South Korea Tourist Visa and Key Things You Need to Know

When thinking about South Korea, many people immediately imagine cherry blossoms, golden autumn leaves, or snowy winters. To turn this dream into reality, choosing the right tourist visa is the first important step, as it determines whether you can fully enjoy your trip the way you want.

What are C-3-9 Visa and C-3-91 Visa?

What is a C-3-9 visa?

The C-3-9 visa is for those who want to visit South Korea just once to explore its beauty in a short time. Valid for three months and allowing a stay of up to 30 days, this visa is like a “golden key” opening the doors to modern Seoul, vibrant Busan, or dreamy Jeju Island.

On the other hand, the C-3-91 visa is considered a long-term option for Korea enthusiasts or frequent visitors. Valid for five years and allowing multiple entries, each up to 30 days, this visa gives you the freedom to enjoy your journey without repeating complicated procedures.

2025 South Korea Tourist Visa Procedure: Easy to Understand and Follow

Are you excited about a trip to South Korea – with bustling Seoul, lively Busan, or the peaceful, poetic Jeju Island? Before visiting these beautiful destinations, the first thing you need to conquer is the 2025 South Korea tourist visa process.

Many travelers think that applying for a Korean visa is complicated, time-consuming, and prone to mistakes when preparing documents. But in reality, it is not that difficult. If you understand each step – from preparing required documents, booking an appointment at KVAC, submitting your application, to tracking the results – everything becomes easier than you imagine.

A visa is not just a travel document; it is also a “golden key” to exploring the Land of the Morning Calm. With complete documents, clear information, and a detailed itinerary, you save time, reduce errors, and significantly increase your chances of visa approval. Imagine, after completing the procedure, strolling through bustling Myeongdong, visiting the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, and enjoying fresh seafood. It all starts with the small but important step: carefully preparing your South Korea tourist visa application.

 

Prepare Your South Korea Tourist Visa Documents

• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the planned entry date.
• Visa Application Form: Download from visaforkorea-hc.com, fill in English or Korean.
• Passport Photo: Size 3.5×4.5 cm, white background, taken within the last six months.
• Proof of Employment: Employment contract, salary statements; business license; or student confirmation.
• Proof of Financial Means: Savings account with at least $5,000, deposited at least one month prior, with balance confirmation.
• Detailed Itinerary: Round-trip flight tickets, hotel bookings, and a day-by-day plan.
• Additional Documents: Household registration book, marriage certificate (if applicable), notarized translations.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit visaforkorea-hc.com. Choose KVAC Hanoi if traveling from Quang Tri northwards, or KVAC Ho Chi Minh City if from Kon Tum or Binh Dinh southwards.

Submit Your Application

Bring all documents and your appointment confirmation to KVAC on time. Pay the visa fee in cash and receive a receipt.

Receive Your Visa

Processing usually takes 8–16 working days. You can track online and receive your visa directly or by post.

Support from iVISA

If you want to save time, avoid mistakes, and prepare your documents quickly, contact iVISA, a professional South Korea visa agency. Staff will guide you through every step, prepare documents correctly, and handle complex procedures on your behalf.

Once your documents are ready, you can imagine walking down bright streets, enjoying Korean cuisine, and discovering all the beauty of South Korea. With the visa in hand, your dream trip is just a few simple steps away.

South Korea Tourist Visa Fees 2025: How Much Do You Need?

After understanding each step of document preparation – passport, visa application, photo, proof of employment, and finances – you need to plan your budget to complete the procedure smoothly. Knowing the fees helps you prepare properly, avoid surprises, and be proactive when submitting at KVAC or using an agency.

