Korea Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know

When you receive a visa grant notice from the embassy, it serves as confirmation that your visa application has been approved. After arriving in South Korea, you need to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at your local immigration office. Once issued, the ARC will have your visa details printed on the back, indicating your visa type, duration of stay, and other relevant information. This card serves as your official ID while in Korea, and the visa printed on the backside replaces the traditional visa stamp in your passport.

The Resident Registration Number (RRN) is a key identification number used in South Korea, assigned to citizens and permanent residents. It plays a central role in verifying personal identity for various purposes, including government services, banking, and healthcare. Below is an explanation of how the RRN works and what each part of the number represents.

• First 6 digits represent the individual's date of birth
• First digit of the second part indicates the gender and century of birth
  • 1 or 2: Born between 1900 and 1999 (1 for male, 2 for female)
  • 3 or 4: Born between 2000 and 2099 (3 for male, 4 for female)
  • 5: Male born between 1900 and 1999
  • 6: Female born between 1900 and 1999
  • 7: Male born between 2000 and 2099
  • 8: Female born between 2000 and 2099
• The following two digits represent the location or district where the registration took place
• The next six digits indicate a unique registration sequence for that location
• The last digit is a checksum used for validation of the entire number

When applying for a visa, specific photo requirements must be met to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Adhering to these guidelines is essential, as even small deviations can lead to delays or rejections. Below are the detailed photo specifications and requirements that should be followed when submitting your visa application.

Size:

• 35×45 mm
• Face size of 25×35 mm

Background:

• Plain
• Evenly lit
• Light

Additional Requirements:

• Photos must be taken within the last 6 months
• Applicant must be shown looking directly at the camera
• No sunglasses or hats, except for medical/disability reasons
• Head coverings(Hijab, Veil, Turban, etc.) are permitted for religious purposes

If you're planning to stay in South Korea, you'll need to know about the different types of visas they offer. Don't worry, We’ve got you covered! South Korea has a bunch of visas for all sorts of purposes, from short visits to long-term stays. Let's break it down.

C visas are for quick trips to South Korea, whether you're going for business, tourism, or to visit family.

C-1: Short-Term News Coverage Visa

The C-1 visa is for foreign journalists and media personnel who need to enter South Korea for short-term news coverage.

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to 90 days.
• Requirements: Requires a press ID card and a letter from the employer.

C-2: Short-Term Business Visa

The C-2 visa is for people entering South Korea for short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, or contract negotiations.

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to 90 days.
• Requirements: Requires proof of business activities, such as meeting invitations or conference details.

C-3: Short-Term General Visa

The C-3 visa is a versatile visa for tourists, family visitors, or anyone coming to South Korea for non-professional reasons. This visa category includes subtypes for medical tourism, cultural exchange, and more.

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to 90 days.
• Requirements: Requires proof of purpose of visit.

C-4: Short-Term Employment Visa

The C-4 visa is for people who are coming to South Korea for short-term work assignments, including temporary or seasonal jobs.

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to 90 days.
• Requirements: Requires a job offer and proof of short-term employment.

D visas are long-term visas aimed at those who plan to stay in South Korea for extended periods. These visas cover academic, cultural, and professional activities.

D-1: Cultural Arts Visa

The D-1 visa is for people who wish to engage in artistic or cultural activities in South Korea. This includes musicians, artists, and performers planning to stay for an extended period.

Details

• Period of Stay: Typically up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Invitation of academic non-profits, art organizations, or the Korea Foundation and the Arts Council of Korea.

D-2: Student Visa

The D-2 visa is for international students enrolled in degree programs at Korean universities. This visa covers undergraduate, graduate, and research students.

Sub-types

• D-2-1: Associate degree
• D-2-2: Bachelor's degree
• D-2-3: Master’s degree
• D-2-4: Doctoral degree
• D-2-5: Research study
• D-2-6: Exchange student
• D-2-7: Government scholarship
• D-2-8: Short-term study

Details

• Period of Stay: Duration of the academic program
• Requirements: Acceptance letter from a Korean educational institution; Requires proof of financial means, health insurance, and a clean criminal record

D-3: Industrial Trainee Visa

The D-3 visa is for people who are coming to South Korea to receive training in industrial fields. This visa supports vocational training programs and apprenticeships.

