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Filipinos can now visit Seoul visa-free – but there’s a catch

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VISA-FREE. Filipinos can now see Seoul, South Korea visa-free under certain conditions.

File photo by Amanda Lago/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Revenge travelers, it’s time to start packing! 

Fully-vaccinated Filipinos will be able to visit Seoul, South Korea without a visa starting June 1, under certain conditions.

According to a May 31 announcement by the South Korean Embassy in Manila, nationals of four Asian countries including the Philippines may enter South Korea visa-free, as long as they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, book a tour program arranged by one of eight designated travel agencies, and are scheduled to fly in and out via Yangyang International Airport on the same flight as their tour group.

The visa-free entry allows Filipino tourists to travel only in Gangwon Province, where Yangyang Airport is located, and the Seoul Metropolitan Area. Tourists will be allowed to stay for 15 days.

Gangwon Province is located in the northeast of South Korea, and is home to several national parks.

At the same time, South Korea is also resuming visa-free entry to Jeju Island.

From June 1, Filipinos will be able to enter the tourist favorite without a visa, and stay for up to 30 days, provided they fly into the island directly. 

The South Korean Embassy in Manila will also begin processing visas, including tourist visas, on June 1.

“The Korean Embassy hopes that the visa-free entry will promote people-to-people exchanges between Korea and the Philippines via tourism,” it said on Facebook. – Rappler.com

Time to tick South Korea off your travel bucket list! Book your dream vacation now using this Klook promo code .

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This filipina blogger spent 20 full days in korea to create the vacation of her dreams, i’ve been traveling to korea during its different seasons, but this time, i wanted to take my time and experience a bit of how it feels to be a local.

• Ana Gonzales

I’ve been traveling to Korea during its different seasons (spring, summer, and winter) ever since I caught the Hallyu craze in 2016 (the year of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, and Goblin, to name a few). But this time, I wanted to take my time and experience a bit of how it feels to be a local even if it’s just for a little over 3 weeks. 

RELATED STORY:

15 reasons why k-dramas are extremely addictive.

How I planned this trip:

A. Accommodation

I always start with figuring out where I want to stay. For this trip, I picked a place where it will be practical to stay longer than the usual travel duration of 4-10 days. I also chose a neighborhood that I haven’t tried staying at before, and one I know I'd enjoy because they have a lot of local shops, restaurants, and cafes that I can go to on the daily.

I ended up booking for an accommodation in Gangnam—a wealthy district in South Korea where celebrities and the upper-class often go to. Now how can I afford a room for 21 nights in this expensive neighborhood? This is when I discovered the Goshiwon . 

Traveling To South Korea? Here's Why You Should Check Out Gangwon-Do

Believe it or not, I only paid Php 900+ per night for my room, which is already the price that I used to pay before for a bunk bed space and a tiny locker in a guesthouse in Seoul (or maybe even higher). Meanwhile, a Goshiwon is a small box room with a single bed, a desk, a closet, and has its own toilet and bath.

I had no idea that this is what they called the type of room I stayed in, but after my trip, I discovered that this tiny space is common in Korea, foremost made for students who live far from school and on a tight budget. The space was pretty tiny, but for the price and the privacy, I’ll took it!

The Next K-Dramas You Should Watch After "Crash Landing On You"

This is the most difficult question I often get when it comes to traveling. To me, people have different spending habits and means. I know that there are more people who are interested in stories on tight budget traveling, but I won’t call myself a “budget traveler” because I will always go to cafés in the afternoon, spend on cute souvenirs, and a sucker for convenience store snacks (#NoShame).

Neither will I call myself a luxury traveler, obviously because I don’t even stay in a hotel!  With mid-range travel budget, what I did for this trip was set a maximum amount for each day—spending for transportation, food, and yes, even for shopping. Prior to leaving, I made sure to save up a certain amount so I can live comfortably throughout my stay in Seoul.

C. Itinerary

Another difficult question that I often get from my travels is if I am more of a city or a nature type of traveler. Throughout all my solo trips, I discovered that I am neither. I am a mix of both because I get easily tired when I do the same thing consecutively!

For a 20-day trip in Korea, I made sure to have a variety of places to visit and things to do, a balance of chill days and packed days, so I won’t get easily tired literally and figuratively.

If you’ve already been to Korea before, here’s are alternative list of things that you can do:

IN PHOTOS: Hyun Bin And Son Ye-jin In Our Favorite Filming Locations From "Crash Landing On You"

1. An In-Season Activity

Since it’s winter when I went to Korea, I made sure to include a winter activity in my itinerary. I’ve been to ice festivals before, and since I am traveling solo, I just went to Onemount Snow Park. This is a small and indoor skating rink where I got to try dog sledding! Best part is it’s just a few minutes away! 

How to go: Juyeop Station Exit 2

2. Explore a Different Neighborhood

If you’re looking for something different from Myeongdong and Hongdae, try Yeonnam-dong and Hannam-dong! For this trip, I made sure to set one afternoon to explore Ikseondong. 

Ikseondong is currently Seoul’s trendiest neighborhood. Most of the crowd when I went there are locals walking down alleys and backstreets to check out traditional Korean houses renovated into shops and cafes.

Must-try: Dongbaek Bakery for fluffy pancakes, hotteok or sweet Korean pancakes with different fillings, and rent 1920s vintage costume and go to Hotel Seine (Hotel Del Luna location).

How to go: Jongno 3-ga Station Exit 4

3. BTS Tour (as in the K-Pop Boy Group)

Yes ARMYs, a BTS Tour exists! While trying to fill up my 20-day itinerary, I chanced upon this Bangtan tour while browsing the Klook app. If you’re also an OT7, you’ll enjoy this half-day tour where we visited places they’ve been to, music video locations, their agency’s old building (where BTS started), and even eat in restaurants they used to go to!

Book For The Tour:   bit.ly/bts-tour-seoul

Check out my BTS Tour experience in the slideshow below:

4. Templestay

Another timing during my trip fell under was the Seollal holiday, Korea’s New Year celebration where most establishments usually close down for a few days. They also discouraged tourists to travel outside of Seoul because of heavy traffic (locals often go home to their families), so I looked for an activity that I can do even when I’m in the city.

A templestay in Korea is very common, but I haven’t really seen a lot of Filipinos doing this. You can either opt for a half-day templestay, or go all out and sleep over. I booked for a mountain temple with very beautiful scenery, and enjoyed on-board full vegetarian meals, learned more about the Buddhist customs, had tea time with the head monk, and joined their morning prayer at 4:30am. It was an interesting, and even relaxing experience without going outside of Seoul.

Book the tour:  bit.ly/templestay-in-seoul

5. Go Outside of Seoul

Lastly, my 20-day adventure will not be complete without hopping on a bus at the Dongseoul or Express Bus Terminal, and go on a 3-hour road trip to a new destination. I enjoy my out-of-Seoul escapades because I can fully appreciate Korea’s beautiful sceneries whenever I am in the provinces. It’s also a breath of fresh air with little to no tourists and huge crowds.

For this trip, I picked Sokcho, known for their beach and mountains, and Jumunjin, a beach town known for being the shooting location of Goblin’s breakwater and BTS’ bus stop for ‘You Never Walk Alone’. 

Check out more of my 20-day Korea trip in the gallery below:

My 20-day Korea Trip

By Metro.Style June 07 2024, 12:20 PM

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Seoul Itinerary: Ultimate DIY Travel Guide for South Korea for 5 Days (More or Less)

by Aileen Adalid Itineraries , South Korea 134 comments

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One of my recent adventures was to the dynamic metropolis of Seoul in South Korea — a bustling city that not only holds a strong presence in Asia but also in the rest of the world. To date, this influence is largely due to Seoul’s cutting-edge technology, a strong economy, and vibrant culture (I’m sure that a majority of you have encountered K-pop , K-dramas, Korean cosmetics, and Korean food among many others at least once in your life!) (Seoul Itinerary)

TRIVIA : Seoul has 25 districts ( gu ) that are further subdivided into 522 sub-districts ( dong ), and with the Han River that runs through the middle of the city, there are distinct 2 sections: Gangbuk (the northern area that’s more traditional) and Gangnam (southern area that’s more modern). But… asking for the “center” of this whole metropolitan area is a difficult thing to answer because Seoul’s districts can somehow each function like a city center itself.

It actually baffles me that I didn’t go to Seoul sooner; nevertheless, the important thing is, I’ve finally seen this city for myself, and well… I just LOVED it! I am totally smitten about how it is constantly brimming with incredible things-to-do of sorts — all of which are enough to satisfy any kind of traveler out there.

Where to Stay in Seoul?

Come and check out my list of the ‘ Best Hotels in Seoul ‘ which features the top recommended choices for cheap to luxurious accommodation choices PER district.

Clearly, the days I spent there were not enough and I would have absolutely loved to stay longer. And now, as I recall the vast array of activities and sights that could be done and seen, I’ve decided to whip up this comprehensive Seoul itinerary travel guide that spans 5 days/nights to help travelers (like you) to plan a trip with ease and speed.

Rest assured, the Seoul itinerary below is totally customizable to fit any number of days that you might be spending — but first, here are some important tips for your travel to South Korea!

Table of Contents

South Korea Travel Guide

» quick travel planning.

• Top tours & experiences
• Find flights to Korea
• Visa requirements
• Best hotels & hostels
• Travel insurance (5% discount)
• Stay connected

– – –

» Best Time to Visit

I suggest coming during autumn to see the amazing fall foliage , but of course, if you want to witness cherry blossom season then spring is a considerable option too.

• Spring : The city becomes a hit with all the flora that start to bloom and bud. And of course, much like Japan, the city has cherry blossoms which tourists often seek. Given this demand, there tends to be a slight increase in costs, but the weather and season are quite desirable.
• Summer : This is arguably the peak season in the city so things get busier and costlier. It doesn’t help either that this is the vacation month of schools and Korean companies so everyone is out and about. That’s why if I were you, you should avoid these months — also because the weather can get quite humid with occasional downpours.
• ★ Autumn : (This is the best time to visit Seoul because the weather is pleasant, prices are more affordable, and crowds are thinner. Not to mention the number of great destination must-sees for viewing vibrant leaves of autumn in South Korea . However, do take note to avoid Chuseok or Korea’s autumn harvest festival.
• Winter : As the temperatures drop, prices and airfare also drop. Take note though that it can get very chilly; but, supposing you’re not that sensitive to the cold, this can be a fun time given all the amazing ski resorts and festive atmosphere.

Other South Korean blooms to watch out for?

See this list of the most popular spring flowers in Korea — when to see them and where to go!

ADDITIONAL TIP: Arrive and start your Seoul itinerary before the weekend. For example, if you’re visiting for 5 nights, make sure to come from Wednesday to Sunday. I say this because most places, museums, and shops close on Mondays and Tuesdays. Moreover, a lot of cosmetic stores hold sales starting on Thursdays and up to the weekend .

• WINTER: Dec to Feb
• SPRING: March to May
• SUMMER: June to Aug
• AUTUMN: Sept to Nov

» Getting in to South Korea

International visitors typically arrive at the main airport called Incheon International Airport (ICN) . To get here, I recommend browsing through Skyscanner to find the best flight deals from your point of origin. If you’re from the Philippines like me, Skyscanner also scans through budget airlines such as Air Asia and Cebu Pacific in order to find which of the 2 has the cheapest rate on the dates you choose.

From ICN, below are the following modes of transportation to get to Seoul…

By train. AREX (Airport Railroad Express) or ‘airport train’ connects ICN to Seoul station and Gimpo Airport, operating from 5:20AM to 12:00AM (midnight). There are 2 types of AREX, namely ‘express’ and ‘all-stop’. As the name suggests, ‘express’ is fast as it goes directly to Seoul Station (43 minutes) whereas ‘all-stop’ will arrive at 12 stations before finally arriving at Seoul Station (53 minutes). ‘Express’ tickets typically cost ₩8,000 but if you purchase online , you can get it at a discount for about ₩6,500~ only — and if you use code AILEEN5OFF , you’ll get an additional 5% off! Contrarily, in case you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , you can avail of one (1) FREE one-way ride.

By private transfers . If you want the utmost convenience and ease, especially without having to drag your luggage around, I recommend booking a private transfer to your hotel for only $63~ (or Php 3,300~ / ₩67,000~). This works best if you’re coming together with other people so that you can share the cost and save more. Otherwise, there are taxis at the airport that charge around ₩60,000 to ₩90,000 depending on your destination (take note that if the taxi passes by a road toll, you’ll have to pay for it).

By airport limousine/bus or shared transfers. There are limousine buses that travel directly to major areas and big hotels in Seoul and are a great option when you’re traveling with a lot of luggage. To get a discounted rate on this at about ₩14,000~ only, book with KAL or via shared transfer .

» Visa for South Korea

If you’re NOT a citizen of any of South Korea’s exempted countries , you are then required to avail of a visa beforehand. (If you’re from the Philippines, you can read my guide on how to get a South Korea visa in Manila here .)

• Check full visa requirements here as per your nationality.

» Where to Stay (South Korea Accommodations)

To search for the best hotel accommodation in South Korea at the best prices, I suggest cross-checking hotel prices between Agoda and Booking.com . But if you’re rather interested in renting comfortable houses or apartments, you should search through AirBnB .

Otherwise, if you’re interested in seeing the top picks per district in Seoul, see here .

» South Korea Currency

South Korean Won (KRW / ₩) wherein KRW 1,000 is equal to about USD $0.9~, €0.7~ or Php 49.00~ (this is as of May 2021). In the event that you want to exchange your money for KRW, I highly advise that you do NOT exchange your money at the airport since the rates there are not competitive.

• How to best exchange your currency? Either exchange your money at a bank or at a money exchanger in your home country or in Seoul’s city center. Better yet, just withdraw from an ATM with your debit/credit card (do one big withdrawal to minimize fees with your bank) . Speaking of cards, a lot of Seoul’s establishments accept credit cards but it’s always advisable to have cash on hand.

» Cost of Travel in Korea

While the cost of living in South Korea is far from being cheap, your trip doesn’t have to break the bank! To give you an idea, you should expect to travel in South Korea with an average daily cost of about USD $35~ per person on a budget, or at least $100~ if you want to experience more comfort on activities, tours, hotels, and more. (Values below show low budget to medium budget ranges).

• Hotels: $20 to $100 USD / day
• Food: $10 to $30 USD / day
• Fun: $10 to $25 USD / day
• Transport: About US$1 per subway ride*

*Buy a T-Money card that saves you ₩100 on all trips.

» How to Get Around Seoul

I would recommend using Naver Map ( iOs / Android ) for researching your day-to-day route on your Seoul itinerary because it will show in detail the fastest connections you can do (by walking, by car, by bus, and by subway). To make this work, get your own pocket WiFi or SIM Card .

You might be wondering why I am not recommending Google Maps which is the app that I typically use in my travels. Well… this is because Google Maps’ driving and walking directions don’t work in South Korea. This is mainly due to the country’s old security laws that were set after the Korean War (I guess, as a way to protect their detailed topography from North Korea).

By subway . Seoul’s metro is impressive, well-connected, and cheap. To save time and make the most of the fares during your stay, it’s best to buy a T-Money card which is basically a stored value smart card that you can recharge and use between buses, trains, and subways while saving you ₩100 on all trips. You can buy this online beforehand at a cheaper rate — otherwise, it can be purchased at most of Seoul’s subway stations, newspaper kiosks, and convenience stores.

Take note that a T-money card is applicable to other locations as well in South Korea such as Gyeonggi-do, Incheon, Busan , Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju buses — plus Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju Metropolitan Subway networks.

However, if I may give you a tip, you can actually avoid paying the cost of acquiring this card (₩3,000) if you have a Discover Seoul Pass (which I will discuss in the next section below).

NOTE : Single-ride cards cost about ₩1,200~ and they can be purchased on vending machines which accept coins and bills only. Reloading your T-Money Card can also only be done with cash. Meanwhile, remember that the last train usually departs by midnight (the subway does NOT operate for 24 hours).

By bus. The city also has an extensive and well-connected bus service that similarly makes use of the T-Money card. Just always remember to tap your card before exiting the bus or else you’ll be charged the maximum fare possible on that bus’ route. If you’re rather looking for an unlimited hop-on-hop-off bus to the city’s major spots, you can check this out.

By foot . Seoul technically isn’t too huge of a place and most of the city highlights can be reached by foot.

By taxi. There are various taxi types in Seoul and in order to learn more about them and their corresponding fares, read here . (It’s also possible to book an Uber car) .

» Money-Saving Tips in Seoul

I advise that you purchase a Discover Seoul Pass for your Seoul itinerary because it is an amazing cost-effective card that is offered only to foreigners. To illustrate, below are the range of benefits that you can get from this pass:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Deoksugung Palace
• Changgyeonggung Palace
• Changdeokgung Palace
• Jongmyo (Royal Shrine)
• N Seoul Tower Observatory
• Seoul City Tour Double-Decker Bus
• COEX Aquarium
• TrickEye & Ice Museum
• Hello Kitty Island in N Seoul Tower
• PooPoo Land
• Lotte World Adventure
• Eland Cruise
• LOTTE Duty Free
• NO WORRIES! Using your Discover Seoul Pass as a T-Money card for public transportation does NOT activate it. The Discover Seoul Pass will only activate when you first use it on its listed attraction s.

To get the best rate for a Discover Seoul Pass, you can purchase it online (it’s available in 24H and 48H options), and then pick it up either at Incheon International Airport or at Myeongdong’s Tourist Information Center.

• TIP : The last Wednesday of each month has been designated as a “Culture Day” in Korea since 2014. During this day, participating museums, galleries, and other cultural facilities will offer FREE or discounted admissions. Examples are the royal palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, National Museum of Korea, Korean National Ballet etc.

» Staying Connected in South Korea

South Korea is said to have the fastest internet in the world (and yep, it’s true!) so you’ll be assured of great connection wherever you go. To add, most places even offer FREE WiFi — but in order to consistently stay connected online during your Seoul trip, I recommend getting your own pocket WiFi or SIM Card ; otherwise, consider getting an eSIM for a hassle-free experience.

» Safety in South Korea

The Republic of Korea or South Korea remains to be one of the safest countries in the world — and also one of the safest countries for solo female travelers . Petty theft may happen but they are quite rare; so, just practice common sense at all times and you’ll be fine!

• HOW TO: Find the right travel insurance for you

» Helpful Korean Phrases

English is not widely spoken in South Korea even if it is taught in a lot of schools, but you’ll have better luck in the capital of Seoul where a lot of people put time, effort and money in learning English. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to learn a bit of the local language!

• RELATED READ: Best translation apps for travel

Hello (formal): Annyeong haseyo Hello (informal): Annyeong Thank you: Gamsahamnida You’re welcome: Cheonmanyeyo Yes: Ye/Ne No: Aniyo Goodbye (to person leaving): Annyeonghi gaseyo Goodbye (to person staying): Annyeonghi gyeseyo Goodbye (informal): Annyeong

Excuse me (getting attention): Sillyehamnida I’m sorry: Joesonghamnida Is there someone here who speaks English?: Yeogi-e yeong-eoreul hasineun bun gyesimnikka? Help!: Dowajusipsio! Cheers!: Geonbae!

Other F.A.Q.

It is not customary in South Korea to tip, and sometimes, much like in Japan, they consider it as an insult so tipping is not recommended at all. In hotels and some restaurants though, you will sometimes see a 10% service charge on your bill.

South Korea typically uses type F (two round pins). The country operates on a 220V voltage and a frequency of 60Hz.

 Please check their  latest travel advisories  page for more details.

All visitors to South Korea must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the period of their intended stay (as well as have 2 blank pages).

There is and you can easily claim a tax refund for being a tourist; simply read this page for more info.

It is legal to fly a drone in the country but one of the top restrictions is to NOT fly above 150 meters and if your drone is more than 250 grams, it needs to be registered. For more info, see here .

Seoul Itinerary Guide

Take note that the 5-day Seoul itinerary below does not take into account your arrival day in Seoul — at any rate, if you’re staying longer in the city, you can make use of the last tab called ‘ Extra Days ‘ to see the other activities or trips you can do for filling up the rest of your vacation days.

TIP: It’s best to arrive and start your Seoul itinerary trip before the weekend. So for example, if you have 5 whole days, make sure to arrive on Tuesday and then start your whole tour from Wednesday to Sunday . I say this because most places, museums, and shops close on Mondays and Tuesdays. Moreover, a lot of cosmetic stores hold sales starting on Thursdays and up to the weekend so it would be a good idea to take advantage of that.

NOTE: The following section is in a tabbed format; so, in order to see the next day’s contents, just click the headings below.

DAY 1: Explore and enjoy Korean culture in a hanbok!

Photo by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Rent a hanbok and explore some of Seoul’s cultural highlights

(Nearest subway station: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #4) You must never leave the city without trying on the elegant Korean traditional clothing called ‘ hanbok’! Much like how Japan has kimono rental shops, South Korea has hanbok rental shops for tourists. Through these places, you can borrow and wear hanbok for a day (or more ) whilst you venture out to the cultural spots in Seoul to snap wonderful photos.

This is certainly a MUST-do activity in your Seoul itinerary because aside from the fact that you can have the chance to feel as though you’ve been transported back to the Joseon period or to a set of an old K-drama, the experience itself is also supported by the Koreans as a part of promoting their history (so yes, it’s one way of immersing yourself with their vibrant culture too). And if those reasons are not enough, wearing a hanbok grants you FREE entry to the palaces in the city!

TRIVIA : The term ‘hanbok’ literally means “Korean clothing” but it just basically refers to the traditional clothing for both men and women from the Joseon period.

There are a LOT of hanbok rental shops in Seoul but if you want the best, I highly recommend renting with Seohwa Hanbok . Apart from its prime location, it has more intricately-designed hanbok garments that are set at an affordable price! For a more comprehensive guide on this, read my ‘ Hanbok Rental ‘ post here .

As you would see on the online booking platform , Seohwa Hanbok has 3 rental options: 4 hours, 1 day, or 2 days .

NOTE: If you have purchased the Discover Seoul Pass (no matter if it’s the 24H or 48H option), it’s preferable that you do NOT activate it on this day because you’ll already be given FREE entry to 4 of the ‘Five Grand Palaces’ if you’re wearing a hanbok. Not to mention that this whole hanbok activity will already likely fill up your whole day, so it’s best to activate the pass the next day. . Unless of course, you plan to avail the FREE hanbok rental use instead that’s under the Discover Seoul Pass’ perks. Personally, I think it’s best that you avail a hanbok rental separately for longer hours because the free hanbok rental under the pass is only for 90 minutes).

Once you are clad in a hanbok of your own choosing, I recommend doing the following route:

• The Changing of the Royal Guard ( Sumunjang ) ceremony is held for FREE daily, except Tuesdays, at 10:00AM and 2:00PM in front of Gwanghwamun or the main gate of Gyeongbokgung. If you can’t make it to these time slots, you can also witness a Guard-on-Duty Performance at Gwanghwamun gate at 11:00AM and 1:00PM or a Sumungun (Gatekeeper) Military Training in Hyeopsaengmun Gate at 09:35AM and 1:35PM.
• If you’ve got time, you can check out the huge golden King Sejong Statue at the nearby Gwanghwamun Square. (King Sejong is best remembered as the inventor of ‘Hangeul’ or the Korean alphabet.)
• ★ Changdeokgung: This was the 2nd palace that was built after Gyeongbokgung and it has since been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1997. An interesting feature of this place is its ‘Secret Garden’ because there are only a limited number of admission slots per day that are given out. If you’re lucky, you can get the chance to go in if you want to!
• Deoksugung: This palace is famous for its picturesque stone-walled road (which is often featured in K-dramas like Goblin). And much like Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung Palace has a Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony and it is held at 11:00AM, 2:00PM, and 3:30PM daily, except on Mondays.
• Changgyeonggung: This used to be the residential quarters for queens and concubines of the king, and it later became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden during the Japanese colonial rule (today though, the zoo and garden are relocated to Seoul Land ).
• Gyeonghuigung: Located near Deoksugung Palace, this site served as the secondary palace for the king in the latter half of the Joseon period. For a time, Gyeonghuigung was of considerable size but most of its major structures have long been disassembled and moved to other parts of Seoul. .
• To get here, look for Bukchon-ro street. It will be hard to miss because the tourism board had recently appointed staff there in red clothing to help tourists and distribute maps. Basically, there are 8 major viewpoints to see in Bukchon Hanok Village and those that you must NOT miss are the Gaehoe-dong areas that are typically appointed as Views #3 to #7. If you’re coming with elderly companions, take note that there are a few uphill climbs in this area.
• Unlike other hanok villages (like Namsangol Hanok Village), Bukchon was not built for tourists as it is rather a residential village inhabited by Seoulites. Therefore, make sure to keep quiet so as not to disturb the locals.
• As you leave Bukchon, drop by the nearby neighborhood of Ikseon-dong . Much like Bukchon, it’s one of the oldest hanok villages in Seoul; but in case you want to escape the crowds, it would be a great idea to explore this hidden gem! .
• Lunch: You can either have it at Bukchon Hanok Village or at Insa-dong. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants in these areas so you won’t have a difficult time picking a place; though if I may put in my two cents, do check out Jokagbo at Bukchon (across the street near the entrance to the village) or Gogung at Insa-dong for their bibimbap (mixed rice bowl). For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals. .
• Drop by Insa-dong: (Nearest subway station: Anguk Station, Exit #6) As you make your way to the last stop of this route, you must not skip on the neighborhood of Insa-dong in the Jongno-gu district of Seoul. After all, its streets are one of the best places in Seoul when it comes to culture and crafts (perfect for souvenirs!). If I may also share another tip, try to stop by Ssamziegil which is a unique building wherein each of its levels is connected in the form of a spiraling walkway! .
• (OPTIONAL) Visit Namsangol Hanok Village: (Nearest subway station: Chungmuro Station, Exit #3) Located at the foot of Namsan, this village was built to feature 5 traditional houses of different social classes from the Joseon era, all relocated to this spot from different locations in Seoul in order for guests to understand the daily lives of its past people. Of all these 5 houses or hanok, only one is open to the public which is the house of Yoon-ssi of Okin-dong. It has been transformed into ‘Yoon’s Tearoom’ where visitors can learn about Korea’s tea culture. If you’re interested, you could join the tea ceremony program for only ₩7,000. (For a list of other activities in this village, see this link ).

Is it possible to just try on a hanbok for FREE? Yes. If you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , you can wear a hanbok of your choice outdoors for 90 minutes via HANBOKNAM, or take photos with a hanbok in the indoor studio of Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Experience Center . However, if you do not have a Discover Seoul Pass, Korea Tourism Office’s Main HQ allows you to wear simple hanbok and take shots of yourself in it indoors. . Is there a service where I can just rent a hanbok indoors and have a professional photographer take photos of me? Of course! You can book this kind of experience online for just ₩15,000~ (or USD$14~ / Php 730~). It even has the option of doing outdoor shots.

◘◘ Visit the awe-inspiring structure of Dongdaemun Design Plaza

(Nearest subway station: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit #2)

Also called “DDP”, this structure is a new major urban landmark in the heart of Seoul which has a distinctly futuristic design made by world-renowned architect, Zaha Hadid. As such, it’s not strange that it is one of the most Instagrammed locations in Korea.

Other than enjoying its grand outer architecture for your Seoul itinerary, you can also stroll through DDP’s huge 5 halls namely, Art Hall, Museum, Design Lab, Design Market, and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park — places where you can shop and watch various exhibitions, fashion shows, and performances among many others.

• From late May to late October every year, Seoul Bamdokkaebi (Goblin) Night Market will open in DDP from 6:00PM to 11:00PM, so don’t forget to make a stop here to not only buy a variety of food and goods but to also enjoy the various performances made available during this event.
• TRIVIA : This display was first put up on National Liberation Day in 2015 which is in celebration of Korea’s 70th year of independence. Hence, the number of 25,550 comes from 365 days multiplied by 70.

BONUS: If you still have some time, drop by Ihwa Mural Village, a picturesque neighborhood in Seoul that is famous for its amazing murals — as well as for its fascinating cafes and shops. It’s no wonder that a lot of K-dramas and movies have started to do their filming here. You can basically find this near Naksan Park (which also yet another hidden gem that provides great views of the cityscape).

◘◘ Eat and shop through any of Seoul’s night markets

Like the rest of Asia, Seoul has no shortage of vibrant night markets, so for dinner, go and drop by any of the following spots ( it’s best to choose only one! )

• Bamdokkaebi (Goblin) Night Market: (Nearest subway station: *various spots*) Like I’ve written above, this night market opens from May to October. It originally opened in Yeouido (Yeouinaru Station, Exit #3) but has since expanded to several locations such as DDP. The other remaining places would be Cheonggyecheon Stream (Jongno5(0)ga Station, Exit #7) and Banpo Hangang Park (Express Bus Terminal Station). .
• Dongdaemun Night Market: (Nearest subway station: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit #4) Take note that this is different from the night market found in DDP. Apart from the retail haven found in this vicinity, you will also find the ‘Open market’ with its bright yellow tents, all selling various apparel, souvenirs, and items at affordable prices starting from 10:00PM up to 5:00AM. If you’re rather looking for delicious Korean eats during your Seoul itinerary, drop by Mukja Golmok (“Let’s Eat Alley” at exit #8 of Dongdaemun Station) to feast on snacks like tteokbokki (rice rolls). .
• ★ Myeongdong Night Market: (Nearest subway station: Myeongdong Station, Exit #7) Even if this is not one of those ‘traditional’ night markets, it remains to be a popular destination for travelers as it is set in the bustling shopping district of Myeongdong that holds some of the biggest stores like Lotte and Shinsegae as well as cosmetic brands of all kinds. Starting from 5:00PM and onwards, you will start to see food stalls filling up the main street with fares like gyerangbbang (Korean egg bread), dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), etc. .
• ★ Namdaemun Night Market: (Nearest subway station: Hoehyeon Station, Exit #5) Open from 11:00PM till 4:00AM, this traditional night market is the largest in Seoul and it holds every possible thing that you can think of — from food to clothing, they have it all! .
• Gwangjang Market: (Nearest subway station: Jongno 5(o)-ga Station, Exit #8) If Namdaemun is the largest, then Gwangjang would be the oldest in Seoul, making it a common go-to place for many Korean shoppers. You can actually find this close by Dongdaemun and DDP so it’s possible to check off several of those night markets in the same night if you will it so! (TIP: This place is best if you’re looking to buy a hanbok for yourself). .
• ★ Noryangjin Fish Market: (Nearest subway station: Noryangjin Station, Exit #1) Operating 24 hours a day, this place is more than just a night market. If you come in the early morning, you can witness a bustling fish auction (reminiscent of Japan’s Tsukiji Fish Market). Anyhow, the fun part about this place is that you can buy some fresh seafood and then have it cooked by a restaurant located on the 2nd floor — and if you’re brave enough, maybe you can try the infamous Korean activity of eating a LIVE octopus?

