There are several visa options available for those looking to stay in Korea, but today we’ll focus on the most common ones.
- Tourist Visa (C-3)
- Working Holiday Visa (H-1)
- Student Visa (D-2)
- Language Student Visa (D-4)
- Employment Visa (E-2)
- Entertainment Visa (E-6)
- Business Visa (D-8)
- Marriage Visa (F-6)
- Permanent Residency Visa (F-5)
Visa Types:
Tourist Visa (C-3)
- Period: Up to 90 days
- Age limit: None
- Notes: Ideal for short visits; extension may be possible but restrictions apply (e.g., leaving the country after 90 days and re-entering).
Working Holiday Visa (H-1)
- Period: Once in a lifetime (1 year)
- Countries not included: Switzerland, Norway, etc.
- Age limit: 18-30 years
- Notes: Permits both work and travel; usually limited to 25-30 hours per week.
Student Visa (D-2)
- Period: Duration of the course
- Age limit: No specific age limit
- Notes: Requires enrollment in a degree program at a recognized institution; 20 hours of work per week allowed during semesters.
Language Student Visa (D-4)
- Period: 6 months to 1 year
- Age limit: No specific age limit
- Notes: For students attending language programs; work is restricted to 20 hours per week after Level 2; must enroll in at least 2 semesters (10 weeks each).
Employment Visa (E-2)
- Period: 1-2 years, renewable
- Notes: For English teachers or foreign employees at certain companies; full-time work permitted, must meet qualifications.
Entertainment Visa (E-6)
- Period: 1-3 years, renewable
- Notes: For those in the entertainment industry, including musicians, actors, and models; work is focused on entertainment-related jobs.
Business Visa (D-8)
- Period: 1-2 years, renewable
- Notes: For entrepreneurs or investors who want to start a business in Korea; allows full-time work
Marriage Visa (F-6)
- Period: Permanent residence, conditional for the first 2 years
- Notes: For foreigners married to Korean nationals; permits full-time work after the initial 2 years.
Permanent Residency Visa (F-5)
- Period: Permanent
- Notes: For those who have lived in Korea for a certain number of years (usually 5 years with a stable income); allows unlimited work and residence.
Applying for Visas:
Home Country Applications:
For most long-term visas, including student and working holiday visas, you’ll need to apply at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need documents like proof of finances, accommodation, and sometimes a health check or police clearance.
Applications in Korea:
Some visa types, such as short-term tourist visas or extensions, can be applied for once you're in Korea. If you’re already in Korea on a tourist visa, you might be able to change to a different visa type, such as a student visa, by visiting the local immigration office. But keep in mind that you might need to leave Korea and re-enter depending on the situation.
Costs
- Short-term Visa (Tourist, Business, etc.): 50,000 KRW to 100,000 KRW
- Long-term Visa (Student, Work, etc.): 100,000 KRW to 150,000 KRW
- Visa Extension: 30,000 KRW to 50,000 KRW
- Re-entry Permit: 30,000 KRW
- Note: Fees may vary depending on the country you're applying from, so it’s best to check with the specific consulate or immigration office.
Photo Studios
For visa photos, here are some great places in Seoul:
- Photo Studio Yellow - Hongdae, Seoul
- Studio W - Hongdae, Seoul
- Studio K - Seongsu, Seoul
How to Choose Which Immigration Office to Visit?
Choosing the right immigration office depends on your location and the type of visa you need to process. If you're in Seoul, here are the two main options:
- Seoul Immigration Office (Jongno)
- Address: 126, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- This is the main office for most immigration services, including visa extensions, alien registration, and other procedures.
- Immigration Office at the Seoul Metropolitan Government Complex (Guro)
- Address: 200, Gyeongin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul
- This office also handles immigration-related tasks but may be less busy compared to the Jongno office.
Both locations can assist with visa extensions, but the Jongno office is the most commonly used for general immigration services.
Visa Application Processing Time
- Add details about how long visa applications generally take. For example, most long-term visas (like student or work visas) can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks, while extensions may take 1-2 weeks. It's always a good idea to apply early to avoid delays!
Visa Extensions and Re-entry Permits
- If you're extending your visa, make sure to apply before it expires. Also, mention that if you’re extending a tourist visa, you may need to leave the country and re-enter, depending on your situation.
Documents You Might Need
- It’s helpful to give a general idea of what documents are needed for the application process, such as:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Visa application form (available online or at the office)
- Proof of finances
- Proof of accommodation
- Passport-sized photos
- Health check (if required)
-
Visa Overstays and Penalties
- Remind readers about the consequences of overstaying their visa, including fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering Korea. It's always best to stay within the allowed period.
Helpful Apps
- Recommend a few apps that can help during the visa process or while living in Korea, such as:
- KakaoTalk for communication with local officials or contacts.
- Papago for translations.
- Naver Map for directions to immigration offices.
Here are 3 agencies that can help with visa-related processes in Korea:
- Korea Visa Agency
Services: Visa consultation, application, extension, and document assistance.
Website: www.koreavisaagency.com - Visa Solutions Korea
Services: Visa applications, student visa services, visa extensions, and work permits.
Website: www.visasolutionskorea.com - Seoul Global Center
Services: Free consultation for visa, immigration, and legal services for foreigners.
Website: www.seoulglobalcenter.or.kr
Personal Note
If you're looking for reliable help with your student visa or finding a language school in Korea, I highly recommend GOGOhanguk. They specialize in assisting international students with visa applications, school placements, and accommodation arrangements. Whether you’re applying for a student visa or need guidance navigating the process, they provide solid support to make your journey to Korea much easier.
Safe travels and good luck with your visa journey!