What documents does a China citizen need for a South Korea visa?

- Passport valid 6+ months beyond stay - Passport-size photo, 3.5x4.5cm, white background - Completed visa application form - Employment or income certificate - Bank statement showing sufficient funds (RMB 50,000 or more recommended) - Travel itinerary and hotel booking confirmation - Round-trip flight reservation - Biometrics (fingerprints) collected at the visa application center or consulate - Travel insurance recommended

What types of visas can China citizens get for South Korea?

- C-3-9 short-term group tourist e-Visa: single entry, 30 days, applied via an accredited travel agency - C-3 individual tourist visa: single entry, 90 days, embassy/consulate application - C-3-2 business visa: single/multiple entry depending on purpose - D-2/D-4 student visas: long-term, separate process - K-ETA is not available to Chinese passport holders, as China is not on the visa-waiver list

How do China citizens apply for a South Korea visa?

- Apply via visa.go.kr (Korea Visa Portal) or through a government-accredited travel agency for the group e-Visa - Register an account, upload documents, and pay the fee online - Receive an approval notice by email - Print the confirmation to present at check-in and immigration - Fee: approximately KRW 60,000 (about USD 45) for single entry - Processing time: 5-10 business days - The group e-Visa confirmation is accepted without a physical visa sticker

How much does a South Korea visa cost for China citizens?

- e-Visa fee: approximately KRW 60,000 (about USD 45) single entry - Individual C-3 visa at consulate: approximately KRW 50,000-80,000 depending on entries - Visa center service fee: approximately RMB 100-200 additional - Total estimate: USD 50-90 - Standard processing: 5-10 working days - Expedited service available at some consulates for about RMB 200 extra, 2-3 days

What should China citizens know before traveling to South Korea?

- Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel during peak season (Chinese New Year, Golden Week) - Common rejection reasons: insufficient funds proof, inconsistent itinerary, incomplete employment verification - Using an accredited travel agency for the group e-Visa route is usually faster than an individual embassy application - Extensions inside South Korea are rarely granted for tourist visas; plan to exit and reapply instead - Watch for temporary visa-fee waiver promotions tied to Korean tourism campaigns

South Korea Visa for China Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Chinese citizens need a visa for South Korea; eligible group tourists can apply through the online e-Visa system at visa.go.kr, with a fee of about KRW 60,000 (approximately USD 45) and processing in 5-10 business days.

Guide last updated October 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

Passport valid 6+ months beyond stay
Passport-size photo, 3.5x4.5cm, white background
Completed visa application form
Employment or income certificate
Bank statement showing sufficient funds (RMB 50,000 or more recommended)
Travel itinerary and hotel booking confirmation
Round-trip flight reservation
Biometrics (fingerprints) collected at the visa application center or consulate
Travel insurance recommended

Visa types

C-3-9 short-term group tourist e-Visa: single entry, 30 days, applied via an accredited travel agency
C-3 individual tourist visa: single entry, 90 days, embassy/consulate application
C-3-2 business visa: single/multiple entry depending on purpose
D-2/D-4 student visas: long-term, separate process
K-ETA is not available to Chinese passport holders, as China is not on the visa-waiver list

How to apply online

Apply via visa.go.kr (Korea Visa Portal) or through a government-accredited travel agency for the group e-Visa
Register an account, upload documents, and pay the fee online
Receive an approval notice by email
Print the confirmation to present at check-in and immigration
Fee: approximately KRW 60,000 (about USD 45) for single entry
Processing time: 5-10 business days
The group e-Visa confirmation is accepted without a physical visa sticker

Fees & processing time

e-Visa fee: approximately KRW 60,000 (about USD 45) single entry
Individual C-3 visa at consulate: approximately KRW 50,000-80,000 depending on entries
Visa center service fee: approximately RMB 100-200 additional
Total estimate: USD 50-90
Standard processing: 5-10 working days
Expedited service available at some consulates for about RMB 200 extra, 2-3 days

Tips for China travelers

Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel during peak season (Chinese New Year, Golden Week)
Common rejection reasons: insufficient funds proof, inconsistent itinerary, incomplete employment verification
Using an accredited travel agency for the group e-Visa route is usually faster than an individual embassy application
Extensions inside South Korea are rarely granted for tourist visas; plan to exit and reapply instead
Watch for temporary visa-fee waiver promotions tied to Korean tourism campaigns

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.