South Korea Visa Denied Stories – a Heart Breaking Experience | List of Accredited Travel Agencies for South Korea Visa Application

Denied South Korea Visa

You read it right, I’m sharing with you my South Korean visa denied story. It was May 2016 when I booked a promo flight to South Korea. I waited for this to experience winter in South Korea which is just a 4-5 hours flight from Cebu. On January 25, 2017, I went to the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu. My scheduled trip is from February 15 to 22, 2017.

South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipino Businessmen | South Korea Visa Denied

  1. South Korea Visa Application Form
  2. One piece of Passport-size colored picture
  3. Original passport (valid for more than six months)
  4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
  5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps of OECD member countries for the past five years (if applicable)
  6. Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
  7. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit
  8. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB), a bank certificate for visa is a must at least PHP 50,000.
  9. Bank statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last three months)
  10. Photocopy of ITR or Form 2316 (checked by BIR with Stamp)
  • If personally invited by Korean: Invitation Letter & Copy of inviter’s passport
  • If invited by Company in Korea: Invitation Letter with company stamp & Copy of Korean Company Business Permit
  • Visa fee: 59 days or less stay in Korea – GRATIS; 60 to 90 days stay in Korea – PHP 1,800

Related Article: Go To Boracay – Moving on from a Failed Winter Trip

Requirements I Submitted as an Independent Contractor and Solo Traveler for South Korea Visa without Income Tax Return

I submitted my application on January 25, 2017, at their office. Their address is:

Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu

12/F Chinabank Corporate Center

Cebu Business Park, Cebu City

6000 Philippines

  1. Application Form
  2. One piece of Passport-size colored picture
  3. Original passport (valid for more than six months)
  4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
  5. Two arrival stamps of Japan visa which Japan is part of the OECD member countries
  6. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
  7. Bank statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last three months)
  8. Letter of Explanation
  9. Certificate of Work Contract as I am an independent contractor.
  10. Stock Certificate from COL Financial Philippines
  11. Certification of Involvement in a Non-Profit Organization

South Korea Visa has stricter visa requirements |South Korea Visa Denied

I received an email on January 30, 2017, that I was advised to submit two (2) guaranty letters.

  1. Filipino guarantor must be (1) government official or officer, and (1) your company owner, department head or HR manager;
  2. Guarantor must duly accomplish the Letter of Guarantee (see attached form); and,
  3. Submit a letter together with Guarantor’s Passport bio-page copy (if available). A Photocopy of the Guarantor’s government office ID (for government officer guarantor) or company ID (for company guarantor), front and back.

In addition to the guaranty letters, you are required to submit an explanation letter describing the following:

  1. Exact Annual Income
  2. Companions to/in Korea

What Went Wrong – South Korea Visa Denied

To be honest, I am sad by the fact of the South Korea visa denied. But it is expected when I received an email for additional documents. Here are some of the reasons what went wrong:

  1. I don’t have a Filipino guarantor (a government officer) to sign the guarantee letter. I mentioned in the letter that it’s a personal expense, a gift to myself. The reasons for having a Filipino guarantor to sign the letter is that:
    (a) the guarantor ensures that the applicant abides by the laws and regulations of Korea,
    (b) the guarantor will shoulder the travel expenses for the applicant’s return if he/she is unable to pay them,
    (c) the guarantor shoulders the expenses arising from the applicant’s stay or detention in Korea if he/she is unable to pay them.
  2. I don’t have any companions to/in Korea as I mentioned again and again that I am a solo traveler.

My Speculations for Why my South Korea Visa got Denied

Since I’ll be traveling solo, maybe the embassy thought that I would stay illegal in South Korea. And look for a job which I don’t have any intention. My only ultimate goal is to experience winter.

Remember my Denied Canada Visa Application? It was also my chance to experience winter last January 2015, but it never happened. No more winter experience for me.

Reasons for South Korea Visa Denied

South Korea Visa Denial Stories

You read it right, “You and/or your family failed to prove strong economic ties to the home country.

My affiliation with a non-profit organization I am involved with is not considered a strong economic tie to the home country.

South Korean Embassy Philippines Address

Korean Consulate in Cebu
Address: 12F, Chinabank Corporate Center, Samar Loop, Hipodromo, Cebu Business park, Cebu city, 6000 Cebu

Korean Embassy Manila
Address: McKinley Town Center, 122 Upper McKinley Rd, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila

My Travel History

As a Filipino traveler, you might ask where I’ve been. So yeah, I’ve been to Five Countries in 2015 including Japan and Taiwan. But then, wherever I’ve been to, it’s useless. Sad.

Well, maybe South Korea doesn’t need Filipino tourists because of the stricter rules of visa requirements. Perhaps, I’ll just say goodbye to my wasted ticket to South Korea, will never experience snow and maybe avoid to visit this country for now.

Well, I am heartbroken since this trip to South Korea is a gift to myself for a solo traveler like me. I’ll just shave ice and eat halo-halo instead.

Somehow, I was able to Go to Boracay – Moving on from a Failed Winter Trip.

Check out the comments below as you can also read other people sharing their South Korean visa denied stories.

How to Avoid South Korea Visa Denied?

Since South Korea has stricter visa rules than Japan, it is better that you have a guarantor. That was my problem since it stated that I had I failed to prove strong economic ties to the home country. Of course, the more money you have in your bank account, the better.

There are some banks that if you have these certain credit cards, you can avail automatically a single entry visa, luckier if it’s multiple entry visa.

List of Accredited Travel Agencies for South Korea Visa Application

So, for my future references, I found a list of accredited travel agencies for South Korea visa application. Hope this will help you as well.

