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UPDATE 2026: This guide has been updated to reflect the latest South Korean tourist visa application process for Filipinos, including stricter requirements, longer processing times, and updated embassy policies.
South Korea is no country like others. I’m sure that a majority of us Filipinos have been influenced by Korean media at some point of our lives, may it be K-Pop or Koreanovelas. So for those of you dying to see what Korea has more to offer. This is it! A first step to make that a reality is getting a Korean Tourist Visa.
If you’re here looking for a guide on how to apply for your South Korean Tourist Visa, then you’re in the right place.
But before I give you the details, I’d like to start off by saying that no one can give you the guarantee of your visa’s approval – not me, not even a lawyer or a travel agent. If anyone does, is most likely a scammer.
As a travel blogger, what I can offer you here is just a guide with helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that tourist visa. =)
UPDATE 2026: The application process is still done through accredited travel agencies, but most now require appointments or pre-screening. Walk-ins at the embassy are generally no longer allowed for tourist visa applications.
But no worries, the application process for Korean tourist visa is so simple and starting this 2018, the Korean Embassy is coursing applications through travel agencies. If you’re familiar with the Japan Visa application process, it works pretty much the same. Click HERE to read my blog on getting a Japanese Tourist Visa.
WHEN TO APPLY YOUR KOREAN TOURIST VISA
You can apply as early as 2-3 months prior to your departure date. For single entry, the Korean visa is 3-month valid and you can enter Korea at any time within the next 3 months of the issue date.
UPDATE 2026: It is highly recommended to apply at least 1–2 months in advance due to longer processing times and higher application volume.
Say, for example, if your intended flight is May 1, then you can apply as early as March 1. If it got approved March 4, then you are can now enter Korea from March 4 – June 4 (3-month period).
In addition, a single-entry Korean tourist visa is only permitted to stay in South Korea for a maximum period of 59 days.
UPDATE 2026: Visa validity and allowed stay (59 days) remain the same, but approval is now stricter compared to previous years.
GET YOUR KOREAN TOURIST VISA IN 3 EASY STEPS!
STEP 1: PREPARE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
- Duly Accomplished Application Form
- Please download HERE the application form for Korean tourist visa
- Must be typewritten, NOT handwritten. Recommended font size is 13 – 14.
- Signature is still manually done on the page 4.
- Must be filled out completely and correctly
- Must be printed in A4-sized paper
UPDATE 2026: Typed application forms are still strongly recommended, but some agencies may accept neatly handwritten forms. Always confirm with your chosen travel agency.
Key points in filling up the form
- Leave items 1.2, 1.7 blanks.
- Leave 1.9 blank if you are not Dual citizen
- For questions that are not applicable for you, kindly leave it blank
Example = Spouse name if you are single(4.2)
- If you do not have a Korean Sponsor, leave question 8 blank
- If you will pay for your tour, answer question number 9 in this manner
9.1 = 1,000
9.2 a) = Your Name (If you will pay your expenses)
9.2 b) = “Myself”
9.2 c) = “All Expenses”
9.2 d) = (Your Contact Number)
NOTE: On section 7 of the form, you’ll be asked to put your address and contact number in Korea. If you intend to stay in a hostel like I did (since I’m solo backpacking), I use the address and contact number of my hostel in South Korea.
UPDATE 2026: Providing confirmed accommodation details (hotel/hostel/Airbnb) is now more important and may be checked more strictly.
- One Passport-Sized ID Photo
- Must be with white background
- Must be glued on the designated area of the Application Form
- Original Passport
- Must be at least 6 months valid from your intended flight
- Photocopy of Passport’s Bio page
- Photocopy of all OECD Visa
- If you have visas to any member of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), you will need to submit the original copy and photocopy including arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years
UPDATE 2026: OECD visas still help strengthen your application, but they no longer guarantee faster processing or approval.
