[Korean Tourist Visa (C-3-9) Guide] How to VISIT Korea

Hello everyone!

Today, let’s go over how to apply for a Korean tourist visa (C-3-9)

🗺️ Countries That Require a Visa to Enter Korea

Depending on your nationality, the way you can enter South Korea differs.

On the visa map, countries are divided into three colors: green, yellow, and red

Here’s what each color means:

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🟩 Green: Visa-free entry to Korea

🟨 Yellow: K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) required

🟥 Red: Visa application required through the Korean embassy

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In short, travelers from countries marked in red must apply for a visa in advance

South Korea Destination Dashboard | Passport Index 2025

🌏 Countries That Require a Korean Tourist Visa (C-3-9)

There are more visa-required countries than you might expect!

If your nationality is listed above, you’ll need to obtain a visa before entering Korea

🌐 Official Visa Information Websites

1️⃣ KOREA VISA PORTAL

This is the official government site for all Korean visa information

You can check visa types and eligibility, and even submit your application online

👉KOREA VISA PORTAL

2️⃣ Korean Embassy Websites

You can also visit your local Korean embassy website for detailed, country-specific information

Search on Google for “Embassy of the Republic of Korea in [your country]”

👉 Overseas Diplomatic Missions | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Embassy websites are especially helpful because they provide exact document requirements and contact information for inquiries

🧳 What Is the General Tourist Visa (C-3-9)?

The C-3-9 visa is for individual travelers visiting Korea for tourism (not as part of a group tour)

Validity: 3 months from the issue date

Stay duration: Up to 90 days from entry date

⚠️ Note: All short-term visit (C-3) visas prohibit profit-making activities such as employment or business operations

📝 How to Fill Out the Visa Application

To apply for a C-3-9 visa, you must first complete the E-form(visa) on the official portal

👉KOREA VISA PORTAL

After filling out the form, print the Visa Application with barcode (Electronic Visa Application) and sign it

You’ll need scanned copies of your passport and passport photo to complete the form

📂 Required Documents for C-3-9 Visa

[ Basic Documents ]

Printed Electronic Visa Application (with signature)

Passport-sized photo (3.5×4.5 cm) — sometimes optional if already uploaded

Original passport and a copy

Travel insurance certificate (can be purchased online)

Criminal record certificate + translation (may require notarization)

Travel itinerary (daily schedule — you can generate one with AI tools)

Round-trip flight booking (reservation on hold without payment is acceptable)

Hotel booking confirmation (prefer refundable or unpaid bookings)

[ If You Have a Inviter ]

Invitation letter, Letter of guarantee, Payment guarantee form (templates may vary by embassy)

Inviter’s ID copy

Proof of inviter’s income (bank statements, payslips, employment or business documents)

[ If You Don’t Have a Inviter ]

You must prove your own financial stability, such as:

Bank statements (recent 3 months)

Income certificate / payslips

Employment or business registration documents

⚠️ Embassy requirements differ by country, so always check your local embassy website

🏢 Submitting the Application

Once all documents are ready, you can submit them in person at your local Korean embassy or consulate

Visit the Korean Consular Service Portal to book an appointment in advance:

👉 365 Overseas Korean Portal

Slots can fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve early

🎯 Final Thoughts

That’s it for today’s guide on how to apply for the Korean Tourist Visa (C-3-9)

In the next post, I’ll share updates on the visa results and useful tips for a smooth application process 👍