How to Apply for a Korean Visa + Tips for Getting Approved [UPDATED]

apply-korean-visa-1 UPDATE [Feb 25, 2015]: The Korean Embassy announced new visa requirements for tourists effective Mar 1, 2015. See updated infographic below for the details. Those who will be traveling after March 1, 2015 will need to provide additional information from the required Certificate of Employment, Bank Certificate and copy of Income Tax Return, and submit  their Bank Statements.

I’ve applied for a South Korean Visa thrice and have gotten approved in all instances, so I must be doing something right. We got back from our 7-day Spring in Seoul trip a couple of weeks ago and what better way to reminisce about one of our favorite countries to visit than help fellow Filipinos to plan their own trip – but first things first, let us help you in applying for your visa. Here is Travels with a Hobo’s Guide to Applying for a South Korean Tourist Visa for Filipinos Employees.

P.S. We’ve already written everything that we know about Korean Visa application in this blog post. Please take note that we’ve only experienced applying for a Korean Visa as EMPLOYEES so our knowledge about this is limited to the requirements for that category. We are not in anyway connected to the Korean Embassy so we cannot guarantee if you will be approved or not based on your application details because only the consuls can decide if you’ll be issued a visa or not. 

In the three times that I’ve applied for a Korean visa, I was both employed under a private company so this post is more focused on applying for a visa as an employee. Here are what you need to secure when applying for a South Korean Visa: Korean Visa Application Requirements - Update ALL documents must be issued within 3 months of the date of application. Additional if you have an invitation:

  • Personally invited by a Korean : Invitation Letter & Copy of invitor’s Passport
  • Invited by Company in Korea: Invitation Letter & Copy of Korean Company Business Permit

If you’re NOT under the Employee category, please check the requirements in the Korean Embassy website.

 1. Application Form 

-  Completely fill up the printed latest application form that you can download from the Korean Embassy website.

- Before filling up the form, read the instructions in page 2 carefully.

- Avoid erasures; keep your application form neat and presentable. If it helps, use a pencil first to lightly write on the form, then when you’re sure that everything is correct and complete, write over them with a pen and carefully erase the pencil marks.

- Your employer’s contact number is important. Just to be sure, if your HR department has more than 1 contact number, write them down as well.

- If you don’t have a place to stay yet in Korea, write ‘undecided’ for Address in Korea and Phone No in KoreaLooking for a place to stay in South Korea? Find the perfect hotel that will fit your budget here. 

- For Purpose of Entry, if you’re going to Korea for a vacation, then write down “tour” or “vacation”.

- If you’ll be paying for your own expenses in Korea, write “myself” in Who Will Pay For The Expense For Your Stay?

- For Potential Length of Stay and Potential Date of Entry, make sure that your dates of travel to Korea are within 3 months of your application, because a single entry visa is only valid for 3 months upon the date of issue. 

- Don’t leave any items blank, put N/A instead.

- Don’t forget to sign your form and put the date of submission.

2. 1-pc passport size colored picture

- Unless you’re really good looking, please, don’t get your picture taken in one of those dingy rush ID places. Go to the photo studios in the malls where they will make sure that you look respectable, educated, and financially capable to be a tourist in Korea. They will even have you wear a black blazer and fix your hair.

- For the background, anything will do, but white is a safe bet.

- You don’t have to look serious, you can smile a bit. – Glue this photo on the application form in the upper left, as indicated.

3. Original Passport (and your old passports if you’ve renewed)

- Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months

- Upon claiming your visa, they will only give back your passport with the visa in one of the pages.

4. Photocopy of Passport

- A clear photocopy of your passport’s page 2, the one with all your information and photo.

5. Original and Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years

- See the list of OECD member countries here. If you’ve been to Korea in the last 5 years, that doesn’t count.

- Don’t bother providing a photocopy of the arrival stamps in your passport (OECD member or not), the consul will just give it back to you.

6. Original Certificate of Employment

- You can ask your HR department for this.

- Request for one at least a week or a few days before you submit your application, the date of issue matters.

- Specify with your HR that it needs to have the following:

  • Date of Issue
  • Company address
  • Employer’s valid contact number/s (preferably direct landlines to your HR manager since the embassy will call him/her for verification of your employment, cell phone numbers are NOT allowed) and email address
  • Your job title/position in the company
  • Your monthly salary
  • Date hired and how long you’ve been with the company
  • Your travel dates and purpose of travel
  • Address it to:
    Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines
    122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines

- The embassy will call your employer/HR manager within a day or two with the numbers you provided. It is highly important that they speak with someone in your company to prove that you’re currently employed and you have regular income. 

7. Original Personal Bank Certificate 

- This is NOT the same with a bank statement.

- A personal bank certificate is a 1-page document that certifies that you have XXX amount of money in your personal bank account.

- You can request for this at the branch where you opened your bank account. What should be included in your Personal Bank Certificate according to the new rules:

1. Account type

2. Current balance

3. Account opening date

4. 6 months average balance (ADB)

- You will need to pay a processing fee of P100 for this at the bank. In BPI Family Savings Bank, I got my personal bank certificate in just a few minutes, while at BDO, you will only get it the day after (both based on my own experience).

- How much do you need in your bank account? There isn’t really an official amount cited by the Korean Embassy. But in my experience, it depends on how long you’re going to stay in Korea. If you’ll just be there for 5-7 days like me, having at least P50,000 in your account will do.

8. Original or Certified True Copy of Bank Statement/Passbook for the last 3 months

- You can request for this at the branch where you opened your bank account, like your Personal Bank Certificate

9. Photocopy of Income Tax Return (ITR) or Form 2316

- You can request this from your employer as well – It must have your personal TIN number

- If you’re applying from January-April 14 (or before the deadline of filing taxes), you can submit your ITR from last year.

- Take note that you only need to submit a photocopy.

- If you’re a recent graduate but employed and don’t have an ITR yet, just tell it to the consul when you submit your application. They will see how long you’ve been in the company anyway in your COE.  

Additional Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved:

- Only submit the documents listed as requirements. You don’t need to include your plane tickets, itinerary, and confirmation of booking of your South Korea hotel/accommodation. Don’t have plane tickets to Korea yet? Score cheaper flights to South Korea here. 

- Arrange your documents in the order as listed above. 

- Submit your applications a month before your trip, just in case there will be delays in the releasing of your visa (yes, it happens! more on that later).

FAQs

Submission/Release of Korean Visa

1. How much do I need to pay for a South Korean Visa?

-You don’t have to pay for anything IF you will stay in Korea for 59 days or less.

- For those who will stay there for 60-90 days, you will need to pay P1,800.

2. Do I need to hire an agency to process my application? 

- This is not required. You can process your application on your own.

3. Can a representative of our group submit and claim for us?

Yes. One person can submit multiple applications and claim multiple visas.

4. How long do I need to wait to claim my visa? 

You can claim your visa after 5 days, if you do not have OECD member visa/s. If you do have OECD member visa/s, it’s only 3 working days.  Upon submitting your application, the consul will give you a claim stub with the date of release.

5. What time do I need to submit my application? What time do I claim it? 

Submission of application – 9-11 AM; Mon-Fri

Claiming of visa – 2-4 PM; Mon-Fri

We suggest you go to the embassy a few hours before the official time the submission/claiming begins. You will be handed a number; they accommodate people on a first come first serve basis.

6. Do I need to bring anything else when I go to the Korean Embassy? 

Just your complete requirements and a valid ID for registration.

7. What is the address of the Korean Embassy? 

122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines

8. Do I need to personally come to the embassy and fall in line if I have questions? 

If you have any clarifications regarding your application, you can call the embassy at (63-2) 856-9210.

Approved/Denied Korean Visa

1. This is my first time to travel abroad and my first time to apply for a visa, will I get denied? 

The first time I applied for a Korean visa, it was also my first time abroad and my first visa application. I got approved. Beep the Hobo, who has never traveled abroad, also applied for the first time for our trip last month, he got approved as well.

2. I just graduated but I’m employed. I don’t have an ITR yet, will I get denied?  One of our companions in the last Korea trip was in the exact situation, she was issued a visa.

3. Does the embassy immediately deny applications?

In our experience, they don’t. If they can’t contact your employer for example, they will ask you for an alternative number and delay the release of your visa to 2-3 days. One of our companions had her visa release delayed for 3 times, she kept on coming back to the embassy to provide them with her employer’s contact information, and she was eventually issued a visa.

4. What are the reasons the embassy denies a visa application? 

As indicated in their website, the Korean Embassy can deny your application if:

- Your passport is invalid.

- You are prohibited to enter Korea as per Korean Immigration law no.11 sec. 1 (Prohibition of Entry).

- Their record shows that you have previously violated the Korean law.

- You failed to submit the required document completely.

- The documents you have submitted cannot be verified.

- You failed to prove the purpose of entry to Korea.

- You failed to prove strong economic and family ties to the home country.

- Your inviter is not qualified to invite you.

- You failed to prove the relationship with your inviter.

5. If my visa application is denied, how long do I have to wait to reapply? 

6 months. ouch. :(

GOOD LUCK! FIGHTING!

  • mariz

    Hi ate gem. I love your blog. I keep on reading and reading all your blog posts.^_^ i am a budget traveller too. And we (together with my friends) already booked a flight to el nido via p.p. on sept and i think your blog really helps us to budget our upcoming trip. Thank you ^_^. Anyway, ate i’m planning to have a vacation next year to korea, actually i LOVE KOREA even if i’ve never been there and honestly, it’ll be my first time to travel abroad. I have this dilemma of not passing the visa application. I’m just an ordinary employee of a manufacturing appliances company and have a salary ranging 13k-15k a month. In my itr it’s declared that i’m just a minimum wage earner, is there any a chance that i could pass the visa application? Though i have more than 50k savings in my bank account. And which is preferrable, i’ll first book a flight before applying a tourist visa ? (cause i’m planning to book a promo fare (1 fare) or appplying first the visa before booking a ticket which will cost me more than 10k.. thank you. I’ll wait for your reply.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Mariz! Wow, kinilig naman ako while reading your comment. Haha. Thank you so much!! :) Glad that we could be of help to you. ;)

      I can’t really assure you that you will be issued a visa BUT based on our experience, it seems like you have a good chance of getting approved. Here’s why:

      - It was also my first time abroad when I first applied for a Korean visa. When Beep applied for this recent trip, he also didn’t have any stamps in his passport.

      - One of our travel companions who also had a similar monthly salary as yours was issued a visa. She didn’t even have an ITR because she just recently graduated and wasn’t regularized yet. When another travel friend applied for the first time, she also had a similar monthly salary, she got approved as well.

      - Based on our experience, what’s important is that you will be able to prove that you are employed, you have a regular income, your employer is allowing you to travel (approved leave), and that you have a job waiting for you back home (to prove that you don’t intend to be a TNT haha). That’s why I stressed out in this post that it’s important for you to provide a valid contact number/s of your employer so the embassy can confirm your employment. That was the reason why one of our supposed to be travel companion was denied, she wasn’t able to provide a contact number of her employer.

      - As for the ticket and application, what we always do is that we book our tickets first because of the seat sales (usually 6 months or more before the travel dates). It’s risky but that’s a sure way that we’ll be able to save on the plane tickets. Unless there are seat sales that offer travel dates within the next 3 months. Because a single entry visa is only valid for 3 months from the date it was issued. Gets? Haha might be a bit confusing.

