South Korea visa for Indians
By Ganesh ·
Indians need a visa for South Korea, K-ETA isn't for Indian passports. How to apply through KVAC, documents, costs, Jeju rules and a 7-day Seoul–Busan plan.
The short answer: Indian passport holders need a visa to visit South Korea as tourists, the K-ETA is not for Indians, because it only applies to nationalities who can enter visa-free. Apply for a short-term tourist visa (C-3-9) through the Korea Visa Application Centre (KVAC) in India, following the checklist of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India (overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-en). Official visa information is also on visa.go.kr.
Korea's fees, document lists and visa options change from time to time. Check the Embassy's page and the KVAC site for the current checklist and fee before you apply. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
K-ETA vs visa: which do you need?
| K-ETA | Visa (C-3-9) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Visa-exempt nationalities only | Indian passport holders |
| How | Online, k-eta.go.kr | Through KVAC in India (or an accredited agency) |
| Stay | As per the exemption | Typically up to 90 days, as granted |
Step by step
- Download the Embassy checklist for a short-term tourist visa.
- Fill in the visa application form and attach a photo.
- Gather documents (list below) and book a KVAC slot if required.
- Submit at KVAC and pay the visa fee and service charge.
- Collect your passport or check your e-visa result as instructed.
Documents (typical)
- Passport valid for at least six months, and old passports.
- Application form and photo to the Embassy's size rules.
- Bank statements for recent months and income tax returns.
- Employment certificate with leave approval, or business registration, or student ID.
- Flight reservation and hotel bookings, and a day-by-day itinerary.
- Invitation letter and the host's documents if visiting someone in Korea.
Documents usually must be recent (often within the last few months). Follow the Embassy's checklist exactly. Missing one page is the most common reason for delays.
Costs (approximate)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Korean visa fee, single entry | Check the Embassy's current fee table |
| KVAC service charge | Check the KVAC site |
| Return flights India–Seoul (usually one stop) | ₹35,000–₹65,000 |
| Hotels in Seoul, mid-range | ₹5,000–₹10,000 a night |
Jeju and transit
Jeju Island has its own visa-free entry rules for many nationalities when you fly directly to Jeju, and Korea has transit rules for travellers holding certain other visas. The eligibility lists and conditions are specific and change. Check visa.go.kr or the Embassy before relying on either.
A 7-day plan
- Days 1–4: Seoul. Gyeongbokgung (wear a hanbok for free entry), Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, N Seoul Tower, a DMZ tour.
- Days 5–7: Busan by KTX train (about 2.5 hours): Haeundae beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi fish market.
Plan it in Sancharees and print the day-by-day plan for your visa file.
When to go
Spring (cherry blossoms, early April) and autumn (October–November leaves) are the most beautiful. Winters are very cold; summers are hot and rainy.
FAQ
Can Indians apply for K-ETA?
No. Indians need a visa. K-ETA is only for visa-exempt nationalities.
How long does a Korean tourist visa take?
It depends on the season and your file; the Embassy and KVAC publish guidance. Apply a few weeks before travel.
Do I need a confirmed flight ticket?
A reservation is usually enough, follow the Embassy checklist.
Is a Korean visa sticker or electronic?
Depending on the type and how you applied, it may be a visa in your passport or an electronic visa. Your result tells you which.
Photo: Gyeonghoeru (Royal Banquet Hall) at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul by Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
_at_Gyeongbokgung_Palace,_Seoul.jpg){kind=link}
Read in: भारतीयों के लिए दक्षिण कोरिया वीज़ा: KVAC से टूरिस्ट वीज़ा (K-ETA नहीं)