Korean Visa Types Explained Simply
※ This article is based on official information as of July 31, 2025.
Summary at a Glance
Navigating Korean visa types can feel like alphabet soup — D-2, E-7, F-6… what do they all mean?
This guide breaks them down in plain English, with real-life examples, eligibility info, and application tips.
Whether you’re a student, a spouse, or a tech worker, you’ll find the right visa path for your Korean journey here.
Understanding Korean Visa Types – Made Easy
Moving to Korea or planning a long-term stay?
One of the most confusing parts is figuring out which visa category you need.
The Korean immigration system offers over 30 different types of visas, each marked by a letter-number combo like D-4 or F-2.
This post will guide you through the most common Korean visa types — with real-world examples and application guidance for each.
✅ Eligibility & Conditions: Who Needs Which Visa?
Here’s a simplified overview:
| Visa Type | Main Purpose | Common Users |
|---|---|---|
| D-2 | Study at university | International students |
| D-4 | Language school / training | Language learners / interns |
| E-2 | English teaching | Native-speaking teachers |
| E-7 | Specialized employment | Engineers, designers, IT professionals |
| F-6 | Marriage to Korean | Foreign spouses |
| F-2 | Long-term residency | Those who qualify by points or stay |
| H-1 | Working Holiday | Young travelers from select countries |
| C-3 | Short-term visit | Tourists, business visitors |
※ Source: Korea Immigration Service (as of July 31, 2025)
🎓 D-2 Student Visa: For University Studies
The D-2 visa is for foreign students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at Korean universities.
🔹 Eligibility:
- Admission to a Korean university (Bachelor, Master’s, PhD)
- Proof of financial capability
- Valid passport
🔹 Real-Life Example:
Maria from the Philippines was accepted to Seoul National University’s Master of Social Work program.
She applied for a D-2 visa from the Korean embassy in Manila, submitted her admission letter, bank statements, and passport.
She now studies in Korea with part-time work rights (up to 20 hours/week).
🗣️ D-4 Visa: Language School or Training
If you’re coming to learn Korean at a language institute, you’ll likely need a D-4 visa.
This also covers job training or unpaid internships.
🔹 Common Usage:
- Korean language courses at university centers
- Internship programs like K-MOVE
- Tech bootcamps or cultural exchange programs
🔹 Application Tip:
- Include detailed learning plan and housing info for smoother approval.
👩🏫 E-2 Visa: For English Teachers
One of the most popular visas among foreigners in Korea.
🔹 Who can apply:
- Native English speakers from 7 countries (US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa)
- Bachelor’s degree holders
- Clean criminal record
- Health check (including drug & TB test)
🔹 Real-Life Case:
Daniel from Canada was hired by a private hagwon in Busan.
He submitted his degree, background check (apostilled), health certificate, and teaching contract.
After 6 weeks, he arrived in Korea on an E-2 visa, and his school helped with housing.
💼 E-7 Visa: Skilled Workers & Professionals
If you have specialized skills (IT, marketing, design, etc.), the E-7 visa is your path.
🔹 Examples of E-7 Jobs:
- Software engineers
- Architects
- Foreign chefs
- Marketing consultants
🔹 Required:
- University degree or 5+ years of work experience
- Employment offer from a Korean company
- Proof of skill relevance
🔹 Tip:
Many startups sponsor E-7 visas — especially in Seoul’s Pangyo or Gangnam tech districts.
💍 F-6 Visa: Marriage to a Korean National
Married to a Korean citizen? You’ll apply for an F-6 visa.
🔹 Documents Needed:
- Marriage certificate (recognized by Korea)
- Proof of cohabitation (photos, lease)
- Interview with immigration officers
- Income & housing verification from Korean spouse
🔹 Real-Life Case:
John from the U.S. married a Korean woman he met while teaching.
They applied at the local immigration office in Incheon with their marriage certificate, wedding photos, and her income records.
His F-6 visa was approved in 4 weeks.
🌱 F-2 Visa: Long-Term Residency
The F-2-7 visa is Korea’s point-based residence visa.
You don’t need to be married or have Korean blood — just enough points based on age, education, income, and Korean skills.
🔹 Who Can Apply:
- D or E visa holders (after 1–3 years)
- High scorers on the F-2 point system
- TOPIK level 4+ or KIIP Level 4+ preferred
🔹 Benefit:
- Stay in Korea up to 5 years with fewer restrictions
🌍 H-1 Working Holiday Visa
Young people from 22 countries can stay in Korea for up to 1 year for travel and part-time work.
🔹 Age Limit: 18–30 (varies by country)
🔹 Cannot work in teaching, entertainment, or some restricted industries.
Perfect for backpackers, creatives, or first-time visitors.
✈️ C-3 Short-Term Visa: For Tourists or Visitors
The C-3 visa covers stays up to 90 days.
🔹 Types:
- C-3-1: Tourism
- C-3-4: Business
- C-3-9: Medical tourism
Most nationalities get visa-free entry for short stays, but some require prior visa — check HiKorea for your country.
🧭 Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Check Your Visa Type
Use Visa Navigator Tool (MOJ) - Gather Documents
- Passport
- Photos
- Financial proof
- Certificate of admission or job offer
- Apply at Korean Embassy or Immigration Office
- Overseas: Local Korean consulate
- In Korea: Visit HiKorea, click “Online Reservation”, and log in to make your appointment.
- Wait for Approval
- 2 to 8 weeks depending on visa
- Some require interviews
- Receive Visa / Alien Registration Card (ARC)
- Once in Korea, you must apply for an ARC within 90 days
🌎 Regional Differences: Seoul vs Other Cities
| Location | Processing Time | Support Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul (Mokdong, Sejongno) | Busy, can be slower | English-speaking staff available |
| Busan / Daejeon / Gwangju | Faster service | Some limited translation support |
| Jeju | Fewer applicants | Relaxed atmosphere, but fewer services |
Tip: Always book appointments early using the HiKorea website.
📌 Official Links
※ All links verified as of July 31, 2025
🙋 FAQ: Korean Visa Types
Q1. Can I change visa types while in Korea?
Yes, you can apply for a visa change (status of stay) via HiKorea. Common changes:
- D-4 → D-2 (language school → university)
- E-2 → F-6 (marriage)
- E-7 → F-2 (long-term residency)
Q2. What if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying results in fines or deportation.
Always renew or adjust your visa before it expires.
Q3. Can I work on a D-2 or D-4 visa?
Yes, but part-time only and with permission from your school + immigration.
Working without approval is illegal.
✅ One Thing Worth Sharing
If you’re overwhelmed by visa letters and numbers — don’t worry.
There’s always a visa that fits your journey, and thousands have walked that path before you.
Ask the right questions, follow the steps, and you’ll find your place in Korea.
💬 A Last Line to Keep in Mind
Behind every visa code is a story — of study, love, work, or adventure.
Your story is just beginning.
And Korea might just be the perfect chapter.
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