How to Apply for Korean Visa (2022)

We all missed traveling and after more than two years of hiatus, I guess it’s time to hop on the plane again for another international trip. Aside from Singapore and Thailand, South Korea opens its doors for foreign tourists including the Philippines.

Our trip to Korea was planned sometime in September 2021. We scored cheap flights to Korea via Cebu Pacific Air. We paid about P6,000 per pax back and forth. Back then, foreign visitors were not allowed yet due to Covid-19 pandemic but we still book it with high hopes that this day would come and yes, sometime in June or July, the Embassy of Korea made an announcement. Many got excited primarily because of the BTS concert 2022 in Busan.

We went to Reli Tours, 2nd week of August to submit our documents, unfortunately, we were told that there’s a high volume of applicants and that they will only accept those traveling in October onwards. We have no choice but to apply directly and walk-in to the Korean Embassy in Mc Kinley Hill Taguig instead.

Korean Visa List of Requirements for Filipino Tourists 

1. Updated Passport
2. Passport-sized photo with white background
3. Application form – available for download on their website, click here
4. 1 piece Passport size colored photo
5. Original Passport
6. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
7. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years
8. Original Certificate of Employment (must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number only and not mobile number, and HR e-mail address)
9. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
10. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
11. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
12. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)

Visa fee is FREE if staying 59 days and below, P2,000 fee if you’re staying 60-90days. Travel agencies usually charge P700 to P1,200 per applicant. Processing time, if walk- in, is about seven (7) days. Applications submitted through agency may take about 15-25 days.

Last August 30, we went to Korean embassy located in McKinley Hill Taguig to submit our requirements. We were hoping to get a slot from the 280 allotment that day so we arrived at 12 midnight. There was a long queue that time we arrived. I can only think of two reasons for the sudden surge in visa application – the upcoming BTS Concert in Busan and the autumn and winter season in Korea. We were lucky to be included in the day’s quota. The gates opened as early as 7am and we’re done with the application around 11am.

Tips in Applying for Korean Visa:

1. Make sure to submit all the requirements as listed.
2. Provide all the details that was asked for – salary, contact details of your employer so you don’t have to go back and forth.
3. Provide a cover letter and state your purpose of travel.
4. Include all your travel stamps and old/previous visas from Korea and other countries.
5. Make sure you have enough funds to cover your travel expenses.

Apart from the listed requirements, we also included an affidavit of support (husband shouldering the expenses of the wife), PSA Marriage Certificate since we are traveling as a couple, itinerary and plane ticket. We hope this article will be of great help in your application for Korean Visa. Share your experience with us on the comment section.

Korean Visa Application Update On September 1, the Korean Embassy announced that they will accommodate 400 applicants per day.

Korean Visa Application Update as of Sept. 13, Korean Embassy will no longer accept walk-in visits for visa application. Check out this link for more information. Click here for Guidelines on How to Schedule Your Appointment at Korean Embassy Manila and about Korea Online Visa Appointment System in the Philippines. Make sure to frequently visit their website for updates.

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After seven days of waiting, we’re happy to share that the Korean Embassy Manila has granted us the visas. We are excited to explore South Korea.