Getting a South Korean tourist visa isn't as difficult as you think.

The Vietnamese passport offers the least travel freedom, as most countries around the world require a visa, and South Korea is one of them. However, if you understand the procedures and regulations, applying for a South Korean tourist visa can be quite easy.

First, you should go to the Consular Section of the Korean Embassy in Hanoi, located on the 7th floor of the Charmvit building, 117 Tran Duy Hung Street. Alternatively, you can visit the Korean Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City at 107 Nguyen Du Street, District 1, to receive specific instructions on applying for a visa to enter Korea and obtain the visa application form.

For those born in Da Nang or further north, registration should be done at the Korean Embassy in Hanoi. If you wish to apply at the Korean Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, you will need to provide the following: a permanent residence registration certificate from Da Nang to the southern provinces (translated and notarized) and a long-term employment contract (with a notarized English translation).

For those born in other regions, applications should be submitted in Ho Chi Minh City. Those wishing to apply for a visa in Hanoi must also provide similar supporting documents as above.

Required documents(All Vietnamese documents must be translated into English or Korean and notarized.

- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have 2 blank pages for visa stamping.

- The visa application form must include one 3.5 x 4.5 cm passport-sized photograph taken within the last three months. You can download the form.here.

- Documents proving employment include: employment contract and leave application for travel.

ButDocuments proving financial capacity include:

+ Savings account with a minimum deposit of USD 5,000 or VND 100 million.

+ Additional documents (photocopies) such as land ownership certificates (for houses larger than 100m2), securities, car ownership documents, etc.

+ Bank statements showing salary (for the last 3 months) or any other documents proving monthly salary.

If you lack sufficient financial resources, you can demonstrate the financial capacity of a family member, along with documentation proving the family relationship certified by the local authorities. For minors, parental consent and a certificate of family relationship are required.

In addition, you will receiveNo proof of financial capacity required.in the following cases:

+ For those working in government agencies: please provide a certificate confirming your employment or civil servant status.

+ Have traveled to OECD countries (within the last 5 years) or to South Korea more than twice. Documentation confirming entry and exit from these countries (visa copies) is required. List of member countries.OECD.

- Other required documents: Photocopy of identity card (notarized), tour itinerary, and hotel reservation confirmation.

Things to note during the interview.

Applying for a South Korean visa generally does not require an interview, but there are some cases where the Embassy may request one. In such cases, you should carefully review the information on the Embassy's website or the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure you can answer the interview questions smoothly.

You need to show them that you have a stable job and life in Vietnam; that you have strong ties and commitments, and that you will definitely return after your trip; and that while in South Korea, you know where you will go and what you will do. The important thing is that during the interview, you should appear respectable, confident, and relaxed, with the mindset that if you don't get the visa this time, you can try again; if you can't go to South Korea, you can go to another country.

Fees(Payment in USD only)

When applying for a visa to enter South Korea, you will have to pay a fee as follows:

- $30 USD for visas under 90 days
- $50 USD for single-entry visas valid for more than 90 days

Visa issuance department working hours

- Application submission hours: from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM every weekday from Monday to Friday (except for embassy holidays).

- Result delivery time: from 2 PM to 4 PM every weekday from Monday to Friday (except embassy holidays).

The processing time is usually around 8 working days from the date of application. If you apply in Ho Chi Minh City, it only takes 4-5 days.

When you come to submit your application and receive your visa, remember to bring your original identity card.

Visa validity

Valid for 3 months from the date of issue and only for a single entry and exit.

An Thy synthetic

The Thanh