South Korea, with its picturesque countryside, lush green hills, cherry blossom trees, and ancient Buddhist temples, offers a captivating landscape for tourists. Yet, South Korea has much more to offer than its natural beauty. From vibrant sub-tropical islands to cutting-edge cities, South Korea is a diverse destination that beckons travelers. As a nation, it was established on August 15th, 1948, exactly a year after India’s independence.

What is a South Korea Tourist Visa? South Korea Tourist Visa

Visiting a foreign country entails complying with a range of formalities to facilitate traveler identification. Among these, the issuance of a tourist visa is of utmost importance. If you plan to obtain a tourist visa for South Korea from India, there are specific considerations to keep in mind. This particular visa permits you to explore the country and visit acquaintances residing in South Korea. Typically, the visa is valid for 3 months, with the duration of permitted stay contingent on your circumstances.

How to Apply for a Tourist Visa for South Korea? The application process for a tourist visa to South Korea is primarily conducted offline. According to the Embassy of South Korea, you have two options for applying for the visa: you can either apply directly to the Embassy or submit your application to the visa application center. However, before proceeding, it’s essential to review the eligibility criteria. Meeting these criteria is a prerequisite for applying for a South Korea tourist visa. Here are the steps for the application procedure:

1. Download the South Korea tourist visa application form from the official website of the visa application center.
2. Complete all the required information on the form and review the provided checklist.
3. Satisfy all requirements specified by the authorities.
4. Attach all supporting documents, including photographs, as per the given specifications.
5. Submit the application form to your nearest branch of the visa application center.
6. Pay the fee at the time of submission.
7. Collect your passport after the visa processing is complete.

Ensuring accurate information on the application is crucial to prevent potential visa refusal. Seeking professional visa consultation is advisable to minimize the risk of application issues.

Who Should Apply or Eligibility for a South Korea Tourist Visa Before proceeding with the application process, you must meet the eligibility criteria for a South Korea tourist visa. These criteria help determine the purpose of your visit and other visa requirements. The eligibility parameters are as follows:

• Proof of Purpose of Visit: If you are visiting acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from a resident in South Korea.
• Tourism Only: Your visit should be solely for tourism or visiting acquaintances, with no intent to seek or engage in employment.
• Health Requirements: You must be in good health to travel to South Korea. A medical test may be required, with relevant documentary proof.
• Age Limit: Ensure you meet the age requirements for applying for a tourist visa.
• Character Requirements: You must have a good character and genuine intentions for your visit to South Korea. Provide relevant documentary proof if requested, such as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• Sufficient Funds: You should have sufficient funds to cover your stay and other expenses in South Korea. Bank statements or equivalent documents are to be submitted as proof.

South Korea Tourist Visa Requirements The specific documents required for a South Korea tourist visa depend on the purpose of your visit, whether for visiting acquaintances or tourism. The South Korea tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens include:

• Original passport with a validity of at least 6 months beyond the travel date.
• A fully completed visa application form.
• Two photos meeting the specified size and format requirements.
• Proof of confirmed travel dates, including air tickets.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in South Korea.
• Documents related to employment, such as a travel requisition by the employer, a certificate of income or tax payment issued by a public agency, or a certificate of deposit balance.
• Proof of accommodation, which can be an invitation letter or hotel reservation.

Photo Specifications for South Korea Tourist Visa When submitting photographs for your South Korea tourist visa application, adhere to these specifications:

• Provide two copies.
• Photo size: 35mm x 45mm.
• Submit colored copies.
• Ensure the face covers about 70-80% of the frame (approximately 32mm x 36mm).
• Position the head at the center.
• Maintain a gap of 2mm to 6mm between the top of the head and the frame.
• The photo should not be older than 6 months.
• Use a white background.
• Maintain a neutral expression.
• Avoid wearing glasses or headgear, except for religious reasons.
• Ensure clothing doesn’t match the background.

Processing Time of South Korea Tourist Visa The processing time for obtaining a tourist visa to South Korea typically ranges from 5 to 7 days. However, this period may vary depending on factors such as the workload at the embassy office, staff availability, document completeness, and other considerations.

An express visa option is also available, allowing you to receive your visa in just 2 working days by paying an additional fee. To be eligible for an express visa, you must have traveled to South Korea at least a couple of times, among other criteria. It’s advisable to consult a visa executive for detailed information.

South Korea Tourist Visa Fees The tourist visa fee for South Korea varies based on several parameters, including the type of visa. Fees are to be paid at the visa application centers, along with service charges. Payment is generally accepted in cash. If you do not have access to a visa application center branch, you can send in the fee with a demand draft.

After Submission After submitting the application form along with your passport and other documents, follow these steps:

• Wait for the processing to be completed before collecting your passport.
• Select a convenient branch of the visa application center.
• Ensure you meet the checklist provided by the center to expedite visa processing.
• If documents are missing, it will delay the processing and verification.
• Inform the embassy or agency of any additional requirements or errors in the application.
• Notify the embassy/agency of any changes related to the application, such as changes in marital status or the birth of a child.
• You can monitor the status of the application and processing in the meantime.
• In case of a change in plans, you have the option to withdraw the application.
• Note that visa fees are generally non-refundable.

How to Check South Korea Tourist Visa Status? To check the status of your tourist visa, visit the official website of the visa application center. You will need to enter your reference number and date of birth to track the visa’s processing status.

When You Have a South Korea Tourist Visa Once you have obtained your tourist visa, you are eligible to explore South Korea. However, it’s essential to keep certain considerations in mind:

Before You Travel:

• Take note of the visa expiry date and the number of permitted entries. Do not overstay beyond this period.
• Ensure you travel to South Korea within the validity of your visa.
• Carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while in the country.
• Obtain health insurance and travel insurance from a certified provider.

At the Border:

• Have your documents checked and passport verified.
• Obtain an entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult airport authorities for any required assistance.
• Review your visa copy for additional guidelines and rules.

When Entering South Korea:

• Refrain from engaging in any employment. Volunteer work may be permitted as a tourist, but for paid employment, a separate work permit is required.
• Avoid prohibited tourist areas.
• Ensure you do not overstay your visa and apply for a visa extension if needed.
• Travel insurance must be issued by a certified company.