ABOEX Travel and Tours

Mandaluyong Main Office
Unit 14 Upper Ground, Globe Tower Plaza 1
Pioneer St., cor. Madison Street Mandaluyong
Contact Nos.: (+632)695-1006 / (0917)125-6800

Vigan Branch
Rm 32-34 Colegio Business Center, Nueva Segovia St.
Vigan City
Contact Nos.: (+637)722-6491 / (+632)425-6443 / (0917)799-8800

Laoag Branch
3rd Floor LC Square, Rizal corner Balintawak Streets
Laoag City
Contact Nos.: (+637)771-1493 / (+632)475-5068 / (0917)799-5800

Adventure International

Makati Office
G/3-4F Eurovilla 2, 118 V.A. Rufino Street
Legaspi Village, Makati City
Contact Nos.: +63 (32) 884-9400, +63 (32) 867-4743
Email: [email protected]

Cebu Office
2nd Floor, Mahogany Place
Pope John Paul II Ave.
Cebu City
Telefax No.: +63 (32) 238-3076
Email: [email protected]

Blue Horizons Travel and Tours Inc.

Makati Office
23rd Floor, Pacific Star Building,
Makati Avenue Cor. Sen Gil Puyat Avenue, Salcedo Village,
Makati City
Telephone No.: +(63-2) 988-5000
Email: [email protected]

Cebu Branch
MSY Tower Unit 10F, Pescadores Road Cebu Business Park,
Cebu City
Telephone No.: +(63-32) 232-8886
Email: [email protected]

Bohol Branch
Mezzanine Floor, Sarabia-Co-Torralba Bldg., CPG Avenue
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Telephone No.: +(63-38) 411-2984
Email: [email protected]

Budget Travel and Tours Inc.

Manila Office
Suite 3 Metropolitan Tower
1746 A.Mabini St., Malate,Manila
Telephone Nos.: (+63 2) 523-8120 to 26
Mobile No.: (+63 917) 806-2459

Alabang Branch
Unit 4018, Alabang Town Center, Alabang Zapote Road,
Alabang, Muntinlupa
Telephone No.: (02) 850 5456

Casto Travel Philippines Inc.

Makati Office
2F Tuscan Building 114 V.A. Rufino Street Legaspi Village
Makati
Telephone No.: (02) 810 0079

City Travel & Tours Corporation

Makati Office
LG8 Cityland 10 Tower 1 H.V. Dela Costa St.
Makati City
Telephone No: (02) 812 9111
Mobile No: 0918-291-9977, 0923-733-2780, 0917-855-2780
Email: [email protected]

Angeles Branch
Unit 201, 2F Diamond Spring Hotel Bldg. Mc Arthur Highway,
Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga
Telephone No: (045) 405 0317
Mobile No: 0918-233-2144, 0922-863-6006, 0915-762-2882

COME ON PHILS. Golf and Travel Agency Inc.

A-36 HK Sun Plaza Macapagal, Pasay
Phone: (02) 810-1959

Constellation Travels, Inc.

Makati Main Office
(Temporary address as main office is under renovation)
Ground Floor, First Maritime Place
7458 Bagtikan St., San Antonio Village
Makati City
Landline: (02) 798 1111 loc. 3110 to 3111
Email: [email protected]

Iloilo Office
G/F Door 2, Manfred’s Building, 22 Gen. Luna St.
Iloilo City
Email: [email protected]
Office Line: (033) 514 1066
Mobile No.: 0917 823 8655

First United Travel Inc.

Makati Office
Garden Level, Corinthian Plaza, 121 Paseo De Roxas, Makati City, Philippines
Telephone: (02) 818 7181, (02) 459 0900

Bulacan Office
2/F Abary Square Bldg. 1733 Año St. Corner F. Vergel De Dios St., Poblacion,
Baliuag, Bulacan
Telephone Nos.: +63 44 892 0746, +63 44 766 1939

Cebu Office
Unit #118 The QC Pavilion, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug,
Cebu City
Telephone Nos.: +63 32 266 1841, +63 32 412 0863

Getaway Tours International Inc.

Manila Office
576 San Andres St., Near Corner Adriatico St.,
Malate, Manila
Telephone Nos.: (02) 524 2202, 524 2252, 354 4268, 3530100, 3544763
Email: [email protected]

Sucat Branch
Ground Floor WSCT 026 Waltermart, Brgy. San Isidro, Dr. Santos Ave.,
Sucat, Parañaque City
Telephone Nos.: (02) 820 1707, 820 1504, 8204238
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Dasmarinas Branch
UGF 156, SM City Dasmariñas, Sampaloc I,
Dasmariñas City, Cavite
Telephone number: (046) 432 3387
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

General Trias Branch
Level 2 – Unit 200-A, Robinson’s Place,
General Trias, Cavite
Telephone number: (046) 436 2112
Email: [email protected]

H.I.S. (PHILIPPINES) Travel Corp

Picadilly Main Office
14/F Picadilly Star Building, 4th Avenue corner 27th Street,
BGC, Taguig
Phone: (02) 718-5012, (02) 718-5008
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Office
2/F Shopping Arcade, Serendra, Bonifacio High Street,
BGC, Taguig
Phone : (02) 915-0351, (02) 822-4496
Email: [email protected]

Cebu Office
Tower3, Unit2-7, Movenpick Resort & Spa Cebu, Punta Engano,
Lapu Lapu City, Cebu
Phone: (032) 238-1685
Email: [email protected]

HANKOOKCEB Corp.

Cebu Office
Room 301 Trans-Asia Bldg., Osmena Blvd., Cor., M. J. Cuenco Ave.
Cebu City
Phone: (032) 238 2595

JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.

JTB Travel Saloon – Mall of Asia
259-EM, SM Mall of Asia, J.W. Diokno Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 1300
Mobile: 0949 994 0249

BGC Branch
18th Floor, Unit 2, RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center 26th & 25th Streets,
Bonifacio South, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Phone: (02) 894-5528

Cebu Branch
2F, J Centre Mall, V.Albano, Mandaue City, Cebu
Phone: (032) 260-8024

JTB Travel Saloon – Vertis North
4th floor Japan Town Retail 2 Level 4, Ayala Mall (Vertis North),
Quezon City
Phone: (02) 932-5600

KP JOEUN Consultancy Inc.