TIP : Want a hassle-free foodie experience? With the help of a local guide, you can join a Korean Food Walking Tour or a Korean Night Dining Tour .

◘◘ Watch the famous Nanta Show

If there’s one show that you should NOT miss for your Seoul itinerary, it will be witnessing the award-winning long-running NANTA Show at Myeongdong Theatre. This is basically a non-verbal comedy show (so it’s fine even if you don’t know Korean) that incorporates traditional ‘ samul nori ‘ rhythm (which is a genre of percussion music distinct to Korea) as they do a slapstick play that mimes the story of cooks who are preparing for a wedding.

I’ve seen this show myself and it was quite entertaining as I saw knives fly and fire blasting from pots — but don’t worry, it’s all safe! But I must say that it did have a distinct sense of humor that may or may not work for you. Either way, it’s an energetic performance that has garnered distinctions and awards from Edinburg Fringe Festival and on New York’s Broadway, so I say: give it a try!

NEAREST SUBWAY: Myeongdong Station, Exit #7 BOOK: Online to get 30% off on tickets

DAY 2: “Discover” more of Seoul!

NOTE: If you have purchased the Discover Seoul Pass (no matter if it’s the 24H or 48H option), this would be a good day to start its activation.

◘◘ Explore and shop in Myeongdong and Hongdae

Myeongdong: (Nearest subway station: Myeongdong Station) This is is arguably the shopping mecca of Seoul and its 2 main streets meet in the center — the first spanning from Myeongdong Subway Station and the second from Lotte Department Store at Euljiro.

For the shopaholics, there is a wide range of branded shops and department stores that line Myeongdong’s streets and alleys (e.g. Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Noon Square, etc.), and they are often set relatively cheaper than the other shopping areas in the city like Cheongdam-dong.

Of course, let’s not forget that Myeongdong is a beauty lover’s dream too given the number of Korean cosmetic stores that regularly hold insane sales for their high-quality products.

As an example, I went here to shop for face masks and one piece averaged at only USD$0.40~ or Php 20~! Some of the top stores you need to check are: Innisfree, Nature Republic, Holika Holika, Tony Moly, Nature Republic, and Laneige. (If you have heard of the Instagram-famous place called as Style Nanda Pink Hotel , you can find it here in this neighborhood or ‘dong’).

TIP : Try to NOT buy from the first shop that you set foot into because most of the time, they will hand out free samples and masks, which could be quite a treat! In fact, I know that some people would hop from store to store just to collect samples, haha. Anyhow, in case you want to check out other places because you’ve got some time, shops in Hyehwa and Sincheon neighborhoods can have cheaper cosmetic products too. And oh, of course, do NOT ever forget claiming your tax refund!

Hongdae: (Nearest subway station: Hongik University Station, Exit #9) It’s no surprise that this area is often compared to Japan’s Harajuku because of its hip and youthful ambiance — with a dash of unique cafes and indie fashion shops here and there. Aside from strolling through ‘ Hongdae Walking Street’, ‘ Picasso’s Street ‘ and ‘ Club Street’ , below are some of the places in and around Hongdae that you should consider stopping by for your Seoul itinerary:

• Hongdae Free Market: Open on Saturdays from March to November at Hongik Children’s Park. You will find here an array of local artist works.
• Trickeye and Ice Museum: TrickEye museum is an interactive 3D space that gives off impressive optical illusions; whereas Ice Museum, as the name implies, is a space where you can enjoy a cool icy environment (e.g. a living room with a TV and couch made of ice and more). Entering these places is free if you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , but if you don’t have the pass, you can reserve your tickets online .
• If you’re looking to spend some time in cute cafes, go to ‘ Chuu ‘ or ‘ Zapangi’ .

BONUS: Ewha Woman’s University is an educational institute with picturesque grounds, but more than this, it’s actually smacked in a shopping area that sells a variety of affordable and stylish clothes for young people; therefore, this is also a good place to shop.

◘◘ Get lunch

It’s time to feast on a delicious Korean BBQ meal! While you’re already in Hongdae, try out either of these places: Gogigo or Old House Charcoal Meat Restaurant .

For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals.

◘◘ Make full use of your Discover Seoul Pass

If you’ve followed my advice and got yourself a Discover Seoul Pass , you can enter any of the establishments below for FREE during your Seoul itinerary! Take your pick from any of the following to fill up the rest of your day ( best to pick 2 at most ).

For a complete list of FREE admissions under the Discover Seoul Pass, you can also visit this page .

• MBC World: (Nearest subway station: Digital Media City Station, Exit #9) Are you a fan of K-pop, K-dramas, or Korean stars — or just ‘ hallyu ‘ (Korean Wave) in general? Then MBC World is a great destination for your Seoul itinerary, as it will give you the chance to experience hologram K-pop concerts, virtual reality drama sets, and more. (If you don’t have the Discover Seoul Pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ) . .
• SM Town Museum: (Nearest subway station: Samseong Station, Exit #6) Still in line with the ‘hallyu’ fever, this place is dedicated to famous K-pop artists under the powerhouse of SM Entertainment in South Korea. Avid fans can tour through their training rooms, recording rooms, and so much more. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket for this, go here ) . .
• Grévin Museum: (Nearest subway station: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit #1) This is like Korea’s version of Madam Tussauds. You can find about 80 wax figures of Korean and international celebrities, as well as several thematic interactive experiences. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ) . .
• 63 Square: (Nearest subway station: Yeouinaru Station, Exit #4) Other than gaining access to panoramic views of Seoul, you can also enter in 63 Square the first aquarium in Korea called Aqua Planet 63. If you’re a K-drama fan, this is actually the aquarium used in ‘Legend of the Blue Sea’ and where a Mermaid Show is regularly held. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here for combination tickets or here for the aquarium only. .
• COEX Aquarium: (Nearest subway station: Bongeunsa Station, Exit #7) This place has the largest collection of marine life in Korea and you can watch feeding shows and interactive exhibits here too. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ). .
• Seoul City Tour Double-Decker Bus: Go on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour through the center of Seoul to get a glimpse of all of its past and present glory. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ). .
• Alive Museum: (Nearest subway station: Euljiro 3(sam) Station, Exit #1) This place is similar to TrickEye Museum but it is arguably larger with several other exhibits such as the ‘Dynamic Maze’ (where participants must work together to overcome challenges) and the ‘Black Wonderland’ (where fairy tales like Alice in Wonderland, Frozen, Cinderella and Aladdin can be experienced in the dark ). If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here . .
• Seoul Zoo and Skylift: (Nearest subway station: Seoul Grand Park Station, Exit #2) Seoul Zoo is South Korea’s largest zoo with over 330 species of animals, inclusive of a botanical garden and a forest park. The icing on the cake? You can even ride the Sky Lift which can transport you to several places such as the Seoul Land theme park and more. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket for your Seoul itinerary, go here ). .
• Running Man: (Nearest subway station: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit #3) Do you want to be a part of Korea’s popular variety show, Running Man? Well with this thematic experience, you can do so! This will surely be a hilarious and fun adventure for you and your travel companions as you make your way through 6 zones, including Maze Battle. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ). .

◘◘ Visit Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower

(Take Namsan Shuttle Bus, Circulation Bus No. 2, 3, or 5)

Mt. Namsan’s Namsan Park is a symbolic place in the center of Seoul. To get up here, you can ride a cable car, a bus, or just simply walk up its stairway path. Most visitors come to this place to enjoy nature, to see the city skyline, or to do some of the hiking trails — but a majority makes a stop at the famous N Seoul Tower which is the first tower-type tourism spot in South Korea.

Rising at almost 480m above sea level, it is certainly one of the tallest towers in Asia. Once you set foot on its premises during your Seoul itinerary, you can explore its other attractions such as the LED tunnel, Hello Kitty Island, Ssentoy Museum & Showroom, and more.

• BOOK: Online to get a discounted ticket to the tower’s observatory as well as grab great combo deals.
• TIP : Other than N Seoul Tower, you can also find Palgakjeong Pavillion (octagonal hall) and Bonghwadae (beacon mounds that were used to signal incoming enemy invasions in the past).

◘◘ Grab dinner

I have two options for you, depending on what you fancy:

• A traditional royal Korean cuisine dinner: Feast on fresh and high-quality Korean cuisine set in a traditionally-styled restaurant called Myongdongjeong . What’s more? You can also rent their hanbok for free while eating to really feel as though you’ve been transported to a royal palace. .
• A cruise buffet dinner through Hangang River: Hangang or Han River is a major river in South Korea, and it is best enjoyed during the night with Eland Cruise as you glide through the waters and taste a delectable food buffet. Before the end of your cruise, you can even witness a firework show and a front-row view on the colorful Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain Show. To reserve your spot, go here .

For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary.

◘◘ Walk through Cheonggyecheon Stream

(Nearest subway station: Jongno5(0)ga Station, Exit #7 )

Cheonggyecheon is a picturesque 11 km-long modern stream that runs through a total of 22 bridges before flowing into the Hangang or Han River. Some examples of the beautiful bridges that it has are the Narae Bridge (which represents a butterfly) and Gwanggyo Bridge (depicting the harmony of the past and the future).

A lot of Seoulites wind down to this spot to chill and bask under the city lights, the lush ambiance, and the surrounding man-made waterfalls, if not partake in the Bamdokkaebi (Goblin) Night Market from May to October — so why not do the same during your Seoul itinerary?

DAY 3: A chill kind of day

◘◘ Do a “ Discover Seoul Pass ” or “Extra Days” activity

I recommend that you pick up an activity that you prefer from any of the previously listed things to do that I’ve written under Day #2’s ‘Discover Seoul Pass’ options of this Seoul itinerary. If not, you can also browse through the “Extra Days” tab above.

If you ask me, doing a cooking class , a kimchi class or a K-pop dance class will be a LOT of fun! (Read more about my Kpop dance class experience here ).

Did you ever want to try spending a day with a Korean ‘oppa’ (older brother)? Join this walking tour that’s led by a local guide!

◘◘ Grab lunch

• Hangaram: (Nearest subway station: Express Bus Terminal Station) Hangaram is a great choice if you want to taste some of the beloved Korean staples like bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), bulgogi (stir-fried beef), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), kimchi (fermented vegetables) , etc. .
• Tosokchon Samgyetang: (Nearest subway station: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #2) Another Korean dish that you need to taste is samgyetang or ginseng chicken soup, and this restaurant is often lauded as the BEST place to eat in.

For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary .

◘◘ Shop for highly discounted Korean food and snacks at Lotte Mart!

(Nearest subway station: Seoul Station, Exit #4 ). Naturally, going through any of the night markets I’ve listed under Day #1 will already grant you access to the cheapest food and snacks possible. However, other than those, I think that you should also go on a crazy chow shopping spree at Lotte Mart’s Seoul Station Branch! Why so? Well… as one of the leading discount store chains in South Korea, they sell ridiculously low-priced goods.

I swear to you, I bought only USD$20-worth of snacks here, yet it was enough to gift them to more than 20 people! (On top of the discounted items, you can get at most an 8% tax refund, and more to that, they also provide a free self-packing station so that you can pack all your purchased items in sealed boxes).

• For the must-buy snacks? It would be tteokbokki junk food, Binggrae banana-flavored milk, choco pies, yogurt jelly, honey butter chips, fire noodles (called also Buldak Bokkeum Myeon ), Lotte stick biscuits, and honey butter almond among many others!
• TIP: While you’re here, don’t miss dropping by the nearby newly-opened sky garden walkway called Seoullo 7017!

◘◘ Walk around Gangnam

(Nearest subway station: Gangnam Station)

There’s probably not a soul in this world who hasn’t heard of ‘Gangnam’ (and we have PSY to thank for that) .

For your info, Gangnam is Seoul’s upscale modern center that is home to high skyscrapers, designer brands, high-end restaurants, and pulsating nightclubs — so yes, it’s the home to many wealthy Koreans. In fact, you can think of it as the ‘Beverly Hills’ of Seoul. To make the most of your visit here during your Seoul itinerary, stop by the following ( it’s best to pick 3 at most ).

• Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Centre: You’ll find this from the moment that you step foot in Gangnam Station’s subway. With an array of accessories, clothing, cosmetics, and shoes, I have found a lot of sweet bargains here myself! .
• Gangnam Square: Right outside Gangnam Station’s Exit #5 is the spacious Gangnam Square which has a small section built as a tribute to PSY’s ‘Gangnam Style’ hit song, as well as the Gangnam-daero Road that’s speckled with various shops. .
• Apgujeong Rodeo Street and Cheongdam Fashion Street: (Nearest subway station: Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Exit #1 and Exit #3 respectively.) If you haven’t had enough of shopping but are looking for more upmarket shops. .
• Hallyu K-Star Road: K-pop fans must not skip this! Found between Apgujeong Rodeo Station and Cheongdam Station are adorable GangnamDols that are each autographed by K-pop groups like EXO, BTS, Super Junior, and more. For a detailed list, you can check here . .
• Garosu-gil Road: (Nearest subway station: Sinsa Station, Exit #8) This Gingko tree-lined street is a popular, trendy street in the city of Seoul and it is even often called an ‘artists street’ due to the number of quaint cafes and designer stores. Some charming cafes that you can choose from are Gingko Avenue, Line Friends Cafe, Cafe de Paris, and IKOVOX . .
• Starfield COEX Mall: (Nearest subway station: Bongeunsa Station, Exit #7) This mall is a shopping mecca, but more than this, it has interesting amenities too that are not limited to the COEX Aquarium and the Starfield Library. The latter is the newest built facility on the premises and it features 50,000 books and magazines in a grand yet relaxed setting. .
• SM Town Museum: (Nearest subway station: Samseong Station, Exit #6) This place is dedicated to famous K-pop artists under the powerhouse of SM Entertainment in South Korea. Avid fans can tour through their training rooms, recording rooms, and so much more. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ) . .
• Lotte World: (Nearest subway station: Jamsil Station) As Seoul’s largest indoor and outdoor amusement theme park, you will actually need a full day to enjoy this place — but I still felt like including this here, just so you know that it’s located in this Gangnam area. So if you have a spare day in your Seoul itinerary, it would be great to visit Lotte World. Another theme park choice would be Everland , but if you want other options, check the “Extra Days” tab above.

◘◘ Go up to Lotte World Tower

Towering at 554 meters, this new 123-floor skyscraper just opened last 2017 and it is currently the tallest building in Seoul and the 5th tallest in the world. It contains several cafes, galleries, a luxury hotel, a skywalk, and an observation deck.

Obviously, this is the best place for viewing panoramic views of the cityscape and I highly suggest that you go up to the observatory not only to enjoy the view with a cup of coffee but to also experience its glass floors! Though it was nerve-wracking at first, it was really cool to feel as though I was floating up in the air like that! (Another thing you can enjoy nearby is Lotte World Mall).

NEAREST SUBWAY: Jamsil Station, Exit #2 BOOK: ₩27,000 for adults and ₩24,000 for children (Pay less if you book online ).

BONUS : From April to October, head over to the Han River’s Banpodaegyo Bridge by 8PM (plays every 20 minutes until 9PM) to watch their famous Moonlight Rainbow Fountain show.

I think it’s time to have a meal with the guidance of a local during your Seoul itinerary, so why not try a Seoul street food tour for instance? If you’re not game for that, you can find other food or restaurant options under the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary.

DAY 4: All About JSA

◘◘ Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

It’s no news that the Korean peninsula has long been divided into two countries: North Korea and South Korea. Unfortunately, it was not at all a peaceful separation given the infamous 250km-long buffer zone of the Demilitarized Zone ( DMZ ) that separates the two since 1953.

Today, it is referred to as the most heavily guarded area in the world with battle-ready armies, fences, landmines, and fences on both sides — it’s absolutely one of the scariest places in the world! …And yet, it continues to be a popular major tourist attraction in South Korea that attracts a lot of history buffs and curious folks worldwide who are seeking to witness this surreal land for themselves (people like me).

The available tours currently being held are as follows:

• Panmunjom Joint Security Area (JSA) Tour: This is the most sought-after tour by travelers to South Korea’s DMZ because this is the closest place to North Korean soil that anyone can step into without getting arrested or shot. A tour to JSA will only be possible through an organized tour that is approved by the government and it will basically take the guests to the iconic blue UN building that is smacked on the border — with both North and South Korean soldiers facing one another (as if they’re on a staring showdown). .
• North Korea Center of Unification Board: Shows over a hundred photos and documents showing the stark reality of North Korea.
• Mangbaedan Alter: The spot where Koreans separated from their families in the North. Koreans typically visit this place on New Year’s Day and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) to perform ancestral rites to their home and relatives in the North.
• Bridge of Freedom: Where South Koreans crossed when they were released from North Korea. You will witness a lot of ribbons tied to the fences that each contain messages of hope, peace, and love.
• Dora Observatory: From here, visitors can look closer into North Korea with binoculars as they witness things like the North Korean propaganda village, Kaesong city, and others.
• Dorasan Station: This is the northernmost train stop on South Korea’s railway line and locals hope that it would one day connect North and South Korea when peace finally prevails.

It is possible to combine the two tours above for a whole-day experience during your Seoul itinerary (see here ).

BOOKING LINKS (use promo code AILEEN5OFF to get a 5% discount ) :

• Panmunjom Joint Security Area Tour (JSA) only = ₩85,000~
• Third Tunnel of Aggression only = ₩63,800~
• Panmunjom Joint Security Area Tour (JSA) & Third Tunnel of Aggression combo = ₩130,000~

◘◘ Visit a spa or a jjimjilbang

After your tense morning tour to DMZ, how about you relax and pamper yourself with Korea’s well-liked spa services? Apart from getting a Korean massage , I urge you to experience jjimjilbang or a large gender-segregated public bathhouse complete with hot tubs, showers, traditional Korean kiln saunas, and massage tables.

If you’re a fan of K-dramas, you will probably be familiar with this because it’s a common place that Koreans frequent for spa services. For this, you can visit Dragon Hill Spa (or if you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , it gives you free admission to Sealala jjimjilbang).

NEAREST SUBWAY STATION: Itaewon Station, Exit #3 BOOK: Go to this link to get a discounted rate

ALTERNATIVE : If you rather want to relax in nature during your Seoul itinerary, go over to the World Cup Park, a humongous space that used to be a landfill but has now been turned into a park with 5 different sections: Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park, Haneul (Sky) Park, Noeul (Sunset) Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Nanji Hangang Park. A crowd favorite would be Haneul Park as it’s the highest elevation of the five parks.

I have two options for you for your Seoul itinerary, depending on what you prefer:

• Buffet: Taste all kinds of gourmet food at Tavolo 24 .
• Korean gopchang: Taste the popular stir-fried Korean dish made up of small intestines from cattle or pork (often best paired with soju ) at Aunt’s Grilled Intestines Restaurant .

TIP : You can also check this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals.

DAY 5: Day tour to Gapyeong County

◘◘ Explore Gapyeong County’s wonders

It’s time to venture out of Seoul’s busy metropolis to get some fresh air and tranquility. For this, a day trip to Gapyeong County’s top attractions is recommended for your Seoul itinerary!

READ: My detailed guide on this tour by clicking [ here ].

• Petite France: This is a charming place that serves as both a cultural village and a youth training facility with over 16 French-styled buildings. Petite France is also recognized as a top filming location for Korean dramas like ‘Secret Garden’ and ‘My Love from the Star’. With its European ambiance, it is also somewhat of a tribute to Saint-Exupery, the author of the famous French Novel: ‘Le Petit France’. ~Entrance fee: ₩10,000 adults / ₩5,000 children .
• Nami Island: A half-moon-shaped island nestling inside an artificial lake known for being the filming grounds of the well-known K-drama ‘Winter Sonata’. Nami Island is home to rows of majestic trees, roaming animals, and art exhibits, making it a sought-after destination in every season! I highly recommend that you rent a bike when you’re here; otherwise, there are other activities you can do such as water sports, trying on the roller skating rink, going to the shooting range, and more. ~Entrance fee: ₩13,000 .
• Garden of Morning Calm: This grand 30,000 sqm garden is open all year round and it is regarded as the oldest private garden in Korea with an artistic space that’s sure to leave anyone in awe. The Garden of Morning Calm becomes even more magical during winter (December to March) when they set up hundreds of multi-colored lights to create themed gardens, so make sure that this is on your Seoul itinerary! ~Entrance fee: ₩9,500 adults / ₩6,000 children .
• Gangchon Rail Bike: Built on a discontinued trail line, Gangchon Rail Bike is a fun attraction where you can pedal through old railroad tracks while taking in the amazing Bukhangang River scenery. Rest assured, it doesn’t require much effort to pedal the makeshift carts because the rail lines are slightly sloping downhill. ~Entrance fee: ₩30,000 for a two-seater .
• Edelweiss Park: Edelweiss Park is similar to Petite France, but instead, it focuses more on being a Swiss-based cultural village, so it’s filled with Swiss architecture, establishments, and sceneries. ~Entrance fee: ₩10,000 .

For a hassle-free experience on your Seoul itinerary, it would be advisable to go on a guided tour. Nowadays, there are different packages so feel free to take your pick from any of the combinations below (they often already include a delectable dak-galbi lunch, but there is also a halal option ; don’t forget to use promo code AILEEN5OFF to get a 5% discount ):

• (2 stops) Nami Island + Alpaca World
• (2 stops) Nami Island + Petite France
• (2 stops) Nami Island + The Garden of Morning Calm
• (3 stops) Nami Island + Alpaca World + The Garden of Morning Calm
• (3 stops) Nami Island + The Garden of Morning Calm + Gangchon Rail Bike
• (3 stops) Nami Island + Petite France + The Garden of Morning Calm
• (3 stops) Nami Island + Petite France + Gangchon Rail Bike
• (3 stops) PRIVATE TOUR: Nami Island + Petite France + Gangchon Rail Bike
• (4 stops) Nami Island + Petite France + The Garden of Morning Calm + Gangchon Rail Bike

If not, you can take the ‘Gapyeong Tourist Bus’ which can bring you to all of these locations for only ₩6,000 — the downside though is that the buses run only once every hour, and with the crowds that go to all of these places, it’s likely that the spots get filled quickly. (This is why I suggest going on a guided tour instead.)

I have two options for you, depending on what you prefer:

• Samgyeopsal : Taste this hearty grilled pork belly dish at Palsaik which is very popular with locals.
• Jokbal: Try this Korean dish consisting of soft pig’s trotters cooked in soy sauce and spices at Manjok Ohyang Jokbal .

TIP : You can also check this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary. (Use promo code AILEEN5OFF to get a 5% discount).

Explore other TOP destinations in South Korea

BUSAN Known for its colorful houses, mountains, and the largest fish market in Korea!

JEJU ISLAND South Korea’s top island destination beloved by tourists and locals alike.

TIP : Check out all of the top Instagram spots in Busan to fill up your feed and Seoul itinerary!

◘◘ Family Fun ◘◘

Everland Park South Korea’s largest attraction park.

Lotte World Large indoor and outdoor theme park.

Poo Poo Land Unique and fun place for photo-ops and learning.

Love Museum Seoul’s first and only museum for adults!

◘◘ K-Drama & K-Pop ◘◘

MBC Dae Jang Geum Park Tour Largest historical drama open set in Korea.

K-pop Dance Studio Class Learn popular K-pop dances and choreography.

Seoul Hallyu Kpop Tour Ultimate KPop experience for your Seoul itinerary!

SBS MTV “The Show” Package Backstage access to live sets and broadcasts.

Everland Park Record your own K-Pop song at King Studio.

Korean School Uniform Rental Day rental of a Korean school uniform.

“Oppa” Tour Tour Seoul with an attractive “oppa”!

◘◘ Korean Performances ◘◘

Fireman Show Action-comedy show full of stunts.

CHEF: Bibap Show One of the best Korean musical shows..

The Painters HERO Famous live painting non-verbal performance.

Finding Mr. Destiny Korean musical with subtitles.

Jump – Martial Arts Show Seoul’s favorite martial arts theatre show.

Fanta Stick Show Powerful percussion show.

◘◘ Beauty ◘◘

KPop Shoot & Makeover Full makeover at a famous studio.

Pre-nup Photoshoot Pre-nup shoot with makeup, hair, and clothes.

Korean ID Shoot ID shoot in Korean style makeup and hairstyle.

Korean Salon Service Style your hair in Gangnam’s top salon.

Professional Korean-Style Beauty Consultation Learn about your own personal color based on your skin, etc.

◘◘ Workshops ◘◘

Cooking Class Cook authentic Korean dishes with a local.

Perfume-Making Class Create your own signature scent.

Ring-making Workshop Create your own unique accessories!

Kimchi Class Learn how to make kimchi and topokki!

Handmade Jewelry Experience Learn hands-on exquisite art of jewelry making.

Handmade Stamp Engraving Create your own Korean-style hand engraved seal.

◘◘ Food & Restaurants ◘◘

Assorted Grilled Beef Enjoy a Korean BBQ meal

Budae Jjigae Try budae jjigae, the iconic Korean ‘Army Stew’.

Gogung Bibimbap Specializes in authentic Bibimbap dishes!

Puffer Fish Set The first puffer fish restaurant in Seoul.

Korean Street Food Experience Korean eating and drinking culture!

VIP Seoul Pub Crawl Experience Seoul’s vibrant nightlife!

◘◘ Day Trips from Seoul ◘◘

Minsok Korean Folk Village + Gwangmyeong Cave & Uiwang Rail Bike Day Trip.

Busan Experience the best of Busan.

Booking Essentials

TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)! . However, take note that a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!

The Best Tours in South Korea?

Come and check out this list of the top things to do in South Korea which features the best activities and tours to do in Seoul, Busan, Jeju and more!

There’s still so much to see in Seoul! …But I believe that my Seoul itinerary travel guide here is already a good start.

Please feel free to tweak this itinerary and make full use of my extra activity suggestions in order to make your trip shorter or longer and better fitting for your travel style. Enjoy and do let me know how your trip goes!

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How to start a successful blog, 134 comments.

Your Seoul itinerary guide is a dream come true for wanderers like me! Planning a trip can be overwhelming, but your detailed 5-day plan simplifies everything. From activities to sights, you’ve covered it all. Seoul, here I come—thanks to your fantastic guide! ❤❤❤❤

Going to Paju would be another great option for a day trip from Seoul, especially during the week. It is close, easily reached by bus, and offers amazing landscapes no matter the season.

Seoul is one of my favorite cities in the world! I’m dying to return and explore it more.

If I was given a chance, I would love to go to Seoul. Seoul is one of my dream places to go in the near future and your blog really helps and encourages me to never stop dreaming. Thank you for this :))

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South Korea Visa Requirements for Philippine Citizens

Citizens of the Philippines must have a visa to go to South Korea. Currently, Filipinos need to apply for a visa through the South Korean Embassy.

More about South Korean visa requirements for Philippines citizens can be found below.

Do Filipinos Need a Visa for South Korea?

Yes, citizens of the Philippines require a visa to visit South Korea.

It is not possible to get a South Korea visa on arrival from the Philippines. Travelers must apply at the embassy in advance.

Filipinos can usually stay in South Korea for 90 days with a South Korea tourist visa. To study or work in the Republic of Korea, other types of visas are available.

South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Several different South Korean visas are available to citizens of the Philippines depending on travel plans. Specific requirements depend on the visa type

Travelers from the Philippines need to fill out a visa application form . Basic personal information, contact details, and passport data are required. There are also some health and safety requirements.

Documents Required by Citizens of the Philippines

The full list of required documents differs depending on the visa type.

The following documents are required to apply for a South Korea tourist visa from the Philippines:

• Philippines passport valid for a minimum of 6 months
• Passport-style photograph
• Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
• Payment of the tourist visa fee

Additional supporting documents are required to get a visa to study or work in South Korea .

How to Apply for a South Korea Visa from the Philippines

Filipinos need to make an appointment at the South Korean Embassy to apply for their visa. The South Korean Embassy in the Philippines is located in Metro Manila.

Applicants may download the visa form and fill it out before their appointment.

They must present the completed application form with all the supporting documents at the embassy. They will also need to pay the visa application fee.

South Korea visa applications from the Philippines can be made between 15 days and 3 months before the departure date. Visa processing times vary depending on the embassy and current demand.

South Korea Entry Requirements for Filipino Visitors

Filipino citizens are asked to present the following documents to enter South Korea:

• Philippines passport valid for 6 months
• Valid South Korea visa

A visa does not guarantee entry. South Korean immigration officials are responsible for making the final decision and they may request additional paperwork.

South Korea transit visa for Philippines passport holders

Filipinos do not need a visa to transit through South Korea :

• Incheon International Airport, Seoul— for less than 24 hours for
• Other airports— when departing on the same calendar day

Passengers must stay in the transit area. A visa is required to leave the airport or pass through immigration.

Visit South Korea from the Philippines

Depending on the time of year, there are direct flights from the Philippines to South Korea :

• Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Daegu International Airport (TAE)
• Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Seoul Incheon International Airport (INL)

There are also flights with one or more stops to other South Korean destinations such as Jeju Island .

Korean Embassy in the Philippines

Find below the details of the South Korea Embassy in Metro Manila, the Philippines:

122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Philippines

South Korea announces third visa-free entry route for Filipinos   

As Hallyu, or Korean Wave, continues to captivate people worldwide including in the Philippines through K-pop and dramas, South Korea has launched another visa-free program for Filipinos.

The Korean Embassy in the Philippines and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila Office announced a new visa-free entry program for Filipino group tourists. 

Starting March 15, Filipino group tourists can enter South Korea visa-free through Muan International Airport. 

(Clockwise from top left) Damyang Metasequoia, Jeonju Bibimbap, Suncheonman Bay and Suncheonman Bay National Garden (KTO)

(Clockwise from top left) Damyang Metasequoia, Jeonju Hanok Village, Suncheonman Bay and Naejangsan National Park (KTO)

This is the third regional airport of Korea where Filipino tourists are allowed to enter without securing a Korean tourist visa following Jeju International Airport and Yangyang International Airport.

Muan International Airport is in Jeolla Province, found in the southwestern part of mainland Korea. 

Further divided into two provinces–North Jeolla (Jeollabuk-do) and South Jeolla (Jeollanam-do)--Jeolla Province possesses 15 of Korea’s 100 must-visit tourist spots. 

These include Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonju, Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation in Boseong, Naejangsan National Park in Jeongeup and Sunchang, and Purple Island in Sinan. 

Jeolla Province is also known as one of Korea’s must-visits when it comes to Korean food particularly the Jeonju Bibimbap.

