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Published: 2022 • 09 • 21
One of the countries I want to go back to almost with all my heart is South Korea. So when the Korean government announced that it would finally start accepting tourist visa applications again, I was the first to book flights.
The problem is, Korea is a popular destination especially among Filipinos. As the Korean Embassy in Manila tries to return to normal operations, visa applications begin to pile up. But that’s not all. The embassy has posted a warning against submitting fraudulent requirements such as employment certificates, bank certificates, ITRs or other documents, indicating an increase in suspicious documents it receives. According to travel agents we spoke to, the embassy is a strict and diligent body in reviewing applications.
All this has led the embassy to limit the number of applications it receives per day. Applicants form long queues the night before to make sure they reach the cut-off. I know this because I have tried many times! I was told they could not accept my application because they had reached their quota for the day, so I stood in line for hours.
Fortunately, the Korean Embassy has recently launched an online appointment system! The good news is, it eliminates the need for applicants to go through the queue in person. The bad news is that, like any new system, it’s still confusing. Thankfully, I was able to successfully book a slot while documenting the entire process. In this article, I will share with you how to get a visa application appointment with the Korean Embassy.
But first, a few reminders:
- Make sure you have the following with you:
– A valid email address. You will need this to retrieve the verification code.
– Your passport details, especially your name and passport number. - You can make appointments for yourself, parents and children only. Outside of these circumstances, applications to groups or other persons are not permitted.
- The best time to make a reservation is another Thursday, when the embassy has openings for the coming week. More information on that in the FAQ section below. However, some slots will open on other dates if other applicants or the embassy itself cancels the appointment.
- Use Google Chrome. I find it more compatible with the website than other browsers.
- Be quick. The number of places will decrease quickly and they will all disappear in minutes.
- This guide is for individual applicants only. You can also apply through a designated travel agent.
Here’s how to get an appointment with the Korean Embassy for visa application:
What is covered in this guide?
You can find it at https://consul.mofa.go.kr/en/main.do.
Tap under the tab for consular services Booking a visit to a diplomatic mission. Under this tab is the first button.
A popup will appear on the next page: Please log in as a non-member to access this service. Click OK. Then follow these steps.
- Click the Agree button for all terms and conditions of use on the login form. Displays terms. Read and scroll down and then tap. prove it.
- Enter your name as it appears on the passport you are using.
- Enter your email address.
- Click SEND CONFIRMATION NUMBER. The system will send the code to the email address you just entered. It usually takes a minute or so, but at peak times, it can take up to 30 minutes.
- Enter the confirmation number you received and click prove it.
- Enter your phone or mobile number under Contact Information.
- Click Sign in as a non-member.
Before reaching this type, you may first be directed to a virtual “waiting room”, depending on how heavy the visitor traffic is at the time. The page will show you how long (in seconds) you have to wait before being taken to the booking page.
Once on the booking page, select the following:
- Under Select Diplomatic Mission, select Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of the Philippines. This is the Korean Embassy in Manila. (It’s at the bottom of the list.) Note that there are two Philippine missions on the list. Another is the Consulate General in Cebu. Make sure you choose the right one.
- Select Consular Service, Select Visa (for individual applicants for tourism). And then, under it, check the box next to Visa (for individual applicants for tourism). It’s just a checkbox.
You will see that not all dates are clickable. Award dates cannot be selected. Select a date.
After selecting a date, press the radio button next to 9:30. This is the only time it is offered to tourist visa applicants. The time slots are:
- 08:30 AM – Accredited travel agencies and family visits for individual applicants and Filipino spouses of Korean citizens
- 09:30 AM – Private applicants for tourist visa only
- 10:30 AM – Agencies for PEA or seasonal workers and official conference, entertainment, sports, business, studies, religious visit, foreign diplomat, international organization, etc.
Don’t forget to still mark 09:30 even if it’s the only option. Otherwise, you won’t be able to go to the next level.
If all dates are grayed out and not clickable, it means there are no more slots available at that time. You can keep waiting and refreshing.
Note: The Embassy will only open slots every other Thursday for the next two weeks. It’s the best time to make an appointment. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get a slot another day. Sometimes the embassy or the applicant themselves cancels the appointment by rebooking the slots.
‼️ Enter your passport number under special questions! If you are applying for your parents/children under this appointment, you must enter all your full names and relevant passport numbers.
If you do not fill out the SPECIFIC REQUESTS field, the embassy will immediately cancel your appointment. And you have to find a new slot. I learned this the hard way, so don’t make the same mistake.
Once everything is in order, enter the CAPTCHA code and click Reservation.
A note will pop up. Make sure all details are correct. You can’t change it after that. If you need to change something, you will have to cancel and rebook. If everything is correct, click OK.
You will be returned to the RESERVATION page, which will display the currently booked appointment. On the right, under RESERVATION RECEIPT, click Print.
It looks like this.
‼️ Important! Don’t forget to print or save a copy of this receipt. You will confirm when you visit the embassy on the appointment day. Without it, you will be denied entry to the premises.
You will also receive a confirmation by email.
Bring the following.
- A printed or soft copy of your booking confirmation
- Completed visa application form
- Passport and ID card
- All other necessary documents
‼️ Important! Only visa applicants whose name and passport number are on the receipt will be allowed to enter the embassy. If you are caught applying to someone other than yourself, your parents or your children; You will be blacklisted by the embassy.
I didn’t make an appointment. Can I still make an introductory visit to the embassy?
no. Entry applicants will no longer be accepted regardless of the type of visa they are applying for.
An appointment is required to allow entry.
I could not find a slot. Is there another way to apply for a visa?
yes. You can apply through a designated travel agent. They are given their own place and time.
However, agencies are subject to quotas or restrictions set by the embassy. Depending on the size of the application, travel agencies may choose not to accept applications, especially if your travel date is approaching.
If I apply through a travel agency, do I still need to make an appointment online?
no. The appointed travel agency must make the appointment on behalf of you and other applicants.
Can I make an appointment for my spouse or siblings?
no. You can only apply for yourself, your parents or your children.
Someone asked this question on the official Facebook page of the Korean Embassy. Accordingly, husbands and wives should make separate appointments. I know it sounds awkward, but here’s a screenshot:
All of the embassy’s printed advertisements refer to parents and children only. Spouses and siblings are excluded, even if they are close relatives.
The embassy added: “Appointments for your aunts, nephews, nieces and other relatives will be canceled by the embassy.”
Can I make an appointment for my friends who will be my travel companions to Korea?
No, even if you are traveling together, they must reserve the appointment space on their own.
Each applicant can book only for himself or for a parent or child. If your friend is not a parent or child, they will need to make a separate appointment.
Can I make multiple appointments under my name?
no. You will only accept appointments for yourself, a parent or a child. All your appointments will be canceled by the embassy.
If you are caught making two or more appointments under the same name, you and all other applicants related to you will be blacklisted by the embassy.
When is the best time to make an appointment?
The embassy will only open slots every other Thursday for the next two weeks. This is the best time to make an appointment. Here are the schedules for the next few months.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get a slot another day. Sometimes the embassy or the applicants themselves cancel their appointments by booking renewed slots.
I keep getting this error: The system has temporarily crashed. Please try again later. what does it mean
It reads: The system is temporarily down. Please try again later.
No matter what you click it keeps giving this error so you can refresh the page.
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