Planning to visit South Korea? The first step is securing your visa. This guide is designed to help Filipinos navigate the updated Korean visa application process, covering everything from required documents to submission.

1. Get Your Documents Ready

First things first, make sure you have all the documents you’ll need before heading to the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC).  Belo are South Korea visa requirements for Filipino tourist

• Application Form
• 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
• Original Passport
• Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
• Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
• Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
• Original Certificate of Employment
• Original Personal Bank Certificate
• Bank Statement
• Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
• Visa Fee

2. Set an appointment

You can either schedule an appointment or just walk in for your visa application. Booking an appointment might save you some waiting time, but if you like to keep things flexible, walking in works too.

3. Head to the KVAC

When it’s time for your appointment or if your requirements are complete for a walk-in application, head to the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC). Below is the guide on how to navigate inside KVAC step by step.

3.1. Head to Britanny Hotel

Go to Brittany Hotel, which is connected to SM Aura. This is the designated location for submitting your visa application

3.2.Take the Elevator to the 9th Floor

Enter the Britanny Hotel and take the elevator up to the 9th floor. Use the elevator near the Tea for two shop. 

3.3. Check-In at Reception

When you reach the 9th floor, head to the reception desk. It is located on the left side. If you’ve scheduled an appointment, show your reservation. If you’re walking in, simply inform the staff that you’re there to apply for a visa. 

• Initial Screening: The staff will conduct an initial screening of your documents to ensure everything is in order. The staff will then paste your photo onto the visa application form for you. After this, you’ll be given a queuing number.
• Data Privacy Form: They will ask if you already have a Data Privacy Form. If you don’t, you can fill one out on the spot for a small fee of ₱10.
• Claim your queuing  number.

3.4. Wait for Your Turn

Head inside the waiting area and keep an eye on the screen for your number. It will be both announced and displayed on the monitor, along with the counter number where you should proceed.

 3.5. Submit Your Documents

When it’s your turn, head up to the 10th floor. There is a door on the 9th floor that provides access to a stairwell. Then go to the counter number presented on the screen to submit your documents.

 3.6. Pay the Processing Fee

After your documents have been checked, you’ll be directed to pay the processing fee of ₱900. You can make this payment at Counters 25 to 27.

3.7. Claim the receipt

After completing your payment, return to the counter where you submitted your documents. There, you’ll receive a claim stub with a tentative date for picking up your visa.

3.8. Pickup or Delivery

You’ll have the option to choose between pickup or delivery. Simply inform the officer handling your application about your preferred option for pickup or delivery.

3.9. Track application status

Track your application status online or through the KVAC portal to stay updated on its progress. You will also receive a text about the status of your application.

Using a Travel Agency for Your Korean Visa

If you prefer not to handle the Korean visa application process yourself, you can use a travel agency for assistance. While this option provides added convenience and professional help, it’s important to note that it will usually be more expensive than applying on your own.

How to get to KVAC

The Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) is located on the 9th floor of the Britanny Hotel in SM Aura, Taguig.

Address: Korea Visa Application Center (Manila), 9/F, Brittany Hotel, Aura Complex, 6 McKinley Pkwy, Taguig, Metro Manila

Here’s how you can get there:

• By Car:
  • Parking: You can park your car at SM Aura’s parking facilities. The mall is directly connected to the Britanny Hotel. Once you park, it’s just a short walk to the KVAC.
  • Parking Fee: The parking fee at SM Aura is ₱60 for the first 4 hours, and ₱20 for each additional hour. This rate is based on 2024 guide.

• By Bus/Jeepney:
  • If you’re coming from different parts of Metro Manila, several buses and jeepneys can take you to the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) area where SM Aura is located.
  • From EDSA (North or South): Look for buses with signs that say “BGC” or “Market! Market!” These buses typically pass by the MRT Ayala Station (along EDSA) and then turn into the BGC area.
  • Drop-off Point: Ask the conductor to drop you off at Market! Market!, which is just a short walk from SM Aura. Once you’re at Market! Market!, you can either walk for about 5-10 minute

• By MRT + Bus/Jeepney:
  • If you’re traveling from areas accessible by the MRT, you can combine the MRT with a bus or jeepney ride to reach SM Aura.
  • Step 1: Take the MRT to Ayala Station. Exit on the northbound side (towards the McKinley Road side).
  • Step 2: Transfer to a Bus or Jeepney. From the MRT Ayala Station, look for buses or jeepneys going to BGC or Market! Market! and take a ride to SM Aura.
  • Alternative Route: You can also walk towards McKinley Road and catch a BGC bus from the Ayala bus terminal, which will take you to Market! Market! or the nearby SM Aura.