Visa Information

Do I need a Tourist Visa for South Korea?

Tourists from several countries can visit South Korea without a tourist visa. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the EU, and several other exempt nations can enter visa-free for a limited time.
However, it is mandatory for tourists from most visa-free countries to apply for an electronic visitor visa waiver for Korea. Conveniently, the ETA application is 100% online.
Before applying for a visa, foreigners should check whether they are eligible for the K-ETA. Holidaymakers who do not qualify for visa-free entry need to apply for a South Korea tourism visa. Visa applications are made through the Korean Embassy.

Documents You Need to Travel to South Korea

To travel to South Korea, all foreign nationals need:
▷ Passport
▷ Visa or K-ETA

You cannot board a flight or ship to South Korea without these essential documents.

How to Get a Tourist Visa for South Korea?

Visitors who need a tourist visa rather than a K-ETA should first locate their nearest South Korea Embassy. They will usually need to book an appointment to submit the requested documentation.
On the day of the appointment, travelers need to hand over their application and supporting paperwork and pay the South Korea tourism visa fee.
The result of the application status is usually communicated via SMS or email.
Tourists who are eligible for the electronic travel authorization do not need to present paperwork in person. The ETA application and photo are submitted digitally and the ETA is delivered by email.

FAQs About South Korea Tourist Visa

How much is the South Korea tourist visa?
The price of a South Korean visitor visa differs depending on the type. Travelers can check the cost of the visa they need, and payment methods accepted, with the embassy where they will make the application.
There is also a processing fee for the Korea tourist ETA. As the application is fully online, it is less expensive than a traditional travel visa for Korea.

How long can you stay in South Korea with a tourist visa?
Tourist visas are short-term visas that allow foreign visitors to enter Korea for leisure for short periods, usually 90 days.
The maximum length of stay with an electronic tourist visa waiver depends on the nationality of the traveler. The K-ETA covers stays of between 30 and 180 days, depending on the applicant’s visa-free allowance. The ETA is valid for multiple trips during its 3-year validity.

How long does it take to get a South Korea tourist visa?
Visa processing times differ depending on which South Korean Embassy is handling the request. Tourists are advised to apply at least 15 days before their travel date.At times of high demand, tourist visa processing may take longer. The most popular time to visit South Korea for tourism is between spring and autumn.

Where can I request an extension for my Korea tourist visa?
VSeoul's immigration office is located at the following street address:
319-2 Sinjeong 6 Yuk-dong,
Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.
It is in Mokdong at Mokdong Stadium.
If planning to go there by public transport, take subway line number 5, get off at Omokgyo Station and leave through exit 7.

Above information is quoted from: https://www.ketasouthkorea.com/tourist-visa