FIRST SEOUL TRAVEL BLOG #1

APPLICATION:

First Step in going to Seoul of course getting your Korea Visa from the Korea Embassy!

for now let's go start and go thru with the boring step hahahahahahahaha ^^

(it's actually quite easy, you can download the application form from their sites and I suggest you fill it up in your computer to avoid erasures and also if info is not available out 'N/A')

Application Form Link:

http://embassy_philippines.mofa.go.kr/english/as/embassy_philippines/visa/download/index.jsp 

(when you plan on applying check on their updated form also updated requirements are listed on the site)

these were the requirements I submitted from my recent application last February 2017 Employed.

 Application Form:

2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture (Please attach on the application form)
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 only)
6. Original Certificate of Employment
   (must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address)
7. Original Personal Bank Certificate
   (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
8. Bank Statement
   (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
9. ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy
10. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
* If personally invited by Korean
. Invitation Letter
. Photocopy of invitor's Passport or Identification Card
(authentication not required)

• * If invited by Company in Korea
  . Invitation Letter
  . Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
  (authentication not required)
  * Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.
  ■ Processing Time:
    3 working days (for those who have been to OECD member countries within 5 years as tourist)
    5 working days (for those who have not been to OECD member countries within 5 years)
  
  ■ Visa Fee: 59 days (or less) stay in Korea -- GRATIS
                     60 to 90 days stay in Korea -- PHP1,800.00

note: all your requirements must be arranged in order. (yes they're strict about this) 

Q&A

1.What if I don't have an ITR?

if you don't have an ITR, don't worry there are ways. formally compose a letter address it to the Korea Embassy and state your reason why you weren't able to provide one.

for myself, my current employer hasn't been in business for 1 year yet, so they were unable to provide me an ITR but I used my previous ITR from my previous employer.

as for my friend who traveled with me, she didn't provide an ITR but still she got an approved visa.

2. How much should be in my Personal Bank Account?

Actually they don't indicate a minimum amount in your bank account, the amount will depend on your duration in your trip. our trip was good for 3 nights and 4 days. I only had around Php 25,000.00 in my bank account that time and my statement wasn't really the best but I still got approved.

3. How long will I have to wait for my Visa?

You'll have to wait 5 Days if you haven't gone to any OECD countries for the past 5 years.

3 days if you already been to any OECD countries.

there's also a site you can check out if you can't wait any longer it's mostly accurate all you have to do is input your Passport number and other personal details. I got this from another blogger when I longer couldn't wait to know the result of my application (excited and was nervous)

when putting in your Name start with your surname the first name.

here's the link: https://www.visa.go.kr/

This is the home page just click the "Check Application Status" in the left side.

Once you filled up all info you'll get to see the results below.

I'll update on my next post my ticket booking and how I used Airbnb for the first time in my Seoul Travel.

My happiness seeing the Visa in person I felt more secured other than the online one but at least proven that the side works.

Feel free to ask in the comments below for more detailed answers~

What I discovered in applying, it all depends on which consular you get. Pure Luck~ don't feel down if you do get rejected you can always reapply after 6 months (?) that's what I've heard.