Travel Hacks

Jeonju International Film Festival

How to apply for a Korean Visa here in Manila

It's going to be a year from now since I last set foot inside the Korean Embassy. I am a QC resident so getting to the embassy in Taguig was a long travel. But since my brother and I needed a visa for a trip then, we braved the roads towards the south area.

My Kuya, my younger brother and I were invited to partake in Jeonju's International Film Festival, so we made sure to apply for our respective visa's right away. My boyfriend who's been to South Korea several times now (for work purposes), was able to help me compile all of our visa requirements. 

Now, the Korean Embassy has standard requirements. You will find a complete list below:

1) Application form duly filled in and signed. The form can be obtained on this link.
2) One passport sized colored picture
3) Original passport and a copy of the first page (not less than 6 months valid)
4) Photocopy and original of previous and valid visas to U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, or Korea.

 

Also note that there will be other required documents that may be asked of you by the consulars. And this will solely depend on your occupation and purpose of visit to Korea. So in my case, I would fall under the BUSINESSMEN category, applying for a Tourist or Visitor's Visa.

Now, being part of a corporation required me to show the following documents to the Korean consular:

1) Visa application forms
2) Official invitation letters from Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF) including our references, and a copy of JIFF's Business License
3) Business Registration from S.E.C.
4) Mayor's Permit
5) Passport and Passport Photo's
6) Income tax Return

Now, A WORD OF ADVICE. It's best that you've accomplished and gathered all of the important documents before passing these to the consulars, as this will help you avoid the hassles of going back and forth the embassy. I've actually witnessed a few applicants who lacked the necessary documents, so the consulars requested that they just return with the missing papers on their next visit.

Application Procedures

Ok, so when you're done compiling your papers, you may then file your application at the Consular Office from 9-11am only, Monday to Friday. So be sure to come in at an earlier time (we were already in line by 7am). And since the embassy serves on a first come, first serve basis, no appointments are necessary. And upon entering, first time travelers like me, were advised to pass our requirements on either Windows 1 or 2. We were also given a queue number.


Since only one representative was required (the actual applicant need not be present when applying for a visa, just as long as the required documents are passed and completed), I was the one who faced the consular. We talked for a bit, and then she asked for all of our papers, which was then followed by a few reminders. The lady gave me a piece of paper that indicated my return date to the embassy. In our case, we were asked to come back after less than a week. Now, if you're a first time traveler to Korea, it is advised that you personally claim your visa, especially if the Consul requires an impromptu interview with you before releasing both your visa and passport.

Anyway, as for visa application fees, we weren't charged for any since we were only staying for a few days. So if you hold a Philippine Passport, here are the following fees:

59 days (or less) stay in Korea -- GRATIS
60 to 90 days stay in Korea -- PHP1,350.00

More than 90 days stay in Korea (not applicable for tourist visa)
Single Entry -- PHP2,250.00
Multiple Entry -- PHP3,600.00

But if you hold an American Passport, then you'll be required to pay the PHP2,025.00 fee. As for Foreign nationals in the Philippines (those applying for a tourist visa), a PHP1,350.00 will be charged accordingly. 

Anyway, hope this helps in one of your future trips to the Korean Embassy, and of course, to South Korea. Until then... here's a photo of our visas! =)


Explore & Be Free! 
Mai

Budget Biyahera

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62 comments

  1. AXL Powerhouse Prod.April 3, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    ang mura naman ng ticket.... thanks for this info. kaso baka unahin ko muna ang pinas bago ang iba hhehehe

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  2. SendoApril 3, 2012 at 1:53 PM

    thank you ng malaki at marami :) 

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  3. AXL Powerhouse Prod.April 3, 2012 at 2:16 PM

    tama.. i agree sa word of advice mo dapat pag pupunta ka sa embassy dala mo na ang lahat ng kailangan mahirap ang pabalik-balik gastos sa pamasahe.
    tanung.,,, anu yung GRATIS?

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  4. JosieApril 3, 2012 at 4:08 PM

    Nice info sis, a great help to those applying for visa

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  5. Budget_BiyaheraApril 3, 2012 at 9:31 PM

    Ok. =)

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  6. Budget_BiyaheraApril 3, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    hey Axl! As I emailed you earlier, Gratis means Free of Charge or Complimentary. =)

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  7. Budget_BiyaheraApril 3, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    Thank you Josie! Hope that I will be able to reach those who may have future queries about this certain visa. =)

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  8. MarriApril 3, 2012 at 9:40 PM

    well documented...
    but i think, KOREA is quite a boring place to explore maybe just a visit will do.
    i wonder why most KOREANS wish to stay in our country?

    anyways, useful post for those who are interested.

