Different Types of South Korea Travel Visas Explained

South Korea is an excellent touristic destination due to its diverse culture, cutting edge technology, spectacular scenery and cuisine that are world recognized. No matter where you are going to visit the busy Seoul, historical palaces, or admire the beautiful nature of Jeju Island, it is important to know what kind of travel visa to South Korea you should apply to travel without difficulties.

South Korea has a range of visas based on various purposes of travels including tourism, business, studying and long-term residence. Whether you are planning a short visit or a prolonged one, it is good to know which the easiest South Korea visa to obtain is and how many types of South Korea travel visas are there in the South Korea so that you can choose the appropriate type of visa and increase your possibilities of successful visa application.

Types of Travel Visa to South Korea

When applying for entry into South Korea, it’s important to understand the main types of to South Korea travel visas. These are generally divided into short-term and long-term visas. Below are the most common categories:

1. C-3 Visa (Short-Term Visit Visa)

• Intention: Leisure, visiting family, going to conferences, or a brief business trip.
• Validity: Normally, up to 90 days.
• Single-entry or Multiple-entry: Yes.
• Best Suited: Tourists and other visitors.
• Note: This is the most popular and simple South Korea travel visa to obtain in most countries including India in the case of tourism.

2. B-2 Visa (Transit Visa)

• Purpose: Of passengers who transit in South Korea on their way to a third country.
• Validity: 30 days, maximum.
• Eligibility: This is dependent on the nationality of the candidate and the requirement of a visa to visit the destination country.
• Best Suited To: People with layovers in South Korea who need to have a short trip.

3. D 2 Visa (Student Visa)

• Purpose: To target international students who join academic programs in Korean universities.
• Validity: The life of the academic course.
• Admission requirement: Evidence of academic record, funds and admission.

4. Training or Language Visa (D-4 Visa)

• Purpose: A language training program or other types of education.
• Validity: between 6 months and 2 years.
• Prerequisite: Enrolment to a language school or learning facility in Korea.

5. C-4 Visa (Short-term work visa)

• Purpose: To be used short term employment modeling, performance, lectures, or any other similar employment.
• Validity: Maximum 90 days.
• Requirement: Contract and invitation letter with Korean company.

6. E-2 Visa (Foreign Language Instructor Visa)

• Target audience: To people who teach a foreign language in Korea.
• Qualifications: A bachelor degree degree and native speaker.
• Validity: Normally a year and renewable.

7. F-1 to F-6 family Visas

Purpose: To family dependents or spouses of long-term residents or nationals of Korea.

Types Include:

• F-1: Visiting family members.
• F-3: Dependent family.
• F-6: Husband of a Korean citizen.

8. H-1 Visa (Working Holiday Visa)

Purpose: Gives youths (typically between 18-30 years) an opportunity to work and travel in Korea.

• Validity: One year.
• Restrictions: It can only be offered to some countries on a bilateral basis.

9. E-7 Visa (Special Occupation Visa)

• Purpose: To professionals in special areas.
• Prerequisite: Korean employer job offer and appropriate qualification.

10. Residency and Permanent Residency Visas F-2 and F-5

• F-2: Permanent residence.
• F-5: Permanent residence.
• Eligibility: On years of residence, income and social integration.

What is the easiest Visa to obtain in South Korea?

• Majority of the tourists will find C-3 short-term visit visa as the most convenient South Korea visa from Oman to obtain. Its requirements are quite straightforward, particularly on individuals with good travel record and with the right documents. Some nationalities can also enter South Korea visa-free albeit on a short duration via Visa waiver agreements.
• Other visas that are relatively easier are the B-2 transit visa in case you are already a holder of a valid U.S., Canada, or Schengen visa. Youth in the eligible countries can also be given a chance to work in the holidays under the H-1 working holiday visa.
• Greater documentation and verification of eligibility to get longer-term visas such as D-2, D-4, and E-7 is needed.

What are the Numbers of Visas Types in the South Korea?

When you wonder how many types of to South Korea travel visas, then it depends upon the way in which it is classified. In general, there are more than 20+ types of visa offered by the South Korean system; these may be divided into the following categories:

• Short term visas (C-type, B-type)
• D-type Student and training visas
• Employment and professional visas ( E-type)
• Family and dependent visa (F-type)
• Special agreement visas (h-type)
• Long term stay and permanent residency visas (F-2, F-5)
• These types encompass almost all the reasons of visit, including a short vacation and permanent residency.

Key Requirements for South Korea Visa

While requirements vary by visa type, the common documents include:

• Valid passport
• Visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Travel itinerary or flight bookings
• Hotel reservation or invitation letter
• Financial proof (bank statements, income tax returns)
• Employment or enrollment proof (for students and workers)

Tips to Increase Your Visa Approval Chances

• Apply early – at least 4–6 weeks before your travel.
• Submit accurate documents – false or missing details can lead to rejection.
• Show financial capability – enough funds to cover your trip.
• Travel history – previous international travel helps build trust.
• Clear purpose – be specific and consistent in your intent to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How many visa types are there in the South Korea?

A: There are over 20 visa types, categorized into short-term, work, study, family, and residency visas.

Q2: Which South Korea visa is easiest to get for tourism?

A: The C-3 short-term visit visa is the easiest for tourists with proper documentation.

Q3: Can I work in South Korea with a tourist visa?

A: No, working on a tourist visa is illegal and can lead to fines or deportation.

Q4: Is there a visa-free entry option for South Korea?

A: Yes, citizens of certain countries can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days.

Q5: How long does it take to get a South Korea visa?

A: Processing time varies, but it usually takes 5–10 working days depending on the visa type and embassy workload.

Most Popular International Visas for Omanis

Mauritius visa | Mexico Visa | Mongolia visa | Montenegro Visa | Morocco visa | Netherlands visa | New Zealand Visa | Nigeria Visa | Norway visa | Oman Visa | Peru Visa | Philippines Visa | Poland visa | Portugal Visa | Qatar visa | Russia visa | Saudi Arabia Visa

How to Apply visa for other countries

Schengen visa | Singapore visa | South Africa visa | South korea visa | Spain visa | Sri lanka visa | Sweden Visa | Switzerland visa | Thailand Visa | Turkey visa | UK Visa | Uruguay visa | US visa | Vietnam visa | Uzbekistan Visa

Recommended Read: Complete Visa Information for South Korea Travellers

• Essential Documentation for a South Korea Tourist Visa from Oman Application