Details

• Period of Stay: Typically up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of training program received by organization.

D-4: General Trainee Visa

The D-4 visa is for those enrolled in non-degree educational programs, including language courses and vocational training.

Sub-types

• D-4-1: Korean Language Trainee
• D-4-2: General Trainee
• D-4-3: Student (Elementary, Middle, High School)
• D-4-5: Trainee Chef
• D-4-6: General Trainee (Private Institute)
• D-4-7: Foreign Language Trainee

Details

• Period of Stay: Duration of the training program, typically up to one year.
• Requirements: Requires proof of enrollment.

D-5: Journalism Visa

The D-5 visa is for journalists and correspondents who need to stay in South Korea for long-term news coverage.

Details

• Period of Stay: Typically up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires certification of employment and a dispatch order.

D-6: Religious Worker Visa

The D-6 visa is for religious workers, including missionaries and clergy, who are engaged in religious activities in South Korea.

Details

• Period of Stay: Typically up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires documentation of religious activities and sponsorship by a religious organization.

D-7: Intra-Company Transferee Visa

The D-7 visa is for employees of multinational companies who are transferred to a South Korean branch, affiliate, or partner company.

Sub-types

• D-7-1: Intra-company Transferee (Domestic Company)
• D-7-2: Intra-company Transferee (Foreign Company)

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to two years, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of transfer within a multinational company.

D-8: Corporate Investment Visa

The D-8 visa is for people who are investing in South Korean businesses or establishing a company in South Korea.

Sub-types

• D-8-1: Incorporated Enterprise
• D-8-2: Business Venture
• D-8-3: Unincorporated Enterprise
• D-8-4: Technology & Business Start-up

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to two years, renewable.
• Requirements: Minimum investment of $100,000; Requires business registration documents, investment plan, proof of capital.

D-9: International Trade Visa

The D-9 visa is for people involved in international trade and commerce, facilitating business operations in South Korea.

Sub-types

• D-9-1: International Trade
• D-9-2: Technician Industrial Machinery
• D-9-3: Technician Ship Building
• D-9-4: Individual Foreign Businessman

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of involvement in international trade and business operations.

D-10: Job Seeking Visa

The D-10 visa is for professionals who are seeking employment opportunities in South Korea. This visa allows job seekers to stay while searching for work.

Sub-types

• D-10-1: Job Seeker
• D-10-2: Business Startup

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to six months, renewable once for an additional six months.
• Requirements: Requires proof of professional qualifications and intent to seek employment.

E visas are for people who seek employment in South Korea. These visas cover a broad range of professions and job types.

E-1: Professor Visa

The E-1 visa is for foreign professors who are employed by educational institutions in South Korea.

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires a Ph.D. or equivalent in relevant field; Requires a job offer from a Korean educational institution.

E-2: Foreign Language Instructor Visa

The E-2 visa is for foreign language instructors, typically for teaching languages other than Korean in schools, academies, or other educational institutions.

Sub-types

• E-2-1: Foreign Language Instructor
• E-2-2: Teaching Assistant
• E-2-91: Foreign Language Instructor (by FTA)

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Must be a native speaker and hold a Bachelor’s degree; Requires a job offer from a licensed institution, health check, and criminal background check.

E-3: Research Visa

The E-3 visa is for people who are engaged in research activities in South Korea, often in academic or scientific institutions.

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of research position in a Korean institution.

E-4: Technological Guidance Visa

The E-4 visa is for experts providing technological guidance or consulting in South Korea.

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires documentation of expertise and job offer.

E-5: Professional Employment Visa

The E-5 visa is for people in specialized professions such as lawyers, accountants, or medical professionals who are licensed to practice in South Korea.

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to two years, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires professional license in relevant field.

E-6: Arts and Performance Visa

The E-6 visa is for people involved in artistic or entertainment activities, including actors, musicians, and other performers.

Sub-types

• E-6-1: Artist
• E-6-2: Hotel and Adult Entertainment
• E-6-3: Athlete

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of engagement in arts, entertainment, or sports activities.