Main Office
Retail 9 M/F Goldland Tower
1600 Pasig City
Phone: (02) 451 1282

Las Palmas Tours and Travel Agency, Inc.

Manila Office
522 Pedro Gil St., Malate, Manila
Phone: (02) 523-6884, 523-6836, 523-6610, 523-9451, 523-7786, 523-7787, 523-6902, 525-5167

Makati Office
UG1 146 Alfaro Place, Alfaro St., Salcedo Village,
Makati City
Phone: (02) 840-1363 to 65, 810-0107 to 08, 810-0226 to 27, 817-1224, 892-3663, 810-0172

Quezon City Office
G/F RC – 27B1 General Romulo ST., Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
Phone: (02) 995-0723 to 29

Clark Office
1st St., Balibago, Clark Angeles, Pampanga
Phone: (045) 892-4828, 892-4192, 892-3477, 892-3563, 892-3483, 892-4705, 892-4025

MNK Travel & Tours Corp.

Ortigas Office
802 One Corporate Center, Meralco Avenue corner Julia Vargas Avenue,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Phone: (02) 687 4443

North Star International Travel, Inc.

Makati Office
19F Trident Tower
312 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City 1200 Philippines
Phone: (02) 485-7272

Party-on Travel and Tour Community, Inc.

Ortigas Office
Unit C2 17th Flr., Strata 100 Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr.
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Phone: (02) 470-2000

Reli Tours and Travel Company

Makati Main Office
3rd Floor Dusit Thani Hotel,
Ayala Commercial Center Makati City,
Phone: (02) 894-1210, 893-7259, 893-9226

SM Mall of Asia Branch
Bay City Pasay City
Phone: (02) 556-1445, 556-1446, 556-1447

SM Megamall Branch
5F SM Megamall, EDSA, Mandaluyong City
Phone: (02) 637-4694, 637-4695, 637-5020

Binondo Branch
4F Lucky Chinatown, Reina Regonte St. corner Dela Reina St.
Binondo, Manila
Phone: (02) 242-0640
Mobile: 0906-492-1000

SM Southmall Branch
Alabang-Zapote Road, Las-Pinas City,
Phone: (02) 800-4948, 800-4949, 800-4950

Sharp Travel Service (Phils.) Inc.

Makati Office
5/F Alexander House Building, 132 Amorsolo Street,
Legaspi Village, Makati City
Phone: (02) 817 0071 – 74
Email: [email protected]

Cebu Office
2nd Floor Zap Plaza Bldg. D. Jakosalem St., Zapatera,
Cebu City
Phone: (032) 253 6333, (032) 253 6358, (032) 253 6540
Email: [email protected]

Swire Travel Phils, Inc.

Makati Head Office
6F Unit C&D Country Space Bldg 1
Sen. Gil Puyat Ave.& Dela Costa Sts.
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Phone: (02) 817 1082, (02) 894 0893
[email protected]

Alabang Branch
The Bellevue Manila Hotel
North Bridgeway, Filinvest Corporate City
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Phone: (02) 771 8181
[email protected]

Clark Branch
Holiday Inn Resort Clarkfield
Mimosa Leisure Estate
Clarkfield, Pampanga
Phone: (045) 499 1105
[email protected]

Subic Branch
Charlie building
Subic International Hotel
Subic Bay, Olongapo City
Phone: (047) 250 0388
[email protected]

Trinoma Branch
Unit 11 Service Avenue Lobby
Trinoma Mall, North EDSA
Quezon City
Phone: (02) 901 0906
[email protected]

The Baron Travel Corporation

Main Office
3rd Floor, PCCI Corporate Center
118 L.P. Leviste Street
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Phone: (02) 817 4926
Office hours:
Mondays-Fridays, 8:30am–5:30pm
Saturdays, 8:30am–12:30pm

Cebu Office
Unit H Capitol Commercial Complex
N. Escario Street, Cebu City
Phone: (032) 255 6095
Email: [email protected]

Travel Pros

SM Megamall Main Office
5th Floor, SM Megamall Bldg. B, Julia Vargas Avenue cor. EDSA,
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Phone: (02) 634-0265 to 67
Mobile: 0917 8866578
Email: [email protected]

Travelservices, Inc.

Makati Head Office
2nd Floor, Trinity Insurance Center
7504 Bagtikan St. San Antonio, Makati City
Phone: (02) 706 8600
Email: [email protected]

Laguna Office
2nd Floor J. Alcasid Business Center, Crossing Street,
Calamba City, Laguna
Phone: (02) 806 7503, (049) 508 2512 to 13
Email: [email protected]

Cebu Office
4th Floor, Metrobank Plaza Building, Osmena Boulevard,
Cebu City
Phone: (02) 806 7505, (032) 253 5808, (032) 255 7374
Email: [email protected]

Uni-Orient Travel, Inc.

Manila Office
447 Juan Luna S., Binondo, Manila, Philippines
Phone: +632 243-3888
Email: [email protected]

Ortigas Office
U 2101 East Tektite Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Phone: (02) 705-2222

Makati Office
I Care Bldg., 167 Legaspi St., cor. De La Rosa St.,
Legaspi Village, Makati City
Phone: (02) 818-9585

Cebu Office
2/F Capitol Square, Escario Street, Cebu City, Philippines
Phone: (032) 253-1866

Ark Travel Express Inc.

Makati Office
Unit LG 3, 4 & 14, 146 Alfaro Place, L.P. Leviste St.
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Phone: (02) 816-2201, 894-3372, 816-6416, 831-6727, 831-6165
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Grand Hope Travel, Inc.

Cebu Main Office
Lower Ground Level, SM City, Juan Luna Avenue Extension,
Cebu City
Phone: (032) 2338530, (032) 2340764, (032) 2338263, (032) 2340767
[email protected]

Ayala Cebu Branch
Ayala Center Cebu, Level 4, Archbishop Reyes Avenue,
Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
Phone: (032) 268-9009, (032) 268-9008
Email: [email protected]

Fuente Branch
G/F Dona Luisa Building, Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City
Phone: (032) 255-4089, (032) 2554091
Email: [email protected]

Bohol Branch
Galleria Luisa Building 2nd Floor, C. Gallares Street,
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Phone: (038) 501-8588
Email: [email protected]

Hanatour Manila Inc.