To promote Jeolla Province and to further enhance the connection between Korea and Southeast Asia, nationals from three Asian countries, including the Philippines, were granted the visa-free entry to Jeolla Province via Muan International Airport, valid from March 15, 2023 until March 31, 2024. 

Allowed areas of travel include the whole Jeolla Province: North (Jeollabuk-do) Province, South Jeolla (Jeollanam-do) Province, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and Jeju Island.

To be eligible for this program, one must join a group tour arranged by eight designated travel agencies, and are scheduled to fly in and out of Muan on the same direct flight with the group consisting of five or more members. 

The group will be issued a tourist/transit visa, instead of a short-term visit visa, and will be allowed to stay for 15 days. 

Full list of designated travel agencies can be found on the Korean Embassy’s visa announcement page.

In June 2022, Gangwon Province announced a visa-free entry for Filipino group tourists’ scheme via their regional airport, Yangyang International Airport. 

Allowed areas of travel include Gangwon Province and Seoul Metropolitan Area (Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province). 

Meanwhile, visa-free entry to Jeju Island was resumed the same month. Filipino tourists must fly directly to Jeju Island or through a third country that does not require a visa. Tourists visiting Jeju without a visa must stay within the island only.

My Korean Visa Application Approved — Here are 5 Steps for Filipinos

A few years ago, I processed my South Korea visa application at the Korean Embassy in Manila, and last year, at the Korean Consulate in Cebu . Now, you have several options to apply for your Korean visa — via one of the accredited travel agencies , schedule a Korean visa online appointment (for Cebu applicants), or walk-in at the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Taguig City.

Let me share with you the simple steps to apply for a Korean visa for Filipinos.

Steps to apply for a Korean visa for Filipinos

Step 1: gather your korean visa requirements.

The South Korea visa requirements vary depending on your type of visa. Check the Korean Embassy in Manila or Korean Consulate in Cebu  to know your Korean visa requirements. I applied for a Korean visa for employees .

Korean visa requirements for employees:

• Application Form (this is the revised Korean visa application form updated on 7 Feb 2022)
• 1 piece Passport size coloured picture (to be pasted on the form)
• Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
• Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
• Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted)
• Original Certificate of Employment (including applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, address, office landline number, e-mail address)
• Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
• Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
• Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 (Checked by BIR with stamp)
• Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)

If personally invited by a Korean

• Invitation Letter
• Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required)

If invited by a company in Korea

• Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit (authentication not required)

Step 2: Fill out the Korean visa application form

Print out the new Korean visa application form in an A4 size bond paper.

Tips in filling out your Korean visa application form:

• Write your information carefully. Avoid erasures at all costs. Do note that you should write in BLOCK LETTERS , meaning ALL CAPS. Put N/A  for fields that are not applicable to you.
• If your handwriting sucks, you can download the .docx format of the Korean visa application form . Type all the information and print it. It’s neat and will save you more time than writing.

Important fields to need to take note of

1.7 국가신분증번호 National Identity No. 

Put  N/A because Filipinos don’t have this yet, unless you already have your national ID.

2.2 체류자격 Status of Stay

Write C-3-9 TOURIST if you are applying for a Korean tourist visa.

8.9. 동반입국 가족 유무 기재 Are you traveling to Korea with any family member?

Family Members only include your spouse , father , mother , children , brothers , and sisters . Your de facto partners, boyfriend or girlfriend, and friends are NOT family members, so don’t put them on the list even though you’re traveling with them.

10.2 경비지불자 Who will pay for your travel-related expenses?

a) 성명/회사(단체)명 Name of Person/Company(Institute)

If you are funding your travel, write your name. If not, provide the name of the person/s or institute who will fund you.

b) 관계 Relationship to you

Self or your relationship to the person/s or institute funding you.

c) 지원내용 Type of Support

If you are paying for yourself, write “ FINANCIAL SUPPORT ” or  write which part of your trip will be funded (eg. FLIGHTS, HOTELS, TOURS, etc.).

Sample Korean visa application form completely filled out for your reference:

Tip: Under the 8.4 Address in Korea section, you can pick any hotel on Klook or Agoda and use the hotel’s address and contact information. If you really intend to stay in that hotel, make sure that it has a free cancellation policy so you won’t be charged if your Korean visa gets denied or if you change your mind later on. You may check out Lotte Hotel Seoul which was what I used in my Korean visa application.

Step 3: Submit your Korean visa requirements

Put all your documents in a secure envelope or folder and submit them to any of the  accredited travel agencies in the Philippines , Korean Consulate in Cebu on your scheduled Korean visa online appointment date, or to the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Manila for walk-in applicants.

• If you lack some documents like Income Tax Return (ITR), be sure to create a cover letter explaining why you failed to submit one. You may refer to my Korean visa without ITR guide and Korean visa for self-employed Filipinos .
• May also attach some supporting documents to prove your capacity to fund your travel such as credit card statements and properties you own.
• Follow my tips on how to increase your chances of visa approval .

South Korea visa fees 2024

• 59 days (or less) stay in Korea — GRATIS or FREE
• 60 to 90 days stay in Korea — ₱2,000
• If you’re applying via the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) , there is a service fee of ₱900 on top of the South Korea visa fees.
• If you’re applying via an accredited travel agency, handling fees could vary. For instance, RELI Tours & Travel charges ₱2,400 to process your South Korea visa application inclusive of ₱1,500 handling fee and ₱900 visa fee.

Step 4: Wait for your South Korea visa

After submitting all your Korean visa requirements, you just have to wait for it.

South Korea visa processing time 2024

The Korean Embassy in Manila announced that the South Korea visa processing period for short term visit takes up to 7 working days . However, it could take more days, depending on your circumstance or the number of applications. For reference, I got my Korean visa in Cebu after 10 working days.

Tip: You can already apply for your South Korea tourist visa at least two months (60 days) before your intended travel date.

Step 5: Check your Korean visa online and claim your Philippine passport

You just have to trust and wait for the verdict. You can check your Korean visa status online . KVAC or your travel agency will contact you via SMS when your Philippine passport (with or without a South Korea visa) will be ready for pick up.

If, unfortunately, you get denied, you can re-apply only after three (3) months.

All the best in your Korean visa application. Let us know how it goes by connecting with us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube .

Excited to plan your South Korea trip? Check out our guides:

• 5-day Korea winter itinerary
• 5-day Korea spring itinerary
• Korea SIM Card or pocket WiFi guide
• Korea T-Money Card guide
• Discover Seoul Pass guide
• Korean street food list
• Korean pasalubong list
• Lotte World Seoul guide
• N Seoul Tower guide
• Nami Island guide

Popular South Korea experiences

Popular hotels in seoul.

Disclaimer: Although I was granted a single-entry South Korea visa, this doesn’t mean that I’m already a Korean visa expert. I still encourage you to ask the Korean Embassy in the Philippines  or the Korean Consulate in Cebu for your specific questions and concerns.

• TRAVEL GUIDES
• DESTINATIONS
• ADVENTURE TRIPS
• HOTELS & RESORTS
• FIND HOTELS WITH DISCOUNTED RATES!

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Visa-free entry to south korea starting june 1, 2022.

Planning a trip to South Korea this 2022? Take advantage of the Visa-Free Entry to South Korea for Filipinos and other nationalities!

Visa-free entry to south korea for filipinos, visa free entry to jeju island south korea.

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Visa Free Entry to Yangyang South Korea

• Booked a tour program arranged by a designated travel agency
• Are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Scheduled to fly in and out of Yangyang airport on the same flight with the tour group consisting of 5 or more people
• Comply with quarantine measures such as being fully vaccinated before entering the Republic of Korea.
• Arrive and depart Yangyang airport on the same flight as a group.
• Agree to be accompanied by a local staff and to pay the service fee
• Agree to provide information necessary for tour group entry such as personal information.

To help you plan your trip to South Korea, please check out these blog posts:

• Seoul, South Korea Travel Guide Blog with Budget and DIY Itinerary
• Sample South Korea Itinerary for 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour
• Nami Island and Petit France Day Tour from Seoul
• A Peek to North Korea vis DMZ Day Tour from Seoul
• Discover Seoul Pass Attraction Tickets

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1 comment :.

Planning to travel this May or June with my family. As Philippine passport holders, can we fly directly to Jeju Island without employing a Philippine Travel agency? Also, is a Travel or medical insurance required and also PCR test etc? Help please.

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

How to Apply For South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos

Plan your next South Korea trip! Here’s our guide for Filipinos about applying for South Korea tourist visa. Enjoy the Land of the Morning Calm.

With the popularity of ‘Hallyu’ or the Korean wave, whether it be Korean drama, K-pop, or anything related to Korea, it’s not surprising that a lot of people want to go here. But of course, there’s more to see in South Korea other than those we mentioned! Its unique culture, fabulous fashion, delicious food, and awesome lifestyle, anyone would fall in love with this beautiful country!

However, for us Filipinos, we still need to obtain a tourist visa before we can enter South Korea. But don’t worry as applying for a visa is not that difficult as long as you have the right and complete requirements (and of course the right amount of money). And in this article, we prepared you a guide about the requirements needed and other important information you must know in applying for a tourist visa to South Korea .

ADVISORY: As per Embassy of South Korea, starting August 23, 2022 , visa processing is 25-30 working days.  

• Top 6 Most Photogenic Places in Seoul, South Korea
• South Korea Travel Guide: 25 Day Trips That You Can Do in South Korea
• How far will your $10 go in South Korea?
• Soul Searching at Seoul Forest in South Korea
• Teaching English in South Korea

Table of Contents

Facts about South Korea

• Korean babies are considered 1 year old at the time of their birth.
• It is legal in South Korea to drink alcohol in public.
• If a Korean’s name is written in red ink, it indicates that the person is about to die or is already dead. So, never write a South Korean’s name with red ink (if he/she is alive and healthy).
• South Koreans believe that the number 4 is bad luck, the same as Japan.
• South Korea has the world’s fastest internet speed.
• Jinro Soju is the world’s best-selling liquor. 

Main requirements in applying for South Korea Tourist Visa

• A Valid Passport (It should be valid for more than 6 months)

• Completed Visa Application Form . Read our guide on  How to Fill Out a South Korea Visa Application Form [Step by Step Guide]

• 1 Passport size colored photo.
• Passport Bio-page on page 2 (Photocopy)
• Valid visa/s and arrival stamps to any OECD countries for the past 5 years if applicable (original and photocopy)
• Original copy of the applicant’s bank certificate (it must include current balance, account type, account opening date, and ADB). 
• Bank statement (it must be original or certified copy of bank statements or passbook within the last 3 months).  

Remember to always keep your Bank Statement and Bank Certificate receipt, they usually ask for this too.

Supporting Documents for South Korea Tourist Visa

For employees

• Income Tax Return / ITR or Form 2316.
• Original copy of Certificate of Employment (applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline (not cellphone number), and HR e-mail address must be included.
• Copy of IBP Card or PRC Card (only if applicable).

For Business Owners

• Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Photocopy)
• Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit (Photocopy)

For Students

• Original School Certificate
• Copy of School ID
• Copy of Birth Certificate

• Parent’s Documents (read the main requirements above and the status of parents if they’re employed or self-employed), and a copy of NSO Marriage Certificate .

For other status, check the list here . 

If you’re invited by a Korean National

• Invitation letter ;
• Photocopy of Inviter’s passport or ID Card (authentication is not required).

If you’re invited by a Company in Korea

• Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit (authentication is not required).

Visa Processing Fee for South Korea Tourist Visa

The tourist visa itself is free if you will stay for less than 60 days. But if you plan to stay in South Korea for 60-90 days, you need to pay PHP 2,000. The processing fee, however, may depend on the travel agency, but it ranges from PHP 500 – PHP 2,000, and this is required.

Embassy in the Philippines

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines Address: 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines Contact number: Tel: +63-2-8856-9210 Fax: +63-2-8856-9008 Office hours: Monday –  Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Note: You don’t need to go or contact the embassy of Korea when you apply for the visa. All visa applications must be done at any of their accredited travel agencies ONLY. Contact the embassy if you have other personal concerns.

Check the list of their accredited agencies here.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Korea Tourist Visa

1. Do I need to provide a ‘show money’, if yes, how much should I have?

Yes. Since the embassy requires applicants to provide a copy of their bank statement and bank certificate. As per tourist agencies, a budget of at least USD 100 per day per person is needed and of course allowance for the flight tickets. 

2. I don’t have an ITR, what should I do?

Just write an explanation/ cover letter to the Korean Embassy stating the reason why you can’t provide an ITR.

3. I’ve been to some of the OECD member countries within 5 years, do I still need to submit all the documents?

No. Frequent travelers who have been to any OECD member countries (excluding Japan) within 5 years are exempted to submit an ITR.

4. I want to apply for a Multiple-Entry Visa, is there any qualifications?

Yes. If you’ve traveled to Korea for 4 times within 2 years or more than 10 times in total, with at least 1 of the visits is within 2 years, then you can apply for a Multiple-Entry Visa. Read  How to Apply For Five Year Multiple Entry South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos .

5. I want to visit Jeju Island, do I still need to have a visa?

No, Filipinos don’t need a visa to go to Jeju. You can stay on the island for up to 30 days.

6. Do I need to book a flight and accommodation before I apply for the visa?

It is not required to have a confirmed ticket and accommodation before you apply. A RESERVED flight ticket and hotel accommodation are advisable (with free cancellation is much better). Don’t take a risk of buying a plane ticket and booking accommodation when you’re not really sure if your visa will get approved or denied. Renting a flight is highly recommended as it’s cheap and reliable.

7. Do I need to have travel insurance ?

Though South Korea is perfectly a safe country, we still recommend you get travel insurance . We don’t know what will happen during your trip. So, having one is advisable!

8. What if my visa got denied?

If your visa got denied, no worries as you can re-apply after 6 months. Just make sure to fully review your documents before you submit them.

For more details, visit the main website of the Embassy of South Korea in the Philippines .

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2 thoughts on “ How to Apply For South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos ”

Hello! I think going to Jeju needs a visa for Filipino passport holders started last year. Has this been lifted already? No need to apply for a permit or visa going to Jeju now?

I think it has been visa-free as always but there were travel restrictions to tourists during the pandemic

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DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help. Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.

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South Korea Tour Package from the Philippines

Welcome to the home of the Hallyu wave! Visit the shooting locations of popular dramas such as Descendants of the Sun and Winter Sonata. Try on a hanbok and savor the experience of the wonder that is Korean cuisine! South Korea derives its name from one of its earliest dynasties, the Goguryeo dynasty, which has been around since the time of the Silk Road. It is located in the Korean Peninsula and separated from North Korea by the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a strip of land that serves as a border between the two countries. The country’s neighbors include Japan in the east side, and China on the west. You can choose the Korean Drama Special Package, particularly geared towards filming locations used for Korean dramas, or avail the normal package. A tour in the city gives you a chance to admire the modern architecture. For one, South Korea has plenty of delights to offer.

4 Days 3 Nights

 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS TOUR 

Our three (3) nights, four (4) days package takes you on a fun ride from the incheon international airport to gyeongbok palace, tour package itinerary:, day one:   arrival & transfers .

Arrive at Incheon International Airport. From there, you will meet the tour guide. Visit Nami Island. The half moon-shaped island is famous due its role in the Korean drama Winter Sonata . It also happens to be one of the most famous tourist destinations in Korea.  Aside from being one of the most flocked to tourist attractions in South Korea, Nami Island has also been viewed as a center of peace, prosperity, and happiness, due to its location and inspiring landscapes. 

Nami island, peaceful, and crescent-shaped, stands not too far from seoul, which is why a lot of people prefer to visit nami island as a tourist destination. it houses enough amenities, with educational centers, shops for crafts and design as well as food aplenty in the area. the island was named for a general during the joseon period. the general had died at a young age, after his fortunes had downturned. his grave is unmarked but it is said that there was a pile of stones where he was supposed to be buried; if anyone gets any stone, then ill luck will befall the house of whoever takes the stone., nami island is considered a micronation; it has its own currency, stamp and telephone card. the island has hosted many events promoting art, culture and various causes. one can travel to the island via: traveling by train to gapyeong station, walking or taking a cab from the station to the ferry wharf. there are no hotels in the island. the nearest ones would be located in gapyeong., amongst its must-sees are the central korean pine tree lane, gingko tree lane, and riverside paths. all of them can be easily sighted, and walked to. the iconic winter sonata statues are located specifically in gongsaengwon garden., petite france (optional tour) – be amazed at the french architecture this french cultural village holds stroll around the complex with your friends, enjoy the fresh air and view. the small village hosts a figure antoine saint-expeury’s iconic and most beloved character, the little prince as well as a figure of michael jackson you can admire., from afar one would think from the looks of the architecture of petite france that one would be in a foreign country. however, it’s only part and parcel of petite france, a cultural village and youth training center. its architecture is modelled after those in france. the owner of petite france got the idea to build petite france after he visited france. from there, he was inspired to recreate the beauty of french architecture. the village pays tribute to the creator of the little prince. in fact, there’s even a hall dedicated to him. you can also find a miniature eiffel tower inside the petite france complex., in the village, there are plenty of photo spots. there are also props from the korean dramas that have filmed in petite france, for tourists to pose with. for a start, tourists can begin with the antiques flea market. the area where you can find the filming spot for beethoven virus, and maestro and outdoor cafes, and the event hall of petite france. the latter area is connected to the observatory. from this observatory, you can get a gist of cheongpyeongho lake. on the far end of the complex, you can find the exhibition halls for antique porcelains and grand display of european-style living room. bringing a map is highly recommended., the location is accessible by taxi and subway. the place emits strong romantic vibes, so bringing your significant other here is a very recommended option – or rather, a must., after dinner, check in the hotel., day two:   everland.

Depart for Yongin the next day. One of Seoul’s major cities, Yongin houses Everland, the country’s largest theme park, the Hoam Art Museum and the Korean Folk Village, amongst several tourist attractions.  In the Korean Folk Village, you’ll get to try on hanbok , which is the national attire of South Korea. You will also get the chance to create your own kimchi. The site is famous for its nature as a “living museum”; the whole set is interactive and educational, with parts of it modeled after the structure of a village during the time periods of traditional up to the late Joseon era of South Korea. Food is cheap and accessible here. 

Go to everland, which is located not too far from there. aside from being the nation’s largest theme park, everland enjoys fame due to the animals it houses.  get to know the animals at zootopia if you love animals. for the thrillseekers, you can opt to catch t express, hurricane and especially the horror maze. go a long way with our unlimited ticket., everland is a theme park featuring many attractions and to south korea, it is their biggest theme park. it operates from 10am to 10pm daily. the prices for everland tickets vary, depending the method of purchase. the theme park is divided into five spots, with all their different attractions. in global fair, there are restaurants and amazing architecture where you can take plenty of great photos with. this area is mostly full of shops and restaurants. american adventure: adrenaline rush features the most extreme ride from everland. hurricane adventure can send you nineteen (19) feet off the ground; hold tight as the pendulum-patterned columbus adventure rocks back and forth. get to pet cute animals and get up and close with geese or even manage to book a private guided tour with a professional animal trainer in everland zootopia couples can go have their caricatures made and painted during white day; the theme park offers a wide range of transportation options like lifts., the theme park can be reached through bus and shuttle ride. when booking for everland, avoid mid-july to mid-august, chuseok holidays, christmas, and new year, as the crowds can get pretty heavy during those times of the year. the park is friendly to children as well as pwds. some prefer to purchase cute card holders from the park itself., catch up to waujeongsa temple, which is accessible via  subway. waujeongsa temple was founded by a displaced monk, kim hae-geum. the reason for the founding of the temple was for the reunification of north and south korea. the founder, kim hae-geum had been displaced during the korean war. it boasts of well-made statues, its holy ground adorned with colorful and varied buddhist symbols. don’t forget to pay your respects in the temple; this is holy ground, after all., after the visit to waujeongsa temple, maximize your trip to dongseohogno. after all, what is a visit to south korea without grabbing some of their famous beauty products dongseohogno is located in daegu, south korea. it’s also considerably near luxury stores. from stores to theatres to bookstores, the space in dongseohogno is aptly and well divided to keep one busy and happy. enjoy window-shopping, shopping and some me-time while in dongseohogno , day three:   seoul.

Following breakfast, you will be toured around Seoul. There, you will experience Duty Free Shopping and Cosmetic Shop in Lotte Shopping Mall. Lotte, founded in 1979, has since become one of the leading shopping centers in the country. The mall is easy to access with public commute. The store also has virtually everything, from simple and domestic items up to branded products coming from overseas. Fear not – they accept credit cards here. 

Don’t forget to have a list of products you want to check out ready with korea being a hot destination for makeup and skincare, many people choose to buy korean beauty products due to their low cost as well as effectivity. , after dinner, check in with the hotel for your resting time or you can also opt to take an optional tour of the city. , seoul city tour (optional tour) – this tour is accessible by nighttime, afternoon and daytime, with options for the whole night, or for half-day. meet your tour guide in a specified bus. from there, you will be guided to places you can access within the urban maze of seoul. the trip takes four hours so make sure to allot time, water, good shoes and plenty of patience. your guide will speak in english, as to be understood. the city of seoul is more than 400 years old; its geography as well as character have lent the country plenty of importance across history. in olden times, seoul used to be a walled city of chosun, its people constantly worried about invasions by land and sea. it was no surprise that a tower was eventually built, from which the night watchman would be able to guard and stay on the lookout for any potential danger coming for the city. this tower, now the n seoul tower, is one of the highlights of this city tour. from your hotel, you will pass by namsan hanok village, n seoul tower, seoullo 7107, ddp (led rose garden) and then dongdaemun., day four:   incheon.

After breakfast, you will go to Gyeongbok Palace. Gyeongbok – or Gyeongbokgung- is the Northern Palace due to its location and direction. Historical, ancient and still majestic despite its age (it was built in the mid-15th century), the palace hosts two museums. You can access a restroom here. It is closed on Tuesdays and open every day of the week. The offices inside the palace have miraculously remained untouched. 

The palace happens also to be the largest palace in south korea. it is found a stone’s throw away from the blue house, which is the presidential residence of the leader of south korea. when in here, take an hour up to two hours to be able to stroll around, enjoy the sights, and mull over the complexity of the imperial south korean architecture. the grounds here are spacious.,  while the palace had been twice destroyed, it still stands. it used to sire 500 buildings long ago. after a time where it had been damaged due to a political rift, the efforts would be put away for naught, due to the japanese invasion of south korea. the invasion would once again damage the palace., if you are a fan of joseon era dramas, or happen to be interested in korean history, then this part of the itinerary is perfect for you to immerse yourself in. wear walking shoes and bring water while in here; the stroll will be long and full of learnings. try to avoid crowds as well., transfer to icn for departure via the korean food and souvenir supermarket. , the lunch for the day will be the maru shabu (beef) and salad bar. please note there will be an additional usd 5.00 charge during holidays and weekends. , changdeok palace (optional tour) – this tour is only available every tuesday. during 1997, it was acknowledged by the united nations as a heritage site during the committee meeting in naples, italy. its rear garden was built during the reign of king taejong. as much as possible, human hands were forbidden to lay a hand on it. the exception to this rule only happens when it is absolutely necessary to do so. the palace also serves as the burial and final resting place of the members of the royal family., **please be advised that the itinerary can be changed in accordance with local conditions without any further notice. .

5 Days 4 Nights

  5 DAYS  4 NIGHTS TOUR

For almost a week, travel from chungjuho lake to gyeongbok palace.

Arrival will be at the majestic Incheon International Airport. The airport houses amenities you can avail of in order to relax. There is a nearby hotel, lounge and relaxation center, consisting of a spa and personal care. From the Incheon International Airport, you will be transferred to the Chungju Cruise, which you will take to ferry across the nation’s largest lake, Chungju.

Admire and enjoy the fresh air in the nation’s most famous and gargantuan lake, chungjuho. chungjuho was formed after the chungju dam was built. during the process of building chungju dam, across three regions, 66.48km’s size of area ended up submerged. despite the losses, the manmade lake would eventually become a prominent tourist spot location. from the five ferry docks on chungjunaru, you can take a look at the lake. chungju dam houses its main ferry dock, with cheongpunaru, janghoenaru and gudambong peak and okunsubong peak are located. danyangnaru can be found in danyang-eup, with woraknaru near woraksan mountain. the lake is accessed by ferry on cruises; these cruises leave from the chungju dam ferry terminal. these ferries are easy to come by during the summer time; every hour, you can catch them by the site. in the winter, they are rather scarce.  ,   after dinner, you may now sign in your hotel. .

Following breakfast, you will experience being taught how to make kimchi and wearing a hanbok in your trip to the interactive Korean Folk Village in Yongi. Go to Everland and enjoy the attractions there with our unlimited ticket.

Pay your respects at weoljungsa temple. woljungsa temple is a temple of the jogye order of korean buddhism. it is located in pyeongchang, gangwon. the temple has many items that are of high cultural value: four national treasures, and five other designated treasures. in the main hall, you can find a figure of gautama buddha. another important figure that you can find in the temple is the famed medicine buddha. the pose of the figure is said to be an offering one, its figure wearing a crown, its face long and its long hair obscuring its ears. you can spot a necklace carved along its neck. others have speculated the figurine comes from the 11th century., woljungsa temple’s legendary octagonal nine-story pagoda is one of the treasures present in the temple. it is believed to have been constructed in the 10th century. it is also believed to represent other 9th to 10th century pagodas present during the goryeo period in south korea. its original base stone is no longer present; it is now replaced. the flat stone laid in its base is carved with lotus flowers., after the visit to the temple, maximize your trip to dongseohogno, the nation’s busiest street, with some shopping. for a more extensive experience in the illustrious everland, you can avail our everland optional tour. , everland tour (optional tour)   – from your hotel, transfer to everland directly. stroll across everland, familiarize yourself with the animals and infrastructures there. after lunch, you will get to experience the everland festival. the everland festival is the highlight of its tour; everland is no stranger to festivals. the theme park hosts a wide array of festivals across the months. from january to february, the winter wonderland festival is celebrated while in march-april and may-june, the rose festival and tulip festivals are celebrated. in july-september, one can feast in time for the summer splash while september-october, one can celebrate in the happy haloween feast. the last feast for the year of everland is the winter wonderland. retire freely to your hotel once the tour is over., day three:   gwangmyeong cave with wine  .

Get to have a cave and wine tour in one in the Gwangmyeong Cave, which is the first destination after breakfast. The cave is a tourism attraction due to its history. Despite its long history of use, it has still retained its cultural value. 

Be greeted by the colorful lights in gwangmyeong cave; the cave entrance is full of colorful led lights. the cave used to be a mine. when it opened to the public in 2011 after it was purchased by gwangmyeong city and converted into a cave theme park, it has since been used as a venue for screenings, concerts, fashion shows, and other exhibitions. the cave features a golden waterfall, golden path, golden palace and a statue of aisha. the latter is one of the most notorious artifacts in the cave. according to urban legend, whoever gets to touch the coins in aisha’s statue’s hand will live a life of prosperity and happiness in the future., the in-cave attractions in the cave include wormhole square, cave underground world, golden road, and modern history museum. the wine cave here measures 194m long. the wines being tasted here are 170. while the cave has long been used before as a mine, there are still traces of it behind. the trip here is a memorable journey into 100 years of history. a plus: after the wine tasting, you can buy the wine you like the best., after that, proceed to hyundai cruise, where you will be treated to a fun excursion admire the scenic waterway, as well as the warmth, generosity and kindness of locals, who will give you help across your way. , day four:   seoul, enjoy the best of what seoul has to offer, itinerary for today will be the famed n seoul tower. the n seoul tower is famous for its view of the seoul cityscape as well as for being the national symbol of seoul. the n seoul tower also happens to be the highest point in seoul. networks such as sbs and kbs get their signals from this point. it is divided into three main sections. these are the n lobby, n plaza and n tower. its attractions include the namsam tower, lighting of the tower, love padlocks and wishing pond and observatory.  , to ride the tower, many ride the namsan cable car. the panoramic view from up is one of the many things that tourists, particularly photographers, enjoy in this spot. the tower is surrounded by several attractions south korea offers, including namsan park and namsangol hanok village. the pricing of the fees depends on the age group: children, elderly, adults and teenagers., the tower uses led technology to give the visitors of the tower a more fun as well as more interactive experience. they offer shows, including “reeds of light” and “shower of light.” to commemorate earth days, the lights are usually shut off. usually, on 6pm, the lights are turned off. the lights are turned on from sunset to 11pm., the love padlocks located here count as one of korean couples’ favorite pasttimes. it is situated on the 2nd floor of the tower. the practice has since been depicted on korean comics and dramas and movies. love padlocks are portrayed usually as an activity where couples buy a lock and key and put their messages, initials and symbols with pens on the surface of the lock. after the lock is secured, the key will eventually be thrown away. the practice mimics the padlocks found on the pont neuf bridge., a decade ago, the teddy bear museum was opened with a 7-meter christmas tree spattered with more than a hundred teddy bears. this event had been held at the tower. the teddy bears showcased here were meant to represent the past, present and future of seoul., in 2016, the tower won the tourism award in the seoul city culture awards. it also garnered grand prize in the 2016 korea’s first, world’s best awards. additionally, this year, it was designated as part of seoul’s future heritage by the local seoul metropolitan government. not to be outdone, this year, the tower received a plaque of appreciation from the energy network of korea ngo., hoard prized and cult favorite korean products during the free shopping at myeongdong. myeongdong is considered a major shopping center. it also is a commercial area, with a main shopping, parade route and tourism district. recently, it was hailed as the 9th most expensive shopping street in the world. aside from shopping, it is known for being near historical sites. , myeongdong is accessible via train. korean cosmetic brands, such as innisfree, too cool for school, usually dominate the street but it is not hard to find stores for clothes here. the business hub of seoul can be found in this district alongside myeongdong cathedral. the place has been around since the joseon dynasty; back then it was a residential area. its name was changed when south korea was put under the rule of japan, to “myeongchijong” and under that period, myeongdong became a commercial area. after the independence of south korea was declared, it became the district of myeongdong., it is estimated almost 2 million people everyday come here for their shopping needs. most of the items that can be found here are targeted towards younger people. these include petite female japanese tourists who scour the streets of myeongdong every night to look for trendy finds. if you are looking for tom ford, louis vuitton, then you will not have a hard time looking for them in this area. smaller brands can also be found here in myeongdong but one has to have a quick eye and check out the smaller alleys in order to locate them in the area., for people who don’t enjoy shopping very much, myeongdong can still be of value to them. the food is cheap, and tastes good. the area is also very spacious, to host countless restaurants, while you can also access tasty and unique street food. on a cold night, the street food make an excellent choice; it can keep you warm. myeongdong is best recommended to be explored in during the latter part of the day, when the lights are on, and the streets are packed., on the side, the myeongdong cathedral should not be missed . the cathedral is built in the gothic style and is esteemed as one of the most important cathedrals in the world., nanta (optional tour)  – it is a famous musical and burlesqueshow, noted for its use of nonverbal performance and the high number of the people who have watched it. popular, it’s no doubt why locals and tourists alike tout the show as a must-see experience. nanta also received an award for best urban program in 2009 and accommodates 750,000 foreign visitors per year. it uses rhythms from korean folk music with modern musical forms in order to create a unique sound and experience., day five:   seoul/incheon, depart for gyeongbok palace after breakfast. this palace was built in the 14th century and better known as the “northern palace” due to its location., the next destination, the national palace museum can be found south of heungnyeum gate.  learn about the rich history of south korea during the tour in national palace museum. you will pass by the deoksugang stonewall. it is a picturesque pathway where one can pass through. it is located right next to deoksugang palace, befitting its name., for the last destination will be the ginseng center. the national ginseng center gives you a free taste of ginseng honey tea. the tour will also give you an overview of the history of ginseng here in korea., departure will be set following it..

