South Korea-Tourist

South Korea Visit Visa

South Korea visit visas issued to foreigners who want to travel simply for tourism or recreational purposes. So, you can receive a tourist/visit visa if you are travelling for one of the following reasons:

  • Tourism
  • Transit
  • To receive medical treatment in a South Korean hospital
  • To visit a family member/friend
  • To attend a religious/cultural/sporting/musical event
  • Another short-term reason

South Korea tourist/visit visas allow the holder to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days. The holder of a visit visa is not allowed to work or engage in any other activities.

South Korea Family Visit Visa (for more than 90 days)

You have to apply for a South Korea visa for Family Visit purposes if you fall under one of the following categories:

  • You will stay with a relative in South Korea for longer than 90 days
  • You are the spouse of a South Korean national
  • You are the dependent (spouse or child under the age of 20) of a South Korean temporary or permanent resident

You can also receive this type of visa if you are part of the South Korean diaspora or you once held South Korean nationality (Overseas Koreans).

South Korea Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a South Korea visa changes depending on which Embassy or Consulate you are applying in. However, you should submit a completed application at least 15 days before you intend to travel but no earlier than three months.

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Procedures after you enter South Korea with a visa

Once you enter South Korea with a visa, and you intend to stay for longer than 90 days, you have to register your stay at a local Immigration Office in South Korea. You have to submit the relevant documents, such as:

  • Your passport
  • The completed application form (downloadable online)
  • passport-size picture with 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm dimensions
  • Payment of the processing fee (KRW 30,000)
  • Proof of residence (such as utility bills, a lease agreement, etc)
  • Any other documents depending on the purpose of your stay

What is the duration of a South Korea visa?

The duration of the South Korea visa you receive depends on the purpose of your travel. So, if you are traveling for tourism purposes, then you will receive a visa for up to 90 days or less, usually for a single entry.

If you are traveling for a longer-term purpose, such as working or studying, then you will receive a visa with a longer duration.

Extending a South Korea Visa

If you want to stay in South Korea for longer than your visa allows, you can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Office in South Korea. You have to apply for the South Korea visa extension at least four months before your current visa expires.

You have to submit the following documents:

  • Your passport
  • The completed application form for permission of extension of stay (downloadable online)
  • Payment of the processing fee
  • Your Foreign Registration Card (if you are extending a long-term visa)
  • Any other documents depending on the specific visa