Application Process

Indian citizens must apply for a South Korea tourist visa through authorized visa application centers since eVisa and visa-on-arrival options are not available.1 Applications can be submitted through BLS International (Mumbai, Hyderabad), VFS Global (New Delhi, Kolkata), or directly at the Korean Embassy and Consulates.4

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents including your valid passport, photographs meeting specifications (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background), completed application form, financial documents, and travel bookings.1 Ensure your bank statements cover the last 6 months and ITR covers the last 2 years.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Download the electronic visa application form from the BLS International or Korea Visa Portal website.3 Fill all fields accurately in English. Ensure your travel dates match your flight and hotel bookings exactly. Sign the form to match your passport signature.

Step 3: Prepare Your Cover Letter and Itinerary

Write a clear cover letter explaining your travel purpose, planned destinations, and reasons for returning to India. 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

Visit your nearest visa application center with all documents and required fees.1 BLS International centers in Mumbai and Hyderabad accept applications during working hours. No prior appointment is typically required, though it is advisable to check current procedures.

Step 5: Track and Collect

Processing takes approximately 10 working days.1 Track your application status through the BLS or VFS website. Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker or opt for courier delivery if available.

Fees

Additional Fees:

Fees are effective as of June 2025.16 Payment methods accepted include cash and card at visa application centers. Express processing is currently suspended at some locations including Delhi and Kolkata VFS centers.6

What You Need to Prove

Korean consulates evaluate applications based on several key factors.2 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, Namsan Tower in Seoul, or beaches in Busan and Jeju Island.5

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. Include ITR to prove stable income.1

Strong Ties to India: Employment letters showing stable job tenure, property documents, and family responsibilities demonstrate your intention to return. Young, single applicants should particularly emphasize these ties in their cover letter.2

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.1

Processing Times

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

Express processing, when available, can reduce wait times but is currently suspended at some centers.6 Apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before your planned travel date to allow buffer time for any delays.

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 visa center.2

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.

Starting February 2025, all travelers must submit an e-Arrival Card online up to 3 days before arrival. K-ETA holders are exempt, but since Indian citizens cannot obtain K-ETA, you must complete the e-Arrival Card.2

If Your Visa is Refused

South Korea does not provide detailed reasons for visa refusals and typically does not have a formal appeal process.2 If your application is refused:

1. Analyze Your Application

Review what may have caused the refusal: insufficient funds, weak employment evidence, unclear itinerary, document inconsistencies, or lack of travel history.

2. Strengthen Your Documents

Wait 1 to 3 months before reapplying. Use this time to: build consistent bank balance, obtain a stronger employment letter with tenure details, create a more detailed and realistic travel itinerary, or gather property/family documentation.

3. Address Previous Issues

If you had prior visa refusals to any country, address them honestly in your new cover letter. Explain the circumstances and demonstrate how your situation has improved.

4. Build Travel History

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

5. Seek Professional Guidance

For repeated refusals or complex cases, consider consulting a visa consultant familiar with Korean visa requirements to review your application strategy.