      I hope this helps! Thank you again for reading our blog! Have fun in El Nido! :) Don’t hesitate to leave a comment/message if you still have any questions. – Gem

      • mariz

        Thank you ate gem. ^_^ im not totally a risk taker but for the sake of “my dream” i will be.. haha. I’m waiting for your blog post bout your itenirary in el nido and hope we could do the same. Thanks ^_^

      • eds

        Hi my sister in law(korean) is inviting me to go in korea this coming april and im planning to apply for visa na this feb. I will go there with my brother(who’s holding a marriage visa na). I just started working this december 2014 so i think hindi pako makakakuha ng itr or form 2316 (tama po ba?). Lahat ng requirements ok napo ako including coe. Sa itr or from 2316 nalang po ko nabobother. They would still accept my application kahit wala kong itr?. And im flying with my brother he went there in korea october 2013- july 2014 and had vacation and work here from july 2014-april 2015. Any ideas po na dapat kong gawin para sa visa application ko :) . Thank you!!! Your reply will be much appreciated :*

  • Pingback: Travel Korea: Tips for First-Timers in Seoul | Travels with a Hobo

  • Julie-Ann Mercado

    Hi good afternoon! May I just ask how long is the validity of the Visa? We would like to apply for it but our booked plane tickets is on March 2015. Is it advisable to apply now or do I have to wait for January next year? Thanks! – Julie from Muntinlupa City

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Julie-Ann! For single entry visa, it’s only valid for 3 months from the date it was issued. So if your trip is on March 2015, you can start preparing your requirements by January 2015 and submit your application by mid January or early February 2015. Thank you! :)

  • Julie-Ann Mercado

    Thanks for the quick response. ;) will be reading more of your blogs for future reference. Very informative! Thanks again. Excited much lang talaga hahaha :p

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      No problem! I know the feeling, I’ve been in that situation a couple of times before and even if it’s my nth time to apply, atat pa din ako and can’t hardly wait. Just make sure you have everything prepared by January so you won’t cram, you have enough time to prepare naman. Goodluck and thanks for reading our blog! :) – Gem

  • Jem

    Hello! I just want to ask what to to do if I am currently unemployed (I resigned last May) but my father has a business. Is it better to make him my sponsor on my application form and then attach his business permit, ITR and bank certificate along with my own ITR from my previous employer and also my own bank certificate? I already booked my flight on september with my aunt and another cousin (we’re planning to stay there only for 5 days) and it will also be my first international flight. I am really nervous about getting the visa since they might think that ill be staying there to find a work. :( any advice?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Jem! Although we can’t assure your visa approval since we’re not from the embassy, we think it’s worth a try to declare that your dad will be your sponsor for the trip. Based on our experience, it’s a plus on your application if you indicate there that you’ll be traveling with a relative, in your case your aunt and cousin. There’s a table in the application for that. Good luck! :)

      • Jem

        I guess ill just take a leap of faith! thank you ms. Gem and more power to your blog! – Jem :) )

        • Quisma Yasin

          Hi po. How’s the visa application po? Looking for advise too with regards to tourist visa application.

          • Jem

            I got it! I just wrote that my parent will sponsor my trip then they asked for a copy of my birth certificate.

          • Quisma Yasin

            wow! way to go Ms. Jem.

  • Deanna Mendoza

    Hi. I am currently in medical school but I’m travelling with my mother, do you have any idea what requirements should I submit? Thanks. Can you e-mail me if ever, . Thanks.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      HI Deanne! Sorry for the very late response. I believe you’ll fall under the requirements for students which you can check here It includes some documents regarding your parents’ financial capability. It’s a good thing you’re also traveling with your mother, just indicate that in the application form. :)

  • Harriet

    Hello po! It’s my first time to travel korea this october po together with my aunt. I’m a fresh graduate and unemployed. This trip will be sponsored by my aunt and were planning to apply for a visa this sept. I would like to ask if what are the requirements should I submit to get a visa? Can I submit my aunt’s ITR, copy of bank cert, and cert. of employment? In addition po, if my visa has been approved, do I have a great chance of passing through the immigration at the NAIA airport considering that I have my passport valid, visa and around trip ticket as well as hotel booking? Thanks po. hoping for your response asap ;D

    • Audie Audz Avecilla

      Hi Harriet! Good Day! Kindly inform me on what happened after you passed the requirements or if you got a VISA.
      We’re in the same situation, but i’m travelling with my sister. I’ve been employed for almost 3 months but i think i STILL DON’T HAVE ITR yet, Since the ITR only covers months form January to June(Half of the year). and I’m planning to get visa on Last week of Nov. or 1st week of December.

      Another from that i’m a fresh grad and i don’t have enough savings on my bank. Is Bank certificate with a few savings has a bad impact for VISA?(cause in Applyin for US VISA it has a very very bad impact)
      is there still an interview? when applying for Korean Visa?
      by the way i only paid my ticket and the rest of the expenses will be covered by my sister.

      please e-mail me for feedback
      Thank you!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Harriet! So sorry for the very late response. To answer your questions:

      - There are signs in the embassy that say “no work = no visa” but some applicants who are unemployed are still issued a visa if they’re traveling with a family member with a stable job and will finance the trip.

      - Submit the same documents listed above but instead of your ITR, COE, and bank cert, submit your aunt’s instead (photocopied). For the bank cert, I highly suggest that you also still submit your own bank cert. Maybe ask your aunt’s help by borrowing money from her to add up to the amount that you already have in your bank.

      - In your application form (and your aunt’s as well), indicate that you’re traveling with your aunt and that she’ll be the one financing the trip.

      - As for the immigration, as long as you have a valid korean visa and supporting documents that your group can finance the trip, there’s nothing to worry about.

  • Audie Audz Avecilla

    HI! Good Day!
    Dear Travelswithahobo,

    i’m travelling with my sister on south Korean. I’ve been employed for almost 3 months but i think i STILL DON’T HAVE ITR yet, Since the ITR only covers months form January to June(Half of the year) and I’m planning to get visa on Last week of Nov. or 1st week of December.

    Another from that i’m a fresh grad and i don’t have enough savings on my bank. Is Bank certificate with a few savings has a bad impact for VISA Application?(cause in Applying for US VISA with a few bank savings it has a very very bad impact).

    is there still an interview on applying for Korean Visa?
    by the way i only paid my ticket and the rest of the expenses will be covered by my sister.

    if i was declined for South korean Visa application, how long should i wait before i can apply again? do you have an idea?

    please e-mail me for feedback/answer or you could just put a comment/s on this post.
    Thank you!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! So sorry for the late response. To answer your questions:

      - One of our companions was also a fresh graduate and has been employed for only a couple of month like you so she also didn’t have an ITR. She applied with her sister who has a stable job (this is also indicated in their application forms). She got approved.

      - For the bank certificate, I’ve heard that some only had 30k in their bank accounts but they still got approved. I suggest you get help from your sister to maybe let you borrow some money just to add up to the amount you already have in your bank account. I suggest having a total of 50k or more in your account stated in your bank cert just to be sure. :)

      - There’s no interview.

      - In your application form, indicate that you AND your sister will finance your trip.

      - If you’re declined, you’ll have to wait for 6 months before you can reapply.

  • isabelle

    Hi po! I’m a nurse but currently unemployed. I’m planning to travel to korea with my friends but got discouraged after reading the requirements. Is it possible for me to use my mom’s itr and business permit in applying for visa?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Isabelle! Apologies for the very late response. Based on my experience, you can submit your Mom’s ITR and business permit IF you’re traveling with your Mom since it’s understood that she’ll be the one financing your trip. One of our companions didn’t have an ITR yet at the time of application but she got approved. Just make sure you submit the other requirements and a photocopy of your PRC id. It’s worth a try. :)

  • 901686

    Hi there! Is there a certain validity period for the bank cert? Is it ok to get one now and apply for a visa maybe after 2 weeks or so..

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! W

  • Schon

    Thank you for this post. My family and I got our visa today :)

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Schon! Awesome! :) Have fun in Korea!

  • Kim

    Hi. I wanna ask about the passport size colored pic, are they strict regarding the photo? Can I wear graded contact lens?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Kim, for the passport photo, we always have ours taken at photo ID outlets in malls just to be sure that we look our best. For the contact lens, if it makes you look REALLY different from what you look like in real life, maybe don’t wear them for the photo.

  • Irene Recayo

    hi po, ask q lng po. d2 kc aq ngaun sa Qatar ngwowork po, 1st time q po mangibang bansa, plan q sana mg tour ng korea. same lng po kaya requirements d2?…thanks po ;)

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Irene! That I’m not sure of since I’ve only applied for a Korean visa as an employee in the Philippines. Try to check the website of Korean Embassy in Qatar for your requirements.

  • http://facebook.com joven ortiz

    Good morning @travelswithahobo:disqus, ask ko lang po pano po pg wla po ITR pero meron po DTI Reg..and Mayor’ permit and Bank certificate na 150k..newly open lng po kc ung business ko this week..gusto ko po sana mgapply ng korean visa..maaprubahan po kya ako?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Joven! While I cannot guarantee your approval since I’m not officially from the embassy, I can only give you tips based on my experience. Since you’re a businessman, please check the requirements for your category at the korean embassy website.

  • Audrey May Antonio Mosquera

    hello there. pupunta po kami ng S.Korea next month kasama ko po ang husband at 8 yr. old daughter ko for 5 days lang po. Tanong ko lang po kung kasya napo ba ang showmoney namin na 120,000? bale 60k sa account ko and 60k sa account ng husband ko? at tsaka po nagtry akong mgfill-up ng Application for Visa, what if kung wala po kaming phone no. sa bahay at hindi pa po kami nakakavisit ng Korea, pwede po bang NONE ang ilalagay ko? Hope you can help me po. Thanks

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Audrey! Regarding the show money, there isn’t really a specific amount required by the embassy. Some have been approved with just 30k, while some are still denied even if they have more than 100k. From our experience, you have a bigger chance of getting approved if you have a stable job (you’re a regular employee or you’ve been with your company for a long time/ you have proof that you have a regular income which is cited in your COE/ you are able to prove that you have strong ties to your home country and that you have no intention of of illegally staying in Korea).

      As for the application form, just put N/A for those that you can’t provide yet like the phone number and address in Korea.

      • Audrey May Antonio Mosquera

        thank you so much. im so excited na. sana po maapprove yung visa namin (fingers crossed)

  • irish catbagan

    Helo po. Ask ko Lang po kung magpapasa ako ng requirements ngayon Oct. Anu pong BIR2316 ang ippsa ko? Ung lastyear pb? Oh ung this year na? Sbi kc ng employer ko wala pang tatak ng bir ung ngayon, lastyear lang daw Meron. Thank you po! :)

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Irish! In our experience, we submit the latest valid ITR (BIR form 2316) during the time of the application, so if your ITR from this year isn’t validated yet, the latest valid ITR you have is the one from last year. So yes, submit the one from last year. :)

  • cheng

    ok lang po ba na hindi naka handwritten yung pag fill up sa application form (except sa signature)? nag fill up po kasi ako tru sa PDF file na rin para mas malinis at maayos..

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Cheng! I think it’s okay. They didn’t say that it’s not allowed, anyway. :)

      • cheng

        super thanks..actually naagpass na kami ng requirements knina and hopefully lahat kmi ma-approved..lahat naman ng requirements as employee eh nacomplete namin..thanks thanks

        • cheng

          very informative tlag yung blog nyo and i really learned a lot / tips on your page..we already got our visa last week and super excited to conquer korea next month..this is very helpful! thanks you!

  • Raffy

    Help nman po please, meton na kasi company invitation letter. Ang problem ko po wala ako ITR, pero meron po na na mayors permit at DTI,. May chance po kaya kami ng asawa ko na ma approved?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Apologies for the super late response. Please see the requirement for business owners in the korean embassy website since my knowledge on applications is limited to employees only. Thanks for dropping by!

    • Guest

      hello how if I dont have ITR but I have bank account or invitation letter and other requirements.. bukod sa ITR talaga kc last 2010 pa yung employed ko na may issue ng ITR sa work ko ngayon wala iniissue na ganun pano po yun??

      • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

        Hi! Sorry, I must have missed this comment so I wasn’t able to reply. Please ask your HR department for your ITR and say that you need it for visa application. All employees have ITRs for every tax year, some companies just don’t give copies if you don’t ask for one. :) Thanks!