6 Days 5 Nights

6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS TOUR

Sign up for a fun tour across korea that not only heightens the senses, but also nourishes the mind, arrival will be at incheon international airport. , you will be transferred to chungju lake cruise, which happens to be a peak tourist destination in korea due to its aquatic and skyline views.  on and aboard your ferry, you can admire and enjoy the fresh air in the nation’s largest lake, chungjuho.  the creation of this manmade lake had come at the cost of the submergence of three regions and the production of the chungju dam in the mid-1980s. ironically, after it was created, people have since flocked to it to admire its view as well as size. its fresh water and clean air, surrounded by amazing scenery are just a few reasons to see this lake., admission to the lake is free; prices vary per ferry. ferries operate in five sides of the lake, but the most popular route for it is the chungjunaru cruise. another ferry runs as far as shin dayang; its ride features amazingly scenic sights. in the summer, the schedule for the ferry is bound to change. in the winter, the boat runs daily in every 2 hours while in the summer, the boat runs per hour from 9 am to 4:30 pm., after dinner, you may now sign in your hotel. you may also opt to go for an optional tour. , petite france (optional tour) – located in the gapyeong region, you can choose to come here via cab or subway. petite france is a beautiful cultural village that pays homage to antoine saint-expeury’s the little prince, a famous book character. korean dramas like  my love from the stars ,  beethoven virus and  secret garden have filmed in this location. the complex features plenty of buildings in the french style of architecture. it also does not hurt that this small cultural village has a decent number of cafes and restaurants where you can eat., day two:  andong, the first locale will be andong hahoe. the andong hahoe is a preserved village built in the traditional joseon era style. it also used to be home to the ryu clan of pungsan.  gyeomam ryu un-ryong and seoae ryu seong-ryong, two scholars from the joseon era, were born here. aside from the architecture, the site has also preserved folk traditions, valuable books and village customs. there, you can step back in time and see what life was like for koreans in the olden times. the village derives it name from nakdong river, which surrounds the perimeter of the town. the town is situated at the foothills of hwasan mountain., the town center is populated by large tile-roofed houses belonging to the ryu clan, adding their own unique charm to the surrounding thatched roofs. aside from that, the village boasts of plenty of natural beauties as well. the village houses unique styles of architecture, from the confucian school in the area; it also maintains folk arts such as the hahae mask dance drama. the latter is a shamanist ritual which honors the communal spirits of the village., the nakdong river flows around it, with buyongdae cliff, endlessly unfolding sand beaches, lush pine trees and more. visitors here can appreciate a panoramic view, from buyongdae cliff. among its attractions nearby are bongjeongsa temple (built during the silla period), gosan seowon (confucian academy), gwiraejeong, gyemyeongsan mountain recreational forest, hakgasan mountain recreational forest, and waryongsan mountain.andong hahoe was added unesco world heritage list under the category of “historic villages in korea” on july 31, 2010. it is also in andong hahoe that the autumn festival is held every year., nowadays, the village is divided into two. these are the namchon (south village) and pukchon (north village) with the ryu clan of pungsan. the ryu clan branches have split the two halves amongst themselves. this spot has become more famous after queen elizabeth ii visited it., proceed to daegu donghwasa temple, which was formerly known as yugasa temple. built by monk geukdal, the temple is sectioned into three sides found in the front and the center. its pillars are considered its main attractions. in the corner, you can see the seolbeopjeon hall. its name was changed to donghwasa temple due to the fact that in the locale, phoenix trees still bloomed even if it was winter. the temple had experienced constant destruction and rebuilding., there are plenty of national cultural relics found in the temple, like the geumdangan 3-floor stone thrower and donghwasa construction rods. the name of the temple roughly translates to “paulownia blossom temple”. during the rebuilding of the temple in 832, it was said that paulownia blossoms bloomed all over the temple., the main hall, bongseoru hall, is named after a phoenix. a set of railings shaped like dragons can be found on either side of the stairs. a pair of stone phoenixes with a pair of circular stone balls can be found in the center. the temple’s renowned elevated pavilion can be reached on the right side., after a flight of stairs, you can find another highlight here in the temple. it’s the buddha of medicine, at a height of 30 meters. surrounding this figurine are other bodhisattvas and buddha figures. the buddha of medicine was constructed in hopes of a united north and south korea; it was completed in 1992. in the front, it joins with gwanseeum, the bodhisattva of compassion, crowning it.,  after the visit to the temple, maximize your trip to dongseohogno, the nation’s busiest street, with some shopping. the street is open all day, so there is no need to worry about rushing to go there.,  you may retire now to your hotel following this history-filled day., day three:   cheongseongdae  .

After breakfast, head with your shuttle to one of the oldest sites in Korea: Bulguksa Temple. The Seokguram Grotto is part of the ancient and religious complex, having stood there since the Silla dynasty. Together, the Grotto and Temple form an architectural complex holding a large significance. The Temple is located on the slopes of Mount Toham in Gyeongju and also serves as a head temple.

The original temple was bigger than the current one; the building that stands today in the complex is only a fraction of its original size. the decrease in size was caused by a fire. the temple had been built on a set foundation during the baekje kingdom era. the chief architect of the temple is kim dae-song. he was also the chief minister of the united silla kingdom. it is notable that during this era, buddhism had been adopted as the official religion of the kingdom., the complex is meant to represent the land of buddha, birojeon, divided into three parts. the first is vairocana, buddha hall. the second is daeungjeon, the hall of great enlightenment and geunnakjeon, the hall of supreme bliss. the hall is constructed of wood and built on a raised stone terrace. the temple is built to be an architectural representation of paradise, as it rises symmetrically from a lotus lake., the entrance is also meant to be symbolic; the entrance gate, mauve mist gate, approaches the cloud bridge gate. the visitor must climb the lower flight of stairs to the bridge of white clouds, paekungyo. the upper flight is choragunyo, the bridge of azure clouds. due to the complexity of the architecture, it took 40 years to complete. the space is so great that the estimate for it is two thousand (2,000) kan. kan refers to the amount of space in four (4) columns., check out the world’s oldest astronomy tower in cheomseongdae see for yourself one of korea’s most precious artifacts, the daereungwon tomb in busan. in cheongseongdae, one cannot help but admire plenty of greenery around the area. flowers grow in the area, so stepping on them is forbidden. the spot is photogenic, and the air is fresh., it was queen seon-dok who had the cheomseongdae observatory constructed. its primary use was to chart the stars in order to predict the weather. its shape is cylindrical with stones 30cm in their diameter. the world’s oldest astronomy tower in cheongseongdae stands 9.17m high and the base stone on each side measures 5.35m. its 362 stones are meant to represent the 362 days in a year. the pavilion stone is said to have been used as a means of deciding directions., in daereungwon, there are 23 tombs more located across the street near cheongseongdae and behind the park. the site, contrary to it being a site for tombs, is surprisingly quiet and peaceful, a perfect place where one can pass the time to think and relax. trees surround the tombs. admission to the site has a fee; it is not free., within the tomb complex, the cheonmachong tomb (ancient tomb no. 155) is a standout. it is a wooden coffin placed under an underground chamber and then buried under a boulder. it has been classified as a tomb belonging to an upper-class member of society. coming from the silla dynasty. a number of eleven thousand five hundred twenty-six (11, 526) items have been discovered within the site. included in these items is a painting, the chonmado, which is considered valuable as it would be the first painting to be discovered within a tomb – and an ancient one, at that rate. the wooden chamber measures 6.5 m long and 2.1 m wide, reaching 2.1 m in height, with the coffin itself located in the center., day four:  busan.

Go for a post-breakfast stroll in the open air park of Taejongdae with the Danubi Train. Taejongdae, located on the coast of Busan, boasts some of the best coastal scenery in Korea. A lot of space in Taejongdae Park is mostly greenery, evergreens and trees, and some temples. Most tourists prefer to head straight Taejongdae Observatory and Yeongdo Lighthouse but Taejongdae and Yongdusan Park are not without its natural charms.

Visit the charming shrine of yongdusan park and enjoy the view of busan from the location. after the trips to the parks, kill some time shopping in the ever-open kukje market. the kukje market features clean, organized spacing as well as fresh produce and top-notch korean products. the market also serves food aside from offering it up on their racks to be bought home., return to seoul and rest after the long day in your hotel after dinner., day five:  seoul.

Take a trip to the N Seoul Tower. After that, go onto DFS in Lotte and Cosmetic Shop. Lotte Shopping Center in South Korea features both homegrown and major brands; it has grown on to become a major brand as well. For buys that are family-friendly, as well as cheap materials, Lotte has everything you will need.

Finish your tour for the day with seoul’s interactive museum l’atelier, where you can experience interacting with impressionist paintings. l’atelier is a cultural space, specifically dedicated to the 19th century painters. it makes use of holograms and video technology to educate its visitors., day six:  incheon, enjoy your breakfast in the hotel. first in this day’s itinerary will be gyeongbok palace and its palace museum. pass by the blue house and deoksugang stonewall walkway, which happens to be a pathway on the side of the famed deoksugang palace, the northern palace., lunch for the day will be maru shabu (beef) and salad bar. you will visit ginseng center or red pine shop before your departure..

• Korean Romantic Drama Package

 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS KOREAN ROMANTIC DRAMA PACKAGE TOUR

Relive your korean drama fantasies with this package.

After arrival at Incheon International Airport, you’ll get a free Banana Milk. Head over to Nami Island, which was popularized by the classic Korean drama hit Winter Sonata . Feel free to take photos around, and pose with the statues depicting the two lovers from the beloved drama. Lanky trees surround the place, providing fresh air and plenty of space to walk around for tourists.

The half-moon-shaped island was formed due to the construction of cheongpyeong dam. general nami’s grave can also be found on the island; the man for whom the island was named for had led a great victory during the joseon dynasty against rebels. the island is 63 kilometers away from seoul in the direction of chuncheon. it’s also famous for its paths lined with trees. due its nearness to seoul, many tend to gravitate towards the island., electric wires here in nami island are built underground. hence, there are no phone lines here. the island is 553,560 square yards, surrounded by poplar and chestnut trees. in the center of the island, you can find a large grass field. this field features educational facilities, shops and camping sites. the best shops they have fall under the design and crafts category., petite france (optional tour) – kim soo hyun’s do min joon took jun ji hyun’s cheong songyi here as a means to have alone time together. petite france boasts of its french architecture, as well as its accommodations., day two:   pyeongchang.

Leave for Woljeongsa Temple Forest, where selected scenes from the recent hit drama Goblin were filmed. There, enjoy the view, take in the fresh air and fangirl. Take a photo to recreate the iconic scenes from Goblin there. Strike a pose, smile.

Woljeongsa is situated on a mountain, being two hours from seoul. it was built by a monk named jajang in 643 ce, during the reign of queen seon-dok of shilla and was destroyed during the korean war. the temple is a complex that holds sixty (60) temples, twenty-two (22) pagodas and eight (8) monasteries that pepper the mountains., the temple’s best known cultural property is the octagonal, nine-story stone pagoda located directly in front of the jeokgwangjeon (hall of stillness and light). its structure suggests it came from the goryeo dynasty. the legendary jeongmyeolbogung , the jeweled palace of stillness and extinction, holds some sarira (true relics) of the historical buddha. the area is well-known for its snow-capped peaks, stunning waterfalls and peaceful scenery. this buddhist complex is open to people all over the world who have an interest in learning about buddhism and those who wish to join their temple stay programs., the type of buddhism the monks practice here is jogye buddhism. the latter was established over a thousand years ago. it focuses on  chamseon , the art of meditation. meditation was seen as a way to achieve inner peace. the area also can be booked and used by tourists through the use of their website., after that, visit jumunjin breakwater. the site was originally built to protect the coastline from the effects of erosion and longshore drift. it was catapulted to fame after it was prominently featured in episodes of  goblin , a hit fantasy drama series. countless visitors look forward to taking photos of a scene reanactment from the drama. the rocky structure faces the ocean directly, making a dramatic and wide scene that is perfect for photoshoots and films., in goblin, jumunjin breakwater features as ji eun tak’s hideout. there, she talks to her deceased mother. she is also one of the main characters of the drama. in the locale, in the first episode, she calls kim shin, the goblin, to her through wishing for a part-time job and a boyfriend. the locale makes another appearance in the drama in the third episode, when kim shin tells her it rains whenever he is sad., the locale is accessible through public commute. you can get off at jumunjin express bus central terminal, gangneung intercity bus terminal. the view is more beautiful at sunset. the site is famous for its blue water, fine white sand, and the visibility of dark rocks and a view of the pine trees. food, through mostly seafood restaurants, is easy to catch a whiff of around the area.  , you will be transferred to seoul. please check in your hotel after dinner for rest., day three :  yongin.

Go to the peaceful port town of Yongin after breakfast. Enjoy Everland Theme Park on unlimited ticket. Oh Ri-Jin and Cha Do Hyun from Kill Me, Heal Me had their first kiss in this location; in The Producers , the shoot for 1 Night 2 Days was held here, where Baek Seung Chan (Kim Soo Hyun) bought along Cindy (IU) for her birthday.

Everland was south korea’s first family theme park; it still remains as a major theme park and is, in fact, the largest theme park in the country. annually, it receives seven point three million (7.3m) visitors. a subsidiary of samsung, samsung c&t group, owns and operates this theme park. its former name was “farmland.” it is divided into five zones., these zones are global fair, zoo-topia, european adventure, magic land and american adventure. entrance and exit to the theme park are located in global fair. here, you can also find strollers, food, shops and souvenirs. the famous animals of everland can be found in zootopia., in zootopia, there is a petting zoo, pony ride and animal show. among the animals in zootopia are birds, polar bears, sea lions, penguins, bears, lions, tigers, primates and more. there is a safari bus ride which allows the guest to see animals such as ligers and bears roaming within the contained habitat. the petting zoo provides sheep and goats for petting. one of everland’s most famous animals is kosik, the elephants, who made rounds due to his ability to mimic korean words through sound., everland has various festivals across the months. the year begins and ends with the winter wonderland festival. everland’s european adventures zone imitates european architecture in the structure of the restaurants there. the mystery mansion here, is a top attraction; in the attraction, one needs to shoot ghosts. a ride named t express was added in 2008; it is a roller coaster constructed entirely out of wood., everland’s american adventure section is dedicated to themes from american history. its rockville is themed after the 1950s while rodeo is western-themed. magic land, another section, comprises of elaborate buildings and rides, with one portion being aesop’s village, which is patterned after aesop’s fables., continue onto dalkomm coffee, which was featured in descendants of the sun. please transfer to seoul and after dinner, go back to your hotel., day four : dora observatory.

Following breakfast, transfer to the Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea from each other. To get a better view, you can check from a binocular in the Dora Observatory. The Dora Observatory was first opened in January 1987, replacing the Songaksan Observation Post. It is closed every Monday. 

Dora observatory overlooks several locations: north korea, the statue of kim il-sung, gaeseong, sonagsan and cooperation farm. the site features 500 seats, vip rooms, and abundant parking space. the third underground tunnel is nearby; it is a tunnel built by north korea in 1978 that stretches over 1.6km with a height and width of 2m. there are plenty of attractions in front of the tunnel such as the dmz media hall (offering the history of the divided country and flourishing ecosystem in the demilitarized zone), dmz exhibition hall (displaying relics and documents related to the demilitarized zone), sculptures, and souvenir shops. tourists can walk or choose to ride the monorail., due to limited access to civilians in this program, tourists who go here need to participate in the dmz peace & security tourist program. tourists should carry their passport which will be examined at the checkpoint after unification bridge. pets are forbidden here; use of the telescope has a time limit of maximum of two (2) minutes. parking slots are limited. the observatory can only entertain parking for 30-40 people. the fee of parking is dependent on the size of the vehicle you bought with you. for the amenities, dora observatory houses five hundred (500) seats, vip room, situation room, and thirty-four (34) telescopes., the dorasan station, which is nearby, was built in the hopes of a reunified korea. this station would have hoped to have served as the link between north and south korea geographically. the kijong-dong propaganda village built in north korea is visible from the view in dora observatory. the way to the hill where the observatory is located is steep,so please be careful. you are also advised not to take photos of soldiers and military equipment. the tour is a great place to take people who are interested in korean history as well as those who want to learn more about the cold war. the tour gives you a different viewpoint on north korea and an opportunity to learn more about it., after arriving in seoul, visit dfs and cosmetics store. check in and rest in your hotel after dinner., day five : seoul.

The first agenda of the day will be Doksugang Stonewall Walkway. The walkway is most known for being one of the most iconic locations from Goblin . Aside from its appearance as the office of the Grim Reaper (Lee Dong Wook) in Goblin , the walkway makes a perfect place for couples to spend time together. There are over twenty (20) benches and one hundred thirty (130) trees along the road. Nearby, you can find Deoksugung Palace and Seoul Museum of Art. The walkway is a street with a wide sidewalk at the southern and western walls of Deoksugung Palace. A rose bouquet sculpture of Seoul Museum of Art is in the middle of the walkway. The site is located in Seoul’s neighborhood Jeong in the Jung district.

The magnificent and picturesque stonewall has attracted plenty of tourists and is most popular during the fall foliage season. it is part of the 100 most beautiful roads in korea, as chosen by the central government. the walkway extension has been opened in august 2017; a part of the area is also occupied by the british embassy., savor the moment in the n seoul tower, where do min joo and cheon song yi spent time together in my love from the star . the n tower at seoul is one of the most iconic landmarks of seoul. aside from its occasional appearance in dramas, the n tower has become a beloved symbol. in the nights, it projects digital art using led technology; it also participates in earth hour. built in 1969, the tower is where some local networks such as kbs get their signal. the city itself has several viewing platforms from which point the tourists and visitors can admire the views but the offering of the digital observatory is unique as it holds a 360-degree panoramic view of seoul and and thirty-two (32) lcd screens recounting the 600-year history of seoul., after n seoul tower, continue onto ginseng center and  amethyst factory., a shuttle will carry you to incheon international airport. lunch will be provided by maru shabu (beef) and salad bar buffet., leave a reply cancel reply.

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Thank you for your inquiry with regards to our South Korea Tour Package. For faster response, you could message us on our facebook page facebook.com/regenttravelmanila or you may email [email protected] to help you.

I am interested to take your 6days/5 nights korea tour. There are 3 of us. Please email me the quotation for first week of July.

Looking for guided tours to SK in January 2035

Inquiry for all packages, travel dates and inclusion. Also do you provide flight bookings?

Hi Catherine,

Plan to travel in Jan2025

Hi good pm, We planning to have in from Dec 20 how much the package for 2 person

Planning a trip sometime September.to South Korea and i would just like to inquire how mush is the Korean Romantic Drama Package for two adults?

Hi Michael,

Good day, may I ask how much is the package for 5 pax, 4 days 3 nights Thanks

4 days 3 nights package for 7 adults and plus 1kid 10yrs old and 2 youth 14 yrs old total of 10pax

Hi Ptra Nor,

HM package of 7 adults and 2youth 14 yrs old and 1 child 10 yrs old

Inquire Now!

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• Location 1: Php 100,000
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• Location 3: Php 25,000
• Location 4: Php 15,000

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Korean Drama Package

KOREA VISA FOR FILIPINOS: Requirements & Frequently Asked Questions

For the latest version of this post, check out: Korean Visa Requirements!

IMPORTANT! We will no longer be making updates to this article. Please refer to our more updated post with the title KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS & Application Process for Filipinos instead.

We know South Korea is one of the most popular destinations among Filipinos because there’s not a day that goes by without us receiving questions about getting a Korea visa. Hence, we decided to put up this post.

Note that we’re NOT employed by or affiliated with the Korean Embassy in Manila. We’re only writing based on our own experience applying for one. (We have applied three times so far, and everything went smoothly every time.) We’re publishing this simply to have a page that we can redirect users to when they ask us questions about the application process.

And because this post is limited to our personal experiences, we can only answer questions about applying for a TOURIST visa as an employed, self-employed, or freelancing Filipino. For anything outside of this scope, it would be best to contact the embassy directly to have a definitive answer.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

What are the requirements for applying for a tourist visa?

We have a dedicated post about that here: Korea Visa Requirements

How to apply? What are the steps?

We have a step-by-step guide here: How to Apply for a Korea Visa in Manila

Do I need a travel agency to apply?

YES, unless you’re applying directly in Cebu. The Korean Embassy in Manila requires tourist visa applications filed starting July 1, 2018, to be coursed through any of their designated travel agencies. However, the Korean Consulate in Cebu is not affected by this and will continue to accept walk-in applicants as they did.

If you’re applying in Manila BEFORE July 1, 2018, you can still work on the application yourself. It’s fast and free. However, if for whatever reason this isn’t a practical option — you live in the province, you just can’t spare a working day for this — by all means, find a travel agency. Just remember that they will charge you a service fee.

Do I need to book flights before applying?

No. It’s not one of the requirements. I’ve tried submitting this before, they removed it from the pile.

How about hotel reservation? Do I need to book hotels before applying?

No. You don’t need it. However, make sure you have an idea which hotel you will be staying because it’s one of the required fields in the application form. You don’t need to reserve, but you need to know where you intend to stay.

Should I stay in the hotel I wrote on the application form?

No. If your application is approved, you can pretty much stay in any hotel or hostel you want.

How long does it take to process the application?

At least 25 WORKING DAYS in Manila, according to the embassy.

But according to the travel agencies we consulted, it’s safer to apply AT LEAST 30 WORKING DAYS before your trip.

That’s how long the embassy takes to process. But you must also allow agencies time to collect, document, sort out, deliver to and pick up the passports from the embassy.

In Cebu, it’s 10 working days.

What are OECD visas?

These are visas granted by countries that are part of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). These are the member countries:

Update (June 12, 2019): Although Japan is an OECD country, JAPAN VISA is no longer honored by the Korean Embassy in reaction to several cases of applicants submitting FAKE Japan visa and stamps.

I have OECD Visas. Does it mean my application will be approved?

Not necessarily. But you have better chances. And that the processing is a lot faster.

How long can I stay in Korea if I am granted a visa?

Regular visas usually allow 59 days. You can apply for a longer stay.

Can I submit just the bank certificate?

No. Starting October 2016, a bank statement showing transactions for the past 3 months is a required document.

So you have to submit BOTH a bank certificate and a bank statement.

How much money should my bank account have to get approved?

I don’t know the minimum amount. I don’t think the embassy explicitly says it. But I have tried applying with P100,000 in the bank for a 4-day stay and got approved.

I guess the key thing to remember here is that how much you have should be proportional to how long your stay is. For example, if you have only P100,000, don’t apply for a 59-day stay because that would obviously raise a lot of questions regarding whether or not you can afford the trip.

To give you a ballpark figure, the Embassy of France requires EUR 120 per day from Schengen Visa applicants. That’s around P7600 per day. Add the cost of airfare and hotel, and that should be the minimum amount in your bank. Again, this is not the official rule. We’re just using the French Embassy’s policy as an example.

I’m a freelancer. I don’t have a Certificate of Employment. What can I submit?

I have tried applying for a visa when I was a freelancer. What I did was, I requested for a letter from my clients that could serve as a certification that I was working for them. The letter also included what I do for them, when I was hired, how much I receive as compensation, and other details.

Here’s the format I followed .

The embassy accepted it, and my application was approved.

HOWEVER, the Embassy seems to have been MUCH stricter these days, so I’m not sure whether or not they still accept something like this.

I’m a student with a part-time job. Should I apply as a student or an employee?

I consulted a designated travel agency for the best way to go about this, and they said that it’s better to apply as a student and submit parents’ docs.

They said that applying as both employed and student can confuse the embassy. They also said that part-time jobs are often viewed by the embassy negatively because it tells them 2 things: one, that you are not as rooted and as financially stable, and two, that there is a possibility that you will work there too.

I don’t have an ITR. What should I do?

I honestly don’t know how to answer this because I’ve always had an ITR even as a freelancer.

But according to some of our community members who have done this before, they included an explanation letter and other proof of sources of income in their application.

How early should I apply for a Korea visa? Can I apply months before my actual travel date?

If you have a target travel date, apply not earlier than 3 months before that.

When a regular visa is issued, it allows the holder to enter Korea at any time within the next 3 months (90 days) of the issue date. So if your visa is issued on July 1, you can enter anytime before October 1.

But if you’re applying in Manila, make sure you apply at least 30 working days before your intended travel date.

Do I need to show up to submit the documents?

NO, usually. You can ask someone else to do it for you IF THE REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETE.

However, every agency can implement their own rules. So it’s best to call the travel agency where you plan to lodge your application to be sure.

I need to explain something. Will they accept a cover letter?

Yes. I did once. They accepted it.

How much is the visa fee?

FREE if your application is for 59 days or shorter.

P1800 for 60- to 90-day stay.

However, travel agencies will be charging a service fee for processing your application. Fee differs from agency to agency, but it’s usually between P700 and P1000.

What is the address of the Korean Embassy?

KOREAN EMBASSY IN MANILA 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines Email Address: [email protected] Contact No.: (63-2) 856-9210 visa local no. 270, 500

KOREAN CONSULATE IN CEBU 12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City Email Address: [email protected] Contact No.: (63-32) 231-1516(-9)

Is it possible to apply for a multiple-entry visa?

YES, but only if you’re qualified. Holders of any of the following credit cards can apply for a multiple-entry visa and are EXEMPTED from providing bank certificates and ITR :

BDO Gold Cardholders: multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years Gold Visa Credit Card Gold MasterCard Credit Card Gold UnionPay Credit Card Gold JCB Credit Card American Express​ Gold Credit Card

BDO Elite Cardholders: multiple-entry visa valid for 3-5years Platinum Visa Credit Card Titanium/Platinum and World Elite MasterCard Credit Card JCB Platinum Diamond UnionPay Credit Card Diners Club Premiere American Express​ Platinum Credit Card American Express International Dollar Charge Cards Cathay Pacific American Express Credit Cards (Standard and Elite)

RCBC Bankard Premium Card: multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years World Mastercard (including co-brands Balesin and The City Club) Black Platinum Mastercard Diamond Platinum Mastercard Visa Infinite Visa Platinum JCB Platinum UnionPay Diamond

For BDO, promo is valid until December 31, 2022. For RCBC, promo is valid until December 31, 2020.

Update: Effective November 11, qualified cardholders must submit credit card statements for the past 3 months + copy of the front side of the card (FRONT only).

Note that you are only exempted from providing financial docs (bank certificate, bank statement, etc.). Employment or business documents must still be submitted.

If unable to provide credit card statements, you must submit personal bank certificate (original) and bank statements showing your history for the past 3 months (original or certified true copy).

What are the common reasons why Korean visa applications are denied?

I can only speculate, but based on the messages we receive from our followers, the usual reasons are the following:

• You can’t prove that you can financially support yourself on this trip . You probably have insufficient funds or your sponsor is not in a good financial standing.
• You can’t prove that you intend to return (rootedness). You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, newly employed, or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you intend to work there.
• Your intention/purpose in Korea is unclear . This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.

If my application is denied, can I apply again?

Yes, but only after 6 months.

What does a South Korea visa look like?

What is the Visa Issuance Confirmation in Section 2 of the Application Form?

The Section 2 of the application form calls for details of Visa Issuance Confirmation. This section is only for those with a document called “Confirmation of Visa Issuance.” Many people think it refers to previous Korean visas; NO, IT DOESN’T. The “Visa Issuance Confirmation” is a completely different document, usually issued in Korea.

I have more questions. How do I contact the Korean Embassy?

Feel free to call the Korean Embassy to confirm. Here are the numbers:

Manila : (63-2) 856-9210 visa local no. 270, 500 Cebu : (63-32) 231-1516(-9)

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Hi! What if I dont have a personal bank account?

Hi! Currently, I’m unemployed and just waiting for my review for Architecure board exam which will start on Sept 3. I’m afraid my Visa application will be rejected. I already have a certification from my review center which states that I am enrolled and the details of my review. I also have my review center ID. What are the other requirement that I should pass? And also, my father will support my finances for the trip. But he will not travel with me. I will travel with my sister and mother only. Is this possible? I can also produce my own bank certificate for back up docs if ever needed. Would really appreciate for you reply. Thank you.

Hi! I think we have the same situation. Currently unemployed since i am going to review pa starting this nov. Did you apply na ba? How did it go?

Hello. May I ask how did ur applications go? I’m in the same situation kasi. Thanks!

Hello. Ask ko lang if ano nangyari w your applications bc I’m in the same situation rn. Thanks!

Hello! What happened ba sa applications niyo? May plans po kasi ako for travels tapos by that time, ganyan na rin po situation ko. Thanks po!

What if student and 18? Isa lang po yung parent na may bank certif and bank statement okay lang po ba yun? :(

Sa akin tinanggap kahit wlang bank account yung mama ko ! single parent din siya. Pero bank account ko ang ginamit sa pagpasa sa applcation sa SK tourist visa, bali naglagay lang ako nang Cover Letter para maexplain kung bakit akin ang ginamit! atleast na APPROVED naman yung visa ko .

If you don’t have a bank account but travelling or is being sponsored for the trip, then you can ask the person to provide the necessary requirements. I brought with us our yaya for the trip. I just provide a notarized affidavit of support. and in the application form, my name was placed there as a sponsor so in her application form, i also attached another copy of the Bank Certficate, ITR, and Bank Statement as proof. She was given a single entry visa.

What if my applicatio has been denied because of lack of reason to travel And unfortunately my sin has a contest to attend to in south korea and the DEPED will assist all student and parent can they give me visa eventhough i just got denied this august?

Good day Mr. Flores! I just wanna ask, my mom’s just a housewife pero my aunt will shoulder my travel expenses. Will I still get a good chance for VISA approval if I add a notarized affidavit of support and/or cover letter? Thank you!

