Saturday, March 17, 2012

How to Get to South Korea from the Philippines


Since I’m from the Philippines I will need a Visa to travel and visit South Korea. Here are some tips and requirements to get a Korean Travel Visa.

Applying for Korean Tourist Visa will be a little easier than US Visa application since they will not be conducting an interview or any other additional documents. What an applicant needs to secure are the following:


  1. 1.    Application form (typewritten in A4) FORMS HERE
  2. 2.    One passport size colored picture
  3. 3.    Passport Original and a photocopy of First Page (6 months valid)
  4. 4.    Employment Certificate (Original)
  5. 5.    Personal Bank Certificate(Original)
  6. 6.    ITR (Income Tax Return) (original and a photocopy)

* If personally invited to Korea: Original Invitation Letter in Korea & photocopy of the Inviter’s Passport

* If invited by Company to Korea: Original Invitation Letter in Korea & photocopy of the Korean Company Business Permit

I heard that we have to go to the embassy really early! They open at 9AM but you have to line up outside before they let you in (just like when I first applied for passport. Korean Embassy is located at 122 Upper McKinley Road McKinley Town Center Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634; Hotline Number: 02-856-9210. After completing the required documents, applicants may file their applications at the Consular Office of the Korean Embassy from 9 to 11 a.m. only, Monday to Friday. This is on a first come, first served basis. Note that gates open at 8 a.m. When you arrive at the gate, you will need to get a gate pass and sign on the log sheet. There is a separate log for first time travelers and frequent travelers. There will be another line before entering the main office; we will have to get our number from the reception table. Again, the numbers for first time and frequent travelers are different. So make sure you get the right one.
The numbers will be shown on the LCD display, we would then have to go to Window 3 and present our documents. If you’ll be staying in Korea for more than 59 days, 1,500 pesos as visa fee will be required. A stay of less than 59 days is free.

They will then give you a claim slip indicating the date when you can return to the embassy to pick up your passport (and visa if approved). Don't lose it since you will need it to claim your passport. For first time travelers, processing takes five working days. While for frequent travelers, processing is three working days. It can take longer depending on the decision of the consul.

Releasing time is only from 2 to 4 p.m. The same entry procedures apply, get a gate pass and sign on the log sheet, then get a number once inside. Make sure you bring your claim slip with you because you will need this to enter and get a number. If you are unable to claim your visa on the scheduled date, you may pick it up on another date. But make sure to mention it to the consul. You may also have someone claim your passport for you with the necessary authorization letters. Also make sure to mention this to the consul.
“Documents received” on passport means you have been denied. We need to wait for six months before we could apply again. TT____TT

From Cebu, Cebu Pacific is offering direct flights to Incheon at the lowest prices of 9,199php. That is why I am still waiting for new promos. It will be an estimated 4 hour flight from the Mactan Airport to Incheon International Airport, about 1 hour west of Seoul, is the country's largest airport, with good connections throughout the world. This is also arguably the best run and best designed airport in the world - a pleasure to use, although if we arrive late; we should watch out for pushy taxi drivers lying about the hotel buses and trying to get you to pay 3x the normal fare. There are direct inter-city buses to many locations throughout South Korea just outside the international arrival hall. We can buy the tickets at the airport.

So what are we waiting for, let’s get our bags packed and be ready to go. Set-up a plan with friends or family or even all by yourself. South Korea is a whole new place to discover.

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