        • Rotut Montecristo Dranoel

          hello po, i have been in south korea once for 2 week vacation and i have not yet consume the allowed days (59 days)to sojourn but my visa was issued on May 4, 2015 and last entry would be August 4, 2015. Does it mean my visa is already expired even if i did not consume the 59 days granted?

          please help me to enlighten cuz i am planning to have a vacation in South Korea again with my girlfriend (anniversary)

          and I am afraid be denied entry in the immigration.

          thank you.

          • Ma

            You need to apply again.

  • zara

    hi! korean embassy just called me .. kaya lang di nag return call.. for verifiction daw.. tumawag sila sa office ko but then sabi ng tao ko dun nasa taas lang daw ako.. sabi nila wag na , return call n lang.. pano kaya po yun?

    • Audie

      Hi Zara

      so, Did they approved your visa??

  • MademoiselleRachel

    Will be applying a visa next week and my concern is that I don’t have ITR even I am a self employed businesswoman. I am an online seller. What should I put as my occupation?!! Thanks in advance.

    • Quisma Yasin

      Same situation here, I’m a housewife, an online seller, wondering too what will I put as my occupation. My last work po kasi is 2011 pa.

  • Nene

    Hi, Nagsubmit na ako yesterday. I am a regular employee in a bank for 6 years na.. pero ang balance ko lang sa bank certificate na inissue ko sa embassy is only 42k, may pag-asa kaya? haha , 3 days lang naman nilagay ko na length of stay sa application

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! So sorry for the late response. I assume you’ve already found out if you’ve been approved or not?

  • Pam Del Prado

    Hi! Thank you for posting such a very detailed post with tips for first time travelers abroad. I just booked a flight to SK for November 2015 and I’m really nervous about the VISA application. I don’t really have much savings. By the time I apply, my tenure at my current job would have exceeded the one-year mark. Would this (and my COE) be enough to show I have strong ties to the Philippines?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! As I am not an official consul for the korean embassy, I cannot give you the assurance that you’ll be issued a visa. But in my experience, just as long as you can prove that you are employed (even if not regularized yet) and have enough savings for the duration of your trip, your chances of getting approved is higher.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hello! We have an ongoing FREE HOTEL STAY in Korea giveaway for anyone going to Korea this 2015. You can join here :) https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

  • Pam

    Hi! Thank you for this very detailed post! :) I just googled “tips for first time korean visa application” and your blog came out as one of the top results. Anyways, I just booked a flight earlier this morning to SK for 6 days in November 2015, last day kasi ng seat sale, hahaha. It’s my first time traveling abroad so I’m nervous about the VISA application. Other than the COE, meron pa kaya sila ibang basis to prove that you have strong ties to your mother country? Thank you so much again and more power!♥

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Aside from the COE, they also look into your ITR. Goodluck and have fun, thanks for dropping by!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! We have an ongoing FREE HOTEL STAY in Korea giveaway for anyone going to Korea this 2015. You can join here :) https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

  • Kaye Marie Malapitan

    Hi Good day!

    I’m sorry if my questions parang duplicate sa mga previous na questions, but I mine is a bit complicated po.. I’m planning to go to SK asap sana.. but ang problem ko is the reqt for ITR and COE.

    ITR – last ITR ko was 2011 pa coz 2012-2013 naging OFW ako sa Singapore so wala akong recent na ITR
    COE- currently i work as an online freelancer po, so wlang ITR din.. but I work din sa clinic ng brother ko, so hihingi nlg ako sa kanya (nurse din po ako) kaya LANG i started recently so wlang ITR.

    with the other reqt wala akong problema, sa dalawa yung po above. I’ve gone abroad several times na din kaya lang never na may visa. Ok lang ba sa embassy na wala akong ITR na recent? last ko is 2011 nga.

    when they say 5 working days, ung count is after the day ng pag apply mu?

    Is it better na in person ako mag file kaysa through travel agency?nasa bacolod ksi ako.

    Thanks!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Kaye! So sorry for the late response. In our experience, the embassy takes note of how long you’ve been employed so if for example you’re a recent graduate then having no ITR is acceptable. But if you do have an ITR from your previous job, then just submit it if the latest one isn’t available yet. For your COE, just request one from your brother since you’re working for him.

      5 working days means weekdays. usually it includes the day you submitted your application or the day after.

      You can apply through an agency since you’re in bacolod, for convenience.

  • Charmaine

    Hi there,my prob is that the company I work with doesn’t have a landline just cellphone numbers,also no hr dept since its me who do all the jobs.I can request my boss the owner though to indicate his mobile number on the COE.will that work? Thank you so much

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Charmaine. Yes, just put your boss’ number in there so he can verify your employment.

    • ireneqt

      Hi Charmaine.
      If its ok, may I know how your visa application goes? I have a same exact situation as you, no hr to issue a COE, just my boss.
      Thank you, -Irene

  • laiza mercado

    Hi….i have already korean visa issued in UAE and i am travelling with my son, i need to get visa for him but i dont have an ITR and bank certificate as i am working abroad, and only have bank account here in UAE not in philippine.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Sorry but I don’t know how to help you with this as my advice is only limited to what I’ve experienced, please inquire with the korean embassy. :)

  • Rhed Benemerito

    Hi!!Does korean embassy call the BIR to verify the ITR?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! I’m not 100% sure if they do but I think they have access to BIR’s records so checking of ITRs can be done quick.

  • Guirlie Villato

    hi there.. question lng po.. im currently employed now for almost 1year. problem is i dont have any bank account. im planning to open one by next month and apply my tourist visa by july. do u think the length of the bank account would matter? thank u in advance… and also do u think after magka open ng bank accout nde din ba mahigpit ung banko sa pagbigay ng bank certificate khit na wala pang 1year?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! The bank certificate is different from a statement of account, so it won’t include there the date when you opened your account or how long you’ve had it. So no, it won’t matter. :) Thanks for dropping by!

      • Guirlie Villato

        how about the bak itself po? magre release po ba sila bank certificate khit po ilan months pa lng ako sa bank nla? thank u again….

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          That I’m not sure. Probably? Just ask the bank. If they won’t release a bank cert for a new account, then maybe get a bank cert from your payroll account instead?

      • Guirlie Villato

        question po ulit.. im planning to go korea with my boyfriends niece.. problem is 12 yrs old pa lng sya.. pano po kaya un?

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          In that case, she needs to submit the requirements for students. index.jsp

  • Leroy

    Ask ko po sana kung may idea kayo if need ko magapply through sponsorship. Me and mom kasi is travelling to SoKor and sagot nya lahat ng expenses. May trabaho ako pero less than 12k lang ang monthly ko and hindi ako regular employee at renewable contract lang ako every 6 mos. Is it better kung mag apply ako as her sponsor? Do I also need to submit her ITR, COE, Bank Cert if ever kahit na meron din ako nun? Thanks! God bless! :)

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Leroy! You don’t really need to apply for a sponsorship. You and your mom just have to state in your application forms that you’ll be traveling together (it’s in the table in the form about relatives you’re with for the trip). In your application form, put your mom under Who Will Pay For The Expense For Your Stay? so they’ll know that she’ll sponsor your trip. You don’t need to submit your mom’s ITR, COE and Bank Cert for your application since she’ll be submitting those too for her application, submit your own personal docs. I think they’ll also ask you for a birth certificate to prove that you’re related. Thanks for dropping by!

      • Leroy

        Thanks! Very helpful ang blog nyo! More power! :)

        • GetOn Perez

          Hello. One clarification lang. Are birth certificates required for visa apps? Coz i didn.t find it in tbe list. Thanks much

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            Hi! It’s not required, but sometimes they ask for additional documents depending on your application details. For example you’ll be traveling with your parents and they’re sponsoring your trip, then they’ll ask you for your birth certificate.

      • Leroy

        Last question, may idea din po kayo kung kailangan po ba original din ang Birth cert or photocopy lang? Thanks you very much! :)

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Photocopy will suffice. They won’t be returning those documents that you’ll be submitting so it’s best to not submit an original birth certificate. ITR is photocopy only too. Original copies for bank cert and COE.

  • Hoya Lee

    hello po, i have a question. About the travel purpose????do i need to write specific “vacation”only. Actually!!the reason i like to go seoul is becuz to achieve my dream since hs and see what i saw in kdramas. ty :)

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Just put vacation or tour. :)

  • Hoya Lee

    hi unnie!!can i ask ?is it month of june raining in seoul, do u think is it better to travel on that month?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      June is already the start of summer in Korea. I don’t think it will be rainy.

    • Kweni

      Hi! I’m an English teacher to Korean students. Summer may be a hot season, however, it’s the time where they experience rain and typhoons.

  • 잰탄

    Good day!
    I just want to ask po coz im a nurse here in riyadh me and my frnd planned to visit sokor this march we already booked a ticket a yr ago.. ang prob lng nmin is ayaw mgbigy ng hospital/ hr management nmin ng coe for embassy purposes like even just for tourist. We even showed them that the sokor embassy visa requirements for employed pinoys.. nsa new policy dw ng hosp nmin na di na cla ngbbigy ng coe unless resigned or end of contract na kmi… anu po dpt nmin gawin? My copy nmn kmi ng contract nmin and valid po kya ung oec (overseas employment certificate) instead of coe?
    Hoping for a reply.. im currently in riyadh po so idk what to do…
    Plss help I need some advice here..
    THANK YOU very much in advance!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi, please just call the Korean Embassy in Riyadh. For special cases like yours, they’ll inform you about alternative requirements. Thanks!

      • 잰탄

        Pero jan po kmi sa pinas magaapply ng tourist visa.. magbabakaxon po kc kmi jan for 2 mos then un nga po tas sokor..
        Btw thank You po sa fast reply.. i appreciate r0it very much! ^^

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          If that’s the case, call the Korean Embassy in the Philippines instead. :)

  • Ceu Alumni-Assc

    Hi. This blog is very useful. But I have one question.. I an currently employed, been working for almost a year but then my company doesn’t have ITR obligations since we are under a religious section. I have all the requirements expect for ITR but I have an invitation letter from a Korean friend. Would it still be possible to get a visa? Thank you

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! When you submit your application, just say the reason why you don’t have an ITR when you submit your papers in the consul window at the embassy. Our companions didn’t have ITRs as well since they were just fresh grads and were new in their jobs, they were approved. :) Thanks for dropping by!

  • eds

    Hi my sister in law(korean) is inviting me to go in korea this coming april and im planning to apply for visa na this feb. I will go there with my brother(who’s holding a marriage visa na). I just started working this december 2014 so i think hindi pako makakakuha ng itr or form 2316 (tama po ba?). Lahat ng requirements ok napo ako including coe. Sa itr or from 2316 nalang po ko nabobother. They would still accept my application kahit wala kong itr?. And im flying with my brother he went there in korea october 2013- july 2014 and had vacation and work here from july 2014-april 2015. Any ideas po na dapat kong gawin para sa visa application ko :) . Thank you!!! Your reply will be much appreciated :*

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi, just explain to the consul why you don’t have an ITR. Our companions before didn’t have ITRs as well since they were newly-hired, they were issued a visa.

      • eds

        Thankyou for the reply :) Godbless

      • eds

        Hi just one question na lang po. My sister in law sent already an invitation letter. Is it ok a printed one? Or it should be hand written?. Because she sent me a printed one but it has a original signature of her. Your reply will be much appreciated. Thank you

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Hi, I don’t think it will matter. :)

          • eds

            Thank you very much po

  • Ma-an

    Hi. I am travelling with my brother on april. And we have travelled in Beijing. But my brother is unemployed. Can he give a sponsorship letter and itenerary? Can he be denied? Thanks

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      He doesn’t need to submit a sponsorship letter and itinerary. Just indicated in your application forms that you’re traveling together. There’s a table for that in the form. Then in his application for under who will pay for the expenses, he should put your name, and how he’s related to you.

      • Ma-an

        Thanks a lot. But he can be denied if he is travelling alone?

