Trip to Korea - Requirements

For those who are planning to visit Korea, you'll find below the requirements needed before you can see your Oppa! Charot. Kidding aside, please see the checklist and make sure you fulfill everything so you wont jinx your visit.

Passport - Make sure your passport is valid 6 months before your entry. The Philippine immigration can hold your departure so make sure it's updated.

Visa -

1. Completely fill up the visa application form. You can download the application form here.
2. 1 passport size colored picture (attached it to your application form)
3. Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of passport bio page (page 2)
5. Original Certificate of Employment (must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number (cellphone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address
6. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date and ADB)
7. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passboook for the last 3 months)
8. ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy
9. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (if applicable only.

Note -

If personally invited by Korean, you'll need:
1. Invitation Letter
2. Photocopy of passport or identification card of the person who invited you (authentication not required)

If invited by Company in Korea, you'll need:
1. Invitation Letter
2. Company Business Permit (authentication not required)

Frequent traveler who visited OECD member countries as tourist within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR

Processing Time -

3 working days for those who have been to OECD member countries within 5 years
5 working days for those who have not been to OECD member countries within 5 years

Visa Fee -

If you plan to stay in Korea for 59 days or less, visa application is free, otherwise you'll have to pay PHP1,800.

TIPS: 

1. Your savings account should have a maintaining balance of Php50,000 or more for the past three months before applying for visa. They would likely approve your visa if they see you are capable of funding your stay there.

2. You should at least have a pocket money of Php25,000 (USD500) for a 7-day stay. This sums up for for food, additional tourist attraction (if you haven't booked online yet) and shopping. For a budget trip watch out for my next blog and see how I survived with only spending Php15,000 (USD300) in the entire trip.

Hope this helps. Good luck!