Independent Travel to South Korea: The Most Detailed Guide 2025

Are you planning to travel to South Korea on your own but don’t know where to start? This has become a popular trend among Vietnamese travelers in recent years. According to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), more than 65% of Vietnamese tourists now choose independent travel over package tours thanks to its flexibility and affordability.

Overview of Independent Travel in South Korea

Independent travel to South Korea means you plan your entire trip yourself—from booking flights and choosing hotels to setting your itinerary and managing expenses. This type of travel offers a personalized experience, allowing you to explore the Land of Morning Calm your own way.

Why Choose Independent Travel to South Korea?

• Flexible itinerary: You decide where to go, how long to stay, and how much to spend.
• Live like a local: Enjoy street food, stroll through night markets, and explore trendy neighborhoods like Hongdae or Myeongdong.
• Save money: A 5-day, 4-night trip to Seoul can cost only 12–15 million VND, saving around 25–30% compared to package tours.

Independent travel is especially suitable for young explorers, students, or anyone seeking deeper cultural experiences while staying within budget. However, to make the most of your trip, you’ll need to prepare carefully—especially regarding your visa, extra expenses, and language barriers. These will form the foundation for the detailed steps that follow.

Preparing Your South Korea Tourist Visa Application

Current Types of Korean Visas

Korean visas are categorized based on the applicant’s purpose of entry. Below are the most common visa types for Vietnamese citizens:

Visa Type	Code	Purpose / Eligibility
Short-term visa	C-3-1	For short visits related to conferences, events, technical training, or other short-term activities (excluding tourism).
General tourist visa	C-3-9	The most common visa for Vietnamese tourists. Valid for 3 months, allowing a stay of up to 15 days, single entry.
Group tourist visa	C-3-2	Issued to small group travelers for tourism or trade activities, sponsored and submitted by a travel agency.
Business visa (general)	C-3-4	For short-term business visits such as market surveys, contract signing, consulting, or partnerships.
Business visa (agreement)	C-3-5	For individuals entering Korea under bilateral business cooperation agreements.
Business visa (sponsored)	C-3-6	For those invited by companies or organizations designated by the Korean Ministry of Justice.

Visa Application Checklist

To begin your independent journey to South Korea smoothly, the first step is to prepare your visa application carefully. This is crucial—your visa approval depends largely on how complete and accurate your documents are.

A typical South Korea tourist visa application includes:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Photo 3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
• Visa application form (latest version from the KVAC).
• Financial proof: savings account, bank statements, or income verification.
• Travel itinerary, round-trip air tickets, and hotel booking confirmation.

Be sure to fill out the latest South Korea Visa Application Form from the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC), providing accurate personal details, your itinerary, and the purpose of your trip.

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

Once your documents are complete, you can begin the Korea visa application process. It’s not complicated if you follow these four basic steps:

1. Prepare all documents according to the checklist above.
2. Book an appointment at the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
3. Submit your documents and pay the visa fee; you’ll receive a tracking number to monitor your application.
4. Check your results online after 7–10 working days.

How to Check Your Visa Application Status

After submitting your application, you can check your visa result online for updates.

How to check:

1. Visit: https://www.visa.go.kr
2. Select “Check Application Status.”
3. Enter your tracking number, full name, and date of birth.
4. The system will display your visa status: processing, approved, or rejected.

This is the quickest and most convenient way to track your visa without visiting the KVAC in person.

Simple Tips to Get Your Korean Visa Approved More Easily

Getting a Korean tourist visa isn’t difficult—as long as your documents are accurate and complete. Make sure your financial proof is transparent, your travel itinerary is clear, and your information is honest. A well-organized and logical file always leaves a good impression on the visa officer.

Also, submit your application early and avoid peak seasons (March–May and September–November) to reduce waiting times and risks.

If you’re too busy or prefer a hassle-free process, iVISA’s South Korea Visa Service is an ideal choice. Their experienced specialists will handle your application from A to Z, ensuring accuracy and improving your chances of approval.

With iVISA’s support, getting a Korean visa will no longer be an obstacle—it’s simply the first step toward an inspiring journey through the Land of the Morning Calm.