Pasay Office
2F Finance Center Building (back of World Trade Center),
Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City
Phone: (02) 856-9741, (02) 856-9766

Cebu Branch
3rd Floor BF Pajo Bldg. M.L. Quezon Avenue, Pajo,
Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Phone: (032) 236-4287, (032) 236-4289

Boracay Branch
Legency Lagoon, Balabag, Malay, Aklan
Phone: (036) 288-2626

Horizon Travel & Tours, Inc.

Ermita Main Office
490 Potenciana Mansion, Sta. Monica St.,
Ermita, Manila
Phone: (02) 521 2586, (02) 328 3388
Mobile: 0917 8072538, 0998 8577017
Email: [email protected]

Binondo Branch
345 San Vicente cor. T., Pinpin Sts., Binondo, Manila
Phone: (02) 3102308 to 09, (02) 986 2717
Mobile: 0917 8198628

Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc.

Pasay Head Office
Unit 109-P, G/F Five-Ecom Center, Pacific Drive,
Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Phone: (02) 708 9999

International Journeys Inc.

Manila Office
Unit 2 Third Floor Altra Center
1663 Jorge Bocobo Street, Malate, Manila
Phone: (02) 400-0550
Mobile: +63917-5372-038

Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc.

Makati Office
19th Floor Robinsons Summit Center 6783 Ayala Avenue
Makati City, Philippines
Phone: (02) 887-0000
Email: [email protected]

Pan Pacific Travel Corporation

Binondo Head Office
353 E.T. Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila, Philippines
Phone: (02) 243-6666
Email: [email protected]

Cebu Branch
Diplomat Hotel. Suite No. 6, 90 F. Ramos Street. Cebu City
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (032) 254-0343, (032) 254-0345, (032) 254-0347, (032) 254-0349

Ermita Branch
G/F Pacific Place Apartelle Suites. 539 Arquiza St. Ermita, Manila
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 523-1990, (02) 526-6427

Makati Branch
Unit LG-1 Herrera Tower Condominium. # 98 V.A. Rufino St corner Valero St.,
Salcedo Village, Makati City.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 810-8551 to 56

Rajah Travel Corporation

Makati Office
3rd Floor 331 Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave.
Makati City, Philippines
Phone: (02) 894 0886
E-mail: [email protected]

Manila Office
G/F GLC Building, A. Mabini cor. T.M. Kalaw Sts.,
Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Phone: (02) 523 8801
E-mail: [email protected]

Rakso Air Travel and Tours Inc.

Makati Main Office
3/F Rico Building, 112 Aguirre St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
Phone: (02) 651 9000
Email: [email protected]

Ermita Office
Unit G-06 Malate Adriatico Grand Residences, 1415 Adriatico Street
Ermita, Manila
Phone: (02) 354-1000
Email: [email protected]

Angeles Branch
2/F #1 Quad 2 Plaridel ST. Nepo Center, Brgy. Sto. Rosario
Angeles City, Pampanga
Phone: (045) 888 1010
Email: [email protected]

Boracay Branch
Regency Lagoon Bldg. A, Balabag, Malay, Aklan
Phone: (036) 288 2419, (036) 288 2420
Email: [email protected]

Cebu Branch
2nd Flr The Walk Cebu IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
Phone: (032) 340-2000
Email: [email protected]

Santa Cruz Manila Branch
517-519 Tomas Mapua St, Santa Cruz, Manila, Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 443501, (02) 443502
Email: [email protected]

Davao Branch
Level 1 Unit 111B-112, Robinson’s Cybergate Mall Davao,
J.P. Laurel street, Bajada, Davao City
Phone: (082) 287 8200
Email: [email protected]

Davao Express Branch
3rd Floor Gaisano Mall, JP Laurel Avenue Bajada, Davao City
Phone: (082) 255-6456
Mobile: 09399374559
Email: [email protected]

Source: Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines

466 thoughts on “South Korea Visa Denied Stories – a Heart Breaking Experience | List of Accredited Travel Agencies for South Korea Visa Application

  • Move on pero nag blog pa din? Huhu move on ba talaga or Rant? South Korea has the easiest visa application requirement. Doest mean na denied strict agad. May pa digital nomad pang nalalaman eh d naman kaya..

    • Hahaha! Thanks for dropping by. O naka pag move on na po. Move on ka rin sa next post nito para malaman mo. Hahaha!

    • Gagong edward to. Hiyang hiya naman ang Singapore, Hongkong at now Taiwan na binigyan ng visa free ang mga turistang pinoy. Mataas kasi ihi ng mga koreano, tuta kasi ng kano. Mga feeling, obvious naman na feeling entitled mga koreano para magdeny ng visa ng mga pinoy. Kahit nakapagtravel n s OECD countries, at 6 digits n mga bank accounts, may negosyo, nagwork abroad, pero nagdedeny parin silanng visa. Ridiculous kahit family apply, may isa silang dinedeny. Buwisit lang, walang logic. Anong katangahan yun na isa sa pamilya, may planong magpaiwan pra mag TNT? Hello! Ridiculous naman tlga logic nila. Di katulad ng Japan. Bwisit tlga. 😂

  • Hi thanks po sa reply ask ko lang san po kayo nag inquire anong window po? Mdami po ba kau kasabayan na nag appeal? Ano pong dala nyong docs? Thank u po

    • Hi zhel,window 3…all docs dala ko.kung anu ung pinasa ko b4..try mo din..update us na lng..tnx
      Medyo naka move on na ko..kc nagawa ko nman lahat..pro tlga hindi kinaya ei.kya try next tym 🙂

  • Hi,just got news that my visa was denied. My application was thru an agency. I submitted all required documents pero dont know the reason why got denied. May ticket na kase ako which was booked pa last Feb, sayang kase seat sale. 10 days sana ako don and 8 months pa nman validity ng passport ko. Pwede pa kaya ako mgreapply. Sa sept 29 kse sna yung scheduled flight ko? Help please!

