South Korea Short-Term Visa Explained

Unveiling the gateway to the captivating culture and advanced tech hub of Asia, South Korea’s short-term visas offer travelers a key to an enriching journey. This guide highlights the steps one needs to follow to secure such a visa, whether it’s for tourist adventures exploring the neon-lit streets of Seoul or business trips to connect with innovative tech giants.

For instance, a C-3 visa suits tourists desiring to witness the cherry blossoms, while a C-4 caters to those seeking short-term employment. This is the ultimate roadmap to navigating the process of obtaining a short-term visa for South Korea.

What is a South Korean Short-Term Visit Visa?

A South Korea short-term visa is a type of travel authorization permitting the holder to enter South Korea for a limited period, typically for purposes such as tourism, transit, or business visits. A key to unlocking the vibrant culture, buzzing city life, and advanced technological hubs of this East Asian gem, it’s an essential document for temporary visitors.

For example, the C-3 Tourist Visa allows individuals to explore the historical palaces of Seoul, experience the blossoming cherry trees in spring, and immerse themselves in the unique local cuisine. The C-4 Temporary Employment Visa, on the other hand, caters to those looking to engage in short-term work.

The application process involves providing necessary documents, such as a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds, followed by submission to a Korean Embassy or Consulate. The validity of these visas depends on the type and purpose, but typically, they allow a stay ranging from 30 to 90 days (about 3 months).

Is K-ETA Considered a Short-Term Visa

Technically it’s not a visa, but it acts like a visa because it grants entry to Taiwan. The K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of issuance, foreigners can stay in the country for a maximum period of 90 days per visit. The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an important travel document that foreign travelers from visa-exempt countries should carry to enter South Korea. They can apply for the document via the government website at least 72 hours before departure. The application can be completed for individuals or groups of up to 30 people. Applicants must provide a valid passport, a recent profile photo, a credit card for the fee, and an email address. A K-ETA can be used for short-term visits for tourism and business. Importantly, the K-ETA is not a visa, and the final admission decision resides with a Korea Immigration Service officer upon arrival. 

Visa Exempted (B-1)

The Visa Exemption Agreement proffers specific advantages to citizens from countries that have an agreement with the Republic of Korea, allowing for easy travel under the B-1 visa category. This includes applicants eligible under the agreement who can partake in activities aligned with its terms.

A prime opportunity for individuals to immerse in Korea’s rich culture and advanced technology, this B-1 visa also fosters enhanced international relations. The application process via an embassy is straightforward and makes Korean journeys more accessible for eligible nations. The visa’s validity typically is up to three months.

Tourist / Transit (General) (B-2-1)

The Republic of Korea provides a Tourist/Transit (General) B-2-1 visa-free entry for individuals intending to visit the country for tourism or transit. This visa exemption applies to certain categories under the Immigration Act, including Chinese Youth Groups on Field Trips, tourists transiting to third countries, Chinese Group Tourists with Japanese Group Tourist Visas, foreign transfer passengers, and individuals visiting Jeju Island. This policy also applies to Re-Entry Permit holders, International Organization Passport holders, and APEC Business Travel Card holders.

While a visa is typically a key prerequisite for foreign entry, these exemptions streamline the travel process. However, having a valid visa or being subject to visa-free entry does not guarantee admission, and travelers may be denied entry based on an immigration officer’s discretion.

Countries with visa-free designation (45 as of October 1, 2022) benefit from this policy. Their citizens are generally allowed to stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Exceptions include Canada, Macau, the U.S., Australia, Hong Kong, Slovenia, Taiwan, Argentina, and Japan, whose citizens can stay for up to 90 days. This visa-free travel arrangement, based on international conventions, reciprocity principles, and national interests, greatly facilitates international travel to Korea.

Tourist / Transit (Jeju) (B-2-2)

The Tourist / Transit (Jeju) B-2-2 visa category facilitates travel to the unique Jeju Island for eligible travelers. Except for countries specified by the Minister of Justice under the Special Act on the Establishment of Jeju Special Self-governing Province and the Development of Free International City, foreign nationals aiming to visit Jeju for tourism or transit purposes can do so without a visa.

They can freely enter through the designated ports and airports of Jeju. This arrangement makes the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant city life of Jeju more accessible to international tourists and transit travelers.

Short-Term General (C-3-1)

The Short-Term General (C-3-1) visa is designed for individuals planning brief stays in South Korea for diverse purposes. This includes visiting relatives, participating in public business ventures, engaging in non-official sports games, attending various events or meetings, and performing in cultural arts.

It also accommodates those intending to undertake training, attend lessons, participate in religious ceremonies, or collect academic research documents. Additionally, the C-3-1 visa covers equivalent activities, catering to a broad spectrum of short-term needs. This visa fosters global connections and experiences, facilitating diverse cultural, academic, and business exchanges in the vibrant setting of South Korea.

Group Tourist (C-3-2)

The Group Tourist (C-3-2) visa caters to individuals or groups planning to explore Korea or engage in small-scale cross-border trading. A guarantee from the applicant’s travel agency is a prerequisite for this visa. Applications are processed through consular missions of South Korea, such as embassies or consulates.

Once granted, the visa holds a validity of three months, and visa holders are obligated to enter South Korea within this period. The C-3-2 visa opens the doors to the distinctive culture and experiences that Korea offers, inviting group travelers to immerse themselves in the country’s rich heritage, vibrant cities, and bustling markets, creating unforgettable group experiences.

Business Visitor (General) (C-3-4)

The Business Visitor (General) C-3-4 visa is specifically designed for individuals planning to undertake commercial activities in South Korea. These activities may include market research, business consultations, contract signings, small-scale international trading, or business meetings.