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          That I don’t have the best answer to. I just know that the embassy is stricter with unemployed applicants traveling alone. It really depends on the documents that he’ll be submitting.

          • Ma-an

            But if he is travelling with me as employed it would be better? Thank a lot because i booked already a ticket for us. Thanks again

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            Yes, he’ll have a higher chance of getting approved if he’ll be traveling with someone employed and financially capable of funding the trip.

          • Ma-an

            Hi one last question. Do they recognize my visa in beijing with stamps? Thank you again

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            It’s not included in the OECD member countries so there’s no need. http://www.oecd.org/about/membersandpartners/list-oecd-member-countries.htm

  • chai

    Hello po. Question po: i will be travelling with my boyfriend to korea this may. But he doesnt have an ITR because the company that he’s working in is his father’s. I mean, he works for his dad and he doesnt have any deductions in his salary whatsoever. Please help.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! I’m not really sure what to advise you on this. Please try to inquire directly at the Korean Embassy.

  • Andrea

    Hello!

    I’m planning to go to Korea this March – April. My
    grandmother advised me that she would like to sponsor my trip since I’m back to being a student. My best friend (who is Korean and is now based there)
    also sent me an invitation. That being said, will there be any other
    requirements that I’ll need to prepare/ submit aside from the student
    visa requirements and the affidavit of support from my grandmother?

    Thank you very much! :)

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Indicate in your application form that your grandmother is going to sponsor your trip. I’m not 100% sure but maybe just prepare your grandmother’s bank certificate and any legal document that will prove you are her granddaughter.

      • Andrea

        Thank you very much for replying! Alright. In that case, I will also prepare my mother’s birth certificate in case they ask. Your advice is very much appreciated. :)

        Enjoyed reading through your blog! Definitely helpful. Thanks again! :)

  • Norris Geo Nebreja

    Hi! Ask ko lang we are planning to visit korea January next yeat (2016). Pwede nb kami magapply ng visa as early as now? Pra kung denied pplication namin we still have another chance to apply after 6 months before ungbtravel date namin.
    4 days lang kami dun so 50k is enough?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! That’s too early. Please take note that a single-entry visa is only valid for 3 months and that validity starts on the date that it was issued. So if your trip is in January, you can only start with the application by end of Nov to Dec. 50k budget per person is enough.

      • Norris Geo Nebreja

        Got it. Thanks!

  • Mary insuya

    Hi, good day! My bf and I are planning to go to Korea this coming March 2016. I’m an OFW and my contract will finish on January 2016. Since I need to submit my COE, technically I’m already unemployed when I apply for a visa next year, is there any chance that the visa will still be granted? And what can I do if my bf has a business, can we show an affidavit of support?

  • Mary

    Hi, good day! My bf and I are planning to go to Korea this coming March 2016. I’m an OFW and my contract will finish on January 2016. Since I need to submit my COE, technically I’m already unemployed when I apply for a visa next year, is there any chance that the visa will still be granted? And what can I do if my bf has a business, can we show an affidavit of support?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Your boyfriend should apply not as an employee but as a businessman the requirements are here if you still won’t be employed by the time you apply (within 3 months of March 2016), then state in your application form that your boyfriend will be the one paying for your expenses. The embassy is strict with unemployed applicants and I don’t have the authority to assure you if you get approved or denied. But it’s worth a try.

      • Mary

        Thanks for your response. For the affidavit of support, is that also applicable to us even if we’re not yet married? Will it also increase our chances of getting approved if we have joint bank accounts?

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Hi, you don’t have to submit any affidavit of support. The consul will just give back to you any documents that are not listed in the requirements. There’s a section in the application form where you will need to state who will be paying for your expenses. Just put their the name of your boyfriend and that he’s your boyfriend. Regarding the joint bank accounts, I don’t think it matters. What matters is that the total amount reflected in your boyfriend’s bank statement is enough to fund you both for the amount of days you’ll be spending in Korea.

  • Hoya Lee

    hello po, ask q nmn blk q po sana kumuha n ng plane ticket kc mei mga promo sa cebu pacific now kc d ba ung libre ng embassy is 59 days pg hindi nmn aq maaga mgpbook bka mgmhal nmn plane ticket sayang nmn. Sa tingin nyo po ok lng kea yun n unhin q n ung booking tpos apply sa embassy after?????wla pa aq experience mgtravel abroad but i have work here for almost 3 and half yrs,,ty

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      YES! That’s exactly what we do every time, we book way in advance to lessen our expenses. :) If you’ve been employed that long I’m sure you’re gonna be issued a visa.

      • Hoya Lee

        yeah tnx a lot, i saw discounts in cebu pacific and it really helps a lot from regular fare of 19k it lessen almost 10k. piso fare is really hard to grab :( lol. can i ask regarding the expenses???is korean food expensive??

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  • Bree

    Hi! Me and my friend are already booked for Korea this April. Ang problem ko kasi is I resigned last May 2014, and balak pa lang na magput up ng business. If ever makakuha ako ng business permit this Feb, would it matter kahit bago pa lang ung issued permit? Also, may income requirement kya cla for itr? Since frm Jan-may lang ako nagwork, 100k+ lang ksi nakareflect sa itr ko. Sayang ung tiket if madeny ako :( hope you could help me on this. Thanks

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Bree! As I am not an official consul or am officially connected to the embassy, I cannot assure you if you will be approved or not. What I know is that the embassy is strict with those who are unemployed. As for business owners, I think it’s safer for me to say that you will be approved if your business has been registered for more than a year now. As for the ITR, I’m not sure if they also check the total amount reflected in it as a basis of strong ties to the country. Sorry if I’m not of much help. I guess the only way to find out is to apply and see if they will approve you or not. But fingers crossed that they will issue you a visa! Goodluck!

  • Serge Mav

    Hi Jean!!

    Read about this blog and it was really helpful!!! Me and my family applied last February 10. 2015. The slip given to me stated that the release date was Feb 17, 2015 however, someone from the embassy called me hours before 2PM last Feb 17 and advised me to submit meralco bill (3 months). So I submitted the requested documents and our passports were released yesterday…. with the visa!!!

    Thank God I found your blog!!!
    Serge

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Serge! So happy to hear that! We’re glad that our humble little blog is able to help other travel lovers like us. Thank you and have fun in Korea!!! – Gem :)

      • Serge Mav

        Sorry Gem pala! ahahaha Thank you!!!

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Hahaha, see what I did there? No worries. I was wondering who you were talking to. LOL ;)

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Hi Serge! We have an ongoing FREE HOTEL STAY in Korea giveaway for anyone going to Korea this 2015. You can join here :) https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

  • stephanie

    hi po i have a question, we are planning to visit korea this coming september 2015, we are going to korea together with my british citizen boyfriend, can we get tourist visa even we dont have invitation letter from friends or relatives in korea? tnx

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Stephanie! No, it’s not a requirement. It’s just an additional document submitted IF you have one. :) – Gem

      • stephanie

        ty so much it help me a lots, btw we are going to korea on september but we are planning to apply this April?

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          April’s too early! :) A single-entry visa is only valid within 3 months of the date it was issued. So if your trip is on September, you can start applying by the end of July or first week of August.

          • stephanie

            thank you so much, this blog help me a lot God bless you always :)

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            Hi Stephanie! We have an ongoing FREE HOTEL STAY in Korea giveaway for anyone going to Korea this 2015. You can join here :) https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

          • stephanie

            one more question heheh, 50k is enough to travel in korea , we only stay there for 6 days?

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            50k per person? Yes that’s more than enough. Our budget for 7 days is actually only 25-30k each all-in including the airfare. :)

  • Marion Vanzuela-Gwak

    hi! i have a question po… my brother is here in korea for a vacation and he’ll be going home on march 2. I’m planning on inviting him again. How long will it take to apply for a tourist visa again? sabe ng iba 6months ulit before makapagapply. thank you

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Yes, he has to wait 6 months before applying again. Do take note of the new visa requirements effective Mar 1, 2015. Thanks! – Gem

  • Hoya Lee

    hi sis, can you help me pano pumunta sa embassy from cubao using mrt ?ty

    • Marion Vanzuela-Gwak

      bumaba ka s guadalupe station may sakayan dun c5/mckinley then sabihin mo ibaba k s korean embassy

      • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

        Thanks for answering this one, Marion!

  • Ija

    Hi! I booked a ticket to South Korea for first week of June. I just got off from a previous employment and is now enrolled to a design school. Obviously, I am unemployed but can I apply under Student qualifications or should I pass normal requirements and be tagged as Unemployed?

    Also, if I am tagged as Unemployed, how would they base my qualification? Would they base it on my bank account?

    Also, one more thing, I am travelling to South Korea with my sister, who is about to graduate from culinary school this March, and with my cousin, who is also about to graduate from her undergraduate studies this March. Should they also apply as Student?

    Thank you and I hope you can respond as soon as possible!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! First, a word of warning: the Korean embassy is stricter with unemployed applicants. So to be safe, you can apply as a student since you’re a student now anyway. But there are applicants who are unemployed but have been issued a visa, probably because they were able to prove that they can finance their trip, however with the new requirements effective Mar 1, 2015, I think they’ll be stricter with this now.

      Yes, they should also apply as student. Please check the documents required for students in the korean embassy website.

      Thanks for dropping by! – Gem

      • Ija

        So if I apply as Student and be given a Visa, would it only be a Student Visa, or the same Visa given to employed, unemployed, businessmen, etc?

        If I have more than enough on my bank account to fund my trip, and my bank account is 3 years old already, do you think I have bigger chances to be issued a Visa even if I apply as Unemployed? I am thinking kasi that it might be better to apply as Unemployed so that in the future, if I apply Visa again, it wouldn’t matter if I’m then a Student, Unemployed, or Employed.

        Thank you, guys!

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Hi! You’ll be applying for a tourist visa as a student so that doesn’t count as a student visa. They have different requirements for those applying for a student visa.

          Like I said before, I’m not a consul so I don’t have the authority to say if you will be approved or not. They are stricter with unemployed applicants but there are unemployed applicants that are still issued a visa, probably because like you they have a stable bank account.

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Hi! We have an ongoing FREE HOTEL STAY in Korea giveaway for anyone going to Korea this 2015. You can join here :) https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

  • Ma-an

    Hi I am applying sk visa on March Can I 2316? What if I have previous employer last year should I semd the current or both? Thanks

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Submit the current ITR since that’s the latest. Thanks!

  • Lyn Lagamayo

    good evening…Help naman po, My husband and I agree that I am going to visit him in South Korea since he is working there. I am a public school teacher and planning to take a vacation this coming April good for 15 to 20days. He is going to pay my expenses when I got there, so how much should my bank account balance have. Thank you…

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! There’s no official word on how much you should have in your account. But based on our trips and our friends’ experiences, we get approved with more than 50k in our bank account. Thanks!

  • CrownHeiress

    Would you know what the requirements would be for housewives? This is in reference to the TIN that should appear on the ITR.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Please check the korean embassy website, there’s a list there for housewife applicants. index.jsp

  • Orlando S. Llorca Jr.

    Hi. I just want to ask. I’m planning to apply for visa by October 2015. Ok lang po ba na yung ITR ko is for year 2014 then signed by me this February since January binibigay ang ITR?

    Also, I have two employer for 2014. Should I include both ITR issued by them?

    Thank you for your response.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Yes! Submit the most latest one available, which is your 2014 ITR. Just to be sure, submit both ITRs. Thanks!

      • Orlando S. Llorca Jr.

        Thank you! God bless.

  • Yeli

    Hi po! regarding dun sa bagong requirements…
    Ppplicable pa rin po ba yung hindi na kelangan ang bank certificate basta you’ve been to OECD member countries? Thank you po.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Even if you have valid visas to OECD member countries, you still need to submit all the other requirements. Thanks!

  • Charry Rosales

    hello how if I dont have ITR but I have bank account or invitation letter and other requirements.. bukod sa ITR talaga kc last 2010 pa yung employed ko na may issue ng ITR sa work ko ngayon wala iniissue na ganun pano po yun??