E-7: Specially Designated Activities Visa

The E-7 visa is for foreign professionals engaged in activities designated by the Korean government as necessary for the national economy, encompassing a wide range of occupations.

Sub-types

• E-7-1: Professionals (Managers and Experts)
• E-7-2: Semi-professionals (Office or service industry workers)
• E-7-3: Technicians
• E-7-4: Experienced Technicians (Score based)

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of employment in designated professional fields.

E-8: Seasonal Worker Visa

The E-8 visa is for seasonal workers engaged in short-term agricultural or similar seasonal work.

Details

• Period of Stay: Up to 90 days, renewable for additional short-term periods.
• Requirements: Requires proof of seasonal employment.

E-9: Non-Professional Employment Visa

The E-9 visa is for unskilled laborers working in fields such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture under employment contracts.

Detail

• Period of Stay: Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of employment in fields such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, accommodation facilities (hotels).

E-10: Vessel Crew Visa

The E-10 visa is for foreign crew members working on ships registered in South Korea.

Sub-types:

• E-10-1: Vessel Crew Member
• E-10-2: Fishing Ship Crew Member
• E-10-3: Cruise Passenger

Details:

• Period of Stay Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of employment on a South Korean-registered vessel.

F visas are for people seeking long-term residence in South Korea, often through family connections or residency status.

F-1: Visiting and Joining Family Visa

The F-1 visa is for people visiting or joining family members who are residents of South Korea.

Sub-types

• F-1-1: Family Visitor/Dependant Family
• F-1-2: Household Assistant
• F-1-3: Cohabitee of Diplomat/Foreign Government Official
• F-1-5: Family of Marriage Immigrants
• F-1-6: Divorce
• F-1-7: Naturalization
• F-1-8: Legal-born Children
• F-1-9: Spouse of F-4 Overseas Korean)

F-1-D: Digital Nomad (Pilot in 2024)

Details

• Period of Stay Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of family relationship and purpose of visit.

F-2: Resident Visa

The F-2 visa is for long-term residents, including those who have obtained residency through marriage to a Korean national or other qualifying criteria.

Sub-types:

• F-2-2: Underage children of a Korean national.
• F-2-3: Spouse or underage children of a permanent resident (F-5 visa holder).
• F-2-4: Recognized refugee.
• F-2-5: Long-term residing big investor.
• F-2-7: High points system.
• F-2-8: Real-estate investment.
• F-2-9: Loss of permanent residency.
• F-2-10: Child raising with a national.
• F-2-11: Government employee.
• F-2-12: Public interest business investment.
• F-2-13: Public interest or retired - family.
• F-2-14: Retired migrant investor.
• F-2-99: Other long-term sojourners.

Details

• Period of Stay Typically up to two years, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of long-term residence, such as marriage to a Korean national.

F-3: Accompanying Spouse or Child Visa

The F-3 visa is for spouses and dependent children of people holding long-term visas in South Korea.

Details

• Period of Stay Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of relationship to a long-term visa holder.

F-4: Overseas Korean Visa

The F-4 visa is for people of Korean descent who are citizens of other countries, allowing them to reside and work in South Korea.

Sub-types:

• F-4-1: National contributor
• F-4-2: Basic category
• F-4-11: Former Korean citizen
• F-4-12: Descendant of a former Korean citizen
• F-4-13: Former D or E visa holder (minimum 6 months in South Korea)
• F-4-14: University graduates
• F-4-15: Permanent resident of an OECD country
• F-4-16: Corporate executive or manager
• F-4-17: Entrepreneur with a minimum revenue of $100,000
• F-4-18: Executive or staff of a multinational company
• F-4-19: Representative of overseas Korean organization
• F-4-20: Government employee or former National Assembly member
• F-4-21: University professor or school teacher
• F-4-22: Private entrepreneur
• F-4-23: Frequent visitor
• F-4-24: Worker in specific sectors (child-caring, agriculture, fishery)
• F-4-25: Person aged 60 or older
• F-4-26: Pre-diplomatic entry
• F-4-27: Certified technician by Human Resources Development Service of Korea
• F-4-99: Others with level 4 or higher in the Korea Immigration and Integration Program

Details:

• Period of Stay Up to five years, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of Korean heritage.