Additionally, holders of the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Business Travel Card, a document that facilitates short-term business travel within the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) region, can visit Korea without requiring a separate visa. The C-3-4 visa, thus, plays a pivotal role in fostering international business collaborations, driving growth, and catalyzing innovation, making South Korea an attractive destination for global business ventures.

Business Visitor (Agreement) (C-3-5)

The Business Visitor (Agreement) C-3-5 visa is part of South Korea’s short-term visit visa scheme, designed for individuals planning to engage in short-term business activities under an existing agreement with South Korea. 

This visa enhances international business collaborations and facilitates seamless travel for business professionals. It allows them to explore opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to mutual growth within the bounds of their agreement with South Korea.

Business Visitor (Sponsored) (C-3-6)

The Business Visitor (Sponsored) C-3-6 visa is a vital component of South Korea’s short-term visit visa program, designed specifically for individuals invited by a company or an organization recognized as a preferential entity by the Minister of Justice of South Korea. 

This visa allows these sponsored individuals to engage in business activities, fostering the strengthening of international relationships and the exchange of professional expertise. It highlights South Korea’s proactive approach in encouraging global business collaborations and enabling a seamless travel experience for business visitors sponsored by preferred companies or organizations.

Short-Term Visitor (Overseas Korean) (C-3-8)

The Short-Term Visitor (Overseas Korean) C-3-8 visa is catered to overseas Koreans below the age of 60 who possess a foreign nationality, as per the Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans.

It supports short-term visits to South Korea, empowering these individuals to immerse in their cultural heritage, partake in cultural activities, or undertake permissible endeavors. Applications should be lodged via South Korean embassies or consulates. Following issuance, the visa remains valid for a period of three months. The C-3-8 visa thus affirms South Korea’s dedication to sustaining robust ties with its community of overseas Koreans.

Ordinary Tourist (C-3-9)

The Ordinary Tourist (C-3-9) visa provides a pathway for individuals for tourism activities. This short-term visit visa for South Korea allows them to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture and varied landscapes. Those applying for this visa must furnish a few documents, which include a filled-out application form, a recent passport-sized color photograph, and an original passport along with a photocopy, with a validity of at least six months. Applicants must glue their photo to the application and submit it at a South Korean consular mission.

Applicants are required to schedule an appointment with the Korean Consulate, and an interview with a consular officer might be part of the process. The officer may request additional documents during the interview. The interview process helps to determine the applicant’s eligibility for the visa. After the submission, the consulate will send an email confirming receipt of the application. If no email is received within five days, applicants should check their spam folders or contact the consulate.

The review process for all visa applications takes at least 14 days. The consular officer will decide if the application requires additional administrative processing. It’s important to note that obtaining a visa is not guaranteed; therefore, applicants should refrain from making definitive travel plans or purchasing tickets until they receive the visa.

Successful applicants can download and print their Visa Grant Notice from the Korean Visa Portal website, which usually takes around 14 days from the submission date. This robust process ensures that South Korea’s visitors are well-documented and their entry is streamlined.

Working Holiday (H-1)

The Working Holiday (H-1) visa is specifically tailored for citizens of nations that have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or an equivalent agreement related to working holidays with South Korea. This visa provides the opportunity to take up short-term employment in South Korea, serving as a means to fund their travel experiences within the country. This fusion of work and leisure affords visa holders a deep cultural immersion, thereby enhancing their South Korean experience. It should be noted, however, that H-1 visa holders are prohibited from engaging in certain activities, such as adult entertainment-related businesses and work as foreign language instructors.

To apply, several documents are required, including a valid passport, a completed application form with a photograph, a return flight itinerary, a recent bank statement demonstrating financial solvency (minimum of £1,500 over the past three months), a completed activity plan form, a criminal background check with Apostille stamp from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, a medical certificate issued within the past three months confirming the applicant’s health status, and the required visa fee. Please note that the H-1 visa is a multiple-entry visa, and applicants are advised not to purchase flight tickets until their visas are approved. This unique Working Holiday visa offers an enriching, self-sustained exploration of South Korea’s vast attractions and cultural offerings.

Direct Transit Visa(Air-side)(C-3-10)

The Direct Transit (Air-side) (C-3-10) visa is tailored for individuals transiting through South Korea en route to their country of origin or a third country. This visa only permits direct airside transit, meaning it allows the visa holder to connect to their onward flight but does not grant the right to pass through South Korean immigration or enter the country. 

This visa serves as an essential facilitator for individuals with layovers in South Korea, ensuring a smooth and efficient transit process. It is a valuable instrument, particularly for frequent travelers and individuals utilizing South Korea’s strategic location as a global transit hub.

How to Apply for South Korea Short-Term Visit Visa

Applying for a South Korean Short-Term Visit Visa involves a few essential steps. Initially, the applicant must complete the visa application form and attach a recent passport-sized photo. Next, the original passport and its copy (with at least 6 months of remaining validity) should be prepared.

These documents, along with any additional ones required based on the specific visa category, must be submitted to a South Korean consular mission. Following a review process that may include an interview, successful applicants receive their visas.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide serves as a beacon to navigate through South Korea’s short-term visa landscape. It elucidates the purpose, processes, and advantages of different visa types, enabling travelers to make informed choices based on their individual needs. 

Whether you plan to explore Korea’s stunning sights, indulge in its rich culture, or seek short-term business or work opportunities, these visas pave the way for an enriching journey. Regardless of your purpose, ensuring an accurate and prompt visa application will significantly smooth your voyage to this vibrant nation, promising a rewarding experience that blends discovery, learning, and adventure.