How to Apply for Korean Visa in the Philippines

Namdaemun Gate in Seoul, South Korea

Note: This post is only for employed individuals. I heard with my 2 ears at the Korean Embassy this rule: "No Work, No Visa". If you are a part-timer/freelancer, you can still apply as long as you have an ITR (Form 2316) or a Tax Withheld Certificate (Form 2307).

If you want to see the requirements for other visa types (if you're a student, a housewife of a Korean, a business owner, etc. then you can refer to my other blog post here.)

Planning on touring South Korea? Below are instructions compiled from my 4 separate experiences of applying for this visa.

1. Prepare the following. If it's not here, it's not needed.



a. Fully accomplished application form which you can download from here (the passport-size photo required below should be pasted in this application form)

b. Passport size photo (no need for collared shirt or whatever. As long as it's passport-sized and taken in the last 6mos)

c. Passport (if your passport is expiring in 6 months, you cannot apply. Renew it first.)

d. Photocopy of the first page of your passport (the one with the bio and photo)

e. If you have been to any OECD country, 1 photocopy each of your past visas for these OECD countries (if you have this, your application has a higher chance of approval)

f. Original and 1 photocopy of your latest certificate of employment

g. Original copy of your bank certificate

h. Original and 1 photocopy of your latest ITR (Form 2316 but they also accepted my form 2307)

Optional requirements:
If you have a friend who is living in Korea and who can send you an invitation letter, then please prepare the following as well:

i. Invitation letter signed by your friend (you can download the one I used)

j. Copy of your friend's passport bio page (my sister was studying in Korea so I also included her school ID and her Alien Registration ID)

2. When you have all of these things, go to the Korean Embassy at McKinley along C5 Road Taguig City just after SM Aura and Market Market. Visa application is only from Mon-Fri 8am-11am.

a. Sign your name at the logbook after surrendering your valid photo ID at the guardhouse/entrance gate. You'll be given a numbered ID.

b. Food and drinks are not allowed inside so surrender them to the guard at the 2nd entrance. Have your bag checked.

c. Proceed to the visa application room. Once you're in that main door, you'll see a table where you can get your number.


The guards here will check your documents. They basically know if your requirements are complete. If not, they will advise what you lack and tell you to come back when you have them completed. If everything's correct and complete, he'll issue you a number.


d. Wait for your number to be called and/or appear on the screen above the booth. Don't wear earphones or you may not be able to hear your number called. This may irritate the Korean consul who'll accept your documents. :)


e. Surrender your documents and wait while the consul screens them. He will inform you if something is missing. If there is, sorry but you have to come back another day. If everything's complete, wait for 5 days before your visa result is released. The consul will take your passport because this is where they will stick your visa if approved. For those issued with Korea visas before or those with OECD multiple entries visa, you will only wait 3 days for the result. Keep the claim stub safe. You will need it to get your passport back.


3. On the day of your passport release, go to the Embassy before 2pm. The releasing is only from Mon-Fri 2pm-4pm. So be there by 1pm because the line usually gets long as many others are also claiming their passports.

a. Follow the same instructions in Steps 2A-2D.

b. Wait for your number to be called the present the claim slip.

c. The consul will give your passport back to you. If you don't have the visa stickered to one of your passport sheets, that means your application was denied. If you have it, then congratulations!!!



d. TIME TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO KOREA! Read my other posts here coming soon :)

Thanks and good luck!!!