East Asia
South Korea Visa Guide
Workation Visa with K-culture and the fastest internet
Quick answer
South Korea offers a range of visa categories, including transit routes (Airside Direct Transit, up to 30 or 90 days [3][4][5]), work routes (Artist/Athlete, up to 90 days [6]; Business Visitor (Agreement) C-3-5, less than 90 days [9][10]; Business Visitor (General) C-3-4, 1 year [12]), and other routes (Agreement A-3, 1 year [1][2]; Business Visitor (Agreement with Korea), 6 months extendable [7][8]; Business Visitor (General), 2 years extendable [11]).
At a glance
South Korea launched its Workation Visa (F-1-D) in January 2024 for remote workers and freelancers earning over ₩85 million (~USD 65,000) annually. Grants up to 2 years of stay with world-leading connectivity and access to Seoul and Busan.
Visa options in South Korea (54)
Digital nomad / remote work
Tourist / short-stay
Group Tourist
90 days
Group Tourist (C-3-2)
6 months (extendable)
Medical Tourist (C-3-3)
1 year
Ordinary Tourist (C-3-9)
1 year
Short-Term General (C-3-1)
up to 30 days per entry
Short-Term Visit (C-3)
up to 90 days
Short-Term Visitor for Overseas Koreans (C-3-8)
90 days
Short-term General
Up to 18 months
Tourist (C-3-9)
15 days
Tourist/Transit (B-2)
6 months (extendable)
Tourist/Transit (General)
30 days
Visa Exempted (B-1)
90 days
Work
Artist/Athlete
Up to 90 Days
Business Visitor (Agreement) (C-3-5)
Less than 90 days
Business Visitor (General) (C-3-4)
1 year
Business Visitor (Sponsored) (C-3-6)
6 months (extendable)
Foreign Language Instructor
Up to 18 months
Foreign National of Special Ability
6 months (extendable up to 1 year for high-tech internship)
Job Seeker
2 years (extendable)
Maritime Crew
work
Non-Professional (E-9)
work
Professional
6 months (extendable)
Professor
Up to 5 years per issuance, extendable
Research
6 months (extendable)
Resident (Skilled Worker)
work
Technical Instructor/Technician
Up to 6 months
Work (E-1 to E-7)
90 days
Work and Visit
up to 12 months
Working Holiday (H-1)
up to 12 months
Family
Other visa types
Agreement (A-3)
1 year
Airside Direct Transit
30 days
Airside Direct Transit (C-3-10)
90 days
Business Visitor (Agreement with Korea)
6 months (extendable)
Business Visitor (General)
2 years, extendable
Business Visitor (Sponsored)
Less than 90 days (single entry)
Diplomat (A-1)
2 years (extendable)
Government Official (A-2)
6 months (extendable)
Medical Tourist
Up to 90 days
Overseas Korean (F-4)
Up to 12 months
Permanent Residency
other
Permanent Resident (F-5)
6 months (extendable)
Resident (F-2)
1 year
Sailor
other
Sailor (C-3-11)
6 months (extendable)
Short-Term News Coverage (C-1)
6 months (extendable)
Does South Korea have a special entry zone?
Parts of this country apply entry rules different from the national baseline — do not conflate them with the national visas above.
30-day visa-free entry for most nationalities via direct international flight, but EXCLUDES 23 specific nationalities designated by the Ministry of Justice. Does not permit travel to mainland Korea.
Am I eligible for anything here?
South Korea's visa eligibility depends heavily on:
- Your nationality — some visas apply nationality-based exclusions or bilateral agreements
- Your income and financial situation
- How long you want to stay
- Whether you're bringing dependents
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to transit through South Korea?
If you are transiting through South Korea, you may be eligible for the Airside Direct Transit visa, which allows stays of up to 30 days [3] or 90 days under the C-3-10 category [4][5]. This visa is for travelers who remain in the airport transit area.
What is the most common visa for business visitors to South Korea?
For business visitors, South Korea offers several options. The Business Visitor (General) C-3-4 visa allows a stay of up to 1 year [12], while the Business Visitor (Agreement) C-3-5 is for less than 90 days [9][10]. There are also other business visitor routes, such as the Business Visitor (Agreement with Korea) for 6 months (extendable) [7][8] and the Business Visitor (General) for 2 years (extendable) [11].
Can I work in South Korea as an artist or athlete?
Yes, South Korea offers an Artist/Athlete visa under the work category, which allows a stay of up to 90 days [6]. This visa is designed for individuals coming to South Korea for artistic or athletic activities.
Related destinations
China
Comparable East Asia destination
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Hong Kong
Comparable East Asia destination
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Thailand
Comparable Southeast Asia destination
Visa guide
Vietnam
Comparable Southeast Asia destination
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Japan
Comparable Asia destination
Visa guide
Indonesia
Comparable Southeast Asia destination
Visa guide
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Agreement (A-3) — Other route, 1 year
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
Agreement (A-3) — Other route, 1 year
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
Airside Direct Transit — Transit route, 30 days
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
Airside Direct Transit (C-3-10) — Transit route, 90 days
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Airside Direct Transit (C-3-10) — Transit route, 90 days
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
Artist/Athlete — Work route, Up to 90 Days
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Business Visitor (Agreement with Korea) — Other route, 6 months (extendable)
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
Business Visitor (Agreement with Korea) — Other route, 6 months (extendable)
Terminal: single_pdf · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
Business Visitor (Agreement) (C-3-5) — Work route, Less than 90 days
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [10]
Business Visitor (Agreement) (C-3-5) — Work route, Less than 90 days
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [11]
Effective tax-rate estimate for foreign residents (~18%)
VisaBook internal estimate (soft-preference data) · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linkedVisaBook internal soft-preference estimate used by Search filters — not an official statistic.
- [12]
Affordability index and climate tags
VisaBook internal estimate (soft-preference data) · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linkedVisaBook internal soft-preference estimate used by Search filters — not an official statistic.
This page reflects South Korea's officially published visa categories as of the dates above. It is not legal advice. For detailed, case-specific requirements for any visa listed here, see that visa's own page.