South Korea Tourist Visa
Short-term Visit Visa (C-3-9) · For China citizens
Planning a trip to South Korea as a Chinese citizen? This guide covers everything you need for your tourist visa application: required documents, current fees of $40 USD, processing time of 5-7 working days, and strategies to improve your chances. With an estimated 78% approval rate for Chinese applicants and South Korea introducing a temporary visa-free policy for group tourists, proper preparation ensures a smooth application process.
South Korea Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For China citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must have sufficient validity and blank pages
Complete the official visa application form from the Korea Visa Portal
Recent passport-style photograph meeting Korean specifications
Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Personal income tax returns demonstrating your financial history
Detailed plan of your visit including flights, accommodation, and activities
Copy of your household registration booklet
Copy of your Chinese resident identity card
Recommended (Optional)
Letter from your host in South Korea inviting you to visit
Health declaration form confirming you are fit to travel
Application Process
Chinese citizens applying for a South Korea tourist visa (C-3-9) can submit applications through Korean embassies, consulates, or designated visa application centers in China.1 The process involves the following steps:
1. Determine Your Visa Type
For individual tourism, apply for the C-3-9 (Ordinary Tourist) visa.3 If traveling as part of an organized group through an approved agency, you may qualify for the temporary visa-free entry program (September 2025 to June 2026) or the C-3-2 (Group Tourist) visa.4
2. Gather Required Documents
Prepare all required documents including your valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, financial proof, employment certificate, and travel itinerary.1 Ensure all documents are accurate and match the information in your application.
3. Submit Your Application
Submit your complete application to the nearest Korean embassy, consulate, or visa application center.5 Application centers are located in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenyang. Some applicants may be eligible for online submission through the Korea Visa Portal.1
4. Pay the Visa Fee
The fee for a single-entry tourist visa is $40 USD.2 Multiple-entry visas cost $90 USD. Additional service fees may apply at visa application centers. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
5. Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 5-7 working days.1 You will be notified when a decision has been made. Collect your passport with the visa from the application center, or it will be returned to you if you opted for courier service.
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry (up to 90 days) | $40 | 3 months |
| Double-Entry | $70 | 6 months |
| Multiple-Entry | $90 | 1-5 years |
Visa application center service fees are additional and vary by location.2 Fees must be paid in local currency (CNY) at the current exchange rate. If your visa is not issued, the fee is not refunded as it covers processing costs.2
Visa Types for Chinese Tourists
South Korea offers several options for Chinese tourists:
C-3-9 Individual Tourist Visa
For independent travelers meeting the standard requirements.3 Allows stays of up to 90 days. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and strong ties to China.
C-3-2 Group Tourist Visa
For travelers joining organized tour groups through approved Chinese travel agencies.3 Generally has simpler requirements and lower fees ($15 per person) when traveling as part of a designated group tour.
Visa-Free Entry (Temporary)
From September 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026, Chinese tourists traveling in groups of three or more through approved travel agencies can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 15 days.4 This does not apply to individual travelers.
Jeju Island Visa-Free Entry
Chinese citizens can visit Jeju Island without a visa for up to 30 days.3 This is limited to Jeju Island only and requires direct flights to and from Jeju without transiting through mainland South Korea.
Processing Times
The standard processing time is 5-7 working days after receipt of a complete application.1
Processing may take longer during:
- Chinese New Year period (January-February)
- Labor Day holiday (May)
- National Day holiday (October)
- Korean holiday periods (Chuseok, Lunar New Year)
If additional documentation is required or if the application needs further review, processing can take 2-3 weeks.1
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. Check the following carefully:
- Validity period: The time window during which you can enter South Korea (typically 3 months)
- Duration of stay: How long you can remain in South Korea after entry (up to 90 days)
- Number of entries: Single, double, or multiple
At the Korean border, you may be asked to show:
- Return or onward flight tickets
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
- Details of your travel plans
You must complete the electronic arrival card (K-ETA form) at e-arrivalcard.go.kr before arrival in South Korea.1
If Your Visa is Refused
If your visa is refused, you will receive notification of the refusal. You can:
- Review the refusal reasons: Understand what issues led to the rejection
- Strengthen your application: Address the specific concerns raised
- Gather additional documentation: Provide stronger evidence of finances, ties to China, or clearer travel plans
- Reapply: There is no mandatory waiting period, but ensure you have addressed the issues first
Common steps to improve your next application:
- Provide more comprehensive financial documentation with longer history
- Include stronger evidence of employment stability and income
- Add property ownership documents if available
- Ensure all information is consistent across documents
- Create a more detailed and realistic travel itinerary
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing required documents, errors in the application form, or documents that do not meet specifications.