Hi! I’m unemployed po cause I just graduated last July. My auntie got married with a korean. She told me that I can visit her in korea with all expenses paid. What should I do?

Hello..same with I am also a Yaya or helper.. I need the some info. About how to make a SK tourist visa..but I don’t have bank account. I have a korean employer and they want me to bring there to korea for vacation.but i don’t know how .and also what are requirements needed about this situation?

hi regarding to the sponsor matter. the one who will sponsoring me is my niece since our Birth certificate cannot confirm our relationship that much because she my cousins daughter it will not appear on our certificate that we have same surnames. can i just submit also a notarized affidavit of support?

Then don’t apply, because it’s one of the requirements.

Hi S! Just bring your old passport when you travel. That’s what happened to me, too. I still had a valid visa when I renewed my passport. I asked the staff at DFA and they said even if the passport is no longer valid, any valid visas inside will remain so. :)

ask ko lng kung possible ba na magrenew ng visa kahit hindi pa expired? june 2020 kc expiration ng visa ko gusto ko sana i-avail yung promo ng bdo

Ay, di ko po alam :(

pwede pa kaya un sa kapatid ko may valid single entry pa sya sa passport nya kaso nasulatan accidentally so pina renew ng dfa. magagamit pa po kaya nya ung single entry nya valid pa nmn pa tska hindi gamit together with his new passport thanks po

Hi Louise! Ano yung nasulatan accidentally? The visa page or passport page? Nakapagparenew ba kayo? Or ano ang pinarenee niyo, yung approved visa or passport? Medyo same tayo ng scenario kasi.

Hi Louise, naku, di ko alam. I think pwede pa, pero best to call DFA na lang to be sure sure sure.

Hello Mr. Dimen. Magtatanong lang po ako kung pwedi ba ako mag apply ng tourist visa kahit pay tatak yong passport ko na 68-1? Galing na rin akong Korea.

Hi Jhaja, di ko po alam. :(

If pwede man po, baka mahirapan po kasi may record na. Pero best to consult a designated travel agency po para mas informed po yung advice.

Hi Mr. Dimen. Is there a high chance of approval if may invitation from korean boyfriend but he will not shoulder any of my expenses? just a mere invitation for a trip in korea. Can I still include the invitation letter and copy of his passport as part of the requirements? Thank you.

Hi Dongsaeng, yes, if you’re invited by a Korean, you must submit an invitation letter and copy of his passport.

Re whether or not the chances are higher if may invitation, not sure. But I know na better ang chances if you can show that you can afford this trip and you’re employed, regardless of whether or not invited by someone there or hindi. So I think yes, if financially stable ka naman and employed, better ang chances mo kaysa sponsored ka by someone there.

Hi po ask ko lang po denied po kc yung visa ko for South Korea,makakabpunta po ba ako ng jeju kahit na may tatak yung passport ko?kahit wala pa po ng 1 month?

Hi any update with this situation? Same situation with her.

Hi! For example I applied for a korean visa using bdo gold and got approved on multiple entry. My question is , is it okay if I travel next year ? Thanks in advance. :)

as long as it’s within the validity period of your visa.

Hi! I’m unemployed po and a fresh grad. My auntie got married with a korean and now she’s living in korea. She told me that I can visit her in korea with all expenses paid. I got enough money in my bank account, valid passport, but i dont have COE an ITR. What should I do to be approved in korean visa? What letters should I make?

Hi Krystal, usually sa ganyang case, you can write a letter of explanation why you don’t have a COE and ITR and proof to support your reason. For example, if your reason is kaka-graduate mo lang, submit proof of that. You also need proof of relationship with your aunt.

Note however na hindi guarantee yung mga yan. Pwede pa rin nilang i-deny kahit inexplain mo and may proof.

Hi! May I ask if its exactly 60days for the bank statment requirement? The bank that issued my BS starts from June 15 to Aug 30, 2018 balance. Is it questionable on the part of embassy? Hope you can answer my query.

Hi Cher, the requirement has to be the past 3 months. 90 days, not 60 days.

Hi po good morning ask q lang po twice na q nag apply for korean visa and twice din aq na denied. first is not qualified to entry to korea pero i have a complete requirements 2nd reason why i denied is they said my other documents is fake but is not.. i know nmn n mahigpit cla so why i am submitted a fake documents. this coming nov i try to apply again may i know if the reason why i am denied is naka record ba sknila un? kse kng dun cla mag babase so i dnt have any chance to entry korea.

Did they say kung anong document ang fake daw?

Hi, I have a US visa but I didn’t end up going to the US due to work. Do I still have to submit photocopy even if I don’t have the arrival stamp?

Hi! I would like to apply tourist visa with my 3 children. Do i need to bring them to Korean Embassy when applying for visa?

Hi Ophel! You can apply on their behalf. :)

For my parents since im applying for us.. do they need 2 original bank cert and bank statement for my dad’s? He is retired.. my mom a housewife… since im applying for them will it not suffice?

Hello leslie!

I wonder what happened to your appliction. Do you mind if I ask what requirement did you provide for your parents since we have the same case. TIA!

Can you still get denied if you have a bpi/bdo gold credit card but is unemployed? Is COE still required?

How come you have credit card if you’re unemployed?

Hi.. I’m a freelancer, can I categorize myself as self employed? Do I also need a DTI and mayor’s permit? Thank you

I’m also a freelancer. I registered myself as self-employed with my fullname as the trade name. There’s no need for you to register to DTI or SEC. I also don’t have a mayor’s permit. I was asked to get an Occupational Tax Receipt but the LGU from where I’m living doesn’t know about OTR so they just asked me to get a temporary mayor’s permit so I could register myself to BIR.

Hi po. Pano po kung may invitation letter ako galing sa Korean friend ko. Ask ko lang sana kung sino ang isusulat ko sa Details of Sponsor? Thank you!:)

If your korean friend will sponsor your travel expenses (accommodation, food, transpo, etc.) then you can put his/her name..you also need to submit photocopy of your friend’s passport or ID

Hi what if i’m already 22 and still a college student, tapos walang bank statement ang parents ko but my korean boyfriend will shoulder all my expenses during my day tour. What will i do? Thankyou :)

Hi Monica. Anong nangyari? Mejo parehas kasi tayo ng case, the only difference is yung friend ko na magshoshoulder lahat ng expenses is nasa japan. I hope you reply! Thank you

Hi! I requested a bank cert last january for korean visa but i did not proceed. Can I still use the bank cert I requested last january for my korean visa application this June?

I think you should request for a new one.

hi. I also don’t have a certificate of employment because i’m a part timer, fresh graduate and i’m still reviewing for my board exam. Instead of having a letter written by a client can I instead have it written by my employer? Please answer my question. Thank you so much!

i think it should be ok as long as the COE contains your position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR’s email and landline..the embassy may call your HR to verify your COE..

hi! when is the best time to apply for a korean visa? we are planning to go there by october.

Hi. Dream ko mag tour sa Korea. Pwede ba ako mag apply ng visa kahit “not employed” ?

Perhaps, if you have someone sponsoring your tour.

Hello! What if ininvite ako ng korean friend then sya ung sponsor ko for accomodation, kasi sya ang mag bobook ng plane ticket ko papuntang korea at nasa korea siya. Kailangan ko pa din ba ng bank account ? At un employed po ako, ma approve po ba ?

Kah, same tayo. Makiki kamusta sana ako. Naka pag apply kaba?

Hi! I’m a bit confused about sa OECD Visa. What does it mean? Nakatira po ako sa US pero hawak ko pa rin is Philippine passport. Ibig sabihin po ba nun ay meron akong OECD Visa since taga US ako? Thank you in advance.

hi dream namin makapag- tour sa korean, makaka kuha ba kami ng family ko ng multiple – entry kahit isa lang may bdo gold visa samin?? yung husban ko lang kasi ang may bdo, ako kasi sa ibang mga banks ang credit cards ko and yung daughter ko is 2 years old pa lang

only the person with the card

how about the supplementary?

Hi. I have a supplumentary BDO Gold. Would like to ask if you pursue your application using the supplementary card? Was it accepted even without Bank Cert and ITR? Hoping for your response.

When is the time I can apply for a visa? If let’s say I am travelling by December?

But as long as you have enough time for it to be processed, then around the month of September (2nd week), October or November will be perfect.

The validity of the visa is 3 months. Example: If you’ll be in Korea on the 5-11th on December, you can apply for your visa 3 months before. So, around the 5-10th of September. Keep in mind that if you’re a first time applicant, it takes 5 days to process the visa. :)

Hi..my husband is working in korea and iam planning to visit him early next year ,can i stay there atleast 30 days with 50k on my account though my husband will support or finance my trip?

the free visa can allow you to stay up to 59 days in SK..if your husband will sponsor your trip, then put his name on the application form as your sponsor

Hi may friend po ako. Husband po nya american.. working sa korea for how many years. How many times na rin po silang balik balik sa korea. Pwede po b syang makakuha ng mas matagal sa 90 DAYS VISA.?

Hi, have you tried passing your application for visa while on going pa yung renewal ng passport mo? My passport will expire this Dec 2017 and my travel will be on Oct 2017. I already processed my passport renewal last June 14,2017 (express) kaso may delay si DFA which will cause me to submit my old passport(Exp. Dec 2017) for the visa application next week. Will I be approved or denied? Thanks a lot po.

Hi I know matagal na tong comment mo but may I know ano nangyari? If you were approved. Thanks!

How much travel costs should I write in the application form?

depends on how much is your estimated expenses for the duration of your stay in SK..for example if you allocated $100 USD per day and your stay is good for 4 days, then write $400 USD in your application form..just make sure your bank certificate has a balance that is more than your declared travel costs..

hi po…unemployed po ako,and I was worried na bka ma deny ang visa ko ksi wla akong mpasa na COE..Im doing tutorial as of now..at yn ang source of income ko.slamt po sa sasagot..God bless..

ano po dapat kng gawin.or ipasa kng wla akong.cmpany na.pnpasukan?tutorial lng.po ang work ko ngyn..slmat po sa sasagot

Hi! I wanted to ask what if you are a cabin crew and you wanted to get a visa but unfortunately, you won’t be able to surrender your passport bc of your internat’l flights? Is a photocopy of passport and company ID okay?

I guess disregard this. Ididikit nga pala nila ung visa sa passport. So, di talaga pwede photocopy. Haha. Thanks anw.

I would like to ask, I have a JAPAN Visa dated April 2012 in my old passport. Should I pass it for my KOREA Visa application? I will be applying my KOREA Visa this first week of Aug. Counted pa ba siya on the “5 year period”? Also, yun pa yung huli ko na trip abroad. So, walang ibang nakalagay sa old passport ko.

Hope you can recommend.

Thanks a lot!

Hi! Please help. My bank eastwest do not provide bank ADB and opening date in the bank cert even if I already told them I need it for visa purposes. They said they can give me separate print out of my ADB and prinscreen of my account opening date. Could I just attach these 2 to the bank cert? Do I need to make a cover letter for this? Thanks a lot in advance!

Hi po. Eastwest bank din po ako. Nagpasa po ba kayo ng cover letter or yung Bank statement na lang po talaga? Pinasa niyo din po ba yung print screen?Thank you po.

Hi im planning to get a tourist visa together with my daughter and our friends. But in my case i will used the employment certificate of my husband who is already working in korea he has an e9 visa and one of the req is the itr but my husband dont have the itr is there a chance that my visa application approved?

Hi! I’m currently unemployed, but I do family business na nakapangalan sa mother ko.. Can I use this us my source of income to get my visa approve?

That would be difficult because hindi sya sayo nakapangalan. :|

ask ko lang pano pag un-employed ka tapos wala kang source of income pero nakalagay sa invitation ng korean friend ko na sagot nya lahat ?? wala akong bank account.. ok lang kaya un ??

I’m really worried, the korean embassy just called in our office, sadly there is a problem in our phone so we need to cut the call and we were hoping for another call (for the whole day, but nothing happens). Is there any chance for them to call again? also I we are travelling for 4 and the 3 of us are employed to our mother’s business and we will travel with my mom. However, she has low banks statement (since she use it as an emergency) and I have bigger bank statement that so bothers me. Also she will guarantee my sister. What will I do? is the risk of denied visa is higher?

Hi my sister and I will travel together on October. We’re both still students, however, our parents bank accounts named it under our names, in short the bank accounts we will be presenting will be our own. do we still need a cover letter to explain our situation? They are both self-employed, we can provide the itr, business registration, etc. but the bank statements will be under our names

Hi Kathryn, we believe it’s not a problem.

Hi! Has anyone here got their visa application accepted but didn’t push through due to some circumstances? Do you think it will be harder to apply the second time around?

additiona question kahit 4days tour need pako din visa ? thanks po sa sasagot

Hello!!! I just want to ask about the freelance certification. Do I need a signature of our manager? What if he only sent it to me through email? Do I need to legalize it through notarization?

Hi Grethel, I submitted a scanned version of a signed letter though. I didn’t have it notarized. But make sure your client’s contact details and your employment details are there.

I have a bank account since 2016 that is exclusively for my payroll. Recently (almost two months ago), I opened another account where I placed my personal savings. This is also where I save money, enough for my planned travel to Korea. The embassy requires the original or certified true copy of a bank statements or passbook for the last 3 months and I’m planning to use the account I recently opened. But I would like to know if the bank statement of my recent (2-month-old) bank account is OK for my visa application.

Regarding with you comment a year ago? I’m also currently in that position, may I ask if what happened to your application? i have my payroll account and i recently opened a savings account with 2 months old.

Hi Lou, if I were you I would submit both bank cert and bank statement for BOTH my payroll and saving account to show that I have 2 accounts. That’s what I always do.

Hello, Dito PO ako sa Dubai now nagwowork at may residence visa.Plan ko po na magbaksyon sa Pilipinas sa March.At magtour Ng 10 days sa Korea..Possible po ba na ma approve Ang korean visa ko Kung mag apply ako.?thanks

Hi! My sons plans to go to Korea this November. They are currently working for their fathers business and they have no ITR. They have bank accounts in their names and their father will be giving them a certificate of absolute suport for thier trip. Will it be enough for them to be given a Korean Visa?

Hi. I am planning to go to Korea with my younger sister as a graduation gift. I will be shouldering all the expenses, but I am wondering on what will be the process for her visa application since our parents don’t have a bank account or a business. Will my financial details suffice? And should I make a cover letter explaining the situation?

Your answers will be a great help.

great help,,thank you so much

Hi! My family is planning to visit S.korea end of this year. Im the head of the family, my concern is ” Do i need to submit 5 sets of documents? E.G Business and bank details, or just one set for the 5 of us is enough like the Japan Visa Application. Thank you

Hi. I’ve recently resigned in my full time job a month ago and I am now in transition of becoming a freelancer. I still don’t have any client but there’s a possibility that I will be having one this week. I have plans on applying for SoKor visa on the third week of September. So for the questions:

1. You mentioned that you provided a Certification before when you were a freelancer. If my client is from abroad, will a digital Certification / scanned copy be okay?

2. Since, if ever, I’ll just be starting my work this week or the following week, I will not be able to process my tax obligation yet, right? So will my ITR from my previous work be ok?

Thank you in advance!

I’m in the same situation now. May I ask how your application went? And did you tick employed in the application form or wrote freelancer in ‘Others’? Thank you!

Hi! What if foreign yung company(freelancer ako), do I still have to send the hard copy to them and have it red ribbon? But our boss is here in PH? Thanks! :)

If I am travelling with my family and we are all employed (we’ll support ourselves for the trip), do we still need to bring our birth certificates and our parents’ marriage contract? Thanks.

Sa mga my pbi/bdo gold credit card na ng apply for tourist visa kinakailangan b ipakita mismo sa korean embassy? Sa agency ksi ako ngpalqkad

Hello, I already have a ticket na for Nov 7,2017. When is the best time to apply for a visa? Ok lang ba kung this September na? Naguguluhan kasi ako dun sa validity ng tourist visa, sabi sa site ng embassy 3 months validity daw, sabi naman sa ibang blog 59 days daw. Thank you in advance and by the way, this is a great blog entry you have here. Keep it up and more power!

You can stay in KOREA for up to 59 days, but you should use your visa within 3 months after ma-issue. So yes, pwede ka na magapply ngayon kahit November pa yung trip kasi valid sya for 3 months, but kapag nasa Korea ka na, dapat yung stay mo di lalagpas sa 59 days.

hello, my cousin and I are planning to go to Korea next year. Just a little background, she’s still a student and I hold a Canadian passport. I will be shouldering all our expenses. I was thinking of giving her an Affidavit of Support that she can submit with all her other requirements. You think I need to give her my bank certificate and statement as well? Any insights would be much appreciated! Thank you.

good pm. My family(we’re 6) just got our Korean visa, valid from Sept 8-Dec8, 2017. It’s quite sad coz we wrote the intended travel in Dec 27-Jan 1… I read that the validity is really 59 days but we’re positive that the embassy will consider our planned date of travel. That means visa will expire even before our trip. it’s ok for us to renew but when is the best date to renew? is it ok to renew earlier to give us time to prepare the stuff since its winter, Is October or November ok to renew? Will the embassy get angry with for not leaving on the given visa validity when in fact our travel is really sked during the Christmas season. thank you

under important reminders showing on the SK website, “Validity of visa is only 3 months from the issue date. Do not apply more than 3 months prior to the date of travel.”

Hi. Just wanna ask re EOCD visa. I had been in France last 2015 and had my Schengen visa valid for 15 days only during our trip. Is it considered under the EOCD Visa you are referring to? Do i still need to submit it to the embassy during our application for South Korea visa? Thanks in advance.

Hello, If I got approved for a single entry tourist visa, is it possible to apply again for a D2 (student) visa again? Thank you sa sasagot.

How to apply tourist visa with family?

hello, question. My COE states that it is for Bank Certification instead of Visa Application. It still has my Compensation Package. Will that be acceptable?

Hi Cristine! Not sure. :( I think it’s still okay, but that’s just a hunch.

Hi, question. My parents’ trip to Korea will be their first travel out of the country. Is there are a rule or something that they should have a previous travel prior to their Korea trip before applying for a tourist visa?

Nope. It’s okay if Korea is your first international trip. Although there’s a bigger chance of getting approved if may past travel history talaga.

Hi! I recently graduated from college and unemployed. My parents’ grad gift for me is a trip to S. Korea. My question is, what documents should I bring if I am neither student nor employed? Thank you :)

Write a cover letter explaining that this is a graduation gift from your parents, declare them as your guarantor, and then submit their bank/employment papers instead.

Hi. Same sitution. Same pa rin ba ng process ngayong 2019?

Yep! Pwede pa rin yun.

Hi, i have a bpi gold mastercard. Do i still need to submit bank statement (original or certified true copy of BS/passbook for the last 3mos)? Kasi ang nabasa ko bank cert and itr lang ang not needed to be submitted if u have bpi/bdo gold cc?

No need. :)

Hi, I’m really curious. Totally no need to submit any financial document if you have a BPI Gold MasterCard? Maski credit card statement not needed anymore? Thanks!

Hi! tanong ko lang po ilang months po need sa statement ng credit card (bdo)? tia!

Latest billing statements with photocopy of credit card

We have multiple visa till Dec. 2, 2017. Is it possible to renew our visa in korean embassy even if we still have 2 months left? Thanks

hi i would like to ask sana im a fresh graduate i dont have work yet and no bank accounts .. is it possible na maka kuha ako ng visa if ever ung boyfriend kong korean mag ssponsor ng lahat lahat ?? ticket food and sa bahay nila ako titira ??

Hi! It will be very, very difficult. Many of those in similar situations who messaged us were denied.

Hi what if i’m still a college student and graduating naman this october tapps this summer or before graduation gisto ko pumunta sa SK my parents don’t have bank accounts but yung sister ko meron pwede bang un nalang gamitin ko?and also iinvite din ako ng boyfriend kong korean at gusto nya din na mag sponsor sakin what should i do? Thankyou

Having your sister sponsor you might be your best bet. But we don’t know for sure.

Hi! I’m in a pinch right now. I’m a graduating college student who’s also a freelance photographer. I work part-time and earn quite a fair amount per client and I get a lot in a month. My parents will not be funding my planned trip so I plan on submitting the requirements on my own. Do you think this will be okay? Will at least P50,000+ in my bank account suffice for a supposed 4day trip??

Thanks so much ;_;

Hi EOS, yeah, like Kate, we also have friends who had funds a bit north of P50,000 and their applications were approved. Although to be honest, we don’t know how often it happens. What we know for sure is that if you only have that much in your bank account, you need to make sure you have all the other requirements.

hi! what if i only have around 30k in my bank account but i will be writing my aunt’s name in the visa application form as guarantor, will that be okay? i’ll be traveling with her din. thanks!

Hard to tell, but since you have a guarantor, there’s a good chance it will be approved as long as your aunt meets the requirements and can prove she can support both of you.

a friend has 50K for a 3-day trip and got approved..:)

Hi! I got my visa last December 2016 (thru the BPI promo) and planned to visit Korea with my daughter the same month. However, due to a family event that we can’t miss, we didn’t push thru with our trip. This November 2017, I’m scheduled to finally visit Korea, using the visa that I got last Dec 2016 (valid until Dec 2019). Won’t I have any problems/concerns? Will it not be an issue that I didn’t travel on my initial intended dates in 2016? Thanks!

Hi Riza, as long as your visa is valid, I don’t think it would be an issue.

Hi @The Poor Traveler !!!

I stumbled upon this article last summer and because of how detailed you outlined the steps, this made us decide to push through with our application. We applied last Sept. 26 as a group and we got our visa on Oct. 4!!! Hooray!!! Thank you so much for sharing all these information. This help us greatly on planning our SK trip this coming last week of the month, in time for autumn!!!

Wow! Congrats! Enjoy the autumn colors!!!

Hi! Ask ko lang po po kung yung bank is nagbago ng system and yung kaya lang nila iprovide na bank statement is screenshot?ano po kaya kailangan ipacertified true copy ba o kailangan ko magprovide ng cover letter? Thank you :)

Hi Camil! Have it certified. :)

Hi. I’m pregnant and i want to have tourist visa in korea my boyfriend is korean. Is it possible that I can get tourist visa?

Hello, just wanna confirm if I have bpi credit card and bank certificate is already waived does that mean i don’t also need to submit a statement of account? Thanks.

Hello! Do we still need to provide a certificate of employment even though we have a BDO credit card? The details states that the applicant will be exempted from providing financial documents if he has a active BDO credit card. So does that mean we don’t have to provide certificate of employment?

Hi. I’m a student and may problem ako sa requirements ng parent ko about sa bank cert. May nakaindicate sa bank cert kung ano ano yung mga included, hiningi ng dad ko sa eastwest yung bank cert and ayaw nila ibigay yung 6 months ADB kasi yun daw ang format nila and kita naman daw sa bank statement yun. Pano po kaya pwede gawin?

You can still submit that.

hi, ask lang sana po ako. EX OFW po ako, just last 3 months i exited from my work in saudi. Can i still used my final COE even i am not working already from my previous company?? as of now i am still unemployed. thank you

I just want to confirm something. We are planning to go to Korea in December. Originally, we only plan for a 4-day trip but it can extend longer. Pwede bang ilagay sa application na four days lang ang stay. Magkakaproblema ba kung lalagpas ng 4 days ang stay ko? Thanks a lot.

Hi! You can stay longer than what you declared as long as pasok sa validity length nung visa.

Hi, would P30k be enough for a 5-day stay? Also, what if yung ADB ko is not that high. madalas na winiwithdraw ko lahat ng funds ko from my ATM. And, pwede ko bang gamiting personal savings account yung Payroll account ko? Thanks for your assistance.

Hi Sir, what it may savings account po ako nagkakalaman nmn po ung sahod ko po monthly kaso kinukuha ko rn po.tapos lalagyan ko po this month ng 25k.kukuha po kasi ako ng tourist visa for 5days.vacation po ng family ng bf ko.ok lng po ba un?

I have all the requirements for tourist visa application for Korea except that I cannot provide a copy of business permit from the mayor, I have just closed my business last january 2017. What else can I submit in place of the business permit?

I’m scheduled to get the result of my application on 2nd week of Dec. Can I still claim it even after the schedule given or I have to follow the date?

Thank you, Pao

Have a nIce day =))

Yes, if you are not available on the exact release date, you may claim it after the date, JUST TO MAKE SURE WITHIN A WEEK (for example, your original release day is Monday or up to Thursday, you may claim it up to Friday; if your release day is Friday, you may claim it on Monday the following week). I would suggest if you claim it after the release date, claim it PERSONALLY. But of course, I strongly recommend to claim it ON EXACT DATE if you really have a time or you are available that time.

Hello po..april 2018 po ung punta namin ng korea..through travel agency..tapos sila n din ang magpaprocess ng visa namin..magkano po kaya dapat ang laman ng account good for 4 days?this january n po kasi kami magpapasa ng requirements..thanks

Ask ko lng po, balak namen pumunta with the whole family pero si mama at si papa is wlang work at kme lng ng sister ko ang may work pero naka base kme s UAE, parehas may account ang parents ko s pinas at kme ng sister ko ang bank namen is from UAE, tatanggapin kya po nila un for requirement. paano po b kme mag aaply if ever?

Hi Jackie, feeling ko naman tatanggapin naman din un as requirements. Are your parents senior na? If so, may ibang set of requirements sila.

Not sure where you should apply, kung sa UAE or kung pwede sa Pinas. Best to call the embassy.

Thank you for this useful blog of yours. I just have a question:

We only have a marriage license and NSO marriage certificate is too long to process that it may not come on time with the date of our planned Korea trip? Will marriage license suffice. Thank you

Hi Ron. I honestly don’t know the answer to this, but if I were in your shoes, I would submit a copy of the marriage license and write a letter of explanation to justify. :)

I would like to ask if it is my 2nd time to apply for Korean Visa and I was approved the first time, is that considered to be part of the OECD visa requirement or no? Thank you. :)

Hi! Last time I applied, past Korean visas are not counted.

Hello what if my bank account is newly opened?i will open bank account this january and planning to go to Korea in february?

Not advisable. They will see that you just opened the account in the bank statement and it will raise more suspicions.

Plan namin ng younger sister ko pumunta sa SKorea this April, I’m a 2017 College fresh Grad while my sister is graduating high school this May, our mother will cover all the expenses, however, she is a businesswomen, so she doesn’t have employment supporting papers while my father is a government employee. Will an Affidavit of Support and Cover Letter (explaining that this is a graduation gift for both of us and will declare them as our guarantor) be enough to guarantee the approval of our Tourist VIsa?

Nothing can “guarantee” approval. Will you also be able to submit your mom’s business registration docs since she’s a businesswoman? If so, submit those too because they and your mom’s bank records will be required.

Hi po. Ask lang po if may chance po kayang maapprove ung visa namin for a 3days tour in sk.. unemployed po ako pero may enough money naman po ako on hand para sa trip and magsponsor din po yung mother ko. Kaso wala po syang itr kasi housewife lang po sya but may laman po ung account nya kasi every month syang pinapadalhan ng kuya ko na working in abroad. Ok na po kaya ung bank statement and bank certificate lang nya ung iaatach ko when applying for visa? Thanks po

Hi Yan! I think the safer way is to have your brother sponsor you instead?

follow up question po. ano ano pong requirements, kung si kapatid ang sponsor ng travel to SK? salamat po, god bless.

Hi Mervin. Di po namin alam pag unemployed kasi talagang requirement nila ang COE and ITR. Nirerequire pa rin nila yan kahit na sponsored ng iba ang trip.

Hi, I just opened a bank account last Jan.9 and planning to apply a korean visa on April 10. Is there any chance of being aproved? Its 3months old by that time. Hope to hear from you or from anyone here with same scenario. Thank you.

May chance naman but it depends on many other factors.

Hi i would like to knowkasi friend ko mag apply sya ng korean visa but tax exempted na daw sya pano yun wala na syang ITR?

Is this because of the new tax policy? 2018 lang yun na-implement pero ang ITRs are records of the previous year so hahanapan pa rin sya ng ITR from 2016 or 2017.

Hi thank you for the response. pano daw po if hindi tlaga sya na deducan simula nung pumasok sya sa work need ba nun ng letter galing sa employer na wala tlaga syang tax

Hmmm, naku, di ko na po alam kapag ganun. :(

Hi po. Just wanna ask if ok lang ba na local bank account ang gamitin ko for visa req? Or shud i open a new 1.. June po sana alis namin. Thank u in advance.

Yep! Okay lang local bank account.

Hi, I am planning to submit my documents to the embassy, however i am confuse if i need to still state my travel details when I went to HK, one is for tourism and one is just for a transit going to Shenzhen. Concern ko lng po is since hndi na po nag stamp si HK sa passport, need ko pa din po ba siyang state sa application form. Naisip ko lang po na bak mga kabearing since ang mkikita lang pong stamp is yung alis and arrival ko po sa Pinas. Thanks po

What if i already have visa and my flight will be on march but my visa expiration date on Feb. 21 , what should i do?

Hi po..just want to ask.. What if i got a VOID stamp on my Visa more than 3 years ago, and i’m planning to try again, Can i still apply for another one?. And on my application, do i need to declare that i got Void?

hi. i would like to know po. in a multiple entry visa for 3 years, we have 030 days as period of sojourn. what does that mean? 30 days for the whole 3 years? or 30 days per enter in korea?

30 days per trip

hello! me and my brothers are planing to go to korea on march. We are planning to present our family company’s ITR and Bank statement, would it be okay? also, under the details of Sponsor section in the application form, should i check yes for “do you have anyone sponsoring you for visa?” since we are claiming that the company will shoulder all our expenses. sorry if i have a lot of questions. hahaha. thank you in advance.

If you’re declaring that the company will be sponsoring your trip, then yes, you should check yes for that item.

However, based on our experience though, even if we were to be sponsored by a company, they still required that we submit our PERSONAL bank statement and ITR. :)

Hi! I’m a freelancer but the company I’m working for is based in the US. Will the sample COE letter apply to my case?

Yep, that’s okay. As long as they can vouch in a document/letter that you work for them and provide details of your arrangement with them.

Hi! Good day! I will apply for korean visa tomorrow, i have complete requirements. From COE, ITR, bank cert and statement, but I am worried with my amex card, having second thought of submitting it because i have used all my credit limit. Do you think, Will it be a problem? Thank you, your response will be much appreciated.

Hi can i ask if i dont have bankstatement is it fine ? but i have a cash money to support my vacation in korea . Because im my work was giving cash basis salary and i dont have time to go to bank

Based on our experience, they would still require bank statement unless you have other documents that can prove funds. It has to be documented somehow.

Hi I applied last January 23 and I was denied it said “I failed to qualify for the visa category I applied for”. I applied for a tourist visa under the employee category. And I plan to apply again what do you think should I apply under the self employed category because we have a family business.

