We applied for a Korean Visa so that I can join and run the Seoul Marathon in March. Applying and getting a Korean Visa was surprisingly fast. The application process at the Korean Embassy took less than 15 minutes and wait time for the visa was about 5 working days only.
The Korean Visa is free of charge if staying for a maximum duration 59 days only. Based on our own visa, the visa is valid for 3 months from date of issue. This means that you should enter South Korea with 3 months once it gets approved. Otherwise, it will expire and you need to apply again.
The process was really fast. We arrived around 10 AM and left by 10:30 AM to submit the requirements. We were asked to go back in 5 days for the releasing. The releasing was just as fast. We arrived at 3:00 PM and left by 3:30 PM.
The process below is based on the requirements for a tourist visa which we applied. If you are applying for other travel purposes, you can check the details requirements at the at the Korean Embassy website. Our experience in getting the Korean Visa was fast but it may vary with others.
Korean Embassy Address and Schedule
Republic of Korea Embassy in the Philippines
122 Upper McKinley Road
McKinley Town Center
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634
Telephone number: +632-856-9210
- For visa application, the Korean Embassy is open from 9:00 to 11:00 am only, Monday to Friday. First come, first served basis. No appointment is needed.
- For visa releasing, the Korean Embassy is open from 2:00 to 4:00 pm only, Monday to Friday.
Personal Appearance and Interviews
Personal appearance for the Korean Visa is not required although I would recommend it. In our case, I applied for 4 visas for myself, my wife, son and mother-in-law. All four of us were at the embassy but I was the only one who appeared at the consul’s window.
E-6 Applicants/Entertainers, however, must personally appear for an interview before the visa can be issued.
Korean Visa Application Procedures
To apply for a Korean Visa, here are the steps. GMA News website has a detail inforgraphic for applying for a Korean Visa.
1. Fill up the Korean Visa Application Form. You can download the application form here.
2. Submit the Application Form together with the Requirements at the Korean Embassy. See schedule above.
3. Wait for 3-5 days for visa processing to claim your passport/visa.
Korean Visa Application Requirements
1. Application Form. All information should be accurate. Do not leave any blanks.
2. 1pc. colored passport size photo. Photo must be pasted on the application form.
3. Original Philippine Passport. Must be valid for more than 6 months.
4. Photocopy of the Passport’s Bio-page (page 2). This is the page with your photo on it.
5. Bank Certificate. Must be your own personal bank statement. A bank certificate is different from a bank statement. A bank certificate is simply a written statement from you bank stating your account balance. You can usually get a bank certificate from your branch of account. Banks may charge a minimal fee for the bank certificate.
6. Photocopy of Income Tax Return or Form 2316. Be sure that the TIN and birthday are indicated. In our case, only I presented my ITR. Quennie and Gab did not present any ITR.
7. Original Certificate of Employment (if employed) or Business Registration and Permit (if self-employed/businessman).
- For employed travellers, you can usually get your Certificate of Emplyment from your HR Department.
- For self-employed, present a photocopy of your business registration form from the DTI and a photocopy of the mayor’s permit.
- For corporations, present a photocopy of your business registration form from the SEC and a photocopy of the business permit or mayor’s permit.
NOTE: Other requirements might be need for students, seafarers, spouse, entertainers and athletes, and if invited by a Korean or a Korean company. Check the complete visa requiremens at the Korean Embassy website.
Hotel reservations and plane tickets are not required. But if you have them, bring a copy just in case the consul will ask for it.
Korean Visa Fees for Philippine Passport Holders
If travelling for business or pleasure
- 59 days (or less) stay in Korea ㅡ GRATIS / FREE
- 60~90-day stay in Korea ㅡ P 1,350.00
If tavelling for other purpose (not applicable for tourist visa)
- Less-than- 90-day stay in Korea
- Single entry ㅡ P 1,350.00
- Multiple entry ㅡ P 3,600.00
- More-than-90-day stay in Korea
- Single entry ㅡ P 2,250.00
- Multiple entry ㅡ P 3,600.00
At the Korean Embassy
Be sure to bring a valid ID. It will be surrendered at the guard in exchange for a gate pass. No picture taking is allowed inside the embassy, so forget about the selfie. You can take a photo outside instead.
Once inside, do not go directly to the consul’s window. Instead, you will present the documents to an officer just beside the door. He will check your application form and requirements and will give you a number for the corresponding window.
There is a number being displayed at the consul’s window. Wait for you number to be called. Be alert since the numbers are being called quite fast. Once your number is called, go to the assigned window and present your documents.
The consul checked all my requirements and gave me one slip for all the 4 visa applications. She did not asked any questions at all. The slip indicates the tentative releasing date of the visa. Be sure to take care of the slip since you need to present this when your visa will be released.
That’s it!
Daddy Tips
- Arrive early during the application and the releasing.
- Double check all your documents before leaving for the embassy.
- File your application form and documents neatly. It is a good idea to placing them in a folder where they are secure and safe during travel.
- Write down your Passport Number. Since they will get your passport, you might need the number for other purposes.
Have a happy trip. 😀
