South Korea tourist visa guide

A sample preparation guide for a South Korea short-term tourist visa application from the Philippines.

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A calm starting point

Know the shape of the application before collecting everything.

This guide helps you recognize the usual document themes for this passport and destination pairing. It is preparation support alongside the current official source, not a promise that every item applies to your circumstances.

9: preparation themes
2: reviewed source links
2026-07-12: route last reviewed

Preparation map

Common document themes

Read the strength label first, then use the note to decide what deserves attention.

01
Passport (bio page)
usually required
Commonly requested as the core identity document, usually with at least 6 months validity.
Helpful directionCheck it's valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel dates — bring previous passports too if you have travel history.
02
Visa application form
usually required
Often the standard intake form for a Korean visa application.
Helpful directionApplications from the Philippines are often lodged through embassy-designated travel agencies — verify the current submission pathway before planning a walk-in.
03
ID photo
usually required
Often requested with specific photo specifications.
Helpful directionA recent photo on a plain white background is commonly accepted.
04
Income Tax Return (ITR)
usually required
Commonly requested from employed applicants to show financial standing.
Helpful directionA recent, complete copy is easier to review than a partial or several-years-old one.
05
Bank certificate
usually required
Commonly requested to show account standing and available funds for the trip.
Helpful directionRequest one dated close to your application date, with your name matching your passport exactly.
06
Bank statement (last 3 months)
commonly requested
Often reviewed together with your bank certificate to show a consistent financial pattern.
Helpful directionA steady balance history is often easier to review than one large recent deposit.
07
Certificate of Employment (COE)
usually required
Commonly used to show your employment status and employer-confirmed leave for the trip.
Helpful directionAsk HR to include your position, tenure, compensation, and the company's contact details.
08
Day-by-day itinerary
commonly requested
Helps tell a clear, consistent story about your travel plans.
Helpful directionCover every day of the trip, even loosely. Type it directly into your notes below — there's no file to attach for this one.
09
Invitation letter (if visiting family or friends)
route dependent
Useful if someone in Korea is hosting you, to support your travel story.
Helpful directionAsk your host to mention your relationship, the purpose of your visit, and their address and residence status in Korea.

Before you submit

Return to the current source.

These are the route references reviewed by Visa Wingman. Recheck them when you are ready to apply.

Official government source

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines — visa information

Last checked 2026-07-12 · current

Open source

Official government source

Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr) — official government visa portal

Last checked 2026-07-12 · current

Open source

Know the shape of the application before collecting everything.

Common document themes

Passport (bio page)

Visa application form

ID photo

Income Tax Return (ITR)

Bank certificate

Bank statement (last 3 months)

Certificate of Employment (COE)

Day-by-day itinerary

Invitation letter (if visiting family or friends)

Return to the current source.

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines — visa information

Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr) — official government visa portal