been waiting for this long enough: South Korea is finally resuming its issuance of short-term travel visas for foreigners — yes, Filipinos included. And now, you can book an appointment with the Korean embassy online.
On 14 Sep 2022, the South Korean Embassy in the Philippines launched an online appointment system for Philippine passport holders. With this, walk-in visa applicants will no longer be accepted. You may read the full guide for booking online visa appointments here.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the issuance of South Korean tourist visas for Filipino travellers was suspended on 25 Mar 2020. The embassy resumed applications on 1 Jun 2022. Reportedly, the visa will allow tourists to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days.
Also read: Filipinos Can Visit Jeju Island & Gangwon Province Visa-Free This June 2022
South Korea to resume tourist visa issuance for Philippine passport holders
All types of visas, including tourist (C-3-9) visas, resumed application and issuance on 1 Jun. If you hold a multiple-entry visa issued before 5 Apr 2020, you may use it without reapplication, as long as it hasn’t expired. Tourists will no longer need to submit Consent for Isolation.
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:
1. Application form. Download it here.
2. One (1) passport-sized coloured picture.
3. Original passport. This must be valid for at least six months from the intended arrival date, with at least one or two blank pages.
4. Photocopy of passport bio page. You can find this on the second page of your passport.
5. 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 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 e-mail 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 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.
4. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316.
5. 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 NSO 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 type
- Current balance
- Account opening date
- Average daily balance (ADB) for six months
3. Bank statement. Alternatively, you may provide 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 up 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. The embassy will soon release an official list of designated travel agencies.
Also read: Hallyu Visa: What Philippine Passport Holders Should Know
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
