South Korea Wants More Tourists from South East Asia

"Hallyu" or the so called Korean wave is the reason why South Korea  is so popular around the world particularly in Asia. Korea captured our hearts  through their TV series, music,  and fashion. Because of this, there's an increase interest of many to visit South Korea and personally experience the things they've seen on TV.

However, it is not easy to go there particularly if you are from Southeast Asia. Many of the countries here are required to acquire a Korean tourist visa. This is such a hassle because of the documents that you need to prepare plus the stress of going to the embassy if you want to personally hand in the documents. Complete submission of documents is not an assurance that you will get an approved visa. Interview is not a requirement, so personal appearance is not necessary (you can let your friends or travel agency apply for you). For Philippine Citizens, the visa is for free if you opt to stay for less than 60 days.

Last April 2011, the Ministry of Justice in Korea has simplified the Korean tourist visa requirements to attract more tourist from South East Asian Countries. They started issuing double entry visa and extended multiple visa category from 1 year to 3 years.

This is good news especially if you possess visa from OECD member countries such as Japan, UK, USA, Canada, among others. All you need for your visa application are two documents: Employment Certificate, and  OECD countries visa copy and arrival stamps.

For more info please visit: http://www.mofat.go.kr/ENG/visa/application/index.jsp?menu=m_40_10

I visited South Korea twice. The first time as an exchange student and the second time as a tourist. The acquisition of my first Korea visa was a breeze because someone processed it for us, and I have all the supporting documents from my University in Korea, hence the chance of getting an approved visa was high. I had a hard time getting my second visa because of my schedule. I still had community work at that time and had to leave temporarily just to go to Manila and personally hand in my documents to the Korean Embassy which was then located in Makati (Pacific Star Building). I remember I was at the Embassy around 7 am and there were already people lining outside the building. 

It is also worth noting that they separate the application of first time travelers from those who've been to Korea/ possess visa from Japan, USA, Canada. Yes it is a plus factor if you possess visa from the said countries, you have more chances of getting an approved tourist visa.

Luckily, they approved my visa.

First visit to South Korea. Manila-Busan via Philippine Airlines. Drinking wine to help me sleep

The TV series Full House was so popular when we left the Philippines. We were so  happy when we saw  Rain's (the main actor of the series) poster at the airport

Fellow exchange students. Julie from Germany, Michelle from USA, and Denise my partner

DK our very nice coordinator

Immediately after we arrived  Korea, DK invited us to his house for a drinking session.  Drinking is actually one of the things I mastered in Korea. 

If you really want to go to Korea, just give it a try. Do not be discouraged with all the requirements that you need to comply with for you to get a visa. Sometimes all you need is luck.

 I think you will get higher chances of getting a tourist visa while you are still a student. 

So what are you waiting for?The Land of Morning Calm is ready for you!

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Today I went to Iloilo based travel agency and asked for the requirements needed for students who want to acquire Korean tourist visa. 

Here are the requirements:

1. Complete filled-up and signed application form

2. One passport size picture with collar and white background

3. Photocopy of School I.D.

4. Original School Certificate

5. Photocopy of birth certificate

6. Photocopy of Parents Marriage Certificate

7. Photocopy of DTI  and SEC Business Name Registration of Parents

8. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor's Permit

9. Personal Bank Certificate of Parents

10. Valid Passport with signature

11. Attachment of old passport with previous and valid advanced country visa (USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Korea

12. if Immigrant- original Green card with photocopy

13. Personal ITR or Certificate of Compensation Payment Tax Withheld 2316 of Parents (Photocopy)

14. Original Invitation Letter if invited

Well, the visa if for free but if you do not want the hassle of going to the Embassy especially if you are located outside of Manila, it is better to go a travel agency and let them do the processing.

The fee is around 1500 and you it will take them around 2 weeks before they return your passport.