Estimated Costs for Independent Travel to South Korea

When traveling independently, planning your budget in advance helps you stay on track. For a 5–7 day trip, the average total cost ranges from 15–20 million VND per person.

Category	Estimated Cost (VND)	Notes
Airfare	5,000,000 – 8,000,000	Depends on airline and travel season
Accommodation	600,000 – 1,200,000 / night	Hotel or Airbnb
Meals	300,000 – 500,000 / day	Korean food, street food
Transportation	100,000 – 200,000 / day	T-money, taxi, KTX
Sightseeing & Shopping	2,000,000 – 3,000,000	Entrance fees, souvenirs

If you book flights early, choose Airbnb or central guesthouses, and travel mainly by subway, you can save 20–30% while still enjoying a full Korean experience. You can also look up important things to know before visiting South Korea to help plan your budget more effectively.

Suggested 5-Days Travel Itinerary in South Korea

If this is your first time visiting, the 5-days itinerary below is ideal for exploring Seoul – Nami Island – Busan—some of Korea’s most popular destinations. This plan perfectly balances sightseeing, cultural experiences, and food exploration.

Suggested 5-day, 4-night itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Seoul; visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.
• Day 2: Explore Myeongdong, try local street food, and watch the sunset from Namsan Tower.
• Day 3: Visit Nami Island, enjoy the romantic atmosphere, and take photos during cherry blossom or autumn foliage season.
• Day 4: Travel to Busan; explore Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Market, and the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village.
• Day 5: Free time for shopping at Hongdae or Seoul Station, then head to the airport for your flight home.

Flights, Accommodation & Transportation in Korea

Flights from Vietnam to South Korea

For independent travel, you can choose from several airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Korean Air, or Jeju Air.
Round-trip tickets typically range from 4.5 to 10 million VND per person, depending on the season and airline. The flight time is around 4–5 hours.

To save money, book your tickets 1–2 months in advance and avoid peak travel seasons like March–May and September–November.

Where to Stay in Korea

In Seoul, stay in Myeongdong or Hongdae—both are central, convenient, and close to many attractions.

In Busan, Haeundae Beach is a great option for its scenic views and abundance of restaurants and cafes.

Choose Airbnb or 2–3 star hotels for affordability without sacrificing comfort—perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring.

Getting Around in South Korea

South Korea’s public transport system is modern and easy to use. You only need a T-money card to access subways and buses in most major cities.

Apps like KakaoMap and Naver Map are also incredibly useful for accurate directions.
If you’re traveling in a group or prefer more flexibility, consider car rental or day tours to visit multiple destinations conveniently.

FAQ – Common Questions About Travel In South Korea

Do I Need to Know Korean for Independent Travel?

Not necessarily, but learning a few basic phrases will make your trip much smoother. Even a simple greeting like “Annyeonghaseyo” can go a long way toward making a good impression.

Which Korean Tourist Visa Is the Easiest to Get?

The C-3 short-term visa is the most common and straightforward for Vietnamese travelers. As long as your documents are clear and your itinerary is detailed, approval is highly likely.

What Is the Best Season to Visit South Korea?

Each season in Korea has its charm, but spring and autumn are the most beautiful times. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and stunning red maple leaves in autumn. Researching the best season to visit South Korea helps you choose the most suitable time to travel.

How Can I Check My Korean Visa Result?

As mentioned earlier, checking your visa result is very easy. Simply visit visa.go.kr, select “Check Application Status”, and enter your tracking number, full name, and date of birth. The system will instantly show your application status.

What’s the Difference Between Independent Travel and Package Tours?

Independent travel gives you full control over your schedule and spending—usually saving 15–30% compared to tours. The trade-off is that you must plan everything yourself, from booking flights to managing your itinerary.

Independent travel to South Korea is a fantastic choice for those who value freedom and wish to experience the country in their own way.To ensure a smooth journey, prepare your visa, itinerary, and all essential information in advance.

If you want to save time and maximize your visa approval chance, iVISA offers full-service assistance for South Korea tourist visas—helping you travel confidently and enjoy your adventure through the Land of the Morning Calm to the fullest.

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