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Please ask your HR to give you the latest copy of your ITR, they should have your 2013. 2010 will be too outdated. Thanks!

  • Nette

    What if you are just a minimum wage earner but have money in the bank ? will that have chance of getting approve?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Our companion during our last trip was earning minimum wage because she just graduated. She was approved. You have better chances of getting approved than those who are unemployed.

      • Nette

        Does the Korean embassy call your HR? What if they didn’t does it mean your denied?

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Hi Nette! They don’t always call. They didn’t call some of our companions’ HRs also before but they still got approved. I think if they think the documents you provided are already sufficient, then they won’t call your company anymore.

          • Nette

            Hi… You site has been so helpful we already got our visa last thursday… Thank u so much for your help…

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            That’s great to hear!! When are you going to Korea, if I may ask? We will be launching a FREE hostel giveaway very soon for our readers going to Korea anytime this 2015. :)

          • Nette

            Will be leaving this May 20 we just apply for the visa early just in case.

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            Hi Nette! We have an ongoing FREE HOTEL STAY giveaway in Korea for anyone going to Korea this 2015. You can join here :) https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

  • Che

    Hi! I have been approved and have travelled to Korea last Feb 19, 2015. Your blog has been a great help. Super kabado ako kasi first time lilipad ng ibang bansa, humugot ako ng lakas sa experience mo/nyo. Actually my husband is working in Korea and I am employed here in Pinas. I use my own capacity since he’s a D9 visa holder.
    I am planning to comeback this September for their holiday called chuseok. I want my children to come with me. An 8 year old and a 1 year old. Just wanna ask, Do I need to triplicate all the requirements since I am sponsoring them? Do I need to bring them to the embassy?
    Your response will be a big help.
    Thanks!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hello Che!!! Thank you so much! I’m glad our blog helped you. :) About your question:

      - You will need to submit their birth certificates to prove that you’re their mother.
      - They need to have separate application forms from you. Your application is for employees. your 8-yr old is for students. as for your 1 yr old, please call the embassy regarding the type of application.
      - Make sure that for your forms, you indicate that you’re traveling together under the Family/Relatives table in the form.
      - Make sure that the money you have in your bank account will also be triple of what you had when you were alone.
      - You don’t need to bring them to the embassy. :)

      Hope this helps! :D

      • Che

        Thank for the response! One thing more, in the student category I need to submit bank documents, COE, etc.. Do I have to photocopy my original docs or I must get an original docs for them too.. Confusing.. Hehehe :)

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Hi! According to the embassy, student applicant requirements include:

          9. Parents’ Financial Support Document
          - Original Certificate of Employment (or DTI or Sec and Mayor’s Permit)
          - Original Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
          - Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
          - Photocopy of ITR or Form 2316

          • Che

            Thank you! Thank you!
            I’ll message here once we got approved!
            God Bless! :)

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            Yes please! Thank you too! :D

          • Che

            Hi! I’m so sorry hindi ako nakapag message.. Actually Me and my son got approved, and FYI regarding if you need to recopy the bank statement and bank certificate, HINDI na kailangan kasi as a family ang application so isa lang ang hiningi nila.. (3 ung pinagawa ko haha)
            I am planning to apply again this coming December kasi babalik ako sa Feb 2016..
            I am hoping to get a MULTIPLE VISA ENTRY haha, sana nga!
            Bago na pala ang application form nila, 4 pages na.. I wonder why???
            God Bless!
            Just sharing the picture of my husband and my son in one of our adventures in Everland.
            Thanks guys!!!
            Keep it up!

          • http://deynakim.blogspot.com/ dana kimberly

            Hi!
            How do you specify that you are applying as a family? I am planning to apply next month and i will be the “head” of the family as my mom and dad are retired from work already. Hoping i could get in touch with you.

            Thanks!

          • Che

            Hi!
            If you are the one financing, your documents must be complete.. You must also specify in your mom and dad application’s form that you are sponsoring/financing them. Much better kung isasabay mo sila sa application mo kasi ikaw ang mag pi-finance sa trip nila. in that case hindi mo na kakailanganin na magpagawa ng another bank certificate and bank statement.. :)

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            Hi Che! We have an ongoing FREE HOTEL STAY giveaway in Korea for anyone going to Korea this 2015. You can join here :) https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

          • lex

            i’m also a student wanting to go korea next year.what if my parents are retired? can we submit other documents like proving that they are retired? can we also show other proof like land titles, car registrations, pensions etc? although i also have a us visa and have to countries in europe like france, spain, and the united kingdom numerous times since 2011. please enlighten me on this. thank you! :)

          • aii

            lex, nag file ka na ng visa?

      • Che

        Hi again, update kita sa last apply ko ng visa last year, i didn’t use any bank certificate and ITR, ginamit ko kasi ung promo nila na if you have BDO Gold Card e you can have a multiple visa…

        And I DID!!! Multiple Visa for 3 years!!! :)
        Thank you Guys!!!
        God Bless!!!
        I’ll be in Korea this Chinese New Year and on Jinhae Festival for the Cherry Blossoms! :)

        • Aj

          Ano po bdo gold card? So until now po ba may promo parin cla nian?

    • sherei

      Hello! Naka save sa favorites ko yung webpage mo this is very informative and I am actually currently filling out an application form for a Korean Visa haha! Sobrang hesitant lang ako na mas strict sila sa mga unemployed. :( I have more than 50k sa bank pero yung COE ko hanggang April 13 lang (nakaindicate as requested by embassy. Magaapply ako ng visa this first week of April pero ang travel ko May. Will this be a problem if maisip nila na di na ko babalik kasi tapos na employment ko here? Magvavacation lang naman ako at babalik pa din naman ako sa Pinas. Pero syempre logically I am still applying as employed. Tama naman dba po?:) Haha! Thank you for your insights! :)

      • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

        Hello! :) Thank you so much!! We’re glad that our blog’s helping other travelers :) We can’t assure that your application will be approved or not, so the only way to know is to submit and hope that you will be approved! :) Sorry if this is not much help as we haven’t experienced your situation yet. But we know that there are other applicants who have been approved even if they’re not employed. Just make sure that you have complete documents and your show money is enough for how long you will be in Korea. We’ve always applied with more than 50k in our bank account. :)

        Also, we have an ongoing FREE HOTEL STAY giveaway for anyone going to Korea this 2015. You can join here https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

      • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

        Oh I just remembered! One of our companions during our last trip was in a similar employment situation! :) She was still approved. :)

    • Ma

      There’s no harm submitting three copies. No need to bring the kids, just submit your marriage certificate together with the birth certificate of your kids.

  • Cristel Faye Fadriquela Villas

    Hi :) gusto ko lang pong itanong kung anu-ano po ang requirements kapag mag-aapply ng visa kung ikaw po ay college student. thank you po :)

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Cristel! Please check the korean embassy website. index.jsp Your requirements will be under “3 – for Students”

  • Chr

    Hi, just wondering does SK allow visa-free entry for Philippine passport holder with valid Japan / US visa? Taiwan allows visa-free entry for those with valid Japan, US, Canada, etc visas, got me wondering if SK allows it too or do you still have to pass the same requirements and apply for visa?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! You will still need to submit your documents along with the original and photocopy of your valid Japan/US visa. The processing is after for thse who have them.

  • Issah

    Hello. This blog’s a great help po! But I have a question, I’m only a college student and I have finances to support my trip since its already my plan last year. As said in the requirements for applying in a student visa, my parents should have the financial support documents. But my dad only have his certificate of employment and ITR and didn’t apply for any kind of account in the bank. Can I still have my visa approved or is there any other option of documents to be passed instead of bank certificate? Its my first trip overseas as well. Thank you :)

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Issah! Thanks for the kinds words. :) And wow, good job for saving up! How about your Mom? Does she have a bank account? If there’s no other guardian that has a bank account and you think your finances are enough to fund your trip, then indicate in your application form that you’ll be the one funding your own expenses and submit your bank cert and bank statement. Still, submit all the other documents that should come from your parents.

  • OeHL Rodil

    Hi, Good day! I just want to ask if the invitation letter is a good factor for approval of visa? Thank you and God bless!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! It’s not required, submit it only if you have it. The embassy will still screen the invitation letter like the other requirements.

  • SY.d

    I am travelling with a friend with only 20,000 sa bank nya. balak ko po sanang pahiramin muna sya ng 30k para maka 50k sya sa bank statement tapos ibabalik nalang after ma release.. ok po ba yon? hindi po ba mag rereflect yon sa 6 months average balance (ADB)?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! May I know when are you planning to submit your applications? :)

      • SY.d

        mga august po sana. hnd po kaya sila magtaka sa sudden increase ng adb?

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Oh, dapat as early as now malagay mo na sa account niya para masakop dun sa 6 months. :)

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          We have an ongoing giveaway for a FREE HOTEL STAY in Korea for anyone going there this 2015. :) You can join here https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

  • Ice Artificio

    Hi Gem and Beep!
    Awesome article! :D
    I have a bit of a question. I’m switching from being a full time employee to a freelancer. I’m not sure whether how I should go about the COE part. I’m arranging to pay my taxes by myself so I can get an ITR but I’m unsure how I should tag myself. Do you think applying as a business owner would be better?
    Would really appreciate your insight

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Ice! :) If you’re applying as a business owner, will you be able to submit all the documents required, especially numbers 6 and 7?

      1. Application Form
      2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture
      3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)
      4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
      5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted)
      6. Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
      7. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit
      8. Original Personal Bank Certificate
      (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
      9. Bank Statement
      (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
      10. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316

      • Ice Artificio

        Hey! Really appreciate the quick response :D
        I was thinking of doing it as a last resort if I can’t apply as a freelancer but I don’t think I’ll make it by the time I travel.

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          If you think you’re financially capable to fund your trip and you’re confident with the show money you have, I suggest to go for applying as a freelancer. :) It’s risky but I know some people who were still issued a visa. It helps if you’re well-traveled too. Goodluck! Also we have an ongoing FREE HOTEL STAY giveaway for anyone going to Korea this 2015! You can join here https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

  • sherei

    Hello! Naka save sa favorites ko yung webpage mo this is very informative and I am actually currently filling out an application form for a Korean Visa haha! Sobrang hesitant lang ako na mas strict sila sa mga unemployed. :( I have more than 50k sa bank pero yung COE ko hanggang April 13 lang (nakaindicate as requested by embassy. Magaapply ako ng visa this first week of April pero ang travel ko May. Will this be a problem if maisip nila na di na ko babalik kasi tapos na employment ko here? Magvavacation lang naman ako at babalik pa din naman ako sa Pinas. Pero syempre logically I am still applying as employed. Tama naman dba po?:) Haha! Thank you for your insights! :) kabado me hehehe.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Oh my gosh! I answered your question in your other post. Haha. I’ll copy paste it here. :)

      Hello! :) Thank you so much!! We’re glad that our blog’s helping other travelers :) We can’t assure that your application will be approved or not, so the only way to know is to submit and hope that you will be approved! :) Sorry if this is not much help as we haven’t experienced your situation yet. But we know that there are other applicants who have been approved even if they’re not employed. Just make sure that you have complete documents and your show money is enough for how long you will be in Korea. We’ve always applied with more than 50k in our bank account. :)

      Also, we have an ongoing FREE HOTEL STAY giveaway for anyone going to Korea this 2015. You can join here https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

      Oh I just remembered! One of our companions during our last trip was in a similar employment situation! :) She was still approved. :)

      • sherei

        Yehey! I am happy I got a response from you. Still, everything you said to me was uplifting and has given me hope! I am excited but will not expect a lot from my application hehe. Thank you so much and more power! I really like your blog! :) (checking out the free giveaway hehehe)

  • Mei Hua Chua

    Do they have courier service as well? I mean if you can’t stay in Manila for 5 days to wait for your visa to be released because you live far away & have work, can they just mail it to your workplace?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! You can ask someone you know to submit your papers and claim your passport/visa. Some people hire agencies to do this. You don’t need to appear personally.