  • Hi everyone,
    I just wanna share my South Korean Visa story. I submitted my application at Cebu Consular Office last week August with some lacking requirements. First, I have no ITR because I just got a job. Second, my COE doesn’t have landline number and email address. It is also my first travel and my Bank Certificate has less than 30k and less than 300pesos ADB. I was actually taking a very long shot. Luckily I got my Visa 5days before my departure and I just got back. But now, after experiencing South Korea, it made me think of making another trip during another season. By the way, a cover letter really works.

  • Hi Abbe, congrats… nag try ako mag appeal last sept 7 pero sa entrance pa lang sinabihan na ko agad ng no appeal sabi nung nag aayos dun ng docs yung nasa entrance at ni nd man lang tiningnan ang docs ko. Pero ok lang at least nag try aq. Ask ko lang if anong format ng cover letter mo para next time maglalagay na din ako ng cover letter. Kasi sabi sakin ng agency ko ay hindi daw na verify ang aking coe kasi hindi ma contact ang aming HR saklap…hehe ..

  • Good day po! I want to ask po sana kung ano po requirements for unemployed since wala pong category for that status. I recently graduated from college and passed my board exam so going to SoKor will be my grad gift from my parents kaso I’m neither a student nor employed. My father, who is an OFW, will shoulder all my expenses pero I will be travelling alone. I have a Korean co-intern who will send me a letter of invite para mas malaki chance ma-approve yung visa. Wala din pong ITR yung father ko since OFW siya. Hoping for a reply po. Thank you in advance!

    • Hi, please write a letter of explanation that your father will shoulder your expenses to SoKor as a graduation gift. Show any proof of documents that your father has a job. Thank you.

    • parequest ka ng certificate of tax exemption sa papa nyo po ate…makukuha nya yan sa philippine embassy 😊 100SAR nga lang ang certificate…pero baka makausap nyo ang BiR dyan sa inyo to tag your father as an OFW at magpagenerate kayo ng certificate of tax exemption.

  • We went to South Korea last Nov 2016 and visa processing was smooth 🙂 What we did?– Just complied on the requirements ( as Tourist or rather for Employee) and go to the Embassy and have it processed. They don’t need a copy of purchased ticket or what.

    1. Application Form –> Filled up properly
    2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture (Please attach on the application form)
    3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)
    4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
    5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
    6. Original Certificate of Employment –> I got a recent copy of this one and make sure all info needed are there.
    (must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address)
    7. Original Personal Bank Certificate –> I got a recent one.. 1 week later the application. and I have that time 80K something and even got the 3 month bank transaction to prove all those money are for me to spent.
    (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
    8. Bank Statement
    (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months) –> see above 😛
    9. ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy –> Yep,. provide it.
    10. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only) –> N/A

    My friend got a multiple Entry because he is a BPI Gold Card user and they had that promo before.. If you have one, you can just have it and you don’t need bank certificates for that, just a photocopy of CARD.

    They will give your 3 or 5 days to get your approved or denied Visa..

    • Hello nick,i photo copy lang ba ang bpi gold card,need pa bang ipakita sa embassy ang gold card?no need na rin ba ang bank statement?..tnx

  • Hi, if you want to experience snow, you can travel to Georgia. It’s a very beautiful country with amazing landmarks and tasty food. You won’t get denied as we can get evisa for a maximum of I think 60 days. You can also extend your travel to Armenia (the first Christian Nation) if you want by taking a train from Tbilisi, Georgia.

  • HI ! Im planning to go to SK next month with 6 friends, we will be applying for our visa next week, reading your comments made me nervous of denied visa stories. Do you think age also is a factor? We are in our mid 50’s so we really just want to travel and enjoy. We have no intention to work there considering our age. Thank you.

  • Hello can you guys shed some light for me? Hehe fresh graduate and without work here we will be traveling to Korea this November malaki ba chance na ma approve yung sa aking application if kasama ko yung parents ko sa trip? Btw sila din mismo mag fifinance sa trip. Mother has a pharmacy business for 15yrs and father works in the government for almost 20yrs. I also want to provide a cover letter na tumutulong ako sa family business and purpose to travel is for vacation(graduation gift)..

    Can someone help me? Or same situation sa akin na nabigyan ng visa? Thru agency kasi yung sa amin from Mindanao kami.

    Btw may travel history na ako went to SG and KL last year, tapos 5yrs ago nakapunta na sa HK & Macau for 3 times kasama ko din family ko during that trip.

    • I think getting a visa for fresh grad or unemployed is by luck talaga. Unfortunately, hindi ganun ka lucky ung sis ko. Birthday gift ko sana sa kanya yung punta namin sa SK this nov kaso she got denied and my visa was approved. We submitted all documents sa travel agency since we live sa province including letter of explanation and affidavit of support that i will shoulder all her expenses. Magkasama kami mag vacation so if may doubt ang consul sa financial capacity ko dba sana pati ako na deny din. So sad tlga kasi sya yung super fan ng kdrama. Mag vacation tuloy ako magisa.

  • I felt sad to get my result today- Visa denied… all my friends were approved except me because im a homebased online English teacher..
    Ganon ba yon kapag homebased online teacher di makakatravel in those countries with visa? So unfair.. do i need to change career if i want to travel next year in Japan and other countries?im really sad, i had my ticket already for the package tour.. however, I believe God’s will prevail.. it is not His will for me. .. i just need to accept it.

    • I’m sad. I’ve been to Japan but got denied for a Korean visa coz I am working online. How many countries you’ve been to?

