* Non-professional employment work visas are valid for up to three years and may be extended for another year and 10 months (total of four years and 10 months) at the request of the same employer. Professional or technical employment work visas are valid for 2, 5, or 7 years, depending on the job.

Visa Application

- Application for a Korean visa must be made at a Korean embassy or consulate outside Korea.

- All visa applicants are required to submit a completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized (3.5cm x 4.5cm) color photo taken within six months of the application date, other documents as determined by the status of their country, and a visa processing fee. For detailed information, please visit the Hi Korea website: http://www.hikorea.go.kr.

- The visa processing fees are as follows:

a. Single-entry visa (less than 90 days): US$ 30

b. Single-entry visa (more than 90 days): US$ 50

c. Multiple-entry visa: US$ 80

d. Chinese group tourist visa: US$ 10 per person

* Citizens from a country with a visa fee exemption agreement with Korea are exempted from the visa fee. For detailed information, please visit the Hi Korea website: http://www.hikorea.go.kr.

** Countries that have not signed a visa fee exemption agreement with Korea but have an agreement with the Korean government that includes a provision of visa fee exemption are also exempt from payment of the visa processing fees.

Visa Extension

Tourist visas can be extended in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as an accident, health problem, flight cancellation, etc. Visitors must apply for a visa extension at a local immigration office. Visa extension applications must be submitted to an immigration office two months prior to the expiration date of the current visa. There is a fine if the visa extension is applied for after the period of sojourn has expired.

Sample of Republic of Korea Visa

1. Visa Number: Visa issuance serial number

2. Status: Classification of visa holders by activity or status while in Korea

3. Period of Sojourn: Permitted term of stay starting from the date of entry into Korea

4. Visa Type: Type of visa such as single-entry, multiple-entry, etc. (S: single-entry visa, M: multiple-entry visa)

5. Issue Date: The date the visa was issued

6. Expiration Date: Valid term of visa, i.e. the date until the visa remains effective. The visa holder must depart Korea before this date. Visa is automatically rendered void after this date.

7. Issuing Place: Information on the location where the visa was issued