What documents did you present since we also have a family business I am worried now that I will be denied. Thanks!

Is the family business named after you? Or can you produce any proof that you own that business in part? Because if you can’t, then I think you cannot use that business for your application.

hi. i would like to ask, i’m a student, and my first cousin who’s an OFW ang magssponsor s SK trip ko, at kasama din siya, if anong papers ang pede at dapat naming isubmit for application of visa???

Hello. We have same situation. Planning to apply for a Korean visa on January. OFW ako, and I’m planning to sponsor my cousin. What should i do? How’s your application po? Ok lang po ba mgsponsor ang non-immediate familymember? Hope you reply po. Thanks.

Check out this post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/12/korea-visa-requirements-manila-embassy-application/

Note the requirements for students.

In addition, submit your sponsor’s employment, tax, and bank documents. Not sure if non-immediate family members are allowed to sponsor, but if they are, they might also ask for proof of relationship.

hi po. ask ko lang ano ano requirements pag galing ako ng saudi because OFW ko. then end of contract na ko by oct. and nagplaplan kame mgSK for vacation.ano mga need ko isubmit eh that time wala pa ko work. thnx

hi! Ask ko lang po kasi balak ko magapply ng korean tourist visa with my 3 years old daughter I have a Philippine passport but my daughter have a Nepalese passport because her father is a Nepalese. Pede ko Maya xa is a sa application ko Dto sa Korean Embassy sa Pinas…? TIA!

hi! Ask ko lang po kasi balak ko magapply ng korean tourist visa with my 3 years old daughter I have a Philippine passport but my daughter have a Nepalese passport because her father is a Nepalese. Pede ko kaya sya isabay sa application ko Dto sa Korean Embassy sa Pinas…Gusto ko kasi Osama sya.. TIA!

Hi Elijah, I’m sure pwede, but if she’s using a Nepalese passport, there might be additional documents. Possibly, photocopy of ACR I-Card and Philippine visa.

hello po. ask ko lang po sana kung ano ano requirements na ipapasa ko, kung ang brother ko sa italy ang mag sponsor sa akin travel to s korea? thanks po. god bless.

un employed din po pala ako. pero may bank account naman ako.

Hi! I’m planning to visit South Korea with my mom this coming April. She retired early because of health issues back then (breast cancer). This is her 10th year living as a cancer survivor so she decided to visit Korea as a treat. I have a regular job with around 30k salary, but unfortunately I only have 20k on my savings account. She has enough bank savings (around 1.5 m). Will we have a problem, considering that she doesn’t have a job and I only have a small amount of savings? Would there be a problem if she transfers 50k on my account this month and we apply for visa next month? Thanks.

Hi Ciel. I’m not sure we’re the best people to ask because we haven’t been in this situation. How old is your mom? I don’t think your mom is going to have a problem because it’s easy to explain (through a cover letter) that your mom retired early for the reason you mentioned, and since she has big savings in her bank account, that should be enough to cover the travel expenses.

The bigger problem is your bank account. Even if you add 50K, they will still see it on the bank statement. (But I guess that’s better than having 20K).

However, since you have a stable job and this is a family trip, there might still be a chance. If I were in your shoes, I would just have my mom sponsor the trip, declare that on the form, and explain it further in a cover letter. You would still be required to submit your bank documents, but you would have your mom’s bank docs too to support it.

Again, we’re not the right people to ask, but that’s what I would do if I were in a similar situation. :)

Hi. My husband and I just booked a flight to South Korea in May 2018. But he doesn’t have work because I’m the one who is employed. Can he submit my proof of income and our marriage cert when we apply for visa?

Hello po, I’m graduating on April 12 and our flight is on April 21. Will I apply as a student or an unemployed? My parents will sponsor my trip as a graduation gift. Also, I traveled to different countries na like Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia do you think it will increase my chances for the approval of my visa?

I will be traveling with my sister who is already working (pero medyo bago pa lang sa work niya) btw. Hope you can reply kasi we are really nervous po about applying and considering a travel agency na po :(

Apply for a visa before graduation so you can apply as a student. :)

If I am going to apply as an English Teacher in South Korea, what are the processes and kind of VISA I should get?

Hi Jay. I have no idea. We’re only familiar with the tourist visa.

how if you do not have ITR?

Hi! Thanks so much for this blog. We will be applying as a family. Im a housewife also. Does that mean for me and my kids we can submit a photocopy only of my husband’s bank cert, ITR and bank statement? Also, from our bank account, they didn’t specify the ADB but gave us a bank statement/transactions within 3yrs. Will that be ok? Thank you in advance

Yes to the first question.

Re bank account, if by default the bank doesn’t indicate the ADB in the bank certificate, yes, you can submit that regardless. BPI is like that, and it’s okay. But please note that you will still have to submit BOTH the bank certificate AND bank statement.

Hi! What if i’m newly employed (1 month) since i just graduated last year but i have been to korea twice before and have been to OECD countries like Australia, UK and Scotland, will i be denied? This is given that i will present my own savings bank statement and payroll account and other necessary requirements ( i might also attach my parent’s statements). Or is it ok to just submit my parent’s statements and state that they will financially support my trip?

Hi Joanne, even if you submit your parents’ statements, you will still have to submit your own bank docs and ITR. But yep, submitting your parents’ docs and presenting your travel history will help your application a lot. :)

what if i don’t have an ITR yet since i just got employed in my first job?

Write a letter explaining that, but provide other proof of income and employment like COE, payslips, etc. instead. :)

hi did the embassy calling banks to verify?

Ang alam ko hindi, pero pwede silang humingi sayo ng additional documents kung may duda sila.

I am newly employed but i have sufficient funds in my savings. (almost 100k). I will also use my parent’s details as my sponsor for this trip. Thus i will present their gold credit card and transactions, will I be granted a multiple entry visa given these conditions? Also do i need to present my own ITR despite my parents having a gold credit card?

Hello. Can I ask if Korean Visa has expiration if you won’t use it right away? Because I wanted to apply now but can I still use it for next year? Thank you

Your blog is very informative. I also have some questions and I hope you can help me. I am an OFW and I applied for my Korean visa here in the country I am presently working in. I will be travelling with my mother and she will process her application by herself in the Philippines. Kindly give me advise what documents I should present if I will shoulder her expenses. I am planning to send her my COE, bank certificate here in the country I’m working, and birth certificate. Do I still need to provide a copy of my approved visa, plane ticket, and a notarized copy of support to strengthen her application? Or a simple cover letter will suffice?

By the way, my mother is 59 years old, unemployed, with bank account around 50k balance ( Isend her monthly remittance). She has been to HongKong, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore. Does she need to present her own bank documents as well? I know it could have been easier if we will apply together in the Philippines but I have a short vacation that’s why I applied here. Or is it better if I will ask assistance from a travel agency? Thank you very much.

Hi JB! A cover letter and notarized copy of support will surely help her application.

Yes, your mom would still need to submit a copy of her bank documents.

Hello! I have already applied for a Korean VISA and received a single entry last August 2017. However, I was not able to use it for the whole 3mos validity due to personal reasons so now, I am re-applying and hopefully get to fly by April 2018. Would like to know if I am now qualified to fill out Section 2: Visa Issuance Confirmation although I have never been in Korea?

Thank you so much! -Maj

NO. The Visa Issuance Confirmation is a separate document, different from a visa. We explained that in another post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/12/korea-visa-requirements-manila-embassy-application/#What_is_the_Visa_Issuance_Confirmation_in_the_Section_2_of_the_Application_Form

But we’ll add na rin to this post. :)

Thanks po for the confirmation and swift response!

I will be invited by my Korean friend. I have the following:

husband’s bank cert & statement (I’m a housewife.) husband’s ITR (Dec 2017) Korean friend’s invitation letter & passport (scanned copy)

Question is: Do I still have to provide my husband’s COE? We misplaced his latest one. :'(

YES. He should get another from his employer.

Thanks so much, Yoshke! You’re an angel! More power to you! :)

Hello po. next week pa mag eexpire visa ko can I apply for a new one asap?

Hi Wee, is it used na? If used na, pwede na. If unused pa, di namin alam. :(

Hi! Just want to ask if the embassy will accept appeals because I got denied but my girlfriend got approved. We submitted the necessary documents needed and we have almost the same answer on the application. The reason for my denied visa was ” The purpose of entry was not explained in detail”. We already have plane tickets and payed our lodging. Will they be considering it? Thanks in advance!

hi po we are planing to visit s korea since my husband is working their. posible po b gamit bank acct ko and COE ni mr? housewife po ako and kasama ko 2kids k. thank u

Submit the requirements listed under HOUSEWIFE above.

For the self-employed, doesn’t the COR serve as a substitute for the COE?

P.S. By self-employed, I mean as a professional instead of a business owner.

Hi. My wife and I both have a stable job in Bahrain. We are planning to travel SoKor next month. We are advised by the Korean Embassy here that we should have at least P200k on both of our bank accounts. Is it really that necessary? Thanks.

The embassy’s rules change depending on the country. The rules in PH is not the same in Bahrain. If the Korean Embassy in Bahrain says you need to have at least 200K, then follow that because there’s no better source than the embassy itself.

But that rule does not apply to applications lodged through the Korean Embassy in the Philippines.

Hi i’m planning to apply tourist visa on August for my November Korea trip however it’s bothering me kase sa july i will file my resignation so yung buong month ng August is nag rerender nalang ako and last month ko na din sa work yun. Okay lang po ba yon? Is the Korean Embassy going to check my status as an employee sa company namin? Hope to get answer to this question. Thank youuu!

Get your documents (COE, ITR, alphalist, etc) before you file your resignation. Tapos tsaka ka mag-apply.

As for kung tumatawag sila, not every time. I think bihira lang un, kapag may duda lang sila.

Hi po, I am a student and my father will sponsor my trip to korea. It says in the requirements for students that we need to provide an Alphalist. My father requested for it but it was not approved, confidential daw po kasi yon sabi nung HR department. Ano po pwede gawin?

We don’t know the answer to this kasi it’s a really new policy and wala pa kami masyadong alam about sa intricacies nung policy :(

Hi! Is it ok if certificate of employment is not original? I mean i will just print the COE sent to me thru email? With signature of company owner? Thanks!!

Hi Juliet, I’ve done this before and they accepted it. But this was last year. Mukhang mas strict na sila now so di ko na alam

Hi! I will be travelling to Korea this coming April 26 – May 1. I have a Multiple Visa but it will end on April 30, 2018. Usually, the immigration will put 30 days of stamp on the passport. My only concern is, will there be a problem if I don’t re-apply for my Visa even though I’ll be coming back on May 1?

Thank you very much.

on my assesment it doesnt matter, kasi ginamit mo ang entry visa mo before it exppires, yun naman arrival visa mo valid for 30 days stay sa korea, so there shouldnt be a problem

hello po. may itatanong lang po ako. kasi po kami po ng mama and little brother ko plano po magbakasyon this month sa busan korea. we are planning to stay there for 59 days po sana. pero po hindi po kame mags-stay sa hotel kasi po don po kami magsstay sa house ng friend ni mama sa busan korea. Kelangan pa po ba ng invitation letter from my mama’s friend from busan korea??? help po please. First time po kasi namin if ever eh. thank you po

Nasagot ko na ‘to sa kabilang page.

Yes, kelangan ng invitation letter and photocopy of passport/ID of nag-iinvite na taga-doon.

Hi, I don’t have a saving account but I have a pyroll savings account more then a year opened. Is that applicable or do I need to open a savings account? Thanks

I think payroll account is okay basta maayos ung ADB and current balance.

Hi! I am applying for a Korean Visa. I have an OECD VISA ( canada) but I wasn’t able to use it for some valid reason. Do I still need to get an ITR?

Hmmm. Di ko sure kapag unused ung visa. :(

Hi. Do they really stop accepting applications when you arrive say for example, at 8am? Like they turn you away form even entering? Or the line is simply long? Thanks

Hi Bibi, they have a maximum number of applicants that they can entertain. When they reach that number, they will no longer accept anyone.

What do u you show as proof that you have a Gold BPI/BDO credit card?

Hi! Is it ok na yung ITR form 2316 walang BIR recieved stamp or certified tru copy stamp. Sabi kasi ng BIR they dont stamp in form 2316 since last year. Ok lng ba yan? I have the alpha list with received stamp pero yung itr wala. Thanks in advance

good afternoon.

we are planning to travel to south korea with my family and my minor granddaughter will go with us. what is the requirement if a child is travelling with relatives without her parents.

many thanks.

Hi! You’ll need a DSWD Clearance. You’ll find the details in this post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/04/dswd-travel-clearance-minors-application-requirements-frequently-asked-questions/

Is it possible to deny kung nag graduate na ng grade 10 sa school, tapos hindi pa ulit nkaka enrol sa ibang school pero may School certification din naman,.

Hi, my mother and I is planning to go to Korea next yr probably in the month of April. By that time, I will already graduate from school and is jobless (bec. I will be a fresh grad). Is it okay to indicate that I am still a student?

Hi! I honestly don’t know the answer to this. But if I were in your shoes, I’ll apply as someone sponsored by my mom then include an explanation letter saying na this is a graduation celebration trip.

Hi! I just applied for our Visa (mine and my family’s). I’m a newly grad and is currently waiting for the commencement exercises. I indicated that I’m unemployed and wrote a letter that I will not be able to provide anything including my diploma and TOR as it will be mailed after a month pa. I also indicated that I will be submitting requirements na equivalent sa student’s and I attached a certificate from the school stating na I graduated na. Got approved naman :)

Hi! I just wanted to ask if it’s possible to enter Korea via Taiwan? We just had our Korean visas approved and my family and I were planning to stop at Taiwan first for a few days then fly to Korea after. Hoping for your reply! :)

Yep, that’s possible.

Hi can i ask?.wla po kc akung itr ia2ply ko plang,nag wo2rk ako sa corporation ng ate ko,ok lang po ba na siya mag sponsor saken,yung bank account ko po lets say 100k po yung lamAn,ok lang po yung amount for 7day na pag stay sa korea,posible din kaya na magrant yung visa ko,thanks po..

Yep, okay lang yung 100K for 7 days. Pero kahit sponsored ka ng sister mo, malamang hingin pa rin yung ITR mo. Yun kasi experience ng teammate namin dati.

Hi, I am working as part timer/freelancer since Feb 2018, my questions are:

1. Is it possible to submit ITR from my previous job? since I am working now as part timer only means no tax, etc. or the ITR and Certificate of Employment with indicated salary should be tally? 2. How long it takes to get a personal bank certificate and original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook? should it be requested this from my bank?

Note: I am planning to apply tourist korean visa by July 2018. My boyfriend is working there 1 year already and invite me to visit korea since holiday there by 1st week of Oct 2018.

Thanks for advance answer!

1. Yep. 2017 ITR talaga ung needed now kasi every year lang un. And yes, pwedeng tingnan nila kung nagtatally ung ITR mo and COE, so my reco is to write an explanation letter.

2. Madalas, within the day or the next day, makukuha mo na.

Hi, may I ask for clarification: if I provide my ITR, do I still need to submit my form 2316 and company alphalist? The requirement posted on the korean website indicates, “ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy and Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp / please highlight your name)”. Thanks!

I processed my visa application. Is it possible to have someone else claim my visa/passport? The thing is I’m far away from Manila and I’ll be busy during the release date/week.

Hi. I’m newly married and I still don’t have any other supporting documents (except for marriage contract) to prove it. All my ids including my passport are still in single status . Should i put it in my application that I’m still single or married? Thanks!!!!

Hi Wy, always declare the truth. So in your case, I think it’s best to declare you’re married. But just make sure you submit a copy of your marriage cert/contract and a cover letter explaining the situation.

hi! i’m still a student and the one who will sponsor me is my father’s brother but my parents aren’t married and i’m using my mother’s surname should i attached a letter with my application about my scenario???

Hi Chinchin, I’m not sure if nag-aapply to sa Korea pero sa Japan visa, what they would recommend sa ganyang situation ay magsubmit ng birth certificate mo + birth certificate ng dad mo + birth certificate nung uncle mo. Having all 3 BCs will prove your relationship with your uncle/sponsor.

Again, not sure if magwowork yan sa Korea. But that’s what I would do rin if I were in your shoes. Tapos add ako ng Cover Letter explaining the situation. I’d write something like, “My trip will be sponsored by (name), who is my uncle. My parents are not married and I’m carrying my mother’s last name, so we have different last names. But to prove our relationship, I’m attaching a copy of my, my father’s and my uncle’s birth certificates.”

Something like that. That’s just me, though.

Thank you po for the info,, eto last na po kaya po kasi kami pupunta ng korea is for a convention with our school ung isa ko po kasing classmate her sponsor is a relative who is an ofw and they don’t even have the same surnames alam niyo din po ba if ganto ung case?? thank you po ulit

Does every one need to submit a birth certificate? I’m not a minor or a student, just an employee. I was invited by a Korean institute which will pay for everything.

Di naman listed ang birth certificate sa requirements pag employee.

HI! 100 thousand per person? because we are three …two adult and one child (5yrs old only) thanks.

Hi! I’m a first time traveller. also a student. and got my invitation letter from Korea, in our Ministry. Paano po kung kaka opened lng po ng parents ko ng passbook s bdo? Is it valid? yun nlang po kulang s requirements ko po eh. flight po sa july 22 na. at mag pprocess n po kmi ng visa this may. bayad n po ako s reg fee ,accomodation, food, and ticket.

Requirement kasi talaga nila yung 3-month history ng bank account. Tinitingnan kasi nila ung maturity and ung activity ng account. If your trip is sponsored by your ministry, you can try getting a letter from them instead and other proof of purpose of travel. Pero walang guarantee yun.

hnd ko po ksi alam noon e. 3 mos po pla s bank account.

Hi! Employed ako pero mom ko yung magsponsor ng trip ko. Pwede bang yung bank statements ng parents ang isubmit? Onting funds lang kasi pag account ko e. Thank you!

Yes, i-declare mo lang that your parents will be sponsoring your trip. Then submit both your parents’ and your own bank and employment documents.

hello, i’m applying for visa and my aunt is supporting me and she is working s an ofw in the middle east but i will not be able to give her coe neither a bank statement will that still be applicable???

There’s a big chance your application would be denied if you couldn’t provide those docs.

Good afternoon,, ung mom ko po is may bank account pero joint account po siya pero sa kanya naman daw po mainly nakaname pwede po ba na un ung ipasa ko???

I’ve tried submitting a joint account bank cert & statement before, naapprove naman. So I think di sya issue as long as okay ung ibang requirements.

Hi! I am employed but my mom will shoulder all the expenses. Need ko pa ba isubmit bank statements nya or any supporting documents from her? Thank you!

Yep, you will need to submit both your own and your mom’s financial and employment documents.

Hi! I tried calling the embassy and tinanong ko if need pa ba ng bank statements of my mom kasi sya yung mag sponsor ng trip ko. Sabi nung nakausap ko, I only need to submit affidavit of support and no need na ng bank statements. I also can’t provide employment documents ng mom ko kasi wala syang work. Parang may business lang kami na nagtitinda ng fruits pero hindi din registered. I am employed btw. I’m confused.

Hi Maria, you can join our support group kasi baka may mga may similar case sayo. The members might be able to help. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler/

Follow up question po. Pano if walang employment documents mom ko? I mean, we own a land and nagtitinda ng fruits and veggies ganon.

Hello! I am a fresh grad, graduated Feb 2018, so technically unemployed right now. I plan on going to South Korea this June 2018 with my friend. My mom is financially capable and will be sponsoring my whole Korean trip, sort of like my graduation gift. I also have been to South Korea twice in the past five years though that was when I was still a student. I plan on applying as a student, following the requirements for students but my main problem is the School Certificate since I am not enrolled anymore. Any advice on what document I can use instead of the School Certificate?

Hi Giselle, if I were in your shoes, I’d just submit a cover letter telling the truth and explaining that I recently graduated and that this trip is a graduation gift from my mom. Then submit an affidavit of support from your mom.

Hi! My Korean visa was denied last November 2017 but what is sadder is that I was granted two Korean visa previously – December 2016 – september 2017. The reason that was indicated on the piece of paper was – reason number 5 (not qualified for the visa that you are applying ) but in the website the reason is number 7 – (the purpose is not clear) I tried figuring out what was the reason why I was denied. Maybe because my money during the third time I travel was only 30k and I don’t have a letter of invitation or maybe I travel too often to Korea……but last night I was talking to a travel agent and she told me that the reason why I was denied was because I stayed in Korea for a month. She said I lied… because in the application form I only stated that I will stay only for 20 days. I can re apply again and I am anxious of getting denied.I want to know based on your experience and knowledge, is it true that it matters that you follow what was said in the application form? I mean the fact that they gave you 59 days of stay – it doesn’t matter how long will you stay as long as you don’t overstay? I work is home-based job and I can work anywhere I want so I can really work anywhere so it is the reason why I can stay longer in any country. Please enlightened me. Thank you

Hi Kat, it could be any of several other factors. We’d need more details to form an opinion. What did you declare as your purpose of travel? To tour or to visit someone? What did you declare as your accommodation in Korea? A hotel or a friend’s address?

I just wrote tourism as my purpose of travel in the application for. During my first and second application ( that was granted ) I also indicated that it was for tourism but with letter of invitation and with a guarantee that my friend will help me with the accommodation( with their home address ) On my third application , I applied without an invitation and with tourism/ travel as a purpose. By the way since I was denied last November , I went to Jeju island last January to experience winter and last April for the cherry blossoms. SO technically i’d been to Korea four times already.

Hi I would like to ask regarding the employee category, since I am a contract of service/ contractual, would I be denied?

Hi Inah, not necessarily. I’ve applied as a freelancer/contract-basis before, naapprove naman. Although, un nga, mas strict daw ngayon. You can submit other proof of income/employment to be sure.

Hi. My korea visa was denied last Jan.6,2020. May duration ba kung kailan pwede mag enter ng Jeju after ma-denied? Kasi I’m going to Jeju on Jan.19,2020. I’m worried if baka di ako payagan ng Jeju Immigration due to denied visa which is less than a month palang. Please help. thank you.

I have no idea about that. Sorry. :S

Hello Yoshke Dimen :) I’ve been reading all your replies sa mga nagtatanong regarding for fresh grad. with no work yet. May I ask, in my case, yung Tita ko mag su-support ng trip as a graduation gift. She will be the one that will make the letter, right? And my supporting files like bank statement, etc., who should provide? From my parents or from my auntie that will sponsor the whole trip. Thank you. :)

Hi Patricia, I’m not sure. I think your tita should provide the docs. For good measure, you can also submit an affidavit of support from your tita. Hassle pero mas binding yun kaysa simpleng letter.

Hi Tanong ko lang kailangan daw ng school certificate sabi ng agency but my son graduated already last March at timing din na enrollment ngayon so the school wouldnt entertain school cert for visa and they would be releasing their diplomas after 6 months pa,whats the best alternative to do?

Hi Mary Ann, it doesn’t need to be a diploma. According to some members of our FB group who were in the same situation, they were able to secure a certificate (a letter) from the school stating that the kid studied at that school within a certain period. The embassy will understand that it’s school break or you can write a cover letter pointing it out. But you will still need some sort of certificate from the school.

I didn’t experience this. Just relaying info.

Hi! Ask ko lang po regarding sa ITR. Pwede ba ung walang BIR stamp? I went to their office and they said it’s already valid even without the stamp. And regarding din sa COE, okay lang ba kahit walang compensation at company address na nakalagay? Or okay lang na gumawa na lang ako ng cover letter to state the missing information? Advice naman po. Thank you!

Hi I’m planning on applying for a visa here in Dubai (and obtaining requirements here) but I’ll be flying to South Korea from the Philippines. Would that be alright?

Hello! I am applying for a Korean visa and I am still a student and I just wanted to ask if it is okay to pass the bank certificate and statement of my sponsor or should it be my parent’s bank cert and statement only? Thank you! Have a great day!

Hi Maya, if your parents have sufficient funds in their account, best if parents kasi it won’t raise as many questions.

Hi! I’m currently working as a caddy but I dont have ITR and ayaw mag issue ng company ng COE cos our job is not considered as their employee. I have my bank account po and my trip will be sponsored by my boyfriend which is korean po. I have all the docs po pati ng sponsor ko yung ITR and COE lg po kulang. May chance po ba ma grant visa ko? Im planning to apply on august. Any help and advice will be considered. Thank you po.

Hi. Nice read! I’ll be travelling to Korea this November and the only OECD country I have visited is Japan last November 2016. I was a granted a single-entry VISA for that. I am a bit confused about the “frequent traveller” tag. I’ve been to Japan only once and have never been to any other OECD country, and from my own understanding, in order for me to qualify as a “frequent traveller”, I must have visited an OECD country “more than once” within the last five years. Since it says in the Korean Embassy website “OECD visa/s and arrival stamps”, I assumed that you have to have travelled more than once. But since I’ve only travelled once to Japan, I’m really confused if i will be considered as a “first time traveller” or a “frequent traveller”. I’m worried that this might jeopardize my trip, because if i consider myself a frequent traveller (btw, i will be applying through a travel agency because i live in Palawan), i might get denied simply because i just fail to satisfy the requirements of a frequent traveller. Do you think i should just apply a first time traveller and disregard my single-entry OECD visa? Do you think I should submit the photocopies of my Japanese VISA and still submit the ITR and the Company Alphalist just to be sure? I would like to solicit your thoughts about my predicament. Thank you very much.

Hi Markie, according to our go-to travel agency, if you have a USED OECD visa, even if you only have one (as long as it’s used), there is no need for an alphalist.

I’m just relaying info, by the way. I’m not sure, either. What I would do though is still get an alphalist if I could, so if in case they ask for it, I’d be ready. It’s so hard to apply these days. Better be ready for anything.

the OECD thing is a little bit confusing, I have been approved for a single entry Visa in Korea last year. The question is, will it be considered as an OECD visa that exempts me from submitting the ITR.

Hi AJ, in the past, the embassy website explicitly says that past Korean visas are not counted as OECD. That bit of info is no longer up on the website so I don’t know if that still applies now.

Thank you for your response. Yes. I’d also secure the company alphalist just to be sure. you’re right, it seems more difficult to apply nowadays. I’ve read horror stories how some applicants were denied a visa when they’ve already been to OECD countries and have a considerable amount in their bank accounts.

Good luck, Markie! And thanks for visiting our blog!

Hi i got an approval on my visa but my husband until now which is 5th day after we apploed doesnt have any result yet. It says in the online when we check is application received. Does this mean he is denied? We check as well his email but no email from Korean embassy if they need supporting documents. Thanks in advance

Hi Mitch, just wait a little bit more. Most applications are assessed individually talaga.

Hi. What do you think is the minimum ADB that they require? Is 10k enough?

They don’t say. But 10k might be too low.

Hi Yosh! I’ve overheard my boss this morning mentioning the words “alphalist”, “embassy” and “2316” while having a phone conversation. Rings a bell. Out of curiosity, I asked him if he would be going to Korea. Turns out he was sponsoring her daughter for her Korean visa application. My boss has a used Australian VISA for his travel last year. Is he exempted from submitting the ITR and the company alphalist? Thank you. Btw, he also has BDO Gold.

Hi Markie, yep, he himself is exempted from submitting an ITR if he’s the one applying/traveling. But if it’s his daughter applying, I think he will still have to provide those unless may supplementary card yung daughter. I’m not that familiar with the rules surrounding the card coz I haven’t done it myself.

Thanks! I just told him to request for a copy of the company alphalist and submit everything. baka masisi ako kapag sinabi kong pwede na OECD visa nya. Hehe. Thanks ule!

Yep! And always better to bring whatever he can kasi mahirap na. Ang hirap pumila sa Korean Embassy ngayon. Sayang ang time if babalik pa.

Hi! My student is inviting me to go to Korea. Their parents will be

sponsoring my trip including round trip airfare, food and

accommodation and other expenses that I need during my stay

there. I plan to stay there for 5 days. My question is, is this an

advantage for my Visa getting approved? They are doing this as a

sign of gratitude for being their children’s tutor in the last 6

Hi Jeny, it all depends on how well you can provide the requirements.

If they can provide all the requirements required from sponsors, that’s fine.

In my opinion though, I believe having someone sponsor your trip complicates things. It’s much simpler to apply as someone shouldering own expenses. However, that only works if all requirements are met.

Hi I have a previous USED korean visa (single entry) is it considered as a OECD visa? that would exempt me from providing an ITR.

Hi AJ, in the past, the embassy website explicitly says that past Korean visas are not counted as OECD. I don’t know if that still applies now.

Hi good day! I am invited by my korean friend to visit in SK June 30 and he will cover all the expenses. I don’t have any bank statements/ certificate to present as it was newly opened account ( 2 mos ago ). Will it be okay if I submit a copy of a bank statement/certificate of my sponsor -my Korean friend?

Our travel date is on September 22-29. Can I apply on June 28? I’m confused if the start date of the visa is the date when you applied or the date it was issued. Thank you.

The date it was issued.

Hi.. schedule ko po sana ng application of korean visa bukas. Ang problema yung bnk certificate ko bukas pa mailalabas kase isa lang nk duty na pipirma na bank officials. Bukas pa mapipirmahan. Ask ko lang if pwede bang to be follow up yung bank certificate providing a letter na maisa submit ko din within the day. Balak ko kase mauna ako sa embassy then yung friend ko ang kukuha ng certificate ihabol nya nalang sa akin.

Please reply. Thank you

Hi! Meron na po ba may alam na case, na after mag apply ng visa (approved) nagresign sa work? Wala naman po bang naging problem? Plan ko kasi mag resign after magpa visa. Thanks!

‘Yung potential na magiging problem mo is Immigration. Usually, ina-ask kung ano work mo palabas ng Pilipinas.

mahihirapan po ba sa immigration pag nalaman na nag resign ka bago lalabas ng bansa?

Pwede, kasi baka isipin nila na maghahanap ka ng work dun.

Hihingian po ba ng COE pag sa immigration?

If you get picked for secondary inspection, pwede sila humingi ng COE.

Hi! My son and I will be applying for a Korean Visa. I would like to ask your opinion regarding the portion for EDUCATION. My son’s graduation is on June 29, 2018, so technically he has no Bachelor’s Degree yet. And under EMPLOYMENT, we checked STUDENT (he already has a certification from the university) Is it right if we will just check OTHERS and explain that he is yet to graduate on June 29, 2018. Thank you.

Hello, I just want to ask if business visa to Hungary is already considered as an acceptable Korean Visa Requirement for visa to OECD country?

Hello, I’ve check bdo website and it says there that they extended the tie up with bdo bank only until Dec 2018.