  • Gagong edward to. Hiyang hiya naman ang Singapore, Hongkong at now Taiwan na binigyan ng visa free ang mga turistang pinoy. Mataas kasi ihi ng mga koreano, tuta kasi ng kano. Mga feeling, obvious naman na feeling entitled mga koreano para magdeny ng visa ng mga pinoy. Kahit nakapagtravel n s OECD countries, at 6 digits n mga bank accounts, may negosyo, nagwork abroad, pero nagdedeny parin silanng visa. Ridiculous kahit family apply, may isa silang dinedeny. Buwisit lang, walang logic. Anong katangahan yun na isa sa pamilya, may planong magpaiwan pra mag TNT? Hello! Ridiculous naman tlga logic nila. Di katulad ng Japan. Bwisit tlga. 😂

  • dalawang beses na akong nag-apply ng visa sa SoKor and blessing ‘coz both were approved. Dapat kumpleto lang siguro lahat ng requirements, meaning walang ‘dagdag bawas’.. As to ADB or OB sa bank savings nyo, I think this doesn’t matter that much kasi yung asawa ko di naman kalakihan ang pera, mga nasa 30k+ and ADB was only P1k+. And better kung kayo mismo magsubmit nung application nyo, it will only take few minutes and walang application fee.. SoKor so far ang the best country that I’ve been to.

    P.S. while writing this comment, kakasubmit ko lang din ng Japan Visa Application ko and my hubby.. praying for favor! God bless po sa inyo.. travel while you can!

  • hi, ngpunta ako sa embassy last month applying for visa,wla pang 3mins sinabi na skn no work no visa,gift skn ng fiance ko expat he will pay for everything sana,okie lang po ba kung employed ako pero wlang itr? they just return to me my papers eh hnd nila tinanggap..(nilagay ko kasi sa una ko application unemployed ako since wla akong itr.

  • my idea po ba kayo kung check tlga nila yung itr? or really need po ba yun kung employed ka kahit bago plang sa work,i was thinking na apply ko din baby ko ng visa since halos lahat ng stamp nia sa lahat ng travel nmn pareho kmi ..i really want to go korea ..😭 i dont know what to do ..im going with friends sana but their both employed ..

  • hi ms.roxanne! Me and my sister wr planning to go to Korea this January to experience winter. We’ve both been to Canada last June po. Do you think po its an edge para ma approve ako and my sister?
    She works in Bpo company for 7yrs and me naman po in a private company for 10yrs.
    Yung sister ko may credit card but we wala po. Worry ko lang kasi baka po ako yung hindi ma approve. But may cousin ako sa Korea and my business din naman cya dun, i was just thinking to ask her a favor to send me an invitation. Tingin mo po magwwork yung ganun po?
    Looking forward for your reply.Thanks and Godbless!

  • Just want to share my experience yesterday. 4 kaming pupunta sa SK this November but unfortunately, I was the only one approved :'( We’ve already bought tickets and even accomodation. We are planning to go tomorrow to submit a letter of appeal and documents but I was able to read comments above that they do not accept appeals? :'( I read on another blog that the best way would be to go to window 3?
    Anyone who can give some insight?

  • My boyfriend and I went to the embassy yesterday to claim our passports, including the passport of our 2 friends. Sadly, I was the only one approved :'( My boyfriend and I were supposed to celebrate our 5th anniversary in SK. We’ve already booked tickets and even accomodation, which I know now was a really wrong move :'( We’re planning to go back tomorrow to submit a letter of appeal and some docs but I was able to read comments above that they do not accept appeals anymore? :'( I was able to read in another blog that the best way would be to go to window 3.. I hope someone could provide some insight on this :'(

  • After reading all the post kinakabahan ako im planning to apply tomorrow pero niece ko mag submit ng docs. Been to Japan for 5x and other asean countries HK, SG, MALAYSIA, VIETNAM, but still reading all the comments makes me nervous. Booked already the airline ticket and accomodation its my first in SK to apply. All docs on the list are complete my worries is my bank statement i just deposit today the big amount i hope they mind it. The plan trip will be in January.

  • Hi ask po ako .. may invitation letter po ako galing bf korean citizen.. kasma business permit nya at tax and income
    Then meron akong bank statement and certificate
    Then nag attach din ako ng letter bakit wla akong itr.. freelance model baga , walk in kung my shoot syaka pako sasahod.. and may medical certificate ako na ina touch kasama sa letter ko na tutulungan ako ng bf ko na mag pa tingin sa korea regarding sa mass sa breast ko .. do you think icoconsider nila? ..

      • Hi mam thank so much sa pag reply .. anyway mam kinuha ko is tourist muna
        Kasi hehelp ako ng bf ko makahanap sa korea ng Doctor na pwde tumingin saakin .pero para ma prove ko sa embassy nag attach ako ng medical certificate.. ang concern ko baka hanapan nila ako ng letter mula sa Doctor or ospital .. e ang sabi ko kame ng bf ko ang hahanap sa korea para maka pag pa check .. sa requirements itr yung wla ako pero nag attach ako ng explanation and bank ko na 155k ang lamn gusto ko Lang lakasan loob ko dahil dipo ko makatulog

  • Hi, Claire! 🙂 Me and my cousins are travelling to korea. May nabook na rin kaming ticket. Gusto lang sana namin humingi ng tips. can we declare ba sa application na we are travelling with cousins. Mas malaki ba ang chance? and I have 3 bank accounts kasi. yung isa isa 3 years na sya pero minsan nazezero balance sya and yung 2 ko is bagong open lang and ang plan ko isubmit eh yung isa sa mga bago and dun ko ilagay lahat ng pera ko. 7months na yung bago kong account and planning mag apply ng VISA sa february or march. do you think mas okay yun? meron dini akong 2 credit cards. Also, Di kasi namin sure how much money yung kailangan na nasa loob ng bank. 🙁 ngayon palang naiistress nako. pero think positive parin and super pray gagawin namin. Thank you!

  • Hi!

    I will be applying this Saturday through a travel agency in davao.. i am quite nervous. wew.. I only have 70k in my bank account and 19k ADB.. i dunno with your experience guys but it will be alright right? i am employed in a company and have a COE and ITR.. my worry is i will be travelling alone for 3 days and estimated my travel costs to be 30k.. hope you can unload my worries through your advices!

    thank you in advance!

