Have you been dreaming of experiencing the vibrant culture, mouthwatering eats, and breathtaking sights of Seoul, South Korea? Well, before you pack your bags and jet set to The Land of the Morning Calm, you’ll have to go through every traveller’s worst nightmare: applying for a visa! Some get their stamp of approval on their very first try, while others are still hoping for the best after many attempts. To help you, we’ve interviewed Pinoy travellers to share their South Korean visa application approval story, as well as some important tips for future applicants. Read on to find out more!
Also read: How to Get a South Korean Tourist Visa for Philippines Passport Holders
“I went to Korea last October 2022 for the sole purpose of watching the BTS concert in Busan, but at the same time, I really wanted to explore the country then,” Nikki shares in an interview with TripZilla Philippines. “In my case, I had to apply around August for it to be valid during the time I intended to go to Korea. So, that’s one of the things I had to consider.”
According to Nikki, with the sudden surge of travellers who wanted to visit the country, the visa application requirements for South Korea were constantly changing. “During that time, the requirements were always changing, and I think I just got lucky because I had a friend who recently travelled there, so I was able to get tips,” Nikki explains. She was then able to obtain advice for the application process and was referred to an accredited travel agency to kickstart her application process.
“At the same time, I think it also helped that I joined different groups about South Korean visa updates. There, I was able to get updates from different people applying and the changes regarding the application process and requirements. It was stressful on our end because the surge was really unexpected. I was even able to experience different types of procedures (walk-in then through a travel agency) with all the changes.
I think applying for a South Korean visa is a whole different experience because I would see posts from other applicants getting denied even if they were a hundred per cent sure they submitted all the requirements. You have to make sure that the documents you’ve submitted don’t have red flags or are questionable. If you feel like there is, you should be able to explain it,” Nikki recounts.
Apart from the ever-changing application process and requirements during that time, Nikki says that the visa’s validity for only three months was already a challenge in itself. “You really have to apply when you’re about to go to Korea. So, there’s a risk right away,” she says.
Also read: This Aspiring Chef from the Philippines Shares What It’s Like Studying in South Korea
“Even before the concert, I was already planning to go to Korea since the pandemic started. My friend and I even made our itinerary back in 2020. Of course, all the stress of the application was worth it because everything we intended to experience in South Korea, we were able to do.
So, the best part of the trip was being able to check all the things that I wanted to visit and, of course, seeing BTS — that was the main highlight! Since my trip revolved around BTS during this time, I made an itinerary making sure I visit places related to BTS. At the same time, I made sure to drop by historical places that tourists should experience like wearing hanbok and trying Korean food.
My goal is to at least visit South Korea thrice! First, for anything BTS-related in mind. Second, to see more historical places. And third, is to just go there with no plans in mind — to just be and feel what South Korea has to offer.”
“I think it pays to double, triple, and quadruple-check your requirements. When you’re reviewing your documents and you feel like something’s questionable, use the Letter of Explanation to further explain. Also, make sure that your list of requirements is always updated. You just really have to be up to date with what’s required.”
“I first went to South Korea in 2017 and my purpose at that time was to travel solo for leisure. In 2020, I had plans to go back to further my studies. However, with the onset of the pandemic, my plans got pushed back to May 2022,” Angelica shares with TripZilla Philippines.
In Angelica’s case, she applied for a D-4 student visa (or training visa) and is now currently a language student in Seoul. “I researched all the necessary documents and school enrollment forms that I needed for my application. Luckily, there weren’t many challenges on my end, as I was one of the first students who applied when South Korea resumed its issuance of student visas. I had to make sure that I followed, double-checked, and stayed updated with all the application requirements,” Angelica recounts.
“For me, the best part about travelling, in general, is getting to experience a new environment that’s different from what you grew up in. Since I often travel on my own, I got to know myself more and really got a sense of achievement and independence. I also love experiencing new things, so travelling to South Korea helped me learn so much more. When you learn about other cultures, you become more open-minded and it’s a rewarding feeling.”
“Make sure that you have the complete documents and use online resources to your advantage, so you know what you need for your application. You have to be prepared. If you’re not prepared, then problems will arise right in the middle of your application. It goes without saying that it’s your responsibility, as a visa applicant, to know everything.”
Also read: How a Filipino Made His Dream of Moving to South Korea a Reality
“I travelled last October 2022 for leisure with my friends. First and foremost, I checked the Korean Embassy website for their tourist visa requirements. There, they have a list of accredited agencies, too. Then, I chose a travel agency that was also referred by my friend. A month before my actual trip, I submitted all the necessary requirements (Bank Certificate, Statement of account, ITR, Certificate of Employment, et cetera). This was my second time travelling to South Korea, but I had to reapply for a tourist visa since the first one was only valid for a one-time entry,” Jamie shares in an interview with TripZilla Philippines.
“I actually got COVID-19 before the trip. During that time, I was hesitant to push through with my travel plan because I heard Korea still had mandatory COVID-19 testing upon arrival. To test positive there would mean you will have to be quarantined, and it would lessen the days when you can actually go out and explore the city. Luckily, that rule was lifted before our actual trip, and I was already COVID-free that time!”
“My visit to South Korea was already a planned trip with my friends! Later on, BTS announced their concert in Busan, which was coincidentally also at the same time as our travel. So, I attended the concert and had a blast with my friends. It was also my first time visiting Busan and I just loved the place.”
“Make sure you have the application form correctly and completely filled up. Also, be sure to complete all the requirements at least a month before your travel. It’s better to have a trusted travel agent manage your application, so they can further assist you. Most importantly, be truthful in your intention to visit South Korea.”
Also read: Inspiring Visa Denial-Turned-Approval Stories of Filipino Travellers
There you have it! We hope these stories encourage you to ace your application. If you have yet to get your stamp of approval, check out our tips for better chances of visa approval. Do you have a South Korean visa application approval story you wish to share? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Drop us a message on our official Facebook page!
Featured image credit: Zequn Gui | Unsplash
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