- If invited by Korean
- An Invitation Letter
- A Copy of Inviter’s Passport
UPDATE 2026: Travel history (Japan, US, Schengen visas) is now a major factor in approval. Applicants with strong travel history have higher chances.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYEES
- Original Certificate of Employment
- Must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number (cell-phone number is not allowed)
- Original Personal Bank Certificate
- Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB
- Bank Statement
- Must be original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months
- Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
- Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
UPDATE 2026: Financial documents are now reviewed more strictly. Sudden large deposits or inconsistent cash flow in your bank statement may negatively affect your application.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SELF-EMPLOYED
- Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
- Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit
- Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
- Original Personal Bank Certificate
- Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB
- Bank Statement
- Must be original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months
- Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
UPDATE 2026: Self-employed applicants may be asked for additional proof of business operations (e.g., invoices, receipts, or business transactions) depending on the agency.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS
- Original School Certificate
- Photocopy of School ID
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- If parents are employed
- Parents’ Original Certificate of Employment (must include employer details, landline, email, position, and compensation)
- Copy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy
- If parents are self-employed
- Copy of parents’ Business Registration from SEC or DTI
- Copy of parents’ Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit
- Photocopy of parents’ ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
- Parents’ Original Bank Certificate
- Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB
- Parents’ Bank Statement
- Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months
- Copy of parents’ marriage certificate
UPDATE 2026: Sponsors (parents or guardians) must show strong financial capacity and stable income. Applications with weak financial proof are more likely to be denied.
If, however, you have a different situation or purpose of visit, it’s best that you visit the South Korea Embassy for more information and for the complete requirements.
UPDATE 2026: Always check the official embassy website or your chosen travel agency for the most updated requirements, as policies may change without prior notice.
STEP 2: SUBMIT YOUR DOCUMENTS TO YOUR CHOSEN TRAVEL AGENCY
The Korean Embassy accredited travel agencies where you can lodge your application.
The good news is, many of these travel agencies have branches all around the country, which means it’s easier for applicants in the provinces to apply.
UPDATE 2026: Applications are strictly processed through accredited travel agencies. Most agencies now require appointment booking or pre-screening before submission.
VISA FEE: A South Korea Visa is FREE of charge as long as you are only going to stay 59 days or less; however, these travel agencies charge for the service that they offer of processing/sending your application.
UPDATE 2026: Agency processing fees now typically range from Php 1,000 to Php 2,500 depending on the agency.
For stays spanning from 60 to 90 days, the embassy charges a fee of about Php 1,800.
UPDATE 2026: Most tourist applicants apply for short-term stay (59 days or less), which remains free of embassy charge.
To date, below are the accredited travel agencies, as listed below:
UPDATE 2026: The list of accredited travel agencies may change over time. It is recommended to check the official embassy website for the most updated list before applying.
- ABOEX Travel and Tours
- Adventure International
- Ark Travel Express Inc.
- Blue Horizons Travel and Tours Inc.
- Budget Travel and Tours Inc.
- Casto Travel Philippines Inc.
- City Travel & Tours Corporation
- COME ON PHILS. Golf and Travel Agency Inc.
- Constellation Travels, Inc.
- First United Travel Inc.
- Getaway Tours International Inc.
- Grand Hope Travel, Inc.
- Hanatour Manila Inc.
- H.I.S. (PHILIPPINES) Travel Corp
- HANKOOKCEB Corp.
- Horizon Travel & Tours, Inc.
- International Journeys Inc.
- Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc.
- JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.
- KP JOEUN Consultancy Inc.
- Las Palmas Tours and Travel Agency, Inc.
- Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc.
- MNK Travel & Tours Corp.
- North Star International Travel, Inc.
- Pan Pacific Travel Corporation
- Party-on Travel and Tour Community, Inc.
- Rajah Travel Corporation
- Rakso Air Travel and Tours Inc.
- Reli Tours and Travel Company
- Sharp Travel Service (Phils.) Inc
- Swire Travel Phils, Inc.
- The Baron Travel Corporation
- Travel Pros
- Travelservices, Inc.
- Uni-Orient Travel, Inc.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The consulate in Cebu still accepts direct applications, and for your information only, below are the address details of Korea’s embassies in the Philippines:
UPDATE 2026: Most applicants are now required to apply through accredited travel agencies. Direct applications (including Cebu) may be limited or subject to specific conditions. It’s best to confirm first before going directly.
Korean Embassy in Manila
122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Email Address: ph04@mofa.go.kr
Telephone: (63-2) 856-9210
Korean Consulate in Cebu
12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Cebu
Email Address: phi_cebu2015@mofa.go.kr
Contact No.: (63-32) 231-1516(-9)
UPDATE 2026: Contact details may change. Always verify through the official Korean Embassy website before visiting.
Now if you asked me –
‘WHAT IS YOUR RECOMMENDED TRAVEL AGENCY TO GET A BETTER CHANCE OF APPROVAL?’
I couldn’t really answer that as there is no best travel agency when it comes to visa approval. They, too, have no control whatsoever over that matter. these accredited travel agencies simply ensure that the documents you are going to give are complete. After which, they just pass it to the embassy who makes the analyzation and final decision.
UPDATE 2026: Approval rates depend more on your financial capacity, travel history, and document consistency rather than the agency you choose.
In my experience, however, I chose Reli Tours and Travels in Southmall Las Pinas just simply because they’re close to where I live. They are also the agency I applied for in my Japanese visa application which later got also approved =)
PROCESSING TIME: 7 Working Days
Per Korean Embassy, their processing time is:
3 working days – Manila applications with OECD visas within the past 5 years
5 working days – Manila applications without OECD visas
7 working days – Cebu applications with or without OECD visas
But since this will now be handled by the agency, it is safe to add a day or two. Some can take shorter, some longer, depending on your case, but it is safe to say 7 working days.
UPDATE 2026: Processing time is now typically 5–10 working days, but may take longer during peak seasons (e.g., cherry blossom or autumn). Delays are common.
If you don’t have that much time, you can avail of the RUSH PROCESSING OPTION, which will expedite the of visa to only 2 days. But it comes with a USD20 express fee.
UPDATE 2026: Rush/express processing is generally no longer available for tourist visas.
STEP 3. CLAIM YOUR PASSPORT WITH VISA (HOPEFULLY!)
Pick up your passport (hopefully with a visa sticker attached) when you are informed by your travel agency. Agency will normally send a text message to you once you’re passport is ready for pick up.
UPDATE 2026: Some agencies now also offer courier delivery of passports for an additional fee.
By the way, here is what a Korean Visa look like.
UPDATE 2026: Some visas are now issued electronically (no sticker), but many applicants still receive a visa sticker. This depends on the embassy’s current system.
I believe that as long as you have completed the requirements and your intention is purely tourism then most likely your visa will be approved. =)
UPDATE 2026: Approval is not guaranteed even with complete documents. Strong financial proof, stable employment, and clear travel intent are key factors.
If you have questions, feel free to leave a reply on the comment section below and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can.
Good luck and all the best on your Korean tourist visa application!
SUMMARY:
Visa Type: Tourist Visa
Visa Validity: 3 Months
Entry type: Single Entry
Visa Fee: FREE (Handling Fee Php 700.00 by Reli Tours & Travel)
UPDATE 2026: Handling fees now typically range from Php 1,000 to Php 2,500 depending on the agency.
BOOKING ESSENTIALS
- Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it as well. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.
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- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!
Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.
- Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.
I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.
- Travel Insurance
- World Nomads. If you don’t have travel insurance when times get tough, basically you are screwed. Traveling always comes with inherent risks attached. Whether you are trekking in the Seoraksan mountains or wandering the streets of Seoul, unforeseen events can suddenly upend your world. Generally speaking, travel insurance covers you for the following: Medical Costs, Property Loss, and Travel Issues. Thus, I highly recommend you guys getting a travel insurance.
Go to this link to get your travel insurance.
UPDATE 2026: Travel insurance is not mandatory for visa application, but highly recommended for your trip.
Dan Travels 