South Korea Tourist Visa Fee Table

Fee Type	Cost (VND)
Embassy Fee (C-3-9)	480,000
Embassy Fee (C-3-91)	1,920,000
KVAC Service Fee	390,000
Translation & Notarization	500,000–1,000,000
iVISA Support	2,365,200

Embassy and KVAC fees are mandatory, paid in VND according to Woori Bank rates. Fees may increase if additional translation or notarization is needed. You can refer to detailed costs when applying for an updated Korean tourist visa 2025 at the Korean government website (Note, do not use the browser’s automatic language conversion to ensure accurate information).

DIY or iVISA Support?

• DIY: Lower cost (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND) but time-consuming, prone to errors, and stressful.
• iVISA Assistance: Step-by-step guidance, accurate preparation, proper submission, significant time-saving – ideal for busy travelers or first-time applicants.

With your budget planned and documents ready, you can confidently plan your South Korea trip, enjoy the cuisine, visit famous attractions, and have a fulfilling experience.

Tips for a Successful DIY South Korea Tourist Visa

Prepare Complete And Transparent Documents

Applying on your own is manageable if your documents are neat and clear. Required documents: passport, visa form, photo, and proof of employment. All information must match and be 100% accurate. Proof of financial capability is essential, as consulates need assurance that you can afford the trip. A reasonable balance and stable bank history are strong points to make your application convincing. This is similar when you prepare to apply for a tourist visa to Japan.

Prepare A Detailed And Specific Itinerary

A clear itinerary makes your application stand out. For example, a 5-day trip can be planned as:

• Day 1: Visit Gyeongbokgung and Insadong in Seoul.
• Day 2: Explore Myeongdong and Namsan Tower.
• Day 3: Travel to Busan, visit Haeundae Beach and Gamcheon Culture Village.
• Day 4: Explore Jagalchi Market and BIFF Square.
• Day 5: Return to Seoul, shop, and fly back to Vietnam.

Important: prepare round-trip tickets and hotel bookings to prove the travel purpose. For visiting relatives, clearly state the meeting time and address to increase credibility.

Maintain Confidence And Proper Attitude

Arrive at KVAC on time, bring all documents, answer questions briefly and truthfully, and be ready to provide additional documents if requested. Proper preparation reduces stress and improves success chances.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Incomplete documents, vague or unreasonable itineraries, late submission, or wrong KVAC selection can all affect results. Avoiding these mistakes saves time and increases visa approval chances.

Start Your Complete Travel Experience

Applying for a visa is the first exciting step. Once your documents are ready, all that remains is to enjoy vibrant Seoul, lively Busan, or peaceful Jeju. Proper preparation ensures every moment in South Korea is memorable.

Full-Service South Korea Tourist Visa: A Convenient Solution

DIY applications can be challenging, especially regarding documents, financial proof, or detailed itineraries. Even small mistakes may delay the process.

For busy people or first-time applicants, professional support significantly reduces stress. Services guide you through document preparation, form filling, translation, and submission according to regulations, allowing you to focus on planning your trip.

Among current options, iVISA Korean tourist visa application is popular for its enthusiastic support and expertise. iVISA checks your documents, guides each step, and tracks application progress without interfering with your travel plans. With iVISA as a companion, your visa approval chances are much higher!

FAQ About South Korea Tourist Visa

 

How Long Is The South Korea Tourist Visa Valid?

• C-3-9: 3 months, stay up to 30 days.
• C-3-91: 5 years, each stay up to 30 days.

Can the visa be extended?

No, you must apply for a new visa after expiration.

Basic requirements for the visa?

• Passport valid at least 6 months.
• Minimum financial proof of $5,000.
• Clear employment and detailed itinerary.

Can I Apply Online?

No, applications must be submitted directly at KVAC.

Difference Between DIY And Visa Service?

Self-sufficiency is cheap but risky. The Korean tourist visa service at iVISA is convenient, the pass rate is quite high and safe for “newbies”

Ready to pack your bags for South Korea? Prepare your documents, plan your itinerary, and let iVISA assist you – the process will be much easier. See you on the lively streets of Seoul, relaxing beaches of Busan, or colorful Jeju Island!

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