  • Jae

    Hi,

    Ask ko lang po, October 7 ang flight ko until October 14. Tomorrow (3/27) pa lang ako magbubukas ng bank account dahil nasa payroll account ko lahat ng pera ko. Okay lang ba kahit less than 6 months yung iprepresent ko na savings account. Lalakihan ko na lang yung laman, mga August ko po balak mag apply. :(

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! I think it’s better to use your payroll account instead since opening an account now won’t make the 6 months requirement. :)

      • Meow

        Wow! You reply fast! Thank you!

        But here’s my problem, tbh inuubos ko lagi ang sweldo ko until the day before the sweldo day. Would this show up in my account?

        My salary is 79k and Im getting 25k net every 2 weeks, pero yun nga. Ubos lagi. I am an impulsive buyer, Im sorry. BTW I have been employed in the same company for 4 years na. T_T

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Hmm, that I’m not sure of ha. Maybe ask in the branch where your card was issued? :) Since that’s where you’ll also be getting the bank statement and certificate.

          Also, we have an ongoing giveaway for a FREE HOTEL STAY in Korea for anyone going this 2015. You can join here https://travelswithahobo.com/korea-budget-hotel-checklist/

          • Meow

            Thank you for your reply! Yes, I was referred one of your friends that you have an ongoing giveaway! I will join! Thank you, again!

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            No problem! Let me know also what the bank’s answer is for your account balance if that is the case. :) Thanks!

          • Meow

            Nagpunta ako kanina, I asked how much for opening a savings account. Tomorrow, I will go there again to ask yung question ko earlier. I will reply to this post na lang to let you know.

          • byuntaeeng

            Hi Meow! How did it go with the bank account? Can you get a bank certificate on your payroll account? I have the same situation and i really want to know if it’s possible before i visit a bank. Can you share it with me? Your response will be appreciated! :)

          • Meow

            Hi Byuntaeeng,

            I havent requested it yet because my flight is still in October. I will be requesting for it on August probably.

            If you have BPI then it is possible. Just call Cust Service first to ask for your branch of convenience (if you created your payroll account online).

            Hope this helps.
            Meow.

            PS. Why is your name like that? @_@

          • byuntaeeng

            Ohh okay. I see. I will just call the bank since it’s the company who applied for my payroll account. Thanks for responding!

            And about my name, it’s a Korean name(Byun & Taeng) and it is read as Byun Teng. I just doubled the e in Taeng. I hope it made sense.

            Thanks again!

          • Meow

            I already called BPI and my questions were all answered na. I want to share it with you, however, I dont wanna share it here publicly. Where can I send you a message?

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            Send me an email at :)

  • Steph Estaris

    Hi! Your blog is very helpful and informative:) Tanong ko lang, sa application form, sa part na Accompanying Family (# 34) dapat ko bang ilagay yung name ng sister ko dun OR leave if blank since nakalagay sa instruction (2nd page) na “fill these blacks if you are a spouse or a child under the age of 20 of a person who holds the visa status of D1, D2, D4 & D7.? Thank you

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Yes, we still put it in our application. :)

      • Steph Estaris

        Hi Thanks for the reply :) Nga pala I have question din, isa sa friends ko na kasama may bank account sa east west, ang prob eh may sarili silang format for bank certificate, lahat na daw kinausap niya sa eastwest pero hindi daw talaga nila pwede ilagay ADB? Is this really possible? Ano kaya pwede gawin ng friend ko regarding this. May isa siyang payroll account pero it’s not stable since nasa eastwest ang ipon niya. Thank you so much.

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Hi Steph. A friend of mine who was trying to get a bank cert before got into a fight pa in the bank for this. Tell her to speak to a manager and show the requirements ng korean embassy for the visa, maybe print it out.

  • Chase

    Hi, I already submitted my requirements when I found out that the contact number in my COE is incorrect. What should I do? The release of my passport is on April 6. Please advise. Thanks!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hello! How about in your application form? Did you write the correct number? In our experience, the embassy gives applicants another chance if they can’t contact the company. For example when we claimed our visas, the consul asked one of our friends to provide another contact number on the spot so prepare the right number when you go there on April 6 (just in case they don’t issue you a visa yet because of this).

  • joyce

    Hi, ask ko lang my balak din kc akong pumunta ng korea. My boyfriend kc akong koreano 3 yrs older than me lang at dito rin sya ngstay pero bakasyon lang. My work din ako at maganda naman bank account ko. Kailangan ko pa ba ng invitation letter galing sa kanya?
    Ang purpose ko ay for tour at makilala ang magulang nya. Anu kaya ang pd kung ilagay sa who the one who support my stay in korea?
    Pd ba ako nalang o kung korean bf ko?
    Hati naman kc kami lagi ng ginagastos
    Kung ung bf ko klangan p ba ng bank statements din sya?
    Tatawagan ba sya ng consol kung mgpapass ako ng invitation letter galing sa kanya?
    Maraming salamat

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hello Joyce. If you think you have enough funds in your bank account then I suggest to put “myself” for the application form in who will pay for your expenses, just to not complicate your application. An invitation letter is optional and not required, if you will submit one then the embassy will look into your boyfriend as well, so yes they will call him too most likely.

      • joyce

        Thank you so much
        Much better hindi nalang ako mgpass ng invitation letter.
        What if tanungin ako kung cnu ang kasama ko sa korea?
        Pd ko bang Sbihin n my korean bf ako at sya kasama ko sa tour?
        Iniisip ko kasi baka maging kumplikado lang

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Only if they ask you when submitting your application. :) You don’t need to write it in your application form. So yes, the less complicated, the better. :)

          • joyce

            Thank you so much
            It was a great help for me

  • MG Martin

    Hi, ask ko lang when’s the best time to apply for the visa if we’re planning to travel this December 2015? Pero hindi pa kami nakabook ng flight. Pag nag apply kami ng October, enough na ba yun? And another question, my dad is a Pastor kasi and because of that wala siyang tax. So does he fall under the category of employee or religious worker na? Tour/vacation lang naman kami. Thank you!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Single-entry visas are only valid for 3 months, so apply within 3 months of your travel date. If your trip is on December, you can start applying by end of Oct.

      On your father’s category, I think he should apply as a religious worker.

      We prefer booking a flight on sale without a visa yet. Mas risky but it saves us a ton of money.

  • Zarra

    Hi! What if minimum wage earner lang ako pero meron ako itr and bank account i’ve been working on the same company for 2 years na. may chance kaya ako na ma approved?

  • Zarra

    Hi! Minimum wage earner ako meron ako itr pero wala ako binabayaran na tax and may bank account din ako. I’ve been working in the same company for 2years na. May chance kaya na ma approve ako?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Zarra. If minimum wage, the consul will see it in your COE so understood nang walang tax. Still, it’s better if you submit your papers personally para if the consul does ask if walang ITR, just say na minimum wage ka. And yes, I think you still have a chance of getting approved.

      • Zarra

        Thank You :)

  • byuntaeeng

    Hi! I just want to ask for your opinion.
    I was hired yesterday and I will start this April 13. But I decided I will still continue my studies 1st sem of this year. Will it be okay if I declare that I am still a student? My parents are funding me for this trip anyway and I am planning to apply for a visa early July coz I’ll be leaving for SoKor on Sept 2. Will it be okay if I declare that i’m still a student?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      If your parents are funding your trip and you’re technically still a student by the time of your application, then yes I think you should apply as a student.

      • ya5nie3

        hello po!i am invited to travel to south korea but the problem po is i am unemployed right now.can i get a tourist visa po ba?thank u

  • Rin

    Hi! I was wondering if you know of any alternative documents that I can submit instead of a COE? I am a freelancer and I don’t have a business permit or registration. I have a 6-figure bank account and can submit the other requirements aside from the COE or business registration. I will be traveling with my family with my mom financing the trip for all of us. Do you think that there’s a higher chance of visa denial in my case? Gosh medyo stressful. LOL

    • ireneqt

      Hi,
      was wondering how your visa applicaition goes? I’m a freelancer too, I have all the other requirements except for the business registration and COE, so medyo worried ako madeny.
      -irene

      • Rin

        Hi! I was given a Single Entry Visa but I got a COE from my mother’s company (she owns the business) since I basically work as her assistant din naman. Hindi ko na sinubukan ung sa Freelance kasi nga kulang ako sa requirements. Good luck sa processing! Paki balitaan naman ako if you pushed through with the Freelancer status sa visa application.

        • ireneqt

          Thanks Rin!, we just got our passport yesterday from Korean Embassy and Thank God lahat kami approve (mom and aunt) I asked for a COE from my manager and applied as employee.

        • Queennie Carbonell

          Hi rin! Ask ko lng po did u provide ITR?

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            Yes

  • Ann

    Hi. Just want to ask, I’m planning to visit korea this year. I am unemployed yet and my parents are already retired. Sino po ba pwede mag provide ng bank statement ko and other requirements that requires bank certificates? Pwede po ba kapatid ko na lang? And I will be traveling alone, if ever. My purpose of visiting there is to visit my Korean friend. Hindi naman ako mgtatagal dun. A week or two lang.

  • K Cruz

    Hi what if you’re still a med student and is not working pa.. Will u be asked to present employment certificates or what nots? Is there less chance of your visa being approved? Thanks!

  • Hannah

    Hello! I’m a student and I would like to travel with my family and classmate to korea this june. Kaso bakasyon po ngayon and I read na kapag students po, we need a certificate from our school. My classmate will be going to UP and their enrollment is still on july. How can we get a certificate for her? Thanks!

  • Hazel

    Hi po! Im Hazel, 17 years old, Im turning 18 this december, My mom booked a ticket for me to korea, iwill be travelling alone, and now im nervous to get denied visa from Korean Embassy, Here’s my question po, Can i get visa if i will travel alone? if 2 po yung sponsor ko for this trip ano pong requirements para mapatunayan yun sakanila. meron pong friend ang mom ko dun na nagwowork, at meron din po akong friend na korean citezen, tataas po ba ang chance ko makakuha ng visa? and last po, Pur source of income came from my step Dad who is a retired military in Us, so wala po syang cert of employment and ItR, all we have is his Pension as a source, almost 200k naman pi yung narerecieve pero okay lang po yun? di po ba nila ako idedeny kung hindi po employed ang parents ko? thanks po Godbless!!!

  • oro.sato♥

    Please help, OFW po kasi ako sa Qatar. Ngayon pag bakasyon ko po sa PIlipinas kukuha sana ako ng Korean Visa:
    1) Pano po yung ITR exempted din po ba ako kasi OFW ako?
    2) Yung employment certificate, kung makakahingi po ako sa company ko dito valid din po kaya yun?

  • Marielle Gem Reyes

    ask ko lng po panu po un kakagraduate ko plang po, pero ndi pa employed possible po ba na magstudent visa na lng po muna ako?

  • Fish Jelly

    Hello please help.
    I plan to go to Korea within this year of 2015. and I am unemployed. My last work was 2013 because I went back to University but stopped around 2014. I have my old form of employment but that was dated 2012-2013. I have TIN number too. Can I ask if I can use these ? I also read from another blog that if I cannot show these
    – In case the applicant cannot submit one of the above mentioned requirements, he/she can submit additional documents such as Land Titles. I have a house property here and its under my mom’s name, as well as ITR but house tax. can I use that for documents?

    Please reply I really need answers. No one helped me here when I asked. so I am really at a lost for words what to do.

  • Hoya Lee

    hi!!!!flight ko na po sa sunday and i have a question regarding naia terminal 3. after check in the baggage, what’s next in immigration????????ano po ba usually hinihingi sa immagration,this is my first time to travel seoul :D ty

  • julie benitez

    hi! im an online teacher for Korean students. my company is register po d2 s pinas and complete din po ang documents ko. Is it easy po ba na makapag visit ng korea s job na meron ako? Thanks!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Julie, I can’t guarantee you anything since the consul will assess your application based on your documents. Thanks

  • BILL GATES

    Hi! Lagi ako nag tatanong sa fb page nyo hihi. Dagdag lang,
    -need ba ng itinerary sa pag apply ng VISA?
    -need din ba ng birth cert sa pag apply?

