Check out detailed tips and tricks, as well as information from our KGY Community for everyone who is considering going abroad.
When preparing for your journey in South Korea, one of the most important things to know is “How to apply for a Visa”. Since there are several types of visas available depending on your purposes for stay and nationality, such as a tourist visa, study visa, work visa, and more, it can be rather confusing, which you you should apply for, however, you can ask your internship operator for consultation or local Korean Embassy which would the appropriate for you. Each visa has different requirements and application procedures, so it's essential to do your research and plan accordingly. In this guide, KoreaGapYear will provide a step-by-step process on how to apply for |
1 |
ELIGIBILITY |
Before applying for a visa, you need to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the type of visa you want to apply for, in case of doubt you can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in your country. |
2 |
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS |
You will need to gather all of the required documents for your visa application. This will usually include your passport, visa application form, recent passport-sized photo, and any additional documents specific to the type of visa you are applying for (such as proof of employment, invitation letter, or financial statements). |
3 |
APPOINTMENT |
Visit the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in your country and schedule an appointment to submit your visa application. Make sure to schedule your appointment well in advance to ensure that you get a time and date that works for you. |
4 |
APPLICATION |
On the day of your appointment, submit your visa application along with all of the required documents. The embassy staff will review your application and may ask you additional questions or request additional documentation if needed. |
5 |
PAY VISA FEE |
You will need to pay the visa fee when you submit your application. The fee amount may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The applicant self has to bare the costs of the application. |
6 |
PROCESSING PERIOD |
After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. This can take several days to several weeks depending on the type of visa you are applying for, most of the time it will be taking up to 7 - 14 business days. |
7 |
RECEIVING VISA |
Once your visa has been approved, you will need to collect it from the embassy or can print it out online, depending on your visa. This VISA GRANT NOTICE, please send the original copy to your internship operator as a reference. When picking up the visa in person, please make sure to bring the necessary identification and any other documentation that may be required. |
※ Please note: The visa application process may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the requirements of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in your country. It is important to thoroughly review the application process and requirements before beginning
Please keep KGY’s Terms and Conditions during the visa application process in mind, be clearly aware that KGY does not guarantee or promise the grant of visa, it is solely the participants responsibility, but we may support individual visa application depending on situation.
SHORT - TERM Visa |
LONG - TERM Visa |
K-ETA |
Working Holiday |
C-3-1 |
D-4-1 |
Official Websites to check South Korean Visa questions or Immigration issues. You should be able to research fast and quick, if some issues or question come up, so it is useful to know your way around on those websites
KETA: Travel Authorization:
🔗 https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do
South Korean Online Immigration Office Website:
🔗 https://www.hikorea.go.kr/Main.pt
South Korean Foreign Affairs Website/Embassy List:
🔗 https://www.mofa.go.kr/www/index.do
Visa Portal:
Immigration Website:
🔗 https://www.immigration.go.kr/
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online travel authorization system that allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for and receive permission to enter South Korea without a visa. K-ETA is only available for citizens of specific countries (please refer to the table below). The application can be completed online, it can take up 30 min to 48 hours, once approved it is valid for 2 years, and the holder can make multiple entries to South Korea within |
※ Please note: Eligible Countries and durations may vary depending on national international and/or global circumstances, therefore it is recommend to check the KETA website prior to application yourself for updates and accurate information
APPLICATION PROCESS
⓵ Visit the KETA website (🔗 https://www.keta.go.kr/portal/main.do ) and select your preferred language. ② Read the "Notice on the Enforcement of KETA" and click "Agree." ③ Fill out the application form with your personal information and travel details. ④ Upload a scanned copy of your passport and a recent passport photo. ⑤ Review the application information and make if necessary changes. ⓺ Agree to the terms and conditions and click "Submit." ⑦ Pay the application fee using a credit or debit card. ⑧ Receive the KETA travel authorization by email.
GUIDE Videos:
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MilsN5cWNkg 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uniP4VL3m6w
4️⃣ WORKING HOLIDAY (1 year permit H-1)
The Working Holiday program in South Korea is a government-sponsored initiative that allows young adults from select countries to live in South Korea for up to one year. The program is designed to encourage cultural exchange and provide participants with the opportunity to experience daily life in South Korea. The Working Holiday program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 30, depending on the specific country's agreement with South Korea. |
※ Please note: That those are currently the only countries who have a working holiday agreement with South Korea, meaning any other nationality cannot unfortunately not apply for H-1
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※ Please note: Additional documents may be required, depending on nationality
Please kindly refer to the general application process for a visa at point ᄀ. When applying for a visa, you will be needing to submit the application form as well, please refer to a next pages on how to fill out that form.
A person who plans to stay for a short period of time on the purpose of visiting relatives, investing in public business, participating in a non-official sport games, attending events or meetings, performing cultural art, engaging in a training, taking lessons, attending a religious ceremony, collecting documents for academic research, or any other equivalent activities |
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※ Please note: Additional documents may be required, depending on nationality
Please kindly refer to the general application process for a visa at point 1️⃣ When applying for a visa, you will be needing to submit the application form as well, please refer to the section before under WORKING HOLIDAY — IV. GUIDE ON APPLICATION FORM
The C-3-1 visa is an alternative visa option for those participants who are not eligible for the KETA or for those whose stay is either a 30 or 60-day limit of the KETA. KoreaGapYear offers visa support for applicants who fall under this category and wish to apply for a C-3 visa to visit South Korea.!!!Since you will be needing additional Confirmation Documentation, such as the Business Registration of KoreaGapYear, please talk with your internship operator for more details!!!
A person with at least high school diploma or the equivalent, who plans to study Korean language at a language institution affiliated with a foreign education institution in the ROK or at a higher education institution established in accordance with the Higher Education Act |
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※ Please note: Additional documents may be required, depending on nationality
The D-4-1 visa is for those participants who are applying for a Korean Language Course at one Korea secondary education institute, that visa will be then be sponsored by the enrolled university!!!Since you will be needing additional Confirmation Documentation, such as the Enrollment Certificate from the University, please talk with your internship operator for more information
If you are planning to stay longer in South Korea after your internship program ends, KoreaGapYear provides an option to extend your stay for an additional fee. This option is available to all participants who wish to prolong their time in Korea for personal travel or further professional opportunities. If you are interested in this option, please contact your internship operator for more information on how to apply for an extension. Our team will be happy to assist you and ensure that your stay in Korea is enjoyable and stress-free.