I also have question about my situation, can I apply for visa even if my visa is not yet expired but already USED?. (Exp on july 26,single entry)

So I can use my bdo gold credit card. Even ifthe I dont have bank statement and bank certificate?

we are applying family visa.. but i forgot to secure school certificate ng anak ko kc bakasyon na.. report card is okay kaya? or any proof na shes studying on that institution?

You can write a letter explaining just that. But yes, if walang school cert, you can submit other documents to prove it.

Your blog is very informative! Thank you!! By the way , I have some questions tho..

* Is there a possibility that you’ll get denied sa visa application if less than a year ka pa sa new work mo? Even though you can submit your ITR from your previous employer.

* Since I just got a new job this year. For the alphalist with BIR stamp. What alphalist do I have to submit? From the previous or current company? I’ve heard na e attached yung alphalist mo sa ITR. I’m confused.

Please advise. Thank you so much!!

Hi Drazzel,

Regarding being with your company for only less than a year, I don’t think that would be a problem. On my 2nd application, I was in the same situation. I just moved from one company to another. So I just wrote a cover letter explaining that.

Same with the alphalist. I’m not sure which one is the right one to submit, but either way, just write a cover letter to clear things up.

Hi! I don’t know if you have any experience on this but I would like to ask a question regarding application. I will be applying for my 4th Korean visa (first 3 were approved) but this time, I only have a few days left before my actual departure to Korea since the trip was spontaneous.

I am leaving on July 6, 2018 (Friday) but I will be applying for visa on June 29, 2018 (Friday), so exactly a week before departure because one of my requirements will only be issued on June 28. I have OECD so the processing time will only be 3 days so by July 3 or 4 I should be getting the result.

My question is, the fact that I am applying only a week before my actual departure date, will it negatively affect my chances of getting an approved visa? I am confident that my requirements are complete and I have sufficient money to shoulder the trip. It’s just that the trip was really spontaneous.

Hi Anne, no. They’re used to cases like that. Yung last application ko ay tight din.

Hi, I would like to ask, we will going to Korea, next year pa naman. Kasama ko mom ko and Lola. My problem is, yung mom ko is plain housewife, she have a bank account naman pero di ganoon kalaki. Pwede ba na gumawa ako ng affidavit of support na ako yung mag ssponsor sa trip namin? Kahit parehas na first time kami na pupunta ng korea? Kasi i have all the requirements, and i have bank account din na enough para samin dalawa. And yung lola ko naman, ganoon din she is 59 years old. No work and bahay lang. Pero she have a Bank account na kaya niya mag tour ng korea. Possible kaya na madeny siya? Tatlo kaming pupunta. Thank you! :)

Hi SP, I think makakatulong yung Affidavit of Support kasi I think binding naman yun if notarized. I would do the exactly the same if I were in your case.

Then write a letter explaining why you want to travel with her and that this is a family trip. They’re usually more forgiving to families traveling together. :)

HI, ARE MANILA RESIDENTS CAN APPLY IN KOREAN EMBASSY – CEBU ? I WILL BE ASSIGNED IN CEBU FOR ABOUT A MONTH. THANK YOU

Hi! Will it be ok to go to SK a few days before the end of the validity of the visa? I plan to stay for a week and my return would be beyond the validity of the visa. I read somewhere that your return to the Philippines should be within the 90 day validity period issued for the visa.

Hi! Would you know if, for the Bank Statements, I can use the ones generated by BPI Express Online? The requirements kasi state “Original or certified true copy of bank statements” — which I’m not sure would cover something I printed off from BPI’s portal. Thank you!

PS – Would you have any idea how much “show money” would be somewhat acceptable for a 12-day stay? I’d be super grateful for any input!

Hi Michelle. I haven’t tried submitting a BPI account for a visa application, but from what I know, if BPI Express, you will still need a copy from the bank itself. You’ll need to call the hotline and request for it, and then pick it up at a BPI branch.

Regarding show money, #12 here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/south-korea-visa-filipinos-frequently-asked-questions/

Hi…i have a problem with my dti..there is a discrepancy in my middle name…what should i do? Will i be able to apply for a korean visa?

Regarding the new rules with Korean Embassy. Does it affect the Visa promo of BPI and BDO Mastercard holder? Can I still apply directly in the Embassy using one of the MasterCard?

Hi Tezah. Via agency na rin yung BPI and BDO promos, I think.

Hi! It is said that we can still apply directly to the Embassy in Cebu. Can my cousin run the application for us? Thank you for your answer.

Hi! I think so, yes. Basta complete ang requirements.

Hi Good Day!

Yung HR po kasi namin nasa ibang bansa, magkakaproblem po ba ako kung yung phone number na ibibigay ko sa CoE eh landline galing sa ibang bansa? Marami pong salamat! :)

Hi! Okay lang po yun. ‘Yung isang apply ko, nasa Singapore yung office na binigay ko sa COE.

Marami pong salamat! Pwde din po kaya na yung office address sa SG yung gagamitin ko? Or pwde po ba na hindi magkaparehas yung office address sa ITR tska sa COE? Lumipat po kasi kami ng office.

Hi! I’m a fresh grad po, and still reviewing for my board exam this upcoming September, and I will also take the NMAT on October for medical school admission next year. My family plans on going to South Korea on December. Basically, for the time we’re supposed to apply for a visa, I do not have any work yet. But my parents are going to support my finances. I’m scared of not having my visa application approved. What documents do I need to present to the embassy in my case? I’d really appreciate any replies, thank you very much! Hope you could help me.

Hi Icy, what month will you be applying? If I were in your shoes, I’d write a cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip and your situation (that you’ve just taken the NMAT, etc.) and then submit proof. I’m not familiar with NMAT but is there anything that you can submit to prove that you’ve just taken it and is just waiting for results?

May I ask if a Manning Agency can apply Transit Visa for Seafarer through walk in application ? Thank you

Hi Rodelyn, naku wala kaming alam sa transit visa. :(

Hi! Currently, I’m unemployed and just waiting for my review for Architecure board exam which will start on Sept 3. But our travel date will be on August 31. I’m afraid my Visa application will be rejected. I already have a certification from my review center which states that I am enrolled and the details of my review. I also have my review center ID. What are the other requirement that I should pass? And also, my father will support my finances for the trip. But he will not travel with me. I will travel with my sister and mother only. Is this possible? I can also produce my own bank certificate for back up docs if ever needed. Would really appreciate for you reply. Thank you.

Hi vek, I think you still have a shot at having your application approved. Just write a cover letter explaining that you’re traveling with family and that you’re currently taking a review program for the board exam. Then send a copy of your review center ID and certification. I don’t know anyone who’s in the same situation but I would certainly do that if I were in your shoes.

Note that you might still need to submit your own bank cert in addition to your dad’s documents.

Hi good eve po..ask ko lng po sna pnu kung ung bf ko mag invite s akin punta ng South Korea anu po dpat gawin wla n p nmn me work..thanks po

Hi Mhey, if unemployed, mahihirapan talaga maapprove unless may valid reason (retired, student, etc.).

I am currently working at Dubai and wishes to visit Korea on September 14, 2018. One of the requirements on applying visa here overseas is your Dubai visa should be valid for 6 months on the date of travel other wise you should get visa from your country of origin if youare not a uae national. My visa will expire on march 01, 2019 so i will be short of 2 weeks. how do i process my visa in the Philippines if I cant do it personally. Also, if I can how are the procedure and requirements?

hoping for your assistance. thanks

Hi Daryl, you can contact a travel agency or ask someone (a relative or a friend) to ask on your behalf sa travel agency pa rin. Di naman kelangan ng personal appearance pag nag-aapply. As for the requirements, same lang din ng requirements as listed here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/05/new-korean-visa-requirements-application/ .

If hindi nagaapply, kung ano equivalent sa Dubai. Example, instead of ITR, you can send a copy of nung tax docs mo dyan sa Dubai.

Hi. My boyfriend and I are both freelancers. Our travel date is Aug 16, 2018. We are music teachers and we offer home based lessons so wala po kaming ITR and certificate of employment na mapapakita. We’ll just make an explanation letter regarding our concern pero ano pa kayang pwede namin ipakita na proof para ma-approve kami? Will it help kung may friend kami na nasa Korea tapos papagawa kami ng letter of invitation sa kanya? Would really appreciate your reply. Thank you!

Hi Gen, kahit na may letter of invitation kayo, they would still assess your application based on your personal situation (financial, employment, etc.). You can try making an explanation letter bakit wala ka ITR and then hingi ka ng letter from your clients (or sulat ka tas papirmahan mo lang sa kanila) certifying na hina-hire ka nila as music teacher. Pero no guarantee yan. Mahirap kasi talaga pag walang employment proof.

I’m a Filipino passport holder, residing in the Philippines. I will be attending a conference in Korea, August this year. However, I’m coming from Japan since I have a 10-day short course there.

Can I apply for a Korean passport here in the Philippines? Or I have to apply for a Korean Visa in Japan?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Cherry, you can apply here in PH. Just make sure you’ll give your application enough time before you leave for Japan so you have your passport with you.

Hi! I have a friend and na deny ang Korean Visa nya this July lang, but sabi nung agency nya mag re-apply daw agad ulit after a week yung friend ko sa Korean Consulate sa Cebu at yung agency parin ang magpprocess. Is it possible na pwede agad mag re-apply kahit hindi nasunod yung “after 6 months” na rule?

Hi Tala, as far as I know, may 6 months na rule talaga. I’m not sure if di nag-aapply yun if sa Cebu mag-reapply.

Hi i have a business here in Philippines and i also complete all the documents they need for tourists visa i provide bank certificate, bank statement, Business permit, DTI, ITR, i have money to travel i have business here in Philippines i can prove to go back here i also went to other countries here in Asia. My reason to travel is just for tourists. I am wondering why they denied me they also ask me one year bank statement i send to them but they didn’t approve my visa application. My question is why? I would like to ask too who are in charge in korean embassy (filipino po ba) because i am really wondering why they should give me reason why they denied me. Can i call the korean embassy to ask what category of visa do i need to apply for. Thank you and i hope to hear you soon.

Hi! How many days yung inapply mo?

But yes, you can call the embassy to ask kung ano category dapat apply-an mo.

Hi! Good Day! Tanong ko lang po, may branch kasi yung office namin dito sa pinas pero yung HR namin sa SG. Okay lang ba na SG telephone number yung ibigay sa CoE? Marami pong salamat! :)

Hi Nie, explain mo lang yan sa cover letter para malinaw sa kanila. :)

Hi Yoske! We’ve been to South Korea 1st week of July 2018, thanks to your great blog! However, is there a timeline when we could apply again for SoKor visa? Since it’s a single entry visa, we might want to try applying for multiple entry. Pwede bang mag apply agad after ma-expire yung single entry? If not, how many days or months? Thanks in advance and more power to you and your blog!

Hi Sam! Ang alam ko, wala namang rule sa pag-apply ulit if granted and used naman yung previous. Pwede ka apply ulit anytime basta expired/used na ung visa. Yun ang alam ko. :)

Hello Yoshke. I will be submitting our (family of 5) requirements here in Cebu. I just want to be sure if the cover/explanation letters should be addressed to The Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu. Thanks!

Yep! Sa consulate naka-address :)

Hi! I have a live in partner who’s working in Singapore for almost 8 years now,we have a son turning 6 this August,we are applying for a korean visa and plans to go together, what are the requirements needed for a housemom with no work,no itr but i do have a bank account the source of income is from my live in partner in singapore. Do i still have to request for affidavit of support for me and my son? thank you in advance..

Hi Bianca, I don’t know for sure but yes, I think you would need an Affidavit of Support. I’d also write a cover letter and explain my relationship with the sponsor, if I were in your shoes.

Hi ask ko lang po kasi mag-apply po kami ng visa sa December and yung flight is Jnauary next year. Yung mama ko po kasi employed siya kaso wala po silang HR. Bale yung pinka-boss siya na rin pong tumatyong HR at nagpa-process ng pag-recruit at payroll. Paano po kaya ang gagawin sa certificate of employment?

I-explain na lang po nung boss nya dun sa Certificate of Employment yung situation. Make sure na lang na andun ung mga required details like contact number ng boss nya. :)

Just wanted to ask if you have tried submitting a bank statement that is downloaded online but signed and certificated the branch of account? I have a BDO account and downloaded my transaction history for the last 90 days (limited by online banking). When I went to my branch of account to request for a bank cert, I asked one of the staff if they can certify my downloaded statement and she agreed. She stamped the last page with Certified True Copy and signed it free of charge. Would that be okay to submit as Statement of Account? Thanks!

Meron po ba nakaranas dito na approved ung Korean visa tapos nag resign after. Paano po pag sa immigration? Thank you

Me! Our trip was from August 22 to 25, 2016. I applied for a visa on July 29, 2016 and got approved on August 2 or 3, 2016. Then I resigned on August 5, 2016. Hehe! Wala namang anything major na tinanong sakin sa immigration. Parang wala akong maalalang tinanong ako about my work actually. Pagdating sa Korea, I remember wala din masyado tinanong sakin. Parang wala ngang tinanong e. Tinignan lang mukha ko and yung photo ko sa passport. You’re safe. Basta poker face ka lang. lol

Hi po! Ask ko lang if pwede po ang 50k na show money for 4 days na travel sa South Korea? Thanks

Pabasa na lang po nung #12

Hi! I am a fresh graduate, currently unemployed and reviewing for board exams (which will be on November 2018). Travel plans will be around end of Nov to December but only for just 3-4 days. I’m going to apply for the visa through the BDO card promo and I have the card on my name and I also have a recent travel to the US. I have a bank account that my OFW mom regularly sends money in. Is it okay if I apply as an unemployed and just provide the bank statement that would cover all my costs? Would those be enough or should I include a cover letter explaining my circumstances? Thanks!

You need a letter to explain that you just graduated and you’re reviewing for board exams and attach proof.

Hi sir, is it helpful to show that you have a credit card? Hindi po sya bdo/bpi. If so, anong kelangan iattach dun? Thank you!

Hi Jane, I think it can be helpful basta it shows na you’re paying diligently.

Hi. Is there a chance to get visa approval if the certificate of employment has no landline number since the province where im working has no landline yet?thanks

If the company can explain that in the certificate, that would be helpful.

Hi! I am also a freelancer (virtual assistant). I have an ITR (Self-employed) and also have a Certificate of Registration. I want to be on the safe side and also submit certifications from my clients. In your visa form, did you declare self-employed or employed since you are submitting a COE similar document?

Self-employed. I explained it din in a cover letter that I would be submitting letters/certifications from clients.

The Embassy asked us to submit parents consent, does that mean we are already approved after we send that or not yet?

Hi Shin, no idea. Parang not necessarily.

That what we thought too, since we are 19 already, our requirements are complete but the korean embassy asked us to send a parent consent to them. we are sponored by our parents for our trip.

Hi, I have Korean friend, soon to be part of our family. He invited me to go to Korea, since he will be needing my help to prepare a lot of things specially his soon to be wedding with my sister next year. He would like me to stay at least 2 – 3 months. I am currently employed, I can produced ITR and bank statement. Will my visa application gets approved for that period of time? He will pay and provide accommodation including food during my stay. What would be the best option for me? I can deposit maybe around 100k on my BPI account. Your advice is highly appreciated.

Hi Moon! Make sure you have an Invitation letter from your Korean contact (make sure it explains why he’s inviting you) and a copy of the inviter’s passport.

It’s also great that you’re employed and you have ITR, COE and bank statement because you will still have to submit them even though your trip is sponsored. However, I’m not sure about the length of your stay. I have no experience applying for a stay that long. But since you’re employed, I think you will also have to submit leave of absence proof. Not sure. Best to consult the agency where you’ll be applying through.

By the way, when is your trip? If your travel date is near, don’t deposit 100K into your account. It will look fishy and highly suspicious.

Hi, I’m a freelancer so I ticked ‘Self-Employed’ on the Visa Application Form. Although I’m not sure what to put under Employment Details, Name of Company and address of company. What did you put in yours? Should I put my client’s details? By the way, my trip is for one of my clients so they’ll produce coe, letter, etc, for me.. I’m just torn on whether I should put their details in the application form. Please help!

Hi Andz, if you’ll have COE and the trip is for your client, I think it’s best to declare you’re an employee, not self-employed.

If you tick self-employed, make sure you have business registration documents.

Thanks so much for your helpful answer. The client is based overseas though, not PH. Will it make any difference? Thanks again!!

I’ve done that before. My client was also based overseas. I declared EMPLOYEE kasi they issued a COE naman for me. I just made sure that my employment arrangement was explained clearly in the COE. Na-approve naman. But this was before they turned over much of the process to the travel agencies. I’m not sure if nag-strict na sila about it though.

I’m a freelancer po. Yung company po ng client ko is registered sa Belize pero, sa Thailand siya nakatira ngayon. Ano po ang Address at contact number na ilalagay sa COE? Yung sa Belize po ba or yung sa Thailand?

Belize po yung address, kung saan nakaregister ung company. Sa number, kung anong number best macocontact ung client mo. If may physical office sila sa Belize and kaya nila iconfirm na you work for them, sa Belize na lang. Pero if yung nasa Thailand talaga best na kausap, number nya na lang although medyo weird. Di ko sure ito ha, ito ay sa tingin ko lang.

Pwede po kaya na certificate of earnings na lang from upwork?

Makakatulong yung certificate of earnings + letter of explanation but best if meron pa ring COE from your client pa rin, complete with details so they can confirm.

Hi. Ask ko lang, I was denied last April 2018. Mag aapply kasi ulit ako sa January. Minimum lang sahod ko, makakaapekto ba yun sa pag apply? and first time ko lang mag oout of the country if ever.

Hi Cherry Anne, did they tell you the reason for denial?

Reason is “you failed to quality the visa category that you applied for”

I submitted all the documents that they need, but my COE dated January 2018 then March po ako nag apply pala. Akala ko pwede pa yun. Then ung money ko 40k lang sa bank acct kasi nakakabasa ako ng mga first time out of the country pero naapproved naman. But ngayon po plan ko taasan ng 80k bago ako mag apply ung bank acct ko and papainvite po ako sa bf ko., kaso worried lang ako kasi first time out of th country ko if ever and 10k minimum lang sahod ko

Naku, maaaring combination ng maraming reasons kung bakit ka nadeny. Yung COE + mababa yung funds + walang travel history.

If may bf ka sa Korea, maaaring naging factor din yun. Mas mahigpit sila if may kakilala ka dun lalo na if bf/gf.

Ilang days yung inapply mo dati?

And when you said tataasan mo to 80K, paano mo tataasan yun? If biglaan yun, fishy yun para sa embassy and magiging dahilan din yun na madeny ka ulit.

salamat po. update ko po kayo once na magokay visa ko hopefully po :)

may ipon po ako sa savings ko hindi naman po sya biglaan na nilagay lang po dun. before po hindi po ako nagpainvite sa bf ko , mas ok po ba kung hindi din ako papainvite sakanya this time na mag aapply ulit ako?

It’s simpler and mas walang complications kasi kapag walang nag-invite pero okay lang yun kung kayang magstand ng documents mo on their own. Syempre mas maganda if truthful ka sa application.

Hi, i have two passports. Taiwan and Philippines. Can I leave PH using my PH passport and then use my Taiwan passport upon entering Korea since it doesn’t need a Korean visa. Then when leaving Korea, I’ll use my Taiwan one and PH when arriving in the PH?

The Philippine Immigration would ask for the Korean VISA in your passport at the immigration counter before boarding your flight. Even though you have Taiwan passport, you will be leaving the Philippines using your PH Passport and they’ll probably be looking for your Korean VISA in your PH Passport.

Hi Marlene, sorry but I have no idea. :(

Hi Yoshke :) im a graduating student and i have part time job. Im planning to apply for kr visa next year po. Can i use my personal bank account and COE then just include my certificate of enrollment? TIA!

Hi Pudding,in my opinion, it’s better to choose just one, ideally one na stronger ang supporting docs mo. If mas maayos ung supporting docs ng parents mo kaysa sa’yo, safer to apply as a student. That’s just my hunch, though.

If you choose to submit docs to prove you’re both employed and student, best to write a cover letter to explain it.

UPDATE: I consulted a designated travel agency for the best way to go about this, and they said that it’s better to apply as a student and submit parents’ docs. They said applying as both employed and student can confuse the embassy. They also said that part-time jobs are often viewed by the embassy negatively because it tells them 2 things: one, that you are not as rooted and as financially stable, and two, that there is a possibility that you will work there too.

I’ll add this to the FAQs above too.

Quetion po regarding:

“No. You don’t need it. However, make sure you have an idea which hotel you will be staying because it’s one of the required fields in the application form. You don’t need to reserve, but you need to know where you intend to stay.”

Paano po kung sa bahay ng korean friend ko ako magi-stay at hindi sa hotel? Tsaka di na sana ako magbo-book ng hotel. Pag po ba sa immigration hahanapan ako ng proof ng hotel accommodation? Thanks po!

If invited ka and magse-stay ka sa Korean friend, you need to submit an Invitation letter and a copy of the inviter’s passport. You also need their address and contact details for the visa form.

Sa immigration, you will need an invitation letter and in some cases, proof of relationship.

I hope you can help me on this. I already purchased a round trip ticket to Korea and my flight is on November 21, 2018. However, I am unemployed for almost 2 years, no savings or current bank account, but I have more than enough money (Php X,XXX,XXX.00) on hand. Do I still have a great chance of granting a visa? Hoping for you prompt response. Thank you!

Hi John, it’s going to be tough because for the Korean embassy, it’s not just about the money. It’s also about strong ties in PH.

By any chance, do you have a credit card?

Will having a credit card, help?

Hi Yoshke! I was invited by a Korean friend at siya ang magsponsor ng expenses ko dun. Sa invitation letter ba anu dapat nakalagay? Na sponsored nya ung trip ska magiging boss ko sya or sponsored trip lng? Thank you.

Hi Julie Ann, di ko alam yung usually hinihingi ng Korean EMbassy re invitation letter. Di ko pa kasi naranasan mag-apply for Korean visa na invited. Pero in general, invitation letters should have the inviter’s details, your details, your relationship with the inviter, and the reason for the invite.

Mentioning na magiging boss mo sya though might not be a good idea kasi baka isipin nila na magwowork ka dun.

Hello! I’m a student and isa sa mga requirements ay yung copy ng bank statement and certificate ng parents. What if yung mother lang po yung may bank account? Will it still be valid? Thank you!

Hi Janella, ang alam ko okay lang pero di ko sure. :S

Hello. It will be my first time to apply korean visa and i’m quite nervous ‘cos i have a lots of what if. Ask ko lang po, I’ve been employed for 2.5 years pero kaka-open ko lang ng personal account ko sa bdo. Some of the requirements kasi is Bank Certificate w/ 6 months ADB & Bank Statement for the last 3 months, I think di ko kaya maprovide yun. Is there any way na pwede kong ipasa para ma-approve lang? I have 1 credit card from Security Bank (Classic) & 1 upcoming from BDO (I think classic lang din to) Will it help po ba?? Thanks a lot

Hi Ellen, naku, mahirap yung ganyan. Major requirement kasi nila yang bank statement for past 3 months. Di ko po alam kung paano dapat gawin.

Need mo na ba talagang mag-travel pa-Korea soon? If I were in your shoes kasi, I would wait na lang and apply kapag okay na ung bank accounts ko. Mahirap din kasi ma-deny, nasa record mo na yun pag nagkataon.

Hi good day! We plan to go to Korea this December 10-14 for a short vacation and to celebrate na rin my daughter’s birthday. I’m a housewife and my husband and I just recently opened a joint account for our travel savings (Last august lang), and kaka transfer lang din niya sa new work niya that same month. We have enough savings nman for a 5-day trip but I’m scared kasi to apply baka ma deny because of those reasons (ie: newly opened account and new work less than 6 months). Less than 6 months kasi yung maturity nun account but can produce 3months worth na bank statement. Would it help if we submit another bank account (sa husband ko lang) pero current account siya and not savings? Or credit card statements? Thank you!

Hi Katz, yung current account nya, okay naman yung laman nya and maturity?

Hello po! What if po may error sa marriage contract ng parents? Magaaply po ako ng tourist visa under student category. thank you po in advance!

Hi Leyn, naku, di ko po knows. best to contact na lang the travel agency kung saan kayo mag-aapply. Andito ung mga contact numbers: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/05/korean-visa-travel-agencies/

If i apply then got approved but decided not to go, magiging block listed po ba ko?

Di ko po alam, sorry. :(

Hi, we hqve submitted our application for visa on Nov.20, pwede pa bang magpahabol ng explanation if walang HR landline na nakalagay sa COE?

Hi Nic, di ko po alam. Ang alam ko, di na pwede. Best to ask the agency kung saan po kayo nag-apply.

Hi, I have a 5-yr multiple entry visa. What happens if for example I already consumed the no. of days granted by the embassy on the 3rd year and I want to go there again? Do I have to apply again for another visa? Thanks

Hi Vicky, naku, di ko alam pag ganyan. :(

Hi! Ask ko lang po kung may idea kayo kung gaano na po ba dapat katagal na active ang credit card (bpi/bdo) before magamit for visa application? Pwede kaya kahit yung wala pang 1month? TIA!

Hi Joy, wala ako idea. Huhu. Sorry. :(

Hello! Just want to ask if group po yung kukuha ng visa, individual ba dapat kami may savings account? Or dapat isa lang? Thank you in advance.

Hi Thine, family ba kayo? If hindi family, yep, individual ang bank account.

Hi! If meron na akong visa but I intend to max the period of sojourn, would I have problems with the immigration? I have bought a return ticket as well and have booked all the hotels I will be staying at in the duration of my stay. Is it still problematic to stay that long or is it something other tourists do normally? (Note that I applied for a regular visa not a 60- or 90-day visa. Hope someone can help. Thanks!

Hi Iza, you’re staying for 59 days?

Technically, okay lang yun. Pero malamang magtanong ang Immigration kung bakit ganun katagal and proof na kaya mo isupport yung trip na ganun kahaba. In that case, make sure you have all the supporting documents.

Hello! Gonna ask po sana paano po kung first time lang po to travel sa Korea, yung as in ngayon lang po magttravel tas mag aapply po ng Korea Visa, may chance po ba na madeny yun? Or ma accept

Hi Mary Joy, parati namang may chance na madeny. Depende din kasi yun sa strength ng documents na isusubmit mo. Pero malaking advantage yung travel history. Pero di ibig sabihin na pag first time mo, denied agad.

hi po! ask lang po ako. last July 2018 po nakakuha ako ng 3 year Multiple Entry na Korean Visa. dahil po sa BDO Gold Credit Card. ang tanong ko lang po hindi po ba siya mavo-void kung hindi ko siya magamit within 1 year? ang balak ko po kasi mga bandang October-November pa po ako mag-travel to Korea. meron din po kasi nakapagsabi na sa ibang bansa po yata like US pag di yata nagamit agad within 1 year na-eexpired.

salamat po! :-)

Hi Fevie, di po ako ganun ka-familiar sa multiple. :(

I’M travelling this coming january 13, 2019 po and 1 of the requirement is the ITR. wala p kc naiissue ung company namin n ITR for the year 2018. baka daw by february pa. bka pomay alm kau n option if 2018 ITR is not yet available

Okay lang po yung for 2017 kasi gets naman nila na wala pa ung 2018.

Hello! I’m currently a college student and I plan to travel to South Korea with my cousin on May as a graduation gift. The thing is, I will officially finish my degree by April but graduation is still in June. My parent’s will also be the one to sponsor my trip. Can I still apply as a student or am I supposed to apply as unemployed?

Also, my family and I traveled to South Korea last March 2013. Should I still include that I visited Korea in the last 5 years?

Hi Pancho, apply for a visa in or before April (before you finish school) para less complicated and you can apply as a student. :)

hello, we are planning to travel to Korea with my whole family that includes me, my husband, our daughter, my sister and my parents, but my husband and i lang ang nagwowork sa family. how much is the bank statement needed for a 4days stay to get approved?

See FAQ #12 above tapos pa-compute na lang po.

If you have already booked a flight and hotel, do you have to deduct that to your “Estimated Travel Cost” at the application form?

Or do you still have to include it?

Hi James, since hindi requirement ang flight and hotel booking, I think kasama pa rin sya dapat sa cost. Minsan kasi, kahit na magsubmit ka ng flight booking, tinatanggal nila, so mawawala yung context.

Yung sa akin, 2x ako nagsubmit ng flight booking diretso sa embassy pa noon, tinanggal nila both times.

Hi, currently my friends and I are in ojt already and we are planning to go to Korea after grad on May. So mga around June kami aalis. But our parents will support all our expenses and it will be a graduation gift. If we will apply for visa before May, would they know na pupunta kaming korea after we graduate? Need ba magpasa ng proof like kailan kami exact aalis? And what if only my mother has bank account?

Lastly, will the embassy ask kung ilang araw ako magstastay dun? For example.. Can I say 3 days only pero I’ll be really staying for 5 days or so.

Hi Nads, yes, i-aask sa form kung mo balak magstay and kailan yung trip.

hello, ask po ako if pwd ba ung bank statement (from a foreign bank) ng mother ko abroad for visa application? Or needed talaga ng Philippine bank. And pwd din po ba ung mag susuport saakin is my girlfriend’s parents? Pwd bang ilagay sa affidavit of support? Thank you po.

Hi Jays, according to the travel agency we talked to, ang best talaga na sponsor ay immediate family. Yun ang pinaka-ideal scenario. Mas ok daw yung chances pag ganun kaysa di kamag-anak ang sponsor.

Pero oo, makakatulong talaga yung Affidavit of Support.

I think okay lang na foreign bank yung statement. Di ko sure though.

Good Day po! Pupunta po kasi kami korea this july po then tita ko po ang mag sponsor sakin as a graduation gift po. Pwede po ba yon? and ano po yung mga requirements na kailangan? Thank you po!

Hi Maria, I don’t know for sure, but if I were in your shoes, I’d write an explanation letter saying that you just graduated and that it is a graduation gift and submit proof that you just recently graduated and proof of your relationship with your aunt (Birth certs).

hello po, graduating po ako this coming june and meron na din po ako work na mapapsukan, maybe on july may work na ako.. and ang plan po kasi mag apply ako visa for september 7 to 14… any tips po para sa application ko, and sa bank meron din po ako bpi and landbank.

Hi! Explanation letter lang kung bakit wala kang ITR (I’m assuming wala ka pang ITR kasi new pa lang sa job.)

Hi guys. I applied in Cebu Embassy and got approved <3 Meron po ba dito na makakapagbigay sakin ng format ng invitation letter if ever gagawa ung bf ko kasi 20days ako magstay in Korea. and other documents na need ipakita sa immigration sa airport kapag may magsponsor sa trip ko pagdating don. salamat

Pag mababa ang Gross Income na ngreflect sa ITR ay makaaapekto sa chances na maaprove granting na okay naman ang funds at kumpleto and papeles?

