South Korea Tourist Visa For Indians: Your Guide To The World Of K-Pop

From the neon lights of Seoul to the natural beauty of Jeju Island, South Korea offers an exciting blend of modern cities and stunning landscapes. And thanks to the global popularity of K-pop and K-dramas, this country is high on most travellers' bucket lists these days, including Indian explorers. According to Travel + Leisure Travel magazine, planning the perfect South Korean vacation starts with understanding the visa requirements for Indian citizens.

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Do I Need A Visa For South Korea?

The quick answer is yes if you're an Indian citizen. While over 116 countries can enter South Korea visa-free, India is not one of them. So all Indian tourists must have a valid Korean visa to explore this amazing destination.

South Korea's Tourist Visa Categories

According to Travel + Leisure magazine, for holidays and sightseeing, Indian travellers need to get a Short-Term (C-3-9) Tourist Visa processed through VFS Global in India.

To apply, you'll need to select:

- "Short-Term (Non-profit & Stay Visa)"

- Then "Temporary Visit" category

- Finally, "Tourist Visa (sightseeing on tour)" – for general tourism purposes

- This single-entry visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days in South Korea.

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Visa-Free Entry To Jeju Island For Indians

The gorgeous Jeju Island has a special perk for Indians, according to Travel + Leisure. If you only want to visit this scenic volcanic island, you can enter visa-free and stay for up to 30 days! Just make sure you fly directly into Jeju.

Visa For South Korea From India: Eligibility And Required Documents

- A valid passport with at least 6 months left

- Two recent passport-style photos

- The completed online visa application

- Proof of employment (pay slips, tax returns)

- Bank statements for the last 6 months

- A health declaration form

- If you own a business, you'll also need 3 years of company tax returns and a profile.

South Korea’s Visa Fees For Indians

- Standard Visa Fee: INR 3200 + Processing Fee of INR 1380 = Total INR 4580

- Express Service (for urgent applications): Additional INR 2400 = Total INR 6980

Application Process:

1. Fill out the online application form

2. Book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre and pay fees

3. Attend the appointment to submit your passport and application in person

4. Await notification from the centre regarding your visa collection

5. Processing Time: Up to 10-12 days (or 5-7 days for express service)

Can I Extend My Korean Stay?

While visa renewals aren't possible, Travel + Leisure mentions extensions may be granted in certain cases by the Korean authorities. However, this is approved on a case-by-case basis, so it's best to plan your trip carefully.

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