Korea is not only the "birthplace" of idol culture loved by young people but also a beautiful country that captures hearts with its romantic, poetic natural landscapes, harmoniously blending traditional cultural beauty with modernity. Therefore, many Vietnamese people prefer Korea as a destination for tourism, study, work, etc.

To make your trip to Korea smoother, applying for a Korean visa is the first and most important step. If you know and understand the information about Korean visa durations well, you can be proactive and increase your chances of successfully obtaining a Korean visa. Depending on the purpose, there are different types of visas corresponding to different durations of stay.

If you are looking for information about various types of Korean visas and the duration of stay for each type, this article is suitable for you.

1. Korean Tourist Visa (C-3)

Currently, there are two popular types of Korean tourist visas for Vietnamese people:

• Short-term tourist visa (C-3): For tourists who want to visit Korea for sightseeing, conferences, seminars, etc. Visa C-3 can be granted for a maximum stay of 30 days (Single Entry) or 90 days within 1 year (Multiple Entry).

• Single-entry tourist visa (C-3-1): For tourists who want to visit Korea to see relatives, friends, participate in conferences, seminars, sports events, public project investments, etc. Visa C-3-1 allows a maximum stay of 30 days.

• Multiple-entry tourist visa (C-3-9): For tourists who want to visit Korea for tourism, sightseeing, and leisure for a longer period. Visa C-3-9 allows a maximum stay of 90 days within 1 year.

• Group tourist visa (C-3-2): This visa type is for people traveling to Korea as part of a tour group organized by a travel company. This visa allows tourists to enter Korea multiple times within 1 year, with a maximum stay of 15 days each time.

- Type of visa: Short-term tourist visa

- Duration of stay:

• Single entry: Up to 90 days

• Multiple entries: Up to 180 days within 1 year

Korean tourist visas are very popular because this is a tourist destination, attracting tens of millions of tourists each year because of its beautiful and poetic landscapes.

See more: How much does it cost to travel to Korea?

2. Korean Family Visit Visa (C-6)

The Korean Family Visit Visa (C-6) is for foreigners coming to Korea to visit relatives and friends living and working there. This visa allows multiple entries into Korea within 1 year, with a maximum stay of 90 days each time.

- Type of visa: Short-term family visit visa

- Duration of stay:

• Single entry: Up to 90 days

• Multiple entries: Up to 180 days within 1 year

3. Korean Business Visa (C-4)

The Korean Business Visa (C-4) is for foreigners coming to Korea to conduct business activities such as attending conferences, international seminars, market surveys, business contract negotiations, branch company supervision, training, etc. This visa allows tourists to enter Korea for up to 30 days for single entry and up to 90 days for multiple entries within 1 year.

- Type of visa: Short-term business visa

- Duration of stay:

• Single entry: Up to 90 days

• Multiple entries: Up to 180 days within 1 year

4. Korean Employment Visa (E-1, E-2, E-7)

The Korean Employment Visa is for foreigners coming to Korea to work under a labor contract with a Korean company. This visa allows multiple entries into Korea within 1 year, with a maximum stay of up to 5 years (depending on the type of visa).

There are various types of Korean employment visas, classified based on the industry, professional qualifications, and salary of the worker. Here are some common types of Korean employment visas:

• E-1: For highly skilled workers with technical expertise.

• E-2: For workers with high professional qualifications in fields such as education, research, arts, sports, etc.

• E-7: For ordinary workers in industries such as agriculture, fisheries, construction, services, etc.

• Additionally, there are other types of work visas such as the E-7-1 visa (for foreigners with special abilities), the F-5-11 visa (for special talents), etc.

• You can also explore other non-professional work visas such as: E-9-1 (working in manufacturing), E-9-2 (working in construction), E-9-3 (working in agriculture), E-9-4 (working in fisheries), E-9-5 (working in services),...

- Type of visa: Long-term employment visa

- Duration of stay: Up to 5 years

As a modern country, Korea is favored by many Vietnamese people as a place to work and develop their careers. You can apply for a Korean work visa depending on your purpose and occupation.