  • Hi Good Morning! I am so sorry my message was intended to you Roxanne. I am so sorry for the confusion. Hope you give me an advise. Thank you so much!

  • Hi Dada at sa lahat ng na denied…denied din aq last sept… May nagsabi sa akin na need q daw magpalit ng passport para walang tatak na denied (yung may date na na accept ng embassy) may ganun din ba kau? Ano dapat ba gawin? Magpalit ba ng passport o wag na…pls need advise. Thanks

  • Just wanna share my scenario.
    We applied as a Family plus my Mom and my Mom’s friend. Unfortunately we all got denied!
    After reading all blogs from diff website I think I already knew the answer. (I hope so if we tried to apply again next yr we got our Visa granted na)
    I am the financier We have a business, I have 2 bank accounts my 1 bank account is only under my name.. With 200k but the ADB is only 50k. I dont usually put money in the bank because I need it to roll it for my business..
    Reasons:
    My husband got his commission and the buyer deposited it in my account 100k a week before we applied the Visa. We thought we were blessed because he got extra money from his buy and sell for our supposedly KOREAN TRIP! Our usual money deposited for a year is only 60k-90k until last month it became 180k when someone deposited 100k I jus added 20 or 30k just to make it 200k.
    **Agency told us not to put Spot Cash or sudden big amount they will think that you just borrowed it**
    My husband – No work (because we are running the business and the business is under my name. He gets his extras from Buy & Sell like Cars (No documents to show proof to Korean Embassy so I just put “Unemployed”) I’ve just read that “No work No Visa” — sad!
    My Daughter is a highschool student, later I realized under the “Employment Category” I didnt check the Student.. I put all N/As instead. I got confused! because I put her infos about school under The “Education” my daughter is only on her 10th grade but I checked the Highschool Diploma which is Wrong! It should be Others and write 9Th Grade (since that is her highest education achieved) My Mom has no Birth Certificate.. only Municipal Certificate and the girl on window 1 gave it back to me she was asking for the birth certificAte or My Marriage Contract just to prove that she is my Mother and I submitted it. I tried to come back to re appeal after 3 days and when I came back I saw girls also trying to re appeal @ window 1.. that girl didnt talk to us she just said “It’s not my decision it’s consul’s Sorry!” Still I tried to email them 3x because they took so long to reply.. after 2weeks I got replies saying No reconsideration and No re appeal! Oops wait!
    I got my Bdo Gold Card just last week! Im thinking if.. What if I go back to embassy and reappeal again @ window 3? Since she’s the one handling the Bdo Gold Cards? But our booked flight will be Next week 🙁 3 days left

  • Mas madali kung sa cebu kau mag aaply
    Konti Lang tao . Di mainit ang ulong mga taga doon hahah..
    Basta if ever wla kayung itr.. mag attach Lang kau ng explanation letter, then dapat importante ang bank nyo.. kung my invitation mas ok.. hehhe .. kaka approve Lang saakin last monday.. goodluck po sainyo

  • Hi,

    I would like to ask if it’s okay to submit an ITR without BIR stamp as I’m planning to submit our application January next year for our February flight. However, as per our accounting they usually files our ITR during February.

  • hi . magaaply kami ng korean visa this dec . ang knukuha namin package for korea eh feb 2018. my mom’s working from a company ng mtgal na . nkapag tour ndin sya ng dubai, europe, hongkong, thailand, malaysia vietnam . ang father ko retired seaman . both of them may malaki lman sa bank account nla . ang brother ko working since IT grad sya, nkpag tour ndin siya like malaysia, thailand, dubai, may bank account din nya ksma ang name ng father ko . while ako start na ng class ko for culinary .once a week lang ang class ko . im 30 yo graduating student ng nursing but nagshift ako to culinary since yun kc ang gusto ko and i have bank account which is nklgay din sa bank account name ng mother ko kunbaga share kami sa account na yon na prinovide nya sakin mtgal na . ive been sa other country ndin like dubai, malaysia, HK, thailand . may possible ba maapproved kami or madenied? sabi kc kya naddenied wla patunay na babalik ka ng pinas . since ako, mom ko, brother ko may mga pasok at yung father ko retired na may chance ba kami paapproved?

  • I’m about to send my requirements to the Embassy tomorrow but I just realized that in my CoE, our HR did not indicate my salary. I have my ITR though. Will this be alright? Please advise

  • Gud pm..ask ko lang po if kasama ko ang anak Na 4 yrs.old anu mga documents na kailangan? At ipi fill up ko din po ba sya ng visa application form?hoping for ur reply.. thnks and Godbless..

  • Goog am.ask ko lang po if kasama ko ang anak Na 4 yrs.old anu mga documents na kailangan? At ipi fill up ko din po ba sya ng visa application form?hoping for ur reply.. thnks and Godbless..

  • Hi, question lang po.

    I’ve been granted a visa and I’ve been to SK nung November 2017 but that was because of a business trip at may invitation ako from the company in SK, and along with all the requirements needed, naapprove naman.

    Now, me, my wife, and our 5-month old baby will visit SK on February 2018, may round-trip ticket na kami. Pero Natatakot ako baka madent kamk kasi my wife had stopped working (as a teaher) since she got pregnant last October 2016 so wala syang mapapakitang ITR. Paano po kaya ang gagawin ko for a higher possibility na ma-grant ang visa naming lahat? Thanks.