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  9. Budget_BiyaheraApril 3, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    Hi Marri! Well, I for one enjoyed my stay in South Korea. Although I stayed in Jeonju at the time. I actually enjoyed my trip more since the weather was cool, and the people were friendly. =) As for your other observation.. well, the number of Koreans in our country certainly grew in number. I'm sure they love our country, as much as we do, as it's definitely more fun in the Philippines! =D

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  10. Sumi GoApril 3, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    Thanks for this sis! Although I have no plans of going to South Korea any time soon, this will be really helpful if *hopefully* something comes up.. :)

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  11. Budget_BiyaheraApril 3, 2012 at 11:55 PM

    You're welcome Sumi! =) I'm sure something will come up for you for this certain travel. South Korea is very beautiful, even if I've only been to Jeonju. =)

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  12. faithhopelovecorApril 4, 2012 at 4:35 AM

    Wohoooo, just dropping by to say "happy trip Mhai.". ^_^

    I might also go there in God's time. :)
    Have a blessed holy week....

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  13. RachelleApril 4, 2012 at 5:35 AM

    this is really helpful for the first timers traveling to Korea. thanks for the info. :)

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  14. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 9:36 AM

    Hey Robi! I spent my trip in Korea last year pa.. Thanks still!

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  15. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 9:37 AM

    You're welcome Rachelle! Have you been to Korea? =)

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  16. gagayApril 4, 2012 at 10:05 AM

    Thanks for sharing this te Mai..very helpful..how I wish I could apply visa soon and travel to Korea.. ;)

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  17. tauyanmApril 4, 2012 at 11:09 AM

    tis' very helpful to everyone who wants to travel in korea!! at least they know whats the options now good job! xx

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  18. Debra EckerlingApril 4, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    This is such important info for world travelers. Thanks for sharing!

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  19. Matsumotochan1607April 4, 2012 at 2:30 PM

    wow to the fees, gratis lang! @Marri, I think it's to learn English? ahihi. Would love to see the Yognduam Rock in Jeju!

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  20. Alexis PedricoApril 4, 2012 at 2:56 PM

    Gusto ko din mapunta dyan,. :)) libre nyo ko hehe

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  21. unsugarcoatedreviewsApril 4, 2012 at 4:45 PM

    this is very informative. thank you for listing down all the requirements and fees. very helpful indeed.

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  22. athena bellotindosApril 4, 2012 at 6:28 PM

    i've always wanted to go to korea but i haven't convinced my life's higher authorities yet.
    we are taiwan bound for vacation but this post is very informative =)

    hope you'll have a fruitful holy week =)

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  23. StefApril 4, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    my destination this year is Singapore, but hopefully i can go to Korea next year! 

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  24. Shirgie ScfApril 4, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    I should bookmark this page because I need to get a via for Korea soon. I just passed the TOPIk exam and I'll be working in Korea soon. Thanks for this post.

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  25. TatessApril 4, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    getting a visa es really a hassle.i have been to a lot of visa application and it very frustrating if you were denied or missing documents. So to make sure i don't miss something ,i bring all the big folder with me containing all my docs and paper works so when the consul ask for something ,i easily hand it .

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  26. CheskaApril 4, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Awesome! This is really informative. Thanks for sharing. =)

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  27. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Try to plan your travel during May or on the last quarter of the year, so that you'll get to experience the very cool weather. =)

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  28. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Thanks Tauyanm. =) 

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  29. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Glad to help, Debra. =)

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  30. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:18 PM

    Ah, good insight Chan! The school rates may be cheaper here, compared to their country. And must I say that I had to google the Yognduam Rock? hehe.. the rock formation is actually remarkable!

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  31. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:19 PM

    Libre ka saan, pagpuntang Korean Embassy or yung para sa application fee? =)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:19 PM

    You're welcome! Glad to help. =) Please help me share it to other people. =)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:20 PM

    hehe.. I'm assuming that you're talking about your parents? =P And wow, taiwan! Please share your travel story soon.. Would want to explore Taiwan too.. =)

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  34. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    Cool! What month are flying to SIN? I'm sure it's going to be hot there for the next couple of months.

