South Korea Visa Guide: Your Ultimate K-ETA, Tourist & Work Visa FAQ

Planning a trip to the land of K-pop, K-dramas, and endless adventure? We break down the visa system—from visa-free entry and K-ETA to long-term work visas.

So, you’ve fallen in love with Korea. Maybe it was the addictive beat of K-pop, the heart-wrenching plots of K-dramas, or the irresistible taste of Korean BBQ. Now, you’re dreaming of visiting… or maybe even *living* and *working* here.

It’s an exciting thought! But then you hit the first major hurdle: the visa system. Honestly, it can feel like trying to solve a puzzle. Do you need a visa? What is K-ETA? How do you apply?

We’ve been there. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about legally entering and staying in South Korea.

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The First Step: Visa-Free, K-ETA, or Visa?

Before you book your flight, your first step is to figure out which category your passport falls into. Generally, there are three paths:

• Visa-Free (K-ETA Exempt): You need nothing but your passport to board the plane (for a limited time).
• Visa-Waiver (K-ETA Required): You don’t need a traditional visa, but you *must* apply for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel.
• Visa-Required: You must apply for a physical visa (e.g., a tourist visa) at a South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country *before* you travel.

⚠️ CRITICAL UPDATE: K-ETA Temporary Exemption

To celebrate the ‘Visit Korea Year 2023-2024’ (and extended), the South Korean government has temporarily exempted nationals from 22 key countries/regions from the K-ETA requirement.

This includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. If you are from one of these countries, you can currently enter South Korea for tourism (up to 90 days) with just your valid passport. This exemption is in effect until December 31, 2025.

Who Can Enter Visa-Free? (The K-ETA & Visa-Exempt Group)

South Korea has agreements with many countries allowing visa-free entry for tourism or short-term business, typically for 30 to 90 days.

If your country is *not* on the temporary K-ETA exemption list but *is* on the visa-waiver list, you must apply for the K-ETA.

• What it is: An online travel authorization, *not* a visa.
• Official Website: Only use the official government site: www.k-eta.go.kr
• Cost & Validity: It costs 10,000 KRW (approx. $8 USD) and is valid for multiple entries over three years.
• When to Apply: Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.

If You Need a Visa: The Application Process

If your country is not eligible for visa-free entry or K-ETA (e.g., China, India, Vietnam, Philippines), you must apply for a visa in advance.

How to Apply for a Tourist Visa (C-3-9)

1. Check Your Visa Type: For general tourism, you will likely need a C-3-9 (Ordinary Tourist) visa.
2. Visit the Korea Visa Portal: The official source for all visa information is the Korea Visa Portal. You can search for your specific visa requirements and download application forms here.
3. Contact Your Local Embassy: You will submit your application to the South Korean embassy or consulate (or one of their designated travel agencies) in your country of residence.
4. Prepare Your Documents: While this varies by country, you will generally need:
   • Completed Visa Application Form
   • Valid Passport and a passport photo
   • Application Fee
   • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings)
   • Proof of a round-trip flight
   • Proof of financial ability (e.g., bank statements)
   • Proof of employment or school enrollment
5. Apply in Advance: Visa processing can take several weeks, so do not leave this to the last minute!

Common South Korean Visa Types at a Glance

Here are some of the most common visa types for foreigners.

Category	Visa Code	Purpose & Duration
Short-Term Visit	C-3-9	General Tourism (Typically up to 90 days)
Short-Term Business	C-3-4	Business meetings, market research (Up to 90 days)
Study (Language)	D-4	Korean Language Trainee at a university language institute.
Study (Degree)	D-2	Student for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program.
Working Holiday	H-1	For citizens (18-30) from eligible countries to travel and work part-time for one year.
Work (Instructor)	E-2	Foreign Language Instructor (e.g., English teacher). Requires sponsorship.
Work (Professional)	E-7	Specific Skills Visa for professionals in fields like IT, engineering, marketing, etc. Requires sponsorship.

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Dreaming of Working in South Korea? From ‘Alba’ to Career 🇰🇷💼

Moving beyond a simple visit? If you’re dreaming of *living* and *working* here, your visa is your most important tool. In Korea, your right to work is tied directly to the type of visa you hold.

For the Part-Timers & Side-Hustlers (Alba) ☕

If you’re here primarily for another reason, like studying or a working holiday, you might be eligible for part-time work (what Koreans call ‘Alba’ – 아르바이트).

• Student Visa (D-2 & D-4): If you’re an international student, you can work part-time! But, and this is a big but, you must get permission first. You generally can’t work during your first semester. After that, you need to get a ‘Part-Time Work Permission’ from the immigration office. There are limits on hours—usually up to 20-25 hours per week during the semester.
• Working Holiday Visa (H-1): This is a fantastic option for young people (typically 18-30) from eligible countries. It allows you to travel and work to fund your trip for up to one year. The main purpose of your stay should still be tourism.

⚠️ CRITICAL REMINDER

Never, ever work on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) or with K-ETA. It’s illegal and can lead to serious trouble, including fines and deportation.

For all visa matters, the one and only official source is the Korean government’s portal for foreigners: www.hikorea.go.kr. Please check this site for the most accurate and up-to-date information!

For the Career-Builders & Professionals 👔

If you’re looking for a full-time, professional job, you’ll need a company to sponsor your work visa.

• E-7 Visa (Specific Skills): This is the most common work visa for professionals in specialized fields like IT, engineering, marketing, translation, etc. To get one, you generally need to prove your qualifications (like a relevant university degree and work experience). The company hiring you must also demonstrate why they need to hire a foreigner.
• E-2 Visa (Foreign Language Instructor): This is the visa for those who want to teach their native language (most commonly English). You must be a citizen of a native English-speaking country (as designated by the Korean government) and hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from one of those countries.

How to Actually Find a Job 📝

Okay, so you’ve figured out which visa you’re aiming for. Now, where do you look for the actual jobs? It’s a mix of using Korean-centric platforms and international ones.

Platform	Best For	Language
Job Korea (잡코리아) & Saramin (사람인)	Full-time professional careers. These are the biggest players in Korea.	Primarily Korean
Alba Cheonguk (알바천국) & Albamon (알바몬)	Part-time jobs (‘Alba’). Essential for students.	Primarily Korean
LinkedIn	Global companies with offices in Korea, tech startups.	English
Seoul Global Center	Resources and job fairs specifically for foreigners.	English & others

💡 Pro Tip: Learn Some Korean!

Even for jobs that don’t require fluency, knowing some Korean will make you a much more attractive candidate. It shows your commitment to living in Korea. And for using sites like Job Korea or Albamon, it’s pretty much essential.

A Few Final Thoughts & Encouragement 😊

Let’s be real: navigating visas and finding a job in a foreign country is challenging. There’s paperwork, language barriers, and cultural differences. But it is absolutely possible.

Our best advice is to be patient, be persistent, and be prepared. Get your documents in order, check the official websites for any changes, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be frustrating moments, but the reward of building a life in this dynamic, beautiful country is worth it. You’ve got this!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Visa regulations are subject to change. Always consult the official HiKorea and Korea Visa Portal websites, and contact the Korean immigration authorities or a qualified professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.

Korean Culture portal KCulture.com

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