"How to Apply for a Korean Visa in the Philippines for First Timer"

Ever since I become addicted to Korean dramas, I looked forward on visiting South Korea.  After watching the concert of CNBlue last June 2013 in the Philippines my eagerness to visit Seoul has been extremely exaggerated.  I was chatting with my cousin a few months later and she told me that one of our cousin and relatives are planning to go to Korea by April 2014.  At first, I had some hesitations because it is my first time to go to a country that requires a Visa.  But after a few weeks my excitement became so obvious that I had to check Airasia’s website from time to time, in order to book the best price for the airline ticket I could possibly have. Luckily, I was able to get a good deal amounting to 8,300 PHP after the New Year.

Furthermore, the next step after that is to secure a valid Korean Visa.  I felt very nervous thinking about the process I need to go through. During my spare time, I would read travel blogs via google.com and I can say it was a big help. Based on my experience, I can say that applying for a Tourist Visa in South Korea is truly easy.

Here are the steps in Applying for a Korean Tourist Visa:

1.  Complete all the necessary requirements for the Application.

(Here is a direct link to the Korean Embassy Website in the Philippines     

                click here )

-         Original Passport (valid for more than 6 months)

-         Photocopy of Passport front page (2^nd Page)

-         Old Passport (if any)

-     One Passport sized colored picture (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with white    background

-          Fully accomplished Application Form

 Here is the link: click here

-    For Employees: Original Certificate of Employment (COE); For    Business owner: Business Registration issued by SEC or DTI; For  Students: School Certificate/Registration Form, Birth Certificate and  Parent’s documents (COE, bank certificate and ITR)

-          Bank Certificate (requested to applicant’s bank)

-          Photocopy of Income Tax Return (ITR)

-         Supporting documents (Roundtrip Airline Ticket, Hotel Reservation)

Reminders:

• Bank Certificate is not required for applicants with valid visa or who have been to any OECD Nations (Except Korea) within the last 5 years.
• Application form must be neat and completely filled out (put N/A for not applicable and never leave blank space).
• Birth Certificate is for student applicants only.
• The Visa is free if you are going to stay for 59 days or less for Philippine Passport Holders. For a 60 to 90 days stay in Korea the fee is 1,350 PHP.

2.   Once all the requirements are complete, you may head to Korean Embassy 

       located a few blocks from SM Aura. The exact address is below:

         Republic of Korea Embassy in the Philippines

         122 Upper McKinley Road

         McKinley Town Center

         Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634

         Telephone Number : +632-856-9210

Notes:

• Filing of Visa is open from Mondays to Fridays, except Holidays, 9am to 11 am only.
• First come, first served basis. No appointment is needed.
• First time applicants and those who do not have previous or valid visa from OECD countries (Korea, Japan, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) must present their documents at Windows 1 or 2. While, frequent travelers, seamen and those who have visa from OECD countries should apply at Windows 3.
• Make sure to bring at least 2 valid ID’s because before entering the Embassy, you will need to surrender an ID and they will give you a pass so you can enter the premises.
• Near the front door, at your right side, there is a policeman or officer who will check your documents and give you an applicant number.  
• There is a screen in front which will show the number of the next applicant. Once, you see your number flashed, go to the designated window and passed all your requirements.
• The Embassy personnel will give you a claiming stub which includes the date of passport release.
• The Processing Time for first time applicant is 5 business days, and for frequent travelers or with OECD countries stamp the processing time is 3 business days.
• The pickup time for visa release is from 2pm to 4pm only.
• The visa application validity is for 3 months from the date of issuance.
• Hope everyone will get a positive result and be able to enjoy a tour in South Korea.