5. Korean Student Visa (D-2)

The Korean Student Visa (D-2) is for international students coming to Korea to study at universities, colleges, high schools, etc. This visa allows multiple entries into Korea within 1 year, with a maximum stay of up to 4 years (depending on the study program).

Based on the student's qualifications, there will be different types of visas. Here are some types of Korean student visas you can refer to:

- Type of visa: Long-term student visa

- Duration of stay: Up to 4 years

- Purpose: Studying in Korea

Based on the level of international students, there will also be different types of visas. Below are some types of Korean student visas.

Additionally, there are other types of Korean visas such as investment visas (D-2), settlement visas (F-2),...

6. Update on the Latest Procedures for Applying for a Korean Visa in 2024

6.1 Korean Visa Application Documents

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Korea.

• 3.5x4.5cm photo with white background, taken within the last 3 months.

• Completed and accurate visa application form.

• National ID card/Citizen ID card: Original and copy.

• Household registration book: Original and copy.

• Proof of financial capability: Latest salary confirmation and bank statement from the bank for the last 3 months (for workers), or copy of bank savings book with a minimum balance of 5,000 USD, equivalent to over 110,000,000 VND with a minimum term of 3 months. Additionally, you need a bank account balance confirmation made within 14 days from the date of submitting the application. If you are financially incapable, you can still prove it through a relative accompanied by documents proving the family relationship, confirmed by the local authorities.

• Proof of employment: Employment contract, business license (if any).

• Depending on the purpose of the visa application, you need to provide additional documents such as:

• Tourist visa: Round-trip flight ticket reservation and hotel reservation.

• Business visa: Invitation letter from the Korean company.

• Family visit visa: Documents proving the relationship with relatives in Korea (birth certificate, shared household registration, photos together, etc.).

• Employment visa: Labor contract with the Korean company.

• Student visa: Documents from the university/college/high school in Korea.

6.2 Visa Application Process for Korea

• Schedule an appointment online through the embassy's website: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/vn-vi/index.do

• Submit your application and visa fee according to the appointment schedule.

• Receive the visa result within 7-10 working days.

6.3 Visa Application Process for Korea at LS VFS Global Visa Service Center

• Submit your application online through the center's website: https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html

• Submit visa fee and service charges as instructed.

• Visit the center for the scheduled appointment to submit your application and provide biometrics (fingerprinting and photo).

• Receive the visa result within 7-10 working days.

6.4 Korean Visa Approval Time

Normally, the Korean visa approval time is from 7 to 10 working days. However, this time frame may vary depending on the visa application and the number of applications submitted at that time.

6.5 Tips for Applying for a Korean Visa

• For all documents, if the original is in Vietnamese, it must be translated into English or Korean. In the case of documents issued by Vietnamese government agencies, they need to be translated into English or Korean and certified by the state.

• All types of documents submitted for Korean visa applications must be A4 size.

• You should schedule your Korean visa appointment in advance and arrive 15-30 minutes before the appointment time.

• Note: The information about various types of Korean visas mentioned above is based on the official source from the Korean Embassy in Vietnam as of May 2024. However, visa policies may change at any time, so you should check for the latest information before submitting your visa application.

Understanding the types of Korean visas and the duration of stay will contribute to making your Korean visa application easier and smoother.

In addition to information about visa types and corresponding durations of stay, to make your trip to Korea easier and more convenient, don't forget to book your flights to Korea early to have control over flight times and save costs. 

If you're planning a trip to Korea, you can consider booking flights to Korea with Vietjet. Vietjet operates a variety of direct routes from many provinces and cities in Vietnam to Korean tourist destinations, including Seoul (Incheon Airport), Busan, and Daegu. The flights are only about 3 - 5 hours, very fast and convenient.

Especially, Vietjet helps you optimize travel costs with many attractive promotional programs. Incredible travel promotion at Vietjet: Flights to Korea for only 0 dong (excluding taxes and fees) for customers purchasing tickets on Fridays every week. See details HERE.

Vietjet helps you optimize transportation costs by air with extremely attractive promotional programs. Flight tickets for only 0 dong.

Additionally, don't forget to update the flight schedule and ticket prices for Korea flights and the latest routes of Vietjet on Vietjet's official channels.: