South Korea is a popular destination for Filipinos. It's not that far and if you want to experience different seasons, it's a more affordable option compared to the U.S., Canada, and European countries. It's also a dream destination for K-pop and K-drama fans. 

South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos

Philippine passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea so here's a quick guide on how to apply for a visa.


Where to Apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa

If you want to apply for a South Korean Tourist Visa, you have to go to the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC), which is located in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Applicants can simply walk in from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. No appointment is needed. This is for applicants in Luzon and Mindanao.

For applicants in Cebu, you have to lodge your application at the South Korea Consulate in Cebu City, and for this, you'll need an appointment. Just go to the Korean Consular Services website, click “Reservation to visit a diplomatic mission”, and select "Non-membership log in". Then you just have to follow the prompts and select a date and time for your appointment.

Requirements for South Korea Tourist Visa

Here are the basic documents that you're required to submit when applying for a South Korea Tourist Visa.

  • Visa Application Form - You can download the form here. This should be filled out by computer, using the font Arial and make sure to print it on A4-sized paper. 
  • 1 Passport-Sized Photo -The photo should be 35mm x 45mm, colored, and taken within the last six months. It should show your full face and with a white background. Paste it on the first page of your application form.
  • Original Passport - Your passport should have a six-month validity, and must not be deformed or defaced. 
  • Photocopy of Passport Bio Page - The photocopy must be colored and on A4-sized paper.
  • Original and Photocopy of Visas and/or Arrival Stamps in OECD-Member Countries - If you’ve traveled to OECD-member countries within the last five years, you can include a photocopy of your valid visa in your requirements. 
  • Original Bank Certificate - Your bank certificate should have the account type, current balance, the account's opening date, and average daily balance.
  • 3-Months Bank Statement - Your bank statement can be requested from the bank. An online bank statement would also suffice. If you have a passbook, you need to submit a certified true copy of its pages. Submit an original or certified true copy of your bank statement or passbook for the last three months. 

Additional Documents if Employed

  • Original Certificate of Employment - This should state your current position, date hired, compensation, and the contact details of your company, including the office address, your HR telephone number, and the HR email address. 
  • Photocopy of BIR 2316 - Submit a copy of your Income Tax Return (ITR) or what’s commonly known as BIR Form 2316. 

Additional Documents if Self-Employed as a Business Owner

  • Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
  • Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit
  • Photocopy of BIR 1701 - Submit a copy of your Income Tax Return (ITR) or BIR Form 1701 for business owners or those with mixed incomes. 

Additional Documents if Self-Employed as a Freelancer

  • Original Certificate of Employment - You can ask your freelancing clients for a COE that states your current position, date hired, and compensation, plus the contact details of your client. You can also draft the COE and ask your client to sign in.
  • Copy of Freelancing Contracts - If your client cannot provide a COE, you can submit a copy of your freelance work contract. 
  • Photocopy of BIR 1701 - Submit a copy of your Income Tax Return (ITR) or BIR Form 1701 for business owners or those with mixed incomes. 

Additional Documents if Sponsored

  • Sponsorship Letter - The letter should include the name of your sponsor and it should state that they will be financially supporting your trip.
  • Financial Documents - Your sponsor should prove that they are financially capable so they also need to submit supporting documents based on their situation - whether they're employed or self-employed.
  • Proof of Relationship - Depending on your relationship with your sponsor, this can be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or photos together. PSA-issued documents should be original.

Additional Documents for Students

  • Certificate of Enrollment - This can be requested from your school registrar and it should have a dry seal.
  • Photocopy of School ID

Note: All photocopies and all other documents should be on A4-sized paper. The only exceptions are original documents obtained from the bank, school, employer, PSA, etc.

How to Apply for South Korea Tourist Visa

Once you've prepared and gathered all the documents needed for your application, then you can simply go to KVAC. As long as your documents are complete, then the process is pretty simple and straightforward. No appointment is needed.

  1. Go to KVAC located in Brittany Hotel in BGC, which is right across SM Aura. KVAC is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm but you can go as early as 7:00 am to secure a queue number. 
  2. After getting a number, proceed to the waiting area on the 9th floor. If you're traveling as a group, only one person can go to the 9th floor.
  3. One by one, applicants will be called at the front desk where a KVAC staff will do an initial check of the documents. Then you will be given another queue number.
  4. Once your number is called, head to the 10th floor and approach the window number assigned to you.
  5. The KVAC staff will then thoroughly check your documents. If they're complete, you will be instructed to pay the processing fee of PHP900 and return to your window to get a claim stub. 
  6. If you're missing some documents, you can still proceed with your application. Just pay the processing fee and you will be given seven (7) business days to return to KVAC and submit the other documents. 
  7. You will then be given a claim stub indicating your passport's release date, and that's it.

You will receive a text message from KVAC acknowledging the receipt of your application. You can check the status of your application here. KVAC will send you another text message once they've made a decision on your application and this will indicate when you can claim your passport. You can opt to have your passport shipped; you just have to pay an additional fee for the courier.

If you're from Cebu and applying at the South Korea Consulate in Cebu City, you just have to show up on your appointment date and time, and submit your documents. If you're residing in Mindanao and you can't go to KVAC, you can always course your application through an accredited travel agency. You can find the list of agencies here.


I hope you find this post helpful if you're planning to visit South Korea. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below and I'll be more than happy to answer them.