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Korean Short-term Visa Application for Newbie (NEWEST UPDATE 2025!!!)

Planning a trip to South Korea in 2025? Whether you’re visiting for sightseeing, medical treatment, or transiting through the country, you’ll need the correct Korean short-term visa.

Korean Short-term Visa Application for Newbie (NEWEST UPDATE 2025!!!)
Korean Short-term Visa Application for Newbie (NEWEST UPDATE 2025!!!)

This guide will help you understand the C-3 visa types, their purposes, required documents, and the step-by-step Korean visa application process. Perfect for first-time travelers!


🇰🇷 What Is a Korean Short-Term Visa (C-3)?

The Korean C-3 visa is a short-term visa issued to foreign nationals visiting South Korea for tourism, transit, medical treatment, or family visits. The stay is limited to 90 days or less and does not allow employment.

There are several categories under the C-3 visa. Here are the most common options for international travelers in 2025:

✨ Types of Korean Short-Term Visas (C-3) You Can Apply For

1. 🧳 C-3-2: Tourist Group Visa

  • Who it’s for: Travelers joining a tour organized by a licensed Korean travel agency

  • Purpose: Group tourism

  • Main documents required:

    • Group travel itinerary

    • Member list

    • Certificate of tour agency designation (if applicable)

  • Note: All travelers must enter and exit Korea as a group


2. 🏥 C-3-3: Medical Tourist Visa

  • Who it’s for: Foreign nationals seeking medical treatment or wellness tourism in Korea

  • Purpose: Treatment at certified Korean medical institutions

  • Main documents required:

    • Appointment letter from a Korean hospital

    • Proof of sufficient financial resources

    • Detailed travel plan

  • Note: Work is strictly prohibited under this visa type


3. ✈️ C-3-4: General Tourism or Transit Visa

  • Who it’s for: Independent travelers visiting for sightseeing, visiting family/friends, or layovers

  • Purpose: Short-term tourism or transit

  • Main documents required:

    • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

    • Visa application form

    • Flight reservation

    • Hotel booking or invitation letter

    • Bank statements or employment verification

  • Stay duration: Up to 90 days

Korean Short-term Visa Application for Newbie (NEWEST UPDATE 2025!!!)
Korean Short-term Visa Application for Newbie (NEWEST UPDATE 2025!!!)

📝 How to Apply for a Korean Short-Term Visa in 2025

Follow this 5-step process to submit a successful visa application:

✅ Step 1: Choose the Correct Visa Type

Select the C-3 visa category based on your reason for visiting: tourism, medical, transit, or family visit.

✅ Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Common documents include:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

  • Completed visa application form

  • Passport-size photo (white background, 3.5cm x 4.5cm)

  • Proof of finances (bank statement or employment certificate)

  • Travel itinerary, flight and hotel bookings

🔍 Note: All foreign-language documents must be translated into Korean or English, and notarized.

✅ Step 3: Submit Your Application

  • Submit in person at the Korean Embassy/Consulate in your country

  • Or via a designated visa application center

✅ Step 4: Wait for Processing

Visa processing time usually takes 5–10 business days

✅ Step 5: Receive Your Visa

Double-check the visa information before traveling


⚠️ Important Reminders for Korean Visa Applicants

  • A visa is not a guarantee of entry. Korean immigration officers may request further documents on arrival.

  • Visa fees and requirements may differ by nationality

  • Always refer to the official website: https://www.visa.go.kr

  • Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure

Korean Short-term Visa Application for Newbie (NEWEST UPDATE 2025!!!)
Korean Short-term Visa Application for Newbie (NEWEST UPDATE 2025!!!)

🎯 Pro Tips for a Smooth Korean Visa Application

  • 📌 Double-check your paperwork before submission

  • 📌 Avoid one-way ticket bookings unless transiting

  • 📌 Be honest in your application – visa fraud can lead to a ban

  • 📌 Choose refundable flight/hotel options to reduce risks

  • 📌 Stay calm at immigration – bring printed documents to support your case


💼 Need Help with Korean Visa Documents?

Let professionals handle your application and translations – save time and avoid errors.

📞 Asia Focus – Translation & Interpreting Services

🌐 Website 1: https://dichthuatchaua.com

🌐 Website 2: https://saigontranslation.com

We offer expert translation, notarization, and visa consultation for Korean short-term visas


🧭 Start Your Korean Journey Today!

From K-pop concerts to palaces in Seoul and delicious street food, South Korea is calling!

This 2025 Korean short-term visa guide is your first step to exploring one of Asia’s most dynamic and beautiful destinations.