A visa is a kind of endorsement or acknowledgment whose meaning is interpreted differently from country to country. Generally, it has one of the following two meanings: one being the confirmation of permission to enter a certain country, and the other being the counsels recommendation for a foreigners entry request. In the case of the Republic of Korea, the latter definition is used. Therefore, even if a foreigner holds a Korean visa, he/she can still be denied entry to Korean soil if an officer at Immigration should find some requirements unsatisfactory after inspection.
Single entry visa | Multiple entry visa |
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1 A single entry is permitted while the visa is valid.2 Duration of the visa: 3 months from the date of issue. |
1 Multiple entries are permitted while the visa is valid.2 Duration of the visa: from the date visa is issued.
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Korean Embassy or Consulate
A visa is issued at a Korean Embassy or Consulate appointed by the Minister of Justice. (Immigration Act Article 2, Section 2, Immigration Regulation Articles 11, 9)
In special cases, you may apply for a visa at the Immigration office after receiving a certificate of visa issuance approval.
(Immigration Act Article 9, Immigration Regulation Articles 17)
Passport, visa issuance application form and other documents required by the applied visa status.
※ Submit certificate of visa issuance approval, too, if necessary.
When applying for a Korean visa
A foreigner must identify the status of stay appropriate for the purpose of his/her entry and submit the required documents to the Korean Embassy or Consulate.
For visas an ambassador or consul is not authorized to issue, applicants need to request approval by the Minister of Justice.
For visas where the issuance is entrusted to the Embassy or Consulate, the ambassador or consul can issue them at their discretion.
A visa specifying the applicant status of stay, expiration date, etc. is attached to the applicant passport and granted to the applicant.
※ Make sure all the information on your visa is correct before entry.
submit required documents
Embassy/Consulate
Minister of Justice
These visas are exclusively for foreign patients entering Korea for the purpose of treatment at hospitals within Korea.
Where to apply : Embassies or consulates of the Republic of Korea
Documents to be prepared by the inviter | Documents to be prepared by the invitee |
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1 Application for confirmation of visa issuance
2 Letter of invitation explaining reason for visit3 Copy of Certificate of Business Registration or Corporate Registration4 Copy of registration document as member medical institution or Korean healthcare promotion firm recruiting overseas patients5 Documents issued by a medical institution confirming medical purpose of visit
6 Foreign patient invitation confirmation (applicable to invitees from China)
7 ID and proof of employment (certificate)8 Notarized statement (name of representative)9 Certificate showing completion of training with the immigration office (to be submitted starting Nov. 1, 2009) |
1 Copy of passport2 Copy of resident card and household registration (applicable to visitors from China)3 Affidavit of financial support proving ability to procure funds to cover the cost of treatment and stay
4 Documents proving family relationship |