  • Me and my family are planning to travel to south korea next year 2018. Bale 4 kami ang father ko matagal ng nagtratrabaho sa goverment employee at kami ng mother ko ay unemployed meanwhile my sister is graduating next year 2018 so baka after graduation niya kami makapunta. Wala pa akong work for almost 3 years since I graduated. Ang reason ay ayaw ko pang magwork at balak kong mag aral ulit. Nakapagtravel na kaming lahat sa singapore, malaysia, hong kong at macau this past 2016. Question is malaki ba ang chance namin maaprove lalo na po ako since wala pa akong work at bank account. My father will shoulder all the expenses of our travel. Meron siyang gold or platinum credit card pero citibank visa lang yun. Through travel agency kami magpapaprocess ng visa at sila narin ang magaasikaso ng lahat pati hotel stay and itinerary. 5 days lang po kami sa south korea. Mataas po ba ang chance namin or malabo? If not ano po kaya ang dapat kong gawin para maaprove ako. Will wait for any response. Thank you

  • Hi, kinabahan naman kami =( our company will provide all our expenses for our 4days travel.. kaso yung mga officemates ko 15k lng mga salary nila so magrereflect yun sa bank statement.. possible ba na ma-approve kami nun or we need a guarantee letter from our company since sila magbibigay samin ng travel expenses namin?

  • Hi everyone! Just want to share my experienced. Me and my friends planned to go to Korea dec.19, we prepare our documents for Visa first week of November. Our first struggle is the stamped 2316, we do not have stamped sice our RDO is in Makati even if we are here in Cebu, (we are from CVG actually) we asked our HR for a stamped BIR but it took weeks and we haven’t received any response yet, so we decided to just write a cover letter to the consule explaining our situation. Second struggle is I don’t have show money, 😂 (I know you’ll think that, hey! Suroy2 pero way kwarta! 😂😂, but Actually I’m just trying my luck if it’ll work) so I submitted my payroll account Bank Certificate which is zero and Bank statement zero. When we submit everything, my friends’ visas were approved after 6 days (processing days in Cebu is 7 working days, but we check it online) mine was still pending. I checked my email and found out that they email me asking for additional financial documents. I borrowed money from my friend which is 5k, so the money reflecting on my next bank account and bank statement is 5k, I submit it again and wait for the result. The following day, they email me again stating that your financial documents are not enough to cover your expense (I put $300 by the way in the total expense portion in the application since we declared 3 days only in KR but actually we planned to stay 6 days there) so in the second email I received they are already asking for an sponsor, but I don’t have any sponsor, I went to their office and ask what if I don’t have sponsor, the nice Lady said its okay, you have 2 options to provide a financial documenta from a sponsor or add more financial documents. that’s the time I realized that OmG! they are giving me 3rd and final chance, so I borrowed 15k from my friend deposit it on that very same day so I have total of 20k on my bank certificate and statement and submit it to the consule. it was dec.15 and our flight is dec.19, 2017 my friends are all ready for the travel while me, just praying. this time I really want it to have it na. I checked it online by 11 am and its still STATUS: received try to refresh the page every now and then by 12 noon it changed to STATUS: under review. I refreshed the page again ang after 30-40 minutes it changed to APPROVED!! 😭😭🙏🏻☝🏻️ I was so happy, supposedly their instruction was to call them first before getting the passport but because of excitement I went their and get it, they just gave it anyway! Woohoooo! We experienced snow last dec.20 in the namsam tower so we are really blessed, just arrived here in Cebu earlier 2 am. So I think the secret there is to make sure that you can explain everything in a cover letter and provide the best phone number from your HR. Wishing everyone merry Christmas! I hope you can all fly to Korea because it is soo sooo sooo beautiful country! ☃❄️🌨💨😘

  • Hi,
    I was planning to go Korea as a volunteer in pyeongchang 2018 in February. I have been in Korea for 6 times but whenever i apply for visa i always get nervous until now. The embassy always changed their policy so it makes me always nervous but thankfully i got the good result. I am praying that I will get approval in my application this coming January 23.One thing that I am not sure is about what to put in my visa application this time that i am applying as a volunteer in Olympics.

      • I applied as a volunteer through online application last 2016. I was blessed to pass the pre-screening and was scheduled to online test and interview. I passed the test and interview then was confirmed to be a volunteer. I just visited Korea 5 months ago and I am currently here in Cambodia as a Missionary. I am excited and at the same time nervous for a new experience but I think it will be a great experience.

  • Hi! I was able to book a very cheap ticket to SoKor this year. Medyo impulsive ako sa part na yun kasi super adik kame ng mom ko sa kdrama. I just need your advice regarding her visa application. 25 yrs na syag di nag wowork ako ung mag su-sponsor ng trip nya. Pwd ko ba syang e-declare as housewife tapos kukuha lang kme ng notarize affidavit of full support from me since ung father ko hndi na din nag wowork.

    My Profile

    Intl Bank Employee – 5 yrs (Salary: 45K)
    Bank Account – Payroll and Joint with my Fiancee (1xx,xxx)

    Also,

    Mas better bang gamitin namin ni fiancee ung individaul payroll account namin instead dun sa joint account kasi hndi pa kami kasal. May mga nabasa kasi akong blog na dnied ung visa nila kc joint acct gamit nila with a non-family member.

    Thank you! Looking forward for your response!

  • Hello Everyone, gusto ko lang po itanong if kailangan pa bang mag provide ng Bank Cert and Bank Statement kung hindi naman ikaw mag cover ng travel expenses mo? i mean yong invitor ang magbabayad lahat ng expenses.. thank you in advanced sa makakasagot 🙂 God blessed everyone.

  • Hi po, me and my husband is planning to go to korea. I am a minimum wage earner but have a bdo gold credit card and a 50k savings account. My husband oy earns around 25k and has a supplementary card of my bdo gold cc and has 50k as well. What do you think our chances?

  • Hi, nagsumbmit ka ba ng ITR? parang wala kaseng ITR dun sa list ng sinubmit mo, baka yun ang naging cause ng denied visa mo. Nagtravel ako sa Korea with my family last year, Businessman yung dad ko at employed ako sa kanya. Nagsubmit sha ng Documents na magpapatunay ng business nya (like Mayor’s Business Permit, DTI at ITR) Pag ata hindi mo na prove na may work/business ka sa Pilipinas, yun ata ang yung reason pag “no strong economic ties with your home country”

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