South Korea visa from Bangalore
The South Korea visa, explained
Indian passport holders MUST get a visa before flying — there is no visa-on-arrival and no e-visa. The K-ETA travel authorisation does NOT apply to Indians (it is for visa-exempt nationalities only), so you apply for the proper tourist visa instead, and complete the free online e-Arrival Card before landing. Important — Jeju Island: Jeