South Korea visa requirements for Indians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Indians visiting South Korea

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a South Korean Visa.

  • A downloaded visa application form.
  • A valid passport with 2 blank pages.
  • A 3.5mm x 4.5mm passport-sized photo.
  • Documents showing affiliation to the origin country such as an I.D card or a birth certificate.
  • A detailed account of the applicant's travel plans.
  • Document of payment of the visa fee.
  • Document proving the applicant's vaccination.
  • A recent bank statement.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cater to the applicant for the duration of stay.
  • An onward or return ticket to your home country.

South Korea Visa for Indians

Facts about South Korea

South Korea has gained popularity among tourist due to what is known as the “Korean Wave”. The Korean Wave is a combination of South Korean pop music and television dramas. This has encouraged direct foreign investment into the country. South Korea is an attractive country which is rich in culture, ancient history, and landmarks which are popular attractions with tourists. Some of these include; the peaks of Baekdudaegan, the caves of Danyang and Hwanseongul, and beaches such as Haeundae and Mallipo. There are also annual festivals which tourists can take part in for their pleasure. Tourists are sure to enjoy every minute of their time in the country.
 
Since the emergence of the “Korean Wave”, the number of foreign tourists that visit the country has steadily been on the rise. This has greatly increased the investment in South Korea and the government expects the number of tourists to increase for years to come. In2017, over 13 million foreign tourists visited the country, making South Korea one of the most visited countries in Asia.

Types of South Korea Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 20-22 working days 60 days
Business visa 20-22 working days 60 days
Student visa 20-22 business days As stated on the school letter
Work visa 20-22 working days As stated on the work contract.

General Requirements for South Korea Visa

  • A downloaded visa application form.
  • A valid passport with 2 blank pages.
  • A 3.5mm x 4.5mm passport-sized photo.
  • Documents showing affiliation to the origin country such as an I.D card or a birth certificate.
  • A detailed account of the applicant's travel plans.
  • Document of payment of the visa fee.
  • Document proving the applicant's vaccination.
  • A recent bank statement.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cater to the applicant for the duration of stay.
  • An onward or return ticket to your home country.
South Korea Tourist visa South Korea Business visa South Korea Student visa South Korea Work visa

South Korea Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The South Korean tourist visa is issued to intending travelers who want to visit the country for sight-seeing and leisure.
  • The South Korean tourist visa is referred to as a B-visa.
  • Intending travelers must have a valid passport with at least two unused pages for visa stamp appended at the embassy.
  • A copy of the applicant's completed visa application form is required. This form is to be downloaded and filled online. 
  • The passport must have a validity that extends the duration of the visa the applicant is applying for by at least 6 months.
  • Two recent color passport-sized photographs should be used for the visa application. Applicants are to ensure that the photographs correspond with all the specifications required for a visa photograph.
  • Intending travelers should provide proof of confirmed hotel reservation, flight bookings and travel itinerary for the entire duration of your stay in South Korea.
  • A formal statement of your financial situation dating back to 6 months should be issued by a bank in your resident country.
  • Applicants are required to provide proof of their financial ability to support themselves during their stay in South Korea and for their return transportation.   
  • A copy of the applicant's income tax return (ITR) may also be requested at the embassy.
  • A copy of your onward or return ticket to your home country or next destination (if any) must be provided.
  • Travelers with this visa are expected to leave South Korea at the end of their authorized stay.
  • Details on the application form must be complete in all respects as incomplete applications would not be accepted.
  • It is important to note that the visa application fee is subject to change at any time. 
  • An extension for the South Korea tourist visa is possible in special cases and should be applied for at least one day before the day of expiration.
  • It is recommended to apply for your South Korea visa within 3 months before your date of arrival into South Korea.

South Korea Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The South Korean business visa allows foreigners to engage in business activities, attend conferences, trade fairs, business summits negotiate and sign business contracts while they are in South Korea.
  • Your international passport, valid for at least 6 months and has 2 blank pages, is required.
  • A letter from your employer written with the company’s letterhead stating the awareness and allowance of your business leave. The duration of your visit and the purpose of your visit, as well as your status in the company, should be clearly stated.
  • An official invitation letter from the company in South Korea should be provided. The company’s address, the reason for your visit and the duration of your stay should be clearly stated.
  • A guarantee letter from the company in South Korea stating that the company will take responsibility for any criminal activities committed by you while you are in the country.
  • Certificate of business registration of the following is required:
    • The Certificate of Business Registration of the inviting company in South Korea.
    • The Certificate of Business Registration of the company/employer in India.
  • If your employer or the company in South Korea will be responsible for taking care of your expenses, it should be stated in the invitation letter.
  • If you have been in business with the same company previously, proof of this should be presented during the visa application process.
  • You are required to provide a Business Introduction Letter from your India-based company. All letters must be printed on the company letterhead that displays an Indian mailing address. 

South Korea Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to those who plan to study at a Korean university.
  • Applicants are expected to have applied for a Certificate of Admission from a Korean university. 
  • The South Korean student visa is referred to as a D-visa.
  • Korea offers two visas for the purpose of studying. There is the D-2 and the D-4 visas.
  • Both are same in terms of purpose, but differ in the scope of duration of stay.
  • With the D-2 visa, a foreigner can apply for a four-year course or field of study in a University in Korea.
  • The D-4 visa is granted to foreign individuals for carrying out a training course in Korea. The duration of this visa is approximately 6 months but can be extended according to the capability of the student to go further in training.
  • A certificate of recent scholarly achievement (if any) is required.
  • A certificate of bank balance is to be submitted.
  • Applicants need to pay for at least 2 terms of 10 weeks each for an academic year to get the certificate issued and sent of them by the University.
  • On a student visa, you can apply for the right to work part-time after you have studied in Korea for six months. The school of admission will give more information on the dictates of  part-time work system.
  • Other requirements needed for each visa may be requested for by the institution the Indian has applied to or the Korean embassy.
  • Student visas are issued for the time period you will be studying in South Korea. You must have the visa by the time your semester in South Korea begins.

South Korea Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Persons who intend to take up paid-employment in South Korea require a work visa to do so.
  • The work visa for South Korea is of different types depending on the kind of work:
    •             C-4: Visa for short-term employment
    •             E2: Visa for foreign language instructor
    •             E-5: Visa for professionals
    •             E-1: Visa for Academician
    •             E-3: Visa for doing research
    •             E-6: Visa for arts and performances
    •             E-4: Visa for transfer of technology
    •             E-10: Visa for the crew in ships
    •             E-7: Visa for special occupations. 
  • The work visa needs to be approved before arriving in South Korea and only then can you work in the country legally.
  • The applicant's preferred visa type needs to be granted by the Korean embassy in India.
  • The employer who sponsors the candidate in South Korea needs to file a work permit application at the Entry Inspection Division of the Immigration Office and the Ministry of Justice before the visa application. The Ministry of Justice then decides on whether the visa should be granted or not.
  • After this, a CCVI (Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance) is issued by the Ministry of Justice which has to be submitted in the Korean Consulate or Embassy by the applicant in India.
  • The South Korean company needs to present its certificate of payment of tax for previous years. 
  • A financial bank statement for the employing company is also fully required.
  • A detailed resume of the applicant is necessary for the process.  
  • A valid passport and a copy of the ID page of the applicant should be brought along with other necessary documents.
  • There should be 2 passport-sized photos attached to the documents. 
  • Copies of the applicant's academic qualifications are required.  
  • A statement reflecting the proposed job description of the applicant and an original contract signed by the company of employment is necessary.
  • A certificate of health issued by a credible hospital in IN should be submitted as well.

South Korea Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

6135.00 (KRW)

Business visa

6135.00 (KRW)

Student visa

6135.00 (KRW)

Work visa

6135.00 (KRW)

South Korea Visa Application Centres & Embassies in India

Location

Address

South Korean Embassy in New Delhi

9, Chandragupta Marg,Chanakyapuri Extension, New Delhi 110021, India.

ind.mofa.go.kr

india@mofa.go.kr

(+91) 11-4200 7000

South Korean Consulate General in Chennai

5th Floor, No 29, Bannari Amman Towers, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai Road, Mylapore, Chennai 600004, India.

overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-chennai-ko/index.do

chennai@mofa.go.kr

(+91) 44 4061 5500

South Korean Consulate General in Mumbai

12th Floor, Lodha Supremus, Dr. E Moses Road, Worli Naka, Mumbai 400018, India.

ind-mumbai.mofa.go.kr

mumbai@mofa.go.kr

(+91) (22) 6147-7000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is English spoken in South Korea?

The official language for South Korea is Korean. Many locals also speak the English language and it is advised to learn a few elementary words in Korean to be able to talk to some locals.

What currencies are accepted in South Korea?

South Korea's official currency is the Korean Won (KRW). However, the U.S. dollars can be used for exchange and credit cards can be used as well.

What is the most beautiful place in South Korea?
The most beautiful place to visit in South Korea is Busan. It boasts a mix of stunning beaches, city life, and historic buildings.
What is the best time to visit South Korea?

The best time to visit South Korea is during spring from March-May which offers sunny days ideal for sightseeing.