For foreign nationals planning to stay in South Korea for 90 days or less, the C-3 short-term visa is a suitable option. This visa is subdivided into several categories based on the purpose of visit, and it is essential to select the correct type according to your travel intent. This article outlines the major types of C-3 visas available and key considerations for applicants.
What is the C-3 Visa?
The C-3 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued for short-term stays in Korea, including tourism, family visits, business activities, and medical purposes.
It allows a stay of up to 90 days, and each subtype has its own set of required documents and screening criteria. Selecting the right visa type based on your purpose is crucial.
Major C-3 Visa Categories
C-3-1: General Short-Term Visit
Purpose: Visiting relatives, short-term stay, cultural experiences
Details: This is the most common and flexible category, applicable to a wide range of visit purposes without strict limitations.
Ideal for: Family or friend visits, attending private events, temporary stays
C-3-9: General Tourism
Purpose: Sightseeing, culinary tours, cultural exploration
Details: Designed for pure tourism with no commercial or profit-related activities allowed.
Note: Any form of income-generating activity during the stay is strictly prohibited.
C-3-3: Medical Tourism
Purpose: Health check-ups, cosmetic procedures, surgeries
Details: Applicants must submit medical appointments and treatment plans from Korean institutions.
Benefit: Access to Korea’s high-quality medical services under a specific visa framework.
C-3-4 to C-3-6: Business Visit
Purpose: Corporate meetings, contract negotiations, academic seminars
Details: Tailored for business travelers and requires an invitation letter and relevant company documents.
Ideal for: Overseas branch employees, buyers, participants in international conferences
Important Pre-Application Tips
- Your visa type must accurately reflect your visit purpose. Misrepresentation can result in future entry bans or other penalties.
- Document requirements may vary depending on the Korean embassy or consulate, so it’s important to verify with the relevant office in advance.
- This visa is not the same as the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). Be careful not to confuse the two.
Reference Links and Resources
- Korea Visa Portal (Official Government Visa Platform)
- VisaHQ – Visa Assistance and Processing Services
Conclusion
The Korean C-3 short-term visa offers various subtypes tailored to different travel purposes. Choosing the right visa type is the first step toward a successful visit.
Especially for business or medical travel, the accuracy of supporting documents can significantly influence visa approval.
As immigration policies may change without prior notice, always check the latest information through official channels before applying.