South Korea Tourist Visa
Short-term Visit Visa (C-3-9) · For Philippines citizens
Planning a trip to South Korea as a Filipino citizen? You will need a C-3-9 Tourist Visa since the Philippines is not among the visa-exempt countries. This guide covers everything you need: required documents including 3 months bank statements and ITR, the visa fee which is free for stays under 59 days or PHP 2,000 for 60-90 day stays, and processing time of 5 to 15 working days. With approximately 75% of Filipino applications approved, careful preparation of your documents will help you get approved to explore Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island.
South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipino Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Philippines citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in South Korea
Clear photocopy of your passport bio-page (page 2)
Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Korean visa specifications
Complete the official Korea visa application form available from the embassy or KVAC
Original certificate from your employer proving your employment status
Original bank certificate from a Philippine bank showing your account details
Original or certified true copy of bank statements for the last 3 months
Photocopy of your filed Income Tax Return or Form 2316
Recommended (Optional)
Professional Regulation Commission card or Integrated Bar of the Philippines card for licensed professionals
Required only if you are self-employed or a business owner
Original PSA birth certificate required for students and minors
Required only for student applicants
Required for housewives and for applicants using spouse's financial documents
Required only if you are being invited by someone in South Korea
Application Process
Filipino citizens must apply for a South Korea tourist visa through the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC), accredited travel agencies, or directly at the Korean Embassy in Makati or Consulate in Cebu.1 Applications can be submitted in person or through designated travel agencies, though walk-in applications may be phased out in favor of agency submissions.3
Step 1: Determine Your Applicant Category
Requirements vary based on your status: employed, self-employed/businessman, student, or housewife.1 Check the embassy website for the specific document checklist for your category. Each category has different supporting documents required.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents including your valid passport, photographs meeting specifications (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background), completed application form, and financial documents.1 Employed applicants need Certificate of Employment with HR landline number, bank certificate with 6-month ADB, 3 months bank statements, and ITR or Form 2316.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form No. 17
Download the electronic visa application form from the KVAC website or Korea Visa Portal.2 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 4: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
For employed applicants, secure an original Certificate of Employment on company letterhead with your position, date hired, salary, office address, and HR landline number and email.1 Get your bank certificate and 3 months of bank statements from a Philippine commercial bank. Prepare copies of any OECD visas from the past 5 years.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Visit KVAC, the Korean Embassy, or an accredited travel agency with all documents.2 KVAC Manila accepts applications on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The embassy accepts applications from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Most applicants now use accredited travel agencies.
Step 6: Pay the Fees
Pay the visa fee (free for stays under 59 days, PHP 2,000 for 60-90 days) plus any service charges.1 Travel agencies typically charge PHP 2,400 total including their service fee. Keep your receipt for tracking.
Step 7: Track and Collect
Processing takes approximately 5 to 7 working days but may extend to 15 days during peak seasons.3 Track your application status through the KVAC website or your travel agency. Collect your passport in person when ready; bring your official receipt.
Fees
| Stay Duration | Visa Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 59 days | Free | Most tourist applications |
| 60 to 90 days | ₱2,000 | Longer stays |
| Over 90 days (non-tourist) | ₱3,000 - ₱4,500 | Single/Multiple entry |
Service and Agency Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| KVAC Service Fee | ~₱400 |
| Travel Agency Fee (typical) | ₱2,400 total |
| Premium Lounge (KVAC) | ₱2,000 |
Fees are effective as of 2025.12 Payment is typically in cash at KVAC or travel agencies. American passport holders pay PHP 2,250 regardless of stay duration.3
What You Need to Prove
Korean consulates evaluate applications based on several key factors.1 Your application should demonstrate:
Genuine Tourism Intent: Your itinerary should show a realistic tourism plan with specific attractions and activities in South Korea. Mention places like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and N Seoul Tower in Seoul, or beaches and temples in Busan and Jeju Island.