How to avoid: Carefully check all documents against the official checklist. Ensure your application form has no blank fields, all dates are consistent, and photos meet exact specifications. Double-check that names and dates match across all documents.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds to cover the trip, or recent large unexplained deposits raise suspicion about the source of funds.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of bank statements with a consistent balance of at least $3,000-5,000 USD. Avoid large deposits right before application. Ensure salary credits match your employment certificate.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to China after the visit, such as stable employment, property ownership, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Include employment certificate with tenure details, property ownership documents if applicable, evidence of family members (especially dependents), and any ongoing business or education commitments.
Unclear Travel Purpose or Unrealistic Itinerary
Vague travel plans, unrealistic schedules, or an itinerary that does not match the applicant's profile or visa duration.
How to avoid: Provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary with specific destinations. Ensure your travel dates are realistic and match your hotel and flight bookings. Explain the purpose of your visit clearly.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of visa overstays, violations, or rejections in South Korea or other countries raises concerns about compliance with immigration rules.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues on your application. If you have past violations, provide evidence of changed circumstances and include an explanation letter. Previous overstays significantly impact approval chances.
Fraudulent Documents or Information
Submitting fake documents, forged employment letters, or providing false information on the application.
How to avoid: Never submit fake documents. All information must be truthful and verifiable. Fraudulent applications can result in permanent bans from entering South Korea and affect future visa applications to other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
Yes, Chinese citizens generally require a visa to enter South Korea for tourism purposes. However, South Korea has introduced a temporary visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists traveling with approved agencies from September 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026, allowing stays of up to 15 days. Individual tourists still need to apply for a C-3-9 visa.
How long can I stay in South Korea on a tourist visa?
The C-3-9 tourist visa allows Chinese citizens to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days. The exact duration granted depends on your application and the visa officer's assessment. Multiple-entry visas allow repeated visits within the validity period.
How long does South Korea visa processing take for Chinese citizens?
Standard processing takes 5-7 working days from submission of complete documents. During peak seasons such as Chinese New Year, National Day holidays, and summer travel periods, processing may take longer due to high application volumes.
What is the South Korea tourist visa fee for Chinese citizens in 2025?
The visa fee is $40 USD for a single-entry visa (up to 90 days) and $90 USD for a multiple-entry visa. Additional service fees may apply at visa application centers. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Can I apply for a South Korea visa online?
Chinese citizens can submit certain visa applications through the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr). However, most tourist visa applications require submitting documents to a Korean embassy, consulate, or designated visa application center in China. Check the official portal for the most current application methods.
What is the approval rate for South Korea visas from China?
The estimated approval rate for Chinese tourists applying for South Korea visas is approximately 78%. This rate can vary based on individual circumstances, documentation quality, and the applicant's profile. Proper preparation significantly improves approval chances.
Can I get a multiple-entry South Korea visa?
Yes, multiple-entry visas are available for Chinese citizens who meet certain requirements. These typically require demonstrating stable employment, strong financial standing, and previous travel history. Multiple-entry visas cost $90 USD.
Can Chinese tourists visit Jeju Island without a visa?
Yes, Chinese citizens can visit Jeju Island without a visa for up to 30 days. This visa-free entry is specific to Jeju Island and does not allow travel to mainland South Korea. You must fly directly to Jeju and depart from Jeju without entering other parts of South Korea.
What happens if my South Korea visa is refused?
If your visa is refused, you will receive notification of the refusal. You can reapply after addressing the issues that led to rejection, such as providing stronger financial documentation or clearer travel plans. There is no mandatory waiting period, but improving your application is essential before reapplying.
Do I need hotel bookings before applying?
Yes, you need to provide accommodation details in your application, including hotel reservations for your entire stay. You can use refundable hotel bookings. If staying with friends or relatives, provide their address, contact information, and an invitation letter.