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  35. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    Congrats Shirgie! You're going to work as what? My niece actually works in Jeonju. She's a college teacher now. =)

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  36. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:23 PM

    I hear you, TaTess. This is actually the first visa application that I was approved of. I've tried countless times for a US Visa, but was still rejected. =(

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  37. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:23 PM

    You're welcome! Glad to help. =) Please help me share it to other people. =)

    ReplyDelete
  38. rom salvarApril 4, 2012 at 11:46 PM

    Thanks for this information. This is a big help to others who are planning to visit South Korea. 

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  39. Budget_BiyaheraApril 4, 2012 at 11:56 PM

    You're welcome. =) Please share this post to those who may need it. =)

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  40. JeffApril 5, 2012 at 12:00 AM

    Bookmarked this page for future reference! :)

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  41. EdmarationApril 5, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    I agree, you have to make it sure that everything would be complete para swabe ang application. Swerte mo naman at may invitation ka sa Korea!

    ReplyDelete
  42. rojae bragaApril 5, 2012 at 12:49 AM

    Very informative post! Thanks for sharing!

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  43. Budget_BiyaheraApril 5, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    Thanks Jeff! =)

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  44. Budget_BiyaheraApril 5, 2012 at 9:56 AM

    Hello friend! Ittour niyo ba ako ni Shawi sa Vigan?? =) ANyhow, oo nga, was super blessed to get invited for this event. My kuya's indie film kasi was invited to show sa Jeonju International Film Festival. Have you watched Third World Happy, featuring Sam Milby? =)

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  45. Budget_BiyaheraApril 5, 2012 at 9:57 AM

    Thanks Rojae! =)

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  46. Gemma| My DailiesApril 5, 2012 at 11:41 AM

    wow.. it was you who posted about getting US visa right? (I hope my memory serves me right!) now this... great postssss!

    ReplyDelete
  47. EdmarationApril 5, 2012 at 12:45 PM

    oo, PM mo lang kami ni te Shawi

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  48. EdmarationApril 5, 2012 at 12:46 PM

    d ko napanood pa yan eh 

    ReplyDelete
  49. mark pogiApril 5, 2012 at 7:28 PM

    Thanks for sharing these. I'll have my documents ready just in case we win a round-trip tickets to Korea. ^_^

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  50. Budget_BiyaheraApril 5, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Hi Gemma! I think that's me. =) Thank you for remembering. At least for this specific post, I finally got approved of a visa..hehe!

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  51. Budget_BiyaheraApril 5, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Good luck with those roundtrip tickets! Hehehe. =)

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  52. travelona ShoestringApril 6, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    I'll bookmark this just in case my neurosurgeon allow me to travel soon! This is is a neat tip! Please swing by my pagetoo!

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  53. Budget_BiyaheraApril 6, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    Thank You! =) Hope your neuro approves of your future travel!

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  54. RC GwenifulApril 6, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    timely post. we're planning to visit south korea next year. sana mabigyan din. 

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  55. Budget_BiyaheraApril 6, 2012 at 11:30 PM

    I'm sure you'll get your visa. Just make sure that you give them all the requirements that they seek. =)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Kathy NgoApril 7, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    Super handy since I plan to go to  Korea soon :)

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  57. Budget_BiyaheraApril 7, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    Cool! I'm sure you'll get approved, as they're nice to transact with naman. =) 

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  58. Budget_BiyaheraApril 7, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    Thanks!!! Baka busy si Shawi kasi di pa siya nagreply back. =) And yung indie film baka magkaron ng DVD soon, grab a copy ah! =P

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  59. TiffleeJune 2, 2012 at 1:38 AM

    Cool beans. 

    ReplyDelete
  60. MiaSeptember 22, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    my visa got denied and I was hoping to re-apply again after a month. According to the paper attached, I can do it earlier than 6 months if I have a different purpose of entry. My original purpose was to simply sightsee. If I secure an invitation from an academy in Korea stating that I am invited to an event, would that qualify as a different purpose of entry?

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  61. Mai_FloresSeptember 22, 2012 at 3:00 PM

    Hi Mia! I'm sure that would be a valid reason and a different purpose of entry. We were actually invited to a Film Fest in Jeonju and were given actual invites that were mailed to our home address (original copies). =)

    ReplyDelete
  62. EdmarationJanuary 18, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    I agree, you have to make it sure that everything would be complete para swabe ang application. Swerte mo naman at may invitation ka sa Korea!

    ReplyDelete

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