South Korea Tourist Visa: Flight & Lodging Rules
From the vibrant streets of Seoul to Jeju Island, South Korea is a premier cultural destination. The Korean Ministry of Justice and Korean diplomatic missions require clear travel itineraries from tourist visa applicants.
Do Korean Embassies Require Paid Air Tickets?
No. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea recommends that applicants do not purchase actual airline tickets before visa issuance, because visa issuance is never guaranteed and application fees/tickets are non-refundable. A flight itinerary showing proposed travel dates is sufficient.
Key Documentation for South Korea Tourist Visas
- Flight Itinerary: Proposed round-trip flight schedule with airline details, flight numbers, and passenger names.
- Hotel Reservation: Confirmation vouchers for hotels in Seoul, Busan, or other destinations corresponding with your travel schedule.
- Detailed Travel Plan: A day-by-day outline of activities, attractions, and transit arrangements.
- K-ETA (for visa-exempt travelers): Requires entering your residential address and contact details in Korea.
Submitting via Korea Visa Application Centers (KVAC)
KVAC centers in Southeast Asia, Europe, and India verify that your travel dates do not conflict with your bank balance or employment leave records.