How to Apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa in the Philippines

15.3.26

How to Apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa in the Philippines

So, you're planning a trip to South Korea but have no idea how the Korea tourist visa application process works in the Philippines? I know how confusing it might be, but honestly: It was a super smooth and easy process, especially when comparing it to the Japan tourist visa application at the moment!

Don't worry, I got you covered with everything you need to know about how to apply for a South Korea tourist visa in the Philippines. I share the tourist visa application process, Korea tourist visa requirements and fees, visa frequently asked questions, and bonus tips to help make the process a smoother one!

P.S. If you need a discount when booking hotels via Agoda, use Agoda promo code ISSAPANDAS for 8% off (click here to automatically redeem the code or type ISSAPANDAS under the Deals section of the Agoda app)

Korea Tourist Visa Timeline

February 16, 2026, 7:45AM - Arrived in KVAC BGC and received a temporary queue number (#57)

8:15AM - went in for staff to check our requirements and got an official queue number (QN044)
9:40AM - called for visa application submission
9:53AM - done submitting application! The Embassy received our applications on the same day.

February 23, 2026 - Application was Under Review without date
March 3, 2026, 10AM - Received results: All of us were approved (Multiple Entry for 5 years, 30-day per visit)

Korea Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Before anything else, it's important that you prepare all your documents before heading to the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC). For Korea tourist visa applications, these are the requirements and what I submitted:

Passport (with your wet signature)
Photocopy of passport (identification page only)
Photocopies of visas from OECD countries
Completed application form (with Passport Photo [4.5x3.5cm] attached)
Bank certificate with 6-month ADB
3-month bank statement (no need for this as of February 20, 2026)
Cover letter explaining why I don't have a Certificate of Employment or ITR yet
My profile: 29F, content creator with travel history and valid visas in USA, Australia, Japan. I also went to South Korea on transit visa 2x, along with other visa-free countries in Southeast Asia.
Simplified visa application requirements (credit cards):
Passport (with your wet signature)
Photocopy of passport (identification page only)
Photocopies of visas from OECD countries
Completed application form (with Passport Photo [4.5x3.5cm] attached)
3-months worth of credit card statements
Cover letter explaining why I don't have a Certificate of Employment or ITR yet

Take note that this is for Korea tourist visa applications in the Philippines. For other visa types or different nationalities, it may be different, so please check!

2 Ways To Apply For a Korea Tourist Visa

There are two ways you can apply for a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines, and what you choose will depend on the availability and your trip date.

1. Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC)

This is the best and most recommended way to apply for a Korea tourist visa in the Philippines, especially if you're from Manila! You can easily walk in, NO reservations required. For tourist visa, the cost is 900 PHP per visa application.

Their address is: 9/F, Brittany Hotel BGC, Aura Complex, 6 McKinley Pkwy, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila

2. Accredited Tour Agency

This is the list of travel agencies accepted by KVAC when applying for a Korea tourist visa. This is the best route if you live outside Metro Manila. I still recommend walking in and going directly to KVAC since it would be relatively quicker processing time and no need to go through a "middleman."

How to Apply for a Korea Tourist Visa via KVAC

Here are the steps to follow when applying for a tourist visa via VFS Global:

Step 1: Walk In KVAC Manila

I recommend arriving an hour before opening time. We arrived 7:45AM (they open 9:00AM) and we received a temporary queue number. At 8:15AM, they begin calling out temporary queue numbers.

Step 2: Application Check

Once your temporary queue number is called, you will enter KVAC, where staff will check your visa application and requirements. If there is nothing missing, you will get an official queue number. We received our QN (044), and we waited another 45 minutes before we were called to submit our application.

Premium Lounge services are available for an extra 2,200 PHP, but we decided against it since we were 3 applicants and had a low queue number. In case you have missing documents, there's a computer available, along with printing/photocopying services for 20 PHP/page. Avoid the extra cost by preparing all your requirements beforehand!

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once your official queue number is called, go to the designated counter and submit your application, where your requirements will be checked again, in case anything is missing. Only one representative per group is allowed to avoid overcrowding.

Once OK, pay at the cashier (cash only) and go back to your counter to show the receipt. Staff will process your application and you'll receive an official receipt, which you MUST keep when it's time to pick up your passport/s. You'll also receive a text once your application has been successfully submitted and when it has reached the Korean Embassy.

Step 4: Wait and Track Your Application

Usual processing time for Korea tourist visa now is 18 working days (as of March 2026). You can track your visa status through this link. Click on "Visa Application Center" and enter your details (when inputting your full name, surname first).

Once your application is tagged "Under Review," you can check your application under "Diplomatic Office."

Step 5: Pick Up Your Passport

After you receive your Korea tourist visa results, wait for 1-2 business days for an official text from KVAC, stating you can now get your passport/s. For regular applications, you can pick it up from 1-5PM. We arrived 12:45NN and they accommodated us. Again, make sure you bring the receipt and a valid ID. One representative from your group can pick it up.

Korea Tourist Visa Fees: How Much We Spent

Here's how much we spent for 3 applicants:

340 PHP: My bank certificate + bank statement
300 PHP: print/photocopy of all requirements
2,700 PHP: visa application for 3 pax
20 PHP: photocopied one document in KVAC
Total: 3,360 HPHP (1,120 PHP) each, not including transportation expenses

Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos: Frequently Asked Questions

When should I submit my Korea visa application?

Earliest is 3 months before departure. I recommend applying 2 months before your planned trip.
How many days does it take to process the visa?

In general, it takes 18 working days (as of March 4), so plan accordingly.
Can I submit multiple visa applications (as a group)?

Yes, if you're applying as a family, then one representative is good!
Can I expedite the visa application process?

Korea tourist visas are NOT eligible for Express Visa Processing
What happens after I pick up my passport?

It's time to plan your trip! Make sure to print out your digital visa certificate before your trip, which you will show to immigration in the Philippines and South Korea.
Do I need to book flights or hotels before applying for a visa?

NO, flights or hotel bookings are NOT requirements when applying for a visa. In fact, it's discouraged to purchase tickets before applying for a visa as there is no guarantee of approval.
What if I was denied?

You cannot appeal. You will need to wait for another 3 months before applying again.
Is there parking in Brittany Hotel?

Yes, there is parking in Brittany Hotel (70 PHP/3 hours). You can also park in SM Aura, which is right beside the hotel!

Book Your Korea Trip Now!

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