My teammates and I visited Korea to compete in the annual Dragonboat Festival in Busan, Korea.

Disclaimer - This post narrates the process that I and/or my teammates have experienced - your application experience may be something else.


My friends who work in the corporate setting applied for a VISA as employees.

Requirements:

1. Application Form
You can get get a copy on the table and fill it in the embassy while waiting or -
You can download it from the website and have it printed out. (I highly suggest you fill it out before getting to the embassy.) Since we all know it's too tedious to look for the form, I have saved your time: This is the link for the form.

2. Passport Size Photo
People say you only need one. Practically speaking, when you go to a photo studio, they don't just print one copy. They give you a pack of 8 or 12... So why not bring extra copies? 

3. Original Passport
Should be valid for more than 6 months.

4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page
This is an example of a Bio-page. Please be human.

5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years
This doesn't really have much of a bearing unless your character is questionable.

6. Original Certificate of Employment
Contact your nearest and friendliest HR for a copy of your CoE. Recent copy (within 3 months upon date printed) should be submitted.

7. Original Personal Bank Certificate AND Statement 
Contact your nearest and friendliest bank teller.
(One of my teammates only had 5,000 PHP on her bank certificate and was approved).

8. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
Available from your nearest and friendliest HR.


I originally followed this but was returned to me because I recently resigned and my Certificate of Employment shows it so I followed the VISA requirements for Filipino Businessmen.


Requirements:

1. Application Form
2. Passport Size Photo
3. Original Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years
6. Original Personal Bank Certificate AND Statement 
These 6 are the same requirements for VISA as employees.

7. Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
8. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor's Permit
These 2 are self-explanatory. Take note of the OR- you do not have to bring both SEC and DTI. Only one is enough.

9. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
Visit your BIR branch.



Notes for the Application:
1. Be there early. There's a cut-off everyday and the queue can get long.
Sign-up on the sheet of paper by the guard house the moment you get there.
2. No need to wear a suit and tie (I wore a shirt) - just wear something wholesome and respectable.
3. Be polite to the Korean people in the window - some can speak Filipino so no unnecessary comments.
eg. Shete, Luh, Panget mo, etc. - You're not even supposed to say this to anyone to begin with. Haha
4. Make sure you have everything completed - they will only look at your once, if something is missing, you need to queue again. If you don't meet the cut-off, come back another day.


Processing takes more or less 5 working days and then say hello to the land of Bulgogi and Samsung. Haha.



Click the smiley to visit the Korean Embassy Website: ^_^

Labels: busan, dragonboat race, filipino, korea, seoul, visa, visa application