F-5: Permanent Resident Visa

The F-5 visa is for people who qualify for permanent residency in South Korea, often through long-term residence or exceptional contributions to Korean society.

Sub-types

• F-5-1: General Permanent Residency (5+ years with specific visas like D-7, D-8, D-9, E-7, or F-2)
• F-5-2: Spousal Visa (married to a Korean citizen for 2+ years)
• F-5-3: Minor Child of Korean National
• F-5-4: Spouse or minor child of F-5 visa holder
• F-5-5: Big Investor (invest $500,000+ and hire 5+ Koreans)
• F-5-6: Overseas Korean (2+ years of residency)
• F-5-7: Naturalization Qualification
• F-5-9: PhD in high-tech fields, employed in Korea
• F-5-10: Bachelor's/Master’s in high-tech or general fields, employed in Korea
• F-5-11: Specific Field Ability Owners
• F-5-12: Special Merit
• F-5-13: Pension Beneficiaries
• F-5-14: 4+ years on H2 visa
• F-5-15: General Doctor
• F-5-16: Score-based Permanent Resident
• F-5-17: Real Estate Investor (5+ years continuous investment)
• F-5-18: Spouse or minor child of Score-based Permanent Resident
• F-5-19: Spouse or minor child of Real Estate Investor
• F-5-20: Korean-born child of Permanent Resident
• F-5-21: Public Utility Investor (5+ years continuous investment)
• F-5-22: Spouse or minor child of Public Utility Investor
• F-5-23: Public Interest Retired Investor
• F-5-24: Technology Startup Investor
• F-5-25: Conditional Large-scale Investor
• F-5-26: R&D Personnel of Foreign-invested Enterprises
• F-5-27: Refugee (2+ years in Korea)

Details

• Period of Stay Indefinite, with regular renewals.
• Requirements: Requires proof of long-term residence and significant contributions to Korean society.

F-6: Marriage Migrant Visa

The F-6 visa is for foreign spouses of Korean citizens, allowing them to reside in South Korea.

Sub-types

• F-6-1: Spouse of Korean National
• F-6-2: Child Raising
• F-6-3: Divorced or Widowed

Details

• Period of Stay Up to two years, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of marriage to a Korean citizen.

F-7 to F-10: Various Family and Residency Visas

These visas cover a range of specific family and residency-related categories, often tailored to unique circumstances such as family reunification or other special residency needs.

Details

• Period of Stay Varies based on specific circumstances
• Requirements: Requires proof of specific family or residency-related criteria

G visas cover special circumstances not addressed by other visa types.

G-1: Special Cases Visa

The G-1 Visa is for people in special circumstances like asylum seekers and long-term medical patients.

Sub-types

• G-1-1: Industrial Accident Compensation
• G-1-2: Medical Treatment and Accidents
• G-1-3: Litigation
• G-1-4: Labor Arbitration
• G-1-5: Refugee Applicant
• G-1-6: Asylum and Humanitarian Grounds
• G-1-7: Death of a Family Member
• G-1-9: Pregnancy and Birth
• G-1-10: Medical Tourism
• G-1-11: Victims of Sexual Violence
• G-1-12: Family Members of G-1-6 Holders
• G-1-99: Miscellaneous

Details

• Period of Stay Varies based on specific circumstances.
• Requirements: Includes special categories such as asylum seekers, long-term medical patients, and other humanitarian cases.

H visas are for working holidays and other specific types of employment not covered by the E visas.

H-1: Working Holiday Visa

The H-1 visa is for young adults from countries that have a working holiday agreement with South Korea, allowing them to travel and work in South Korea for up to one year.

Details

• Period of Stay Up to one year.
• Requirements: 18-30 years old; Requires proof of sufficient funds, return ticket, and health insurance.

H-2: Work and Visit Visa

The H-2 visa is for ethnic Koreans from China and the former Soviet Union, allowing them to visit and work in South Korea under specific conditions.

Details

• Period of Stay Up to one year, renewable.
• Requirements: Requires proof of Korean ethnicity and purpose of visit.