Sa tingin ko po, pwedeng makaapekto po yun.

gragraduate po ako this june ng college and mga june din po ung alis namin (parang grad gift po). ask ko lang po kasi april or may ko po balak kumuha ng visa so technically di pa po ako graduate nun pero di ko rin po sigurado kasi kung mabibigyan pako ng school certificate ng school by that time. Pano po kaya maganda gawin po in this case?

Thank you po

Explain nyo lang po sa letter na graduating kayo and na gift yang trip, tapos submit din kayo ng proof na gagraduate kayo soon.

ano pong proof ang pwede ibigay po? kasi yung diploma ko po baka di ko din po makuha agad, Thank you po

I’m planning to visit SK this October and me plan din kami ng mga friends ko to travel to japan this Dec, kung kukuha ako ng bank statement and cert ng August 15 for SK, pwede ko pa siyang gamitin for Japan kung mag apply kami for visa ng october diba? Iniisip ko kasi na isang kuha na lang ng bank cert and statement.

Thank you in advance.

Are you familiar on the process of transferring a vslid Korean visa to a new passport?

Hi Donna, we’re talking about tourist visa, right?

As far as I know, there really is no need to transfer. You should just bring both the old passport (with the visa) and the new passport when traveling. According to the embassy’s website, “Applicants who possess valid Korean visa in their old passport and have since renewed their passport may travel to Korea with BOTH passports.”

But if you really want to have it transferred, that’s possible too. The details are here: overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2444/view.do?seq=761440

I’m a fresh graduate and still unemployed but I want to visit SK for a 5 day trip with my friend. I have OECD visas and my mom will sponsor my trip. The thing is, she is also currently unemployed but a permanent resident in Japan. We finance ourselves using savings. What are my chances kaya?

Hi! Might be difficult. If I were in your shoes, I’d find another immediate relative to sponsor.

I would like to ask if possible pa rin kaya maapprovan yung visa ko if in case na yung savings account ko is hindi ko nadeposituhan due to my tuition fee last March. I’m planning to apply pa naman on May for visa. Is it okay ba na ibigay ko din ung bank statement ko for may payroll? kumbaga 2 yung ibibigya ko sa knla na bank statement? Kasi my friends told me na atleast daw every month nakikita na may transaction sa savings account though may savings I guess is enough for 6-day vacation there.. Please advise.

Hi Jessa, yep, okay lang na dalawang bank accounts ang isubmit. :)

Hi! I am planning to visit South Korea on October, I will be travelling with my husband and my sister. I will be the primary applicant. Ask ko lang, our bank account is under BDO but it is a JOINT ACCOUNT – me and my husbands’. Is it okay? Will there be any problem with that or is it required to have an account under my name only? Thank you very much

Hi Sheila, joint account din ginagamit ko pag nag-aapply sa Korea. Okay lang yun. :)

Hi, kakahired ko lang last January so yung payroll account ko is bago pa, plus hindi ganun kalaki yung pumapasok na pera kasi minimum wage lang ako and winiwithdraw ko lahat pag sahod namin. Ok lang kaya yun gamitin ko? or pwede kaya ko sponsored ng father ko since he’s working abroad? Thank you :)

I think yung best option is magpa-sponsor na lang sa father mo. Pero you will still have to submit your own docs.

Hi I check the portal yesterday which is Friday from 2-6 which I saw Approved but wen I checked it back around 8:30 it’s was changed back to application received. I want to ask if it’s usually happens because am nervous already and today is Saturday I need to wait till Monday pls if u av anytin to share regarding dis po

Hi! I’ll be graduating once I apply for a visa. I’ll be traveling alone and My father will be the one to sponsor my trip. He has his BDO credit card which is eligible for a multiple entry visa. Can I use that when applying for a visa even though he won’t be applying for one?

Hi Pat, ang alam ko ay di po pwede.

Hi po! Question lang. My tumawag kasi cp ko around 4:47 PM and 4:48 PM using also a mobile phone. And tomorrow naka schedule para pick upin ko yu g passport ko sa agency. Worry lang ako kasi hindi ko nasagot yung call. Possible na embassy kaya yon? Pero kasi tomorrow ko na kukunin sa embassy ko yung passport ehh nagpprocess sila ng late minute? And tumtaag ba talaga sila sa cp using mobile number din? Thank you so much!

hi pwede parin po ba ako mag travel sa korea kahit mag eexpire na yung multiple visa next month?

Hello, I’m planning to travel to Korea on December pero by October lilipat ako ng company na pagtatrabahuhan, ano pwede kong gawin para hindi mareject yung visa ko?

Hi, can I ask po kung unemployed ilalagay okayl ang po ba? kasi kakagraduate ko lang ng april as of now nagrereview pa lang ako for boards and hindi ako nagwwork. ano po need ko na mga requirements? Thank you so much!

I will be applying for a Korean Visa in August but I’m having a dilemma weather or not I should submit my Form 2316 from 2018. I am still working in the same company but as of June 1 but I recently switched from being a full time, office based employee in one of the company’s provincial branch to being a home based worker for the main branch of the same company.

I contacted our HR to get a copy of my Independent Contractor Certificate and they had informed me that the hiring date that they can put there is the date I started as a home based worker which is June 1, 2019 and advised me to ask for a Certificate of employment from the branch that I previously worked in.

My plan is to submit my form 2316 form 2018 and make an explanation letter about my working situation in the company and attach my COE from the previous provincial branch I worked in and the Independent Contractor Certificate form the main branch.

Would this be a good idea or would it be confusing? Would it be better if I just forgo submitting my ITR and claim that I am recently hired?

Hoping to hear you opinions on my dilemma,

Best, Paula

pwede ba gumamit ng previous school id simce next year pa daw next na issue ng ID? sa school po for visa, if not, ano pong pwede kong gawin?

Hi! If you’re a freelancer, what should you pick? Employed or self employed?

Hi Cathy, I think depende sa docs na meron ka. If registered ka with DTI/BIR, choose self-employed. Pero if hindi pero meron kang sort of COE document from your client, choose employed.

Na-try ko na pareho. I submitted a letter of explanation too. I didn’t encounter any problem. But di ko alam ngayon kasi medyo naghigpit na sila. Best to call the travel agency where you plan to lodge your application.

Hi. I have a question regarding sa SK visa application for OFW. In my case, I’m here in Taiwan, and our company only allowed to have a vacation once a year at least 2 weeks or exact 14 days vacation in the Philippines, because if ever, I’m planning to direct flight from Taiwan to Sk. If I applied visa in the Philippines, visa processing for 7 days and I can only allowed to travel in SK for the next 90 days. I tried to apply Korean Embassy here in Taiwan but they don’t accept SK visa application. So, as an OFW what is the best way how to apply a SK visa knowing in my case. Thanks.

Hi Frankie, di ko po alam kapag ganyang case. Pero sana ung ibang makakabasa nito, makasagot. :(

Pede nyo rin po i-post sa FB Support Group namin here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler

Hi, I have korean visa till oct 2019, may plan kmi mag travel this oct 2019, need ko pa ba mag apply ng new visa or valid padin ang visa ko? thanks!

Hi po nabunot po kasi ako sa raffle para sa isang kpop concert ngaung October po, ask ko lang po if pwde ko po kaya gawing supporting document yung confirmation email pona pinadala sakin para sa visa application ko po,? nag applied po kasi ako last year pero for tourism lang pero na denied po ako kaya medyo parang natatakot na po ako.. pero all in all po kumpleto nman ung magiging requirements ko. Thank you po sana masagot nyo ako. Avid reader here :))

Hi Vanessa,

Makakatulong naman yun. Pero mas maganda kung hingi ka talaga ng letter from the organizers ng raffle na addressed sa embassy stating na nanalo ka nga, para mas formal and mas convincing.

Possible bang ma approved yung visa application pag fiance palang ang iisponsoran ko. Plano kasi namin mag travel few days after our wedding. One of the requirements for wife sponsor is PSA marriage certificate which will take time bago makuha.

Hi Mark, hindi ako sure ha, pero if I were in your position, i-push ko pa rin then I’ll write an explanation letter and submit other proof that you just got married. :)

Ako lang yan ha.

Hi!! Ask ko lang po if mahihirapan akong kumuha ng visa if newly employed ako or worst walang work sa time na kukuha ako ng visa but I will be travelling with my family, and I can support my trip naman (I have my own bank account) and my mom can support me as well since I am with her. It’s just that I have a plan kasi to resign after this year ends, so most likely wala akong job sa time na mag a apply ako for visa to sokor.

When is your trip? Apply for a visa before you resign.

Hi! What if newly employed and under probationary pa, will my employment status affect the visa application? thanks.

It could affect, but if your other supporting documents are strong, they can make up for it.

Hi po! Yung intended date of entry sa form kailangan po ba sundin yun? or pwede i-move yung entry date sa Korea? Feeling ko kasi parang hindi aabot sa travel date yung pag release ng visa.

hi.. may I also ask please,

I was given a single entry visa and the duration is until novmber 30, me and husband will travel on november 1-4, then suddenly we have a company sponsored tour to korea on the 3rd or 4th week of november, can i apply for a new visa for the next trip even if i have not used the first single entry visa? Or should I travel first then apply again for a visa? or if the visa can be amended to multiple entry because of the situation?

Please help.

I am not sure about this. But I think most countries do not allow a passport holder to have 2 valid visas at the same time. Usually, if may existing visa na tapos need to get another, the old visa will be revoked. Ganun ang most countries. Pero not sure if ganun din ang Korea.

Ang usual is, travel and use the first visa then apply again for another. Baka kapusin ka lang ng time if sa Manila ka mag-apply.

Hi, scheduled date of processing of our visa application would be October 1, 2019 pero yung bank stataments ko from June 12-Sept 12, 2019. Okay lang ba yun? Or need na mas close pa sa date ng processing ng visa yung 3months na banks statements?. Thank you

Hi. I am a first-time traveller to Korea, yet I have travelled already to UK from 2011 to 2014 (ofw for 3 years), UK is an OECD member. Can I include my previous visa to support my Tourist Korean visa application even if it is already beyond 5 years? After that, wala na akong trinavel abroad. I got denied already for 2 times, i complied all the requirements naman eh.

Di ko po sure ha pero ang alam ko po when they say OECD visa, they mean tourist visas lang. Di ko rin alam if pwede if beyond 5 years na pero I doubt it kasi specifically nakalagay na past 5 years lang and knowing how strict the Korean Embassy is, malamang kung ano talaga yung rule nila, yun lang.

Hi. My husband also got his visa denied just today. Does he need to submit the Alphalist together with his Form 2316 kung wala syang ITR? The reason why wala syang ITR is that he is a minimum wage earner at hindi sila taxable. First time nya to travel Korea and has never travelled abroad for the last 5 years. Last time he only submitted the Form 2316 (no stamp-received from BIR) and no attached Alphalist. He has enough savings and in good financial standing naman but he got his visa denied too. Need ba nya mag submit ng Alphalist, Form 1604-CF at Form2316? Are these documents talagang need may stamp-received from BIR?

Since last year, the alphalist is no longer a requirement, so I don’ t think that’s the reason.

But wait, di ba yung Form 2316 is the ITR form? So what do you mean wala syang ITR pero nagsubmit sya ng Form 2316?

2 questions po:

I’ve read sa previous responses mo na joint accounts are acceptable. Me and my husband submitted our joint account (statement and certificate) 1 copy lang kasi according sa agency, pwede na daw yun, Then our own individual accounts. Yung joint account has sufficient amount for our stay kasi tntransfer namin dun money namin but for our individual accounts, medyo maliit. Naiisp ko to just submit yung joint account kaso lang, it was newly opened last June lang. Would that be a problem? If yes, do you think having stamps to other countries would help?

Another question is the number of days.. nasakto kasi na nag extend sila nung nag pasa kami requirements. 15-20 days na daw. According to the agency, the release will be Oct. 15 and our travel date is Oct 17. Sobrang magkadikit yung dates. Will there be instances na mas napapaaga ang release?

Thank you very much!

1. Not sure if this is right, but if I were in your position, I would probably submit both the joint account and the individual accounts, and I’d probably write a letter explaining that we recently opened a new joint account which is why our individual accounts have lower balance. Ako lang po yun ha.

2. Yes, may mga instances na earlier ang release. Pero mahirap pa rin masabi talaga.

May i know in Cebu, is it possible to apply personally for both myself and my brother? Meaning, I will bring the documents of my brother?

Yes, you may apply for your brother. Just make sure the requirements are complete.

Totoo bang kelangan sumulat sa Korean Embassy kapag hnd ka nagtravel sa Korea after mag expire Korean Visa mo? Kung totoo eto, saan po ung reference link from the official Korea website?

Gusto ko lng sana verify. Salamat!

I don’t know for sure because I haven’t experienced having an unused, expired visa.

Even people who have experienced reapplying after not using a visa have conflicting accounts. Some claim na hindi need ng explanation letter. Meron ding nagsasabi na kailangan daw. Meron ding nagsasabi na may additional fee. Medyo magulo.

I don’t know if the Korean embassy’s website has info on this. Many of the Korean Embassy’s rules are not published on the website. Some rules are cascaded only to designated agencies through direct email, at least at first. The best way to confirm is to either call the embassy or call a designated travel agency.

Ive been to South Korea last 2016. I met a lot of new friends there and enjoyed it so much. Gusto ko sana bumalik, pero dahil sa budget, until now di pa ako nakabalik. Pero try nyo sa Taiwan, visa free po sya, and I would say that it has everything that Korea and Japan has to offer. Palaces, bullet trains, coastal area na may mga resto pwede ka kumain Ng fresh sushi. Meron din po sila Cherry Blossoms… At ang sarap ng street food.

Thanks for sharing! Fave din namin ang Taiwan! Mura pa!

Hi. I plan to travel again to korea next year feb 5 to feb 11 2020. But my visa will expire feb 9 2020. Can i still enter to korea with that visa validity?

Usually ang nakalagay naman sa visa is yung FINAL ENTRY DATE, so as far as I know, pwede pa rin.

Confirm mo na lang din with your travel agency to be sure.

Hello, I would just like to inquire. My cousins and I will be travelling to SK on June pero we’re kind of hesitant na to pursue since our sponsor will be our aunt. 7 kami mag ttravel with our aunt pero sya yung sponsor sa visa namin, so her documents will be submitted for 7 of us. Do you have any idea if it’s allowed to sponsor as much as people?

Hi Isa, as far as I know, that’s fine as long as your aunt can prove rootedness and that she has the funds to sponsor all of you.

Hello! Good day. Im currently working here in saudi arabia at may plan po akong pumunta ng korea, okay lang ba na dito sa embassy ng korea sa saudi na ako magprocess ng visa ko po? Salamat po.

I have approved korean visa (single entry) but unfortunately due to corona virus i wont be able to use it and will expire by April 30 2020. My ticket was rebook to June 25 2020. Can I apply for a new visa?

Question for the BDO gold credit card promo, are supplementary card holders still allowed or only principal holders only?

What if I want to go back to South Korea after 1,month.csn I apply again for another tourist visa ..with invitation of my Korean friend

Hi, Just want to ask regarding our valid Korean multiple Visa in old passport. We have already new passport. Do I need to inform the korean Embassy here in Philippines? or just to bring the old passport together with the new passport when going to Korea? Thanks in advance

Hello po ask ko LNG po paano Yong gagawin if may sponsor po or invite sakin Korea pero dto po ako Mongolia need ko parin po ba punta Ng imbassy Ng Korea dto SA monggolia

hello tama ba yung pagkakainitindi ko, validity period is 3 months from issue. like sa sample mo above, from july 1 to oct 1, pwede pumasok sokor until sept 30? na basa ko rin kasi sa website korean embassy, pero kasi finland so i dont know kung applicable sa atin. sabi: On the paper there is ‘Validity period of visa’ that will be usually 3 months from visa issuance date. It means  you can enter to Rep. of Korea until validity period of visa above . After entry to Rep. of Korea,  you can stay within ‘Period of Stay’ described on the paper from actual entry date .

mag travel kasi kami ng friend ko validity ng visa nya is Jun 15, pwede ba kaming mag schedule ng june 13?

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South Korea

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

South korea - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for South Korea.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.   
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

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No – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy seoul.

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, Korea Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114)  DSN:721-4114 Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate in Busan

Lotte Gold Rose Building #612, Jungang-daero 993, Jin-gu Busan 47209, Korea Telephone: (+82) 51-863-0731 Email:  [email protected]

The Embassy and Consulate are closed on weekends and on  American and Korean holidays .  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +82 (2) 397-4114.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the  Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)  is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
• Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

• In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the  Korea Immigration Service (KIS)  before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

• Consult  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide , and follow all instructions.
• Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
• Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
• Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months .

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy  (Including family members/dependents):

• Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency.  Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements. 
• TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do  not  require Korean visas and do  not  require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using  Department of State's eCC system  or  DOD APACS system .

HIV/AIDS Restriction:  The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

• Visit the  Embassy of Korea  website for current visa information. Please read our  Customs Information page .

COVID-19 Requirements :

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
• Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Safety and Security

Public Demonstrations:  Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK):  An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our  Fact Sheet on North Korea .

Weather-related Events:  Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  website.

Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ):  To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP. 

If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.

Crime:  For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets.

• Take routine safety precautions.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Report any concerns to local police.

Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant:

• Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts.
• If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups.
• Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.

Victims of Crime:  Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to police;
• Contact relatives or friends on your behalf;
• Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States;
• Replace a lost or stolen passport.

Sexual Assault:   The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security.  Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.

Domestic Violence:  Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if widely available.  It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States. The  Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice  has more information.

Avoid fraud and scams:  See  Department of State  and  FBI  websites for more information.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

• Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation.
• There is little tolerance for illegal drugs.
• If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.
• Commercial disputes may lead to criminal charges being filed under local laws.

Be aware that some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Dual Nationality and Military Conscription:  Dual national males (including U.S. service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate or the  Korean Military Manpower Administration  regarding potential citizenship obligations  before entering South Korea .

Passport Seizures and Exit Bans:  If you are involved in a criminal investigation or commercial dispute, authorities may seize your passport and/or block your departure. While we may reissue a passport, we cannot lift an exit ban.

Exit Permits:  Exit permits are not generally required. However, if a parent requests a travel restriction on his/her child, Korean authorities may prevent that child from departing even when traveling with the other parent. As of June 1, 2020, foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at the  www.hikorea.go.kr  website.

International Child Abduction:  See our website for information related to the  prevention of international child abduction . 

Working in South Korea:  If working, including teaching or modeling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status without leaving the country. If you begin work without the appropriate visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported. If you are working without a valid work permit and get into a contractual dispute with your employer, you have little legal recourse.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

ROK National Security Law:  Authorities may detain, arrest, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state,” including statements deemed to praise the political system and/or officials of the DPRK. 

Customs Regulations: There is strict enforcement of regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, narcotics and prescription drugs, non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. Importation of materials deemed to be obscene, subversive, or harmful to the public peace is also restricted.

• Amphetamines are illegal in Korea. Do not bring amphetamines or other prescription narcotics into the country without obtaining advance permission in writing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. See the  U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page .
• Traveling with Pets: See  Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency  website.

See the  Korean Customs Regulations website for complete information.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTI-oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTI issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Korean citizens can legally change their gender identity.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Mobility Issues:  Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Cross walks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include Korean Braille information. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward.

Quality of Care : Western-style medical facilities are available in most large cities. However, not all doctors and staff, are proficient in English. A  list of hospitals  and medical specialists who speak English is available on our website. For emergency ambulance service dial 119. Ambulance services are widely available. For information on medical evacuation from South Korea, please see the State Department’s brochure on  Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers . 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Verify your health insurance coverage before traveling overseas. See our webpage for information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.

Medication:  Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Most prescription medications, except psychotropic types, can be obtained at Korean pharmacies (brand names often differ). Local pharmacies will require a prescription from a Korean doctor.

Update  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For further health information go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents.

Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Traffic Laws include:

• International driving permit (or ROK license) is required for all drivers.
• Left-hand turns prohibited except with green arrow.
• Seat belts and car seats are mandatory.
• Motorcycle passengers must wear helmets.
• Automobile drivers are presumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians.
• Expect long waits at police stations while police investigate any incidents.
• Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation.
• Even if negligence is not proven, criminal charges may be filed.
• Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
• Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests; refusal can result in cancellation of your license.

For information about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to our  Road Safety page . You may also visit the  Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of Korea's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the ROK's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

South Korea was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  South Korea.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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LIST: Exotic visa-free destinations for Filipino travelers

By Kara Santos Published Jun 01, 2024 1:33 pm Updated Jun 03, 2024 7:00 pm

Need some travel inspiration for your next out-of-the-country adventure? In case you didn't know, Philippine passport holders currently have visa-free access to 69 countries and territories around the world. 

While many travelers tend to pick popular destinations in neighboring Asian countries with direct and cheap flights from Manila, there are loads of other exotic destinations that don’t require a visa for Philippine passport holders. Granted, getting to these destinations may be more challenging or expensive to get to, but they’re worth the memories and adventure according to those lucky enough to have traveled there. 

Here are just a few exotic visa-free destinations Filipino travelers can consider with practical tips from world travelers PhilSTAR L!fe spoke to.

Kazakhstan 

Kazakhstan is the typical starting point for exploring Central Asia, famous for its Silk Road between Europe and the Far East. This rich multicultural region with vast mountain ranges, historic sites, and natural wonders offers a paradise without the typical crowds of tourists found in Europe and other parts of Asia. Philippine passport holders can travel visa-free to several countries in Central Asia including Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and stay for 30 days in each. They can also get an eVisa for 30-day stays in Uzbekistan and an eVisa or visa on arrival for Kyrgyzstan , and stay for 60 days.

Glen Santillan of Escape Manila , who recently spent 18 days traveling solo around all four countries, said Filipinos seeking a unique travel adventure are in for a “world packed with fresh experiences” and “ breathtaking natural wonders that will leave you speechless.”

“Here, you'll encounter a contrast to the tropical paradise of the Philippines: winters with landscapes painted in snow, a rich history stretching back to the Silk Road era, and a unique blend of Asian and European influences,” he told PhilSTAR L!fe .

Santillan recommends tourists head to Kolsay Lakes and Kaindy Lake, which offer crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrops. 

“For those who love a challenge, exploring the rock formations of Charyn Canyon is an unforgettable experience. You can also ski during winter at Shymbulak Ski Resort,” he said.

While exploring Central Asia used to be a bit complicated and expensive for Filipino travelers, it’s now within easier reach with the recent launch of AirAsia's direct flight from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to Almaty, the former capital and largest city in Kazakhstan, making the region more accessible for Southeast Asians, including Filipinos. 

“Simply hop on a flight from Manila to KL and connect seamlessly to your Central Asian adventure in Almaty,” he said.

Surprisingly, Central Asia is “easy on the wallet,” said Santillan, who only spent a total of P106,690 including the RT flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Almaty, accommodations, transportation, tours, food and other expenses for his epic 18-day trip. Check out his detailed itinerary and expense breakdown for Central Asia here . 

With wide open spaces covered by grassy steppes and mountains and deserts surrounding it, Mongolia, a vast country in East Asia (the same geographical region as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan), happens to be visa-free for Filipino travelers. Philippine passport holders can enjoy a short-term stay of 21 days in Mongolia .

According to a n international consultant that L!fe spoke to, who traveled to Mongolia twice during winter (February-March) and spring months (May), the entry process was smooth, immigration officers were nice, and most speak good English. 

While Mongolia is an expensive destination because of the airfare and hotels, they said it’s a worthy destination for those willing to spend because of “its history and the places which you will not see anywhere else.”

“I think I was lucky during my first visit because I saw the snow-covered mountains going to the airport, beyond words in terms of beauty,” they said.

In Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, tourists can check out the train station where Crash Landing on You was filmed, the Genghis Khan Park and museum, art galleries, bookstores, and shop for genuine cashmere shawls. Tours to the Genghis Khan Center, camping trips in Ger, and monastery visits outside the city can be arranged with local tour groups, with day tours costing roughly 300 USD (P17,000) excluding food.

Beyond Mongolian barbecue, Mongolia has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine with many Korean and Japanese specialties and “beef to die for” at “much cheaper rates than in the Philippines in terms of quality, quantity, and service.” Fast food, including burgers and pizza, is generally cheaper as well.

From Manila, multiple airlines fly to Ulaanbaatar, with stopovers in either Seoul, South Korea, Beijing in China, or Hong Kong. 

South America has been described by National Geographic as “a continent of extremes,” since it’s home to the world's largest river (the Amazon), the longest mountain range (Andes), the world's driest place (the Atacama Desert), and wettest places on earth (Lopez de Micay in Colombia). In case you didn’t know, Pinoys can travel to multiple countries in South America including B razil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua , and Suriname either visa-free or with a visa on arrival, with stays ranging from 30 days to 183 days.

Angel Juarez of Lakwatsero.com, who went on a two-week trip around Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru said Filipino travelers can find familiar comforts because of the Spanish influence while still being “awed by the differences and uniqueness ingrained in their culture and traditions.” The avid traveler and mountaineer recommends first-time tourists get their fill of hiking trails, lakes, ancient cities, and food.

“The Machu Picchu, of course, should be on top of your list, you can get to it on a budget! Once you have crossed it off your bucket list, hike the mountains and lakes of Cordillera Blanca, see for yourself the Nazca Lines and the White City of Arequipa, visit the desert oasis of Huacachina, explore the ancient cities of Cusco and Lima, and more. In between these activities, don't forget to try and appreciate the local food and delicacies,” Juarez told L!fe .

Are countries in South America expensive to explore? While the airfare will "surely eat up a big chunk of your travel budget," Juarez said: “Once you get there, everything is reasonably priced or even cheaper compared to other countries, even the Philippines.”

The usual route to South America involves passing through the United States, which offers lots of cheap flights from there to Lima, the capital and largest city of Peru. Juarez flew back via a short layover in Mexico before flying back to San Francisco and Manila, which requires a US visa. However, there’s another possible route for Pinoys.

“Another option is via Ethiopia [in East Africa] which would require a transfer in Hong Kong and an onward connection to Sao Paulo, Brazil. You will be needing an e-visa in Ethiopia which can easily be applied for online, while Hong Kong and Brazil are visa-free for Filipinos,” said Juarez.

Mention Nepal and you immediately think of Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain. Philippine passport holders can travel to Nepal easily with an online visa/visa on arrival and stay for 90 days. Located in South Asia, home of the Himalayas and the origin of some of the world's oldest civilizations, Nepal is a culturally enriching destination. Other countries in South Asia such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan only require electronic visas or visas on arrival as well, making it easier for Filipino travelers to plan trips.

Fred Lubang, a long-time advocate for peace, human rights, and disarmament issues, s aid Nepal is a fantastic destination for Filipino travelers due to its “cultural richness, natural beauty, and affordability.” 

“Unlike more common winter destinations like Japan or Korea, Nepal offers a budget-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on experiences. Additionally, Nepal is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, which extends to the LGBTQ community, making it a comfortable and enjoyable place for diverse travelers,” he said.

“Nepal also offers Filipinos a chance to learn about Hindu religion, which is very different from the Philippines' dominant monotheistic Catholic religion. The experience will definitely enrich their knowledge and appreciation to explore the world. That, and the Himalayas will take your breath away,” he added.

Top activities to do include trekking to get a glimpse of the beauty of the Himalayas, without necessarily having to climb up Mt. Everest. He also recommends Kathmandu Valley for its cultural heritage sites, Pokhara for stunning lakeside views and adventure sports, traditional villages, and good food.

Nepal is “generally very affordable” especially compared to popular destinations like Japan or Korea in winter time and is relatively easy for Filipinos to visit.

“Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to more luxurious hotels, and food is inexpensive. Transportation within the country is also affordable, they also have a local app-based transport service and the usual taxis, or domestic flights to other equally interesting cities,” Lubang said. 

Philippine passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (the capital of Nepal). English is widely spoken in tourist areas, so communication is rarely a problem. Various airlines offer flights from Manila to Kathmandu with connections in Guangzhou, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur.

Maldives, the smallest country in Asia, is a popular destination for honeymooners and luxury travelers because of its remote location and tropical appeal. The country, located south of India, is made up of 1,190 coral atolls, each encircling a lagoon with deep channels. Male, the capital and most populous city of the Maldives, is the main entry point for all travelers. All nationalities, including Filipinos, get a 30-day free visa on arrival to the Maldives.

Backpacker and freelance writer Kat Cortes of Tara Let’s Anywhere said her experience with immigration was smooth and she was just asked to show her passport when she traveled there. 

“In terms of scenery, Maldives is a lot like the Philippines but a bit more exotic. It has world-class beaches and accessible snorkeling areas where you can see not just the usual corals and fishes but also manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. And best of all—it offers numerous beautiful water villas,” Cortes told L!fe .

As a tropical paradise, beach bumming, island hopping, picnicking in a sandbar, and snorkeling/diving are the order of the day. 

Since Maldives is on the expensive side when it comes to flights, Cortes recommends travelers plan their trip well in advance, taking advantage of resort discounts and promos, and cutting costs by staying in backpacker-friendly islands like Maafushi. Foodies will also be happy to find “reasonably priced buffets and delicious local fare” there. You can also find public beaches and free tourist spots to visit in Maldives .

So how do you get to the Maldives from the Philippines? There are currently no direct flights from Manila, but Pinoy travelers can take a connecting flight to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to get to Velana International Airport in Male. Check out her travel guide to Maldives for full details.

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Kara Santos

Kara Santos is a freelance writer and photographer based in Manila. Her blog at www.traveling-up.com is where she writes about travel, motorcycling, and food trips.

Korean tourist dies after pickpocketing attempt turns violent in Philippines

A Korean man died earlier this week following what appears to have been a pickpocketing attempt that escalated into a violent crime in Angeles, a city in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines.

According to officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, the tourist in his 60s was targeted by a pickpocket at around 10 p.m. May 25 and sustained severe injuries from the apparent assault. Despite receiving medical treatment, he showed no signs of recovery and was pronounced dead at a hospital there.

Officials from the ministry did not reveal details, such as the specific location or nature of the crime, including whether a weapon was used. They said they have been cooperating with local police over the case.

“We have been providing his bereaved family with necessary assistance since we learned of the incident,” an official told reporters. “We have also asked the police to conduct a prompt and fair investigation into the case.”

Angeles, famous for its rich history and nightlife, is one of the most popular destinations for Korean visitors, who often become targets of crime. On Nov. 11, 2023, another Korean man, 56, was stabbed in the city by two thieves who then stole his wallet. He survived the attack.

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