    Thanks!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      No need for those. Just submit the requirements that they specified.

      • BILL GATES

        Nice, Thanks. Isang pang concern namin, 9-11am weekdays ang pag apply ng VISA diba, ilang oras kaya ang process nun? Gusto sana namin ng kasama ko maiwasan ang mag leave at i reserve nalang sa actual flight. So balak nalang namin mag half-day sa araw na yun.

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Just an hour or two since you’ll only submit the requirements. They’ll give you a claim stub. 5 working days until you can get the visa. Will take an hour or two lang din to claim.

          • BILL GATES

            Ah wala nang interview po? Bilis magreply. :D

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            Wala pong interview

          • BILL GATES

            Maraming Salamat! Magtatanong pa ko in the future ha? :D

  • melz marquez

    Hello po! may itatanong lang po ako kasi nung tumawag ako sa hotline ng korean embassy parang ang sungit nung nakausap ko
    Student po ako and korean po yung boyfriend ko, I have funds naman sa Bank account ko and problem ko lang ay yung parents ko ay separated and I live with my mom kaso unemployed siya kaya wala siyang bank accounts at yung business permit nor ITR.
    ano kaya much better na ilagay ko sa visa ? student ? o maganda pag mag submit din ako ng invitation letter o kaya much better kung dalawa kami na pupunta ng embassy para mataas ang chances. Thank you po !! sana po mag reply po kayo ^^

    • Ruby D

      Hi Melz, contact me

  • Jeanne

    Hi! I’m planning to apply for visa just two weeks before my flight (due to scheduling reasons), do you think it would be a problem? Since 5 working days lang naman, I am thinking na hindi siya makaka-affect…? Thank you in advance!! :)

  • arvierooocha

    hi i just wanna ask if pwede bang advance kumuha ng visa.. kasi i booked a ticket na promo sya.. pero alis ko is march 2015 pa… pero iaaply ko na sya ngayung august? pwede kaya mag advanced kuha visa? travel ko is next year pa naman :)

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! No, you can’t apply in advance because a single-entry visa is only valid for 3 months once issued.

  • Choose Well

    sir I am currently unemployed. kasi nagresigned ako last 2014 pa.. I want mag-tour sa Korea ..Ang companion ko po friend ko lang pero employed sya. do u think may pagasa po ako ma-issue han ng visa khit bank certificate lang ang madadala ko? thanks much po

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hello! We’ve already written everything that we know about Korean Visa application in this blog post. Please take note that we’ve only experienced applying for a Korean Visa as EMPLOYEES residing in the Philippines so our knowledge about this is limited to the requirements for that category. We are not in anyway connected to the Korean Embassy so we cannot guarantee if you will be approved or not based on your application details because only the consuls can decide if you’ll be issued a visa or not. Thanks for dropping by!

  • Sandy Baliong

    We applied me and my fiance for our honymoon this Sept. Ako lang nakapasa for Visa. Hassle sayang nakabile na kami ng ticket. Help!!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Sandy! Sad to hear that! Unfortunately, your fiance can only apply again after 6 months.

    • Hipress

      We have the same situation sandy. It’s really unfair.

  • Arcel

    Hello po. I would just like to ask, I have a Korean friend and pupunta po akong Korea this December and she told me she will handle all my accommodations when I go there so, kailangan pa po ba nung Bank Statement? Please help po. I’ve never travelled abroad po kasi so, I really need help.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Arcel, yes it’s still needed.

  • christina E.Ocang

    Hi po.tanong ko lng po if kailangan ba tlaga tpos ka pag aaral,or my trabho .pra mkapasok ng korea.kc po ako high school graduate lng po ako at wlang trabaho.nagkataon lng po na nagustuhan ako ng korean at handa nya akong papuntahin sa korea as visit visa.xa po lhat ang mag shoulder ng gastusin.pls po tlungan nyo ako

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Christina. We’ve already written everything that we know about Korean Visa application in this blog post. Please take note that we’ve only experienced applying for a Korean Visa as EMPLOYEES residing in the Philippines so our knowledge about this is limited to the requirements for that category. We are not in anyway connected to the Korean Embassy so we cannot guarantee if you will be approved or not based on your application details because only the consuls can decide if you’ll be issued a visa or not. Thanks for dropping by!

    • Ruby D

      Hi Christina, you may email me at

  • Lenny

    How much the plane ticket ?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Nana, it depends if you will be booking during a seat sale. It can go for as low as 5,000PHP roundtrip.

  • angei

    Hello po .. pwd po ba mag tanong .kung pwd ba ilagay ang pangalan nang bf ko koreano na “who will pay for the expense for your stay”??din yung stay ko lugar apartment nya ?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Yes you can.

  • AkI

    hi please help me, I want to visit Korea with my bf pero yun pong HR ng ospital na pinagtatrabahuhan ko anasabi hindi daw po nila na-file yun ITR ko for 2014 dahil NAKALIMUTAN daw po nila ako lagyan ng tax for 2014! ano po ba dapat ko gawin? Please kelangan ko po ng advice. Salamat.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi, I really have no idea since we haven’t experienced this. Hope you’ve found a way to solve this.

  • Mujahid Jamil

    hello.. i am Jamil. for Korea tourist visa invitation letter is needed. anybody know the travel company who give the Invitation letter ?? thanks..

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hello Jamil. The invitation letter will need to come from someone who you know is living in Korea.

  • http://hello2myself.wordpress.com/ goldiemari

    Hi Gem and Beep ;) Thanks guys for all the tips! just got my approved visa. promised myself to drop you a message once i got my visa :) :):)

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Goldiemari! So happy to hear that! :) Thanks for dropping by!

  • Hipress

    Hello! I worked in Korea from 2007-2012. E-9 po yung visa ko pero after ng contract ko bumalik naman po ako agad and hindi naman ako nag overstay. I have my own business now since 2012. Plan sana namin ng wife ko na magbakasyon for 1 week lang and ready na rin lahat ng requirements namin. I’m worried bka madeny ako since galing na ako dun with E-9 visa and they might think mag TNT lng ako.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Hipress! We’ve already written everything that we know about Korean Visa application in this blog post. Please take note that we’ve only experienced applying for a Korean Visa as EMPLOYEES residing in the Philippines so our knowledge about this is limited to the requirements for that category. We are not in anyway connected to the Korean Embassy so we cannot guarantee if you will be approved or not based on your application details because only the consuls can decide if you’ll be issued a visa or not. Thanks for dropping by!

      • Hipress

        We got our passport yesterday but unfortunately yung sa wife ko lng ang naapprove. Reason for denial: You failed to prove the purpose of entry to Korea. Sayang naman kng wife ko lng ang tutuloy kasi bka di nya kaya magtravel mag-isa. Sayang naman :

  • chrissy

    Hi there! Thanks for your detailed blog. Will be applying for a tourist visa next week. Medyo paranoid lang kasi my COE doesn’t have the email address of our HR. I requested for it kung pwede lagyan ng email pero I was told by them na standard COE lang daw talaga iniissue nila. Will it be an issue sa embassy kung walang email address ung HR sa COE ko? Thanks in advance.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Chrissy! As long as there’s a valid contact number in your COE so they can contact your HR, it’s fine. Thanks for dropping by!

      • http://www.sporadicreads.com/ Dre @ Sporadic Reads

        This was my concern as well. Thanks for answering!

  • Rhinerhine

    Hi po! balak ko po magbakasyon sa december po to Korea OFW po ako.. okay po sakin lahat ng requirements po wala po akong ITR kasi wala naman pong tax sa saudi .. paano po yun? ano pwede ko i submit kapalit nun ITR? Please help me ..
    possible po ba ako ma approve? Thank you so much sa response ! Godbless

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Gelgel! We’ve already written everything that we know about Korean Visa application in this blog post. Please take note that we’ve only experienced applying for a Korean Visa as EMPLOYEES residing in the Philippines so our knowledge about this is limited to the requirements for that category. We are not in anyway connected to the Korean Embassy so we cannot guarantee if you will be approved or not based on your application details because only the consuls can decide if you’ll be issued a visa or not. Thanks for dropping by!

      • Gelgel

        Thank you so much for the response.

  • ebiagtas

    this is very helpful, would you mind if i ask, ano nilagay mo under the funding details, ESTIMATED TRAVEL COSTS (in US dollars)TIA

    • https://travelswithahobo.com Gem Muzones

      Hi! There wasn’t anything about the travel costs in the form when we applied.

  • ebiagtas

    followup can i use joint bank account for bank certificate? i dont have personal account kasi,

    • https://travelswithahobo.com Gem Muzones

      I’m not sure but you can try, especially if it has your name in it.

  • eccentricmelai

    Hi! I just want to ask if kung wala kang itr because homebased ang work ko. ill be having a vacation on November. paano kaya un?

    • https://travelswithahobo.com Gem Muzones

      Just tell the consul why and submit the requirements that you have.

  • Ayra Angeles

    Hi! I would just like to ask something regarding bank certificate/ statement and ITR.

    Re Bank Certificate: We’re booked to fly Feb 2016 and planning to apply for Korean visa this Dec 2015. I don’t have a separate personal bank account aside from the one I got from work/payroll (i know, very responsible). If I open an account today will it still be valid for the visa processing? Or should I just get bank certificate and statement from my current payroll bank? And will the embassy accept this as personal bank certificate?

    Re ITR: I just transferred to another company last May 2015. I know that my current company will not issue an ITR to me yet so does this mean that have to get ITR from my previous company?

    I’m really looking forward to know your answers/ reco on these Thanks very much!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com Gem Muzones

      Hi Ayra! The first time I applied for a visa, the bank account I used for the requirement was my payroll account too. As for the ITR, yes you can submit the latest one from your previous employer.

  • AmehrSayson

    Hello! I have a question.

    Is it possible that anyone who is planning to work during their stay in South Korea is legally required to apply for a visa? Please……I need answers. Hoping you have. Thank you so much!

  • ireneqt

    Hi,
    Ask po ako suggestion, I’m a contractual fT consultant to a firm based in Hong Kong, I work offshore. I file my ITR as self-employed individual but don’t have a DTI registration or Mayor’s permit kasi not required for me, my status kasi sa BIR is Professional (so parang doctor, lawyer) pero I can request a COE from my employer. So I’m a little confused kung I’ll apply visa as Employee or Self-employed. Yun ITR ko kasi nakalagay for self-employed, baka hanapan ako ng DTI or Mayor;s permit which I don’t have, baka madeny application ko? Thank you in advance :)

  • Olena

    Hi! There’s this part of the form where it just stated, “ATTACHMENT”. What does it indicate? Kasi there’s a huge space allotted beside it and we’re unsure of what to fill it with. :(

  • Kkaye

    Hello im kaye,im married with japanese and living in japan right for almost 2years now and going back to phils this oct.4,my problem is my old bank account got closed for many months already cause i didnt used it,but im planning to create a new bank account,would it be valid since ill apply tourist visa after the day i arrive in phils.

    and i am planning to have vacation in sokor on oct.22-nov1.cause i only have 1month holliday in my work(it means 4october-nov4 lng).

    And i have no invites,i just wanna experience touring south korea..

    I have more than 50k cash to fill in a new bank account and have pocket money..
    And i have all the requirements just the bank account that ill just gonna create on oct5..
    Will this gonna be enough to proof that i can support myself and possibly get a tourist visa?please i need answer..thanks..

    • aii

      hi. was ur visa approved? i also have a new bank account

  • 최베카

    Kapag po binigyan na ng form with release date ibig sabihin ba nun approved na?

    • Ruby D

      No po.