Financial Capacity: Bank certificates and statements must show sufficient funds to cover your entire trip including flights, accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. The 6-month Average Daily Balance (ADB) demonstrates financial stability over time, not just recent deposits.1
Strong Ties to the Philippines: Employment certificates showing stable job tenure, business registrations for entrepreneurs, and ongoing school enrollment for students demonstrate your intention to return.1 Young, single applicants should particularly emphasize these ties.
Clean Travel History: Previous visas to OECD countries like the US, UK, Japan, Canada, or Australia significantly strengthen your application. Copies of valid visas and arrival stamps from the past 5 years should be included.1
Processing Times
Standard visa processing takes 5 to 7 working days from the date of submission.3 However, processing may be extended in several situations:
| Situation | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Standard application | 5-7 working days |
| Peak season (summer, Chuseok) | 7-15 working days |
| Additional documents requested | +7 working days |
| Interview required | +7 working days |
Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before your planned travel date to allow buffer time for any delays.3 During peak Korean tourism seasons like cherry blossom (March-April) and fall foliage (October-November), processing times typically increase.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your passport will contain a visa sticker with your photo, validity dates, and permitted duration of stay. Verify all details are correct before leaving the collection point.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
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance documents (if applicable)
Keep all documents easily accessible. Korean immigration is generally efficient but thorough. Be prepared to answer questions about your trip purpose, intended destinations, accommodation, and duration of stay.
Even with an approved visa, entry to South Korea is not guaranteed. Immigration officers have the discretion to deny entry if they have concerns about your travel purpose or documentation.3
If Your Visa is Refused
The Korean Embassy typically does not provide detailed reasons for visa refusals and does not accept formal appeals.3 If your application is refused:
1. Analyze Your Application
Review what may have caused the refusal: insufficient funds, weak employment evidence, incomplete documents, inconsistent information, or lack of travel history. Check your refusal slip for any specific codes that indicate the reason.
2. Understand Common Refusal Codes
The embassy uses specific codes: Code 1-B indicates insufficient economic capacity, Code 2-C means unclear travel purpose, Code 3-A indicates suspected intention to overstay, and Code 4-D relates to previous immigration violations.
3. Strengthen Your Documents
If no cooling-off period is indicated on your refusal slip, you may reapply immediately. However, reapplying without addressing the issues will likely result in another rejection. Build stronger financial documentation, obtain a more detailed employment letter, or gather property documents.
4. Address Previous Issues
If you had prior visa refusals or immigration violations, address them honestly in an explanation letter. Demonstrate how your situation has improved since the previous application.
5. Build Travel History
If you have no international travel experience, consider visiting visa-friendly countries first such as Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, or Indonesia to establish a positive travel record before reapplying for South Korea.
6. Consider Professional Help
For repeated refusals or complex cases, consult with an accredited travel agency experienced in Korean visa applications to review your documents and application strategy.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Documentation
Bank statements showing low balance, inconsistent income, or large unexplained deposits made just before application. Bank certificate missing required information like ADB or account opening date.
How to avoid: Maintain consistent bank balance for 3 to 6 months before applying. Ensure bank certificate includes all required fields: account name, number, type, balance, opening date, and 6-month ADB. Avoid sudden large deposits.
Weak Ties to the Philippines
Unable to demonstrate compelling reasons to return to the Philippines after the trip. Unstable employment, no property ownership, no family dependents, or being a young single applicant without strong roots.
How to avoid: Include employment letter showing stable tenure of 1+ years. Provide property documents if you own any. Students should show proof of ongoing enrollment. Mention dependents like children or elderly parents in your cover letter.
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing required documents, application form not fully completed, or information that does not match across documents. Certificate of Employment missing HR landline number or using a cell phone number instead.
How to avoid: Create a checklist based on your applicant category (employed, self-employed, student, housewife). Double-check that all information is consistent across documents. Ensure COE has a landline number, not a mobile number.
Suspected Intention to Overstay
Embassy suspects the applicant may not return to the Philippines and may overstay or work illegally in South Korea. Common for young, single applicants or those with relatives in Korea.
How to avoid: Clearly demonstrate your purpose of visit is tourism only. Provide detailed travel itinerary with specific dates and places. Show strong ties to the Philippines: stable job, family, property. Be honest in all declarations.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of visa overstays in South Korea or other countries, previous visa rejections, or any breach of immigration rules. Having relatives who overstayed in Korea can also affect your application.
How to avoid: Be honest about any previous violations and address them in an explanation letter. If you have a previous rejection, wait at least 3 months and address the reasons before reapplying. Build a clean travel history to other countries first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Filipino citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
Yes, Filipino citizens require a C-3-9 Tourist Visa to visit South Korea. The Philippines is not among the visa-exempt countries for Korea. You must obtain a visa before travel through the Korean Embassy, Consulate, or Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC).
How long does South Korea visa processing take from the Philippines?
Standard processing takes 5 to 7 working days from submission. However, processing may extend to 15 working days during peak seasons like summer and Chuseok holidays, or if additional documents are requested by the embassy.
What is the South Korea tourist visa fee for Filipinos in 2025?
The visa fee is free (gratis) for stays up to 59 days. For stays of 60 to 90 days, the fee is PHP 2,000. The Korea Visa Application Center charges an additional service fee of around PHP 400. Travel agencies typically charge PHP 2,400 total including service fees.
How long can I stay in South Korea on a tourist visa?
The C-3-9 Tourist Visa allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Most applicants receive authorization for 59 days or less. You cannot work or engage in paid activities during your stay. Extensions are generally not permitted.
What bank balance is required for South Korea tourist visa from Philippines?
While there is no official minimum amount, your bank balance should be sufficient to cover all expenses for your trip including flights, accommodation, food, and activities. A balance of PHP 100,000 to PHP 150,000 or more is recommended for a 2-week trip. The 6-month Average Daily Balance (ADB) is also evaluated.
Where can I apply for a South Korea visa in the Philippines?
You can apply through the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Manila, the Korean Embassy in Makati, or the Korean Consulate in Cebu. Most applicants use KVAC or accredited travel agencies for convenience. Walk-in applications may be phased out in favor of designated travel agencies.
Is there a South Korea eVisa for Filipino citizens?
No, Filipino citizens cannot apply for a Korean eVisa or K-ETA. You must apply for a physical visa sticker through the embassy, consulate, or KVAC. K-ETA is only available for citizens of visa-exempt countries.
Can Filipinos get visa on arrival in South Korea?
No, Filipinos are not eligible for visa on arrival in South Korea. You must obtain a visa before travel. However, if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from the US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you may be eligible for visa-free transit under specific conditions.
What happens if my South Korea visa is rejected?
The Korean Embassy typically does not provide detailed reasons for rejections. You can reapply, but there is no mandatory waiting period unless specified on your refusal slip. Address the likely reasons for rejection such as insufficient funds or weak ties before reapplying. Consider waiting 3 months and improving your documentation.
Do I need travel insurance for South Korea tourist visa?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for the South Korea tourist visa, but it is highly recommended. South Korea has modern healthcare facilities, but medical treatment can be expensive for foreign visitors without insurance. Coverage of at least USD 50,000 is advisable.
What is the approval rate for South Korea visa for Filipinos?
The approval rate is estimated at approximately 75% for Filipino applicants who submit complete and accurate documentation. Common rejection reasons include insufficient financial proof, weak ties to the Philippines, and incomplete documents.
Can I extend my tourist visa while in South Korea?
Tourist visa extensions are generally not permitted in South Korea. You must leave the country before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying will result in fines, deportation, and potentially a ban from future entry.
What are the simplified visa requirements for Filipino professionals in 2025?
In 2025, the Korean Embassy offers simplified requirements for certain groups including elected politicians, government officials, PRC or IBP license holders, and qualified credit card holders. These applicants may be exempt from submitting bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR while still providing employment certificates.