Application Process

Bangladeshi citizens must apply for a South Korea tourist visa directly at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka or through the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC).1 K-ETA and eVisa options are not available for Bangladeshi passport holders.

Step 1: Complete the Electronic Visa Application Form (e-Form)

Starting May 2025, all applicants must fill out the electronic visa application form (e-Form) on the Korea Visa Portal before visiting the Embassy.3 Go to visa.go.kr, select English, and complete all fields accurately. Print the completed form with barcode.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents including your valid passport, photographs meeting specifications (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background), printed e-Form with barcode, financial documents, and travel bookings.1 Ensure your bank statements cover the last 6 months.

Step 3: Prepare Your Cover Letter and Itinerary

Write a clear cover letter explaining your travel purpose, planned destinations, and reasons for returning to Bangladesh. Create a detailed day-by-day itinerary showing specific attractions you plan to visit in Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or other destinations.5

Step 4: Submit Your Application at the Embassy

Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka with all documents and required fees.1 All applicants must submit applications in person. The Embassy accepts applications Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM (excluding Bangladesh and Korean public holidays).1

Step 5: Track and Collect

Processing takes approximately 10 to 15 working days.1 Track your application status through the Korea Visa Portal. Passport delivery is available from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Embassy.

Fees

Exchange Rate: As of July 1, 2025, the Embassy applies an exchange rate of 1 USD = 125 BDT for visa fee payments.4

Important Notes:

• Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is denied or the application is cancelled
• Payment must be made via ATM or bank receipt (online payment not accepted)
• Postal applications are accepted with payment receipt and self-addressed envelope

What You Need to Prove

Korean consulates evaluate applications based on several key factors.12 Your application should demonstrate:

Genuine Tourism Intent: Your itinerary should detail specific tourist attractions, cultural sites, and activities in South Korea. Mention places like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong in Seoul, or beaches in Busan and Jeju Island.5 Vague plans will raise concerns.

Financial Capacity: Bank statements must show sufficient funds to cover your trip including accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. A consistent balance over 6 months is more convincing than recent large deposits. The recommended balance is BDT 3 to 5 lakhs or higher.1

Strong Ties to Bangladesh: Employment letters showing stable job tenure, property documents, family responsibilities, and business ownership demonstrate your intention to return. Young, single applicants and those with short employment tenure should particularly emphasize these ties.1

Clean Travel History: Previous visas to developed countries like US, UK, Japan, Australia, or Schengen area significantly strengthen your application. If you have visited South Korea before and complied with visa terms, this is especially valuable.

Processing Times

Standard visa processing takes 10 to 15 working days from the date of submission.1 However, processing may be extended in several situations:

Apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before your planned travel date to allow buffer time for any delays. If your visa was previously rejected for the same reason by the same inviter, wait at least 2 months before reapplying.1

After Your Visa is Approved

Once approved, your passport will contain a visa sticker with your photo, validity dates, and number of permitted entries. Verify all details are correct before leaving the Embassy.1

At Incheon International Airport or other Korean ports of entry, immigration officers may request:

• Valid passport with visa
• Return flight ticket
• Hotel or accommodation confirmation
• Travel itinerary
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Travel insurance documents (if applicable)

Keep all documents easily accessible. Korean immigration is generally efficient, but be prepared to answer questions about your trip purpose, duration, and accommodation.

All travelers must complete the K-ETA/e-Arrival Card system requirements as applicable. Since Bangladeshi citizens cannot obtain K-ETA, ensure you have all supporting documents ready for immigration inspection.

If Your Visa is Refused

South Korea does not typically provide detailed reasons for visa refusals.1 The visa decision is at the discretion of the Ministry of Justice. If your application is refused:

1. Review Your Application

Consider what may have caused the refusal: insufficient funds, weak employment evidence, unclear itinerary, document inconsistencies, or lack of travel history. The Korea Visa Portal may provide limited status information.

2. Wait Before Reapplying

If your visa was rejected for the same reason with the same inviter or purpose, the Embassy advises waiting at least 2 months before reapplying.1 Reapplying immediately without addressing issues will likely result in another refusal.

3. Strengthen Your Documents

Use the waiting period to: build consistent bank balance, obtain a stronger employment letter with longer tenure, create a more detailed and realistic travel itinerary, or gather property and family documentation.

4. Build Travel History

If you have no international travel experience, consider visiting visa-friendly countries first (like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, or Nepal) to establish a positive travel record before reapplying for South Korea.

5. Address Previous Issues

If you had prior visa refusals to any country, be honest about them. Explain the circumstances and demonstrate how your situation has improved since then.

6. Seek Professional Guidance

For repeated refusals or complex cases, consider consulting a visa consultant familiar with Korean visa requirements. Professional review can identify weaknesses in your application strategy.