  • Hannah Luching

    Re: Application Form

    Good day Ms. Gem,

    I am confuse what to write and do to the ff items in the application form:

    (1) National Identity No. – Should I leave this item blank or should I write any identity number like GSIS or TIN No. or any valid Gov’t identity number?

    (2) Classification of the Passport – Draw a circle around the appropriate one.
    DP (Diplomatic Passport) OF (Official Passport) OP (Ordinary Passport) Others

    Looking forward to your response. :)

    Thank you.

    • Ruby D

      We do not have National Identity Number.

      Ordinary Passport if you are ordinary citizen

  • dutch

    nag closed na business ko last year puro expire na mga business permit m akaka aapply pa ko ng visa? bibigyan ako invitation ng bayaw ko kas hnde sila kasal ng sister ko may anak sila lalagay lang sa invitation na sya guarantor ko kse wla na ko work now?

  • GQB

    Hi! I have a question: My dad is working in korea, and he is inviting us to visit him there…. May invitation letter na siya from his company, as well as a scanned copy of his alien visa card…. Do we still need to submit the ITR thing kasi may mom is a retiree, and I resigned from my work months ago, but currently taking up my MBA in one of our local universities here in Manila….? Thanks! :)

  • choisehun

    hi po i have the funds to travel to korea. may bank certificate ako to prove that .i have passport. what I’m lacking is a certificate of employment and itr. impossible na ba na maapprove tourist visa application ko?

    • Kace Cuello

      hi nakapag apply ka na ba ng visa? kasi i also have the same situation as you. thanks

  • Teenteen Julio

    good day ! i dont have 50k in my bank account but i am sponsored in living in korea. do you think they wil approve my visa?

  • Jc Carique

    Hi if i have 2 bank accounts, can I use both of them? Can I pass 2 bank statements, so i can show that i have enough money to travel? I am scheduled to go to kirea (1st time to travel abroad) next ywar and im scared that my visa will be disapproved.

    • Ruby D

      Hello Jc, ofcourse, you can show 2 bank accounts :)

  • disqus_iSf998yPdQ

    Student visa po aapply ko. Paano po kung yung father ko nasa abroad. Pwede po ba yung mga papers ng tita ko ang isubmit ko?

  • Nanette Sancon

    hi po … ask lng po pano po ang requirements s common law husband? hnd po kc cya employed , pero may business po ako paano po kya cya maaprove

  • aii

    does anyone here know whats the format for that invitation letter made by koreans?

  • Ija

    Hi guys! I posted a question na last time here and I’m back for more! LOL
    My sister and I are traveling to South Korea this month. I am employed and she is not, but she is doing “freelance baking” (if that’s the right term) and is accepting orders every now and then. She also doesn’t have 50k on her bank acct. What are her chances on her VISA application and what are the requirements should she submit (I’m asking because there’s no Freelance category on the reqms part from the embassy)?

    Thank you and will be waiting for your reply!

  • homie19jc

    Hi! Been reading a number of blogs about visa application for Korea and I also tried to ask some bloggers about things that concerns me. Unfortunately, they didn’t get back to me :( Anyways, my friends and I are planning to go to Korea by April 2016 and I just want to know if we can already apply for a visa as early as now? Or do you suggest for us to do it 1-2 months before our planned trip?

    • Ruby D

      You can apply three months before your travel date :)

  • ishra orpilla

    Hi. I just want to know if okay lang ba kung cooperative bank? Sa cooperative ko kasi nilalagay funds ko? thanks

    • Ruby D

      as long the bank is registered and can give you a certificate :)

  • Abby Gael Escueta

    Hi! I just want to ask kasi po kakaresign ko plang po sa work kasi i’m already migrating in canada in january. Kaso before i go there, i’m going to attend my friend’s wedding in korea. Okay lang po ba mag submit ng applicatin khit wlang coe or itr? Tnx po

  • niqca

    hello im a student who wants to travel in korea. ano bang magandang reason to say na anong purpose ko bat gsto kong mg travel sa korea. any idea po pls. thanks.

    • Ruby D

      Just tell them your real purpose, if you are tourist, tell them that you want to see Korea :) THats it!

      • niqca

        Ill apply tomorrow for korean visa i hope na makapasa ako wala akong parents docu but i have my own bank certificate medyo kinakabahan ako

  • niqca

    additional question po i can support myself to travel in korea pero yung parents ko po kasi is walang work pero meron kaming small business pero d naka registered so ano po mgndang way. kasi ang kukunin ko po as a requirements is student applying for korean visa

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  • Potchyy

    Ano pong visa requirements ko if im a fresh graduate and unemployed tapos yung parents ko retired? Thank you

  • Mayachang

    Good day! I’m planning to go to korea with my korean boyfriend. Based on the requirements that are needed. I don’t have an itr and bank account. Also, i’ve already stop working last September 2015 but i don’t have any itr because i’m just a freelancer before. Now i’m studying nihonggo so can i put in the application form that i’m a student? Beside, my bf will carry all the expenses and he will be my guarantor. I just want to know the best solution for it. Please help.

    • Ruby D

      Hello, you can email me at

  • Cyril

    hi! We are planning to apply for a Korean visa this February. Do they allow if we will just submit our application thru a representative? Thanks!

    • Ruby D

      Yes they allow. –

  • Pangging Magallanes

    OECD member countries paano po eto kukunin? di pa nakaabroad kasi..as i noticed po.,,, wala palang bayad ang visa if 5-7days lang ako magstay?

  • Kk

    Hi po!

    Advise lang po. . I only have payroll account, would my chances in getting visa approval becomes less?

  • mjmoney

    denied ung visa ko. may nakapagtry na ba dito magappeal? tumawag sakin ung sm company . i bought a global package kasi for their hallyu tour . they can provide me visa assistance daw. kaso diba 6 months pa ulit reapply in case nadeny? do u think its worth it pa na magpunta ako embassy to appeal to get my visa granted. tourist lang naman talaga ung purpose ko.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Did you appeal? I think once they deny your application, it’s final. You can apply again after 6 months.

  • Jasz

    Hello po! Nice blog! just wanna ask? since you have mentioned that it is your first time to go abroad and got approved visa, may I ask if it does not affect wether your visa is new (like a day old), I’m planning to pass all my requirements right away once my passport is released. Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Jasz. It won’t matter if your passport is new.

  • Jasz

    Hello girl! what if I put 4 days on the travel stay but the truth is 5 days talaga balak ko? does it affect? because 40k lang laman ng bank account ko and Ive heard na depende ang show money kung ilang days ka magsstay sa korea. Mind you If I ask how much is the amount of your bank account and how many days you stayed? I look forward to hear from you soon.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi! Before this trip, my passport was recently renewed and didn’t have stamps (even in my first passport). :)

      40k in your bank account for 5 days is already enough. I had at least 50k in mine for our 7 day trip.

  • Brylle

    Hi, thank you for this detailed information regarding Korean visa application. I just have one question though regarding the requirement #5 related to “valid” visa to OECD countries. It is quite confusing and contrasting statements having my passport stamped for the past 5 years. To give you a background, I was granted a single entry US B1 visa last 2011 so it is not counted as valid anymore (or maybe valid means that my US visa is authentic?) but it is within the duration of five years as it has been granted last December 2011 and has been used on January 2012. I got confused by your comment “Don’t bother providing a photocopy of the arrival stamps in your passport”.

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hi Brylle. If you have a valid US visa, provide a photocopy of that. The arrival stamps I mentioned that you don’t need to provide a photocopy for are non-OECD countries.

      • Brylle

        So the word “valid visa” means I can use it or I have used it? Since it has been mentioned that my US visa is single entry, technically it is not valid anymore as I have used it already.

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Just t be sure, just submit the photocopy of your US visa and the stamps. They’ll give it back if it’s not needed.

          • Brylle

            Yes, just to be sure. Thank you. I will update this comment section once I have verified what does this “valid” word mean upon my application to Korean embassy :)

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            Thanks and goodluck!

  • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

    You need it to prove that you’re currently employed. Request it from your HR department and say that you’re applying for a Korean visa and a COE is part of the requirements.

  • Gie

    Hello i applied for my visa last sept..everything was complete and i also have money in my account but it was denied TTTTT i dont know why but it was written on a paper that i failed to prove my entry to korea…please help me because i plan to apply again next week..thank u!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

      Hello Gie. What did you put in the application form as your purpose of travel? Also, did you put a specific hotel and address in the form?

      • Gie

        I put “travel” and i had letter of invitation from a friend he states on the letter that he will pay for all my expenses including a place to stay..but when i got my passport the woman in the embassy just said ur visa is denied…TTTTT

        • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

          Hi Gie. We’ve read somewhere before that you shouldn’t put “travel” for purpose of travel to Korea. It should be something like “tour” or “vacation”. Also, we find that having invitation letters sometimes doesn’t help with applications because you have to prove your relationship with the person inviting you. They must have found it fishy that your friend was willing to pay for everything when you’re employed and have money in the bank. Still, only the consuls know why they denied you. Try again after 6 months. Thanks!

          • Gie

            Is it better not to have letter of invitation anymore? But now i only have almost 70,000 pesos in my account would that be enough for 2 weeks travel in korea? Thank u so much for ur reply…

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            Yes I think that’s enough. Try applying next time without the invitation letter.

          • Gie

            By the way i applied my visa last year sept. 17,2015 would it be possible if i will re apply again next week march 17..thats exactly 6 months but date is the same..

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            You can apply maybe a week after that, just to be sure that you won’t waste your time.

          • Gie

            But we plan to go korea on april 4 TTTTT….crossing my fingers….thank u so much for all the info…

          • https://travelswithahobo.com/ travelswithahobo.com

            try calling the embassy to verify when you can apply again

  • Che

    Hi Phoebe, documents ko lang sinubmit ko for me and my kids..

  • http://hellocam.tumblr.com/ hellocam

    Hi Gem! Not sure if you can still read this since this blog post is from 2 years ago. The entire family is applying for a visa to Korea next week however, my sister just graduated from college so she is not a student and unemployed. The school can’t give her the diploma and transcript yet. Since she’s travelling with family anyway, can we just indicate that mom will be financing the trip? Or do we still need to provide an affidavit of support? Btw, mom is also travelling with us and her financial documents are complete. I’m just careful since we already booked the tickets and Airbnb – I don’t want to be denied..

  • Giselle Rapanut

    Hi, If i have a used oecd visa, however, in my previous passport (have renewed my passport last year), would I qualify for the three days processing? This is provided i show my old passport and xerox the visa and arrival stamps. Thank You!

    • https://travelswithahobo.com/ Gem of Travels with a Hobo

      Hi Giselle. Yes, you should qualify for it if your OECD visas are still valid. Make sure to submit also your old passport.

      • Giselle Rapanut

        Thank You for the advise! Actually the visa was valid from Aug 2014 to Nov 2014 for single entry. I travelled September 2014. If my understanding is correct, since i’ve travelled within 5 years, this can be considered, right? Thank You!

  • Jhane Deseo

    hi . what if we dont have 50k in our bank accounts? but we have invitation from the company in korea. is it still okay if we dont have 50k in bank acct?

  • mshappygolucky

    Hello po! I need your advice. I would like to apply for a korean visa. I’m an employee of our family business so I have no ITR. My dad who’s the owner of our business is willing to pay for my travel expenses. Should I present his financial docs instead of mine? He has an ITR ,bank accnt and bank certificate :)

  • Bem Miranda

    I am planning to go to Korea next year and will start saving up for it next month. This blog is a big help. Keep up the good work. I hope you’ll be blessed more as you continue to help other people in your own little way.

  • http://hellocam.tumblr.com/ hellocam

    Hi, I’ve been approved. Sorry if the reply is late. We provided an Affidavit of Support to the embassy for my sister during our Oct 2016 trip. My sister enrolled in grad school and we went to Korea again last May 2017. They asked for the affidavit of support again – it seems required to all students but they did not specify this in the requirements list. We’re traveling to Seoul again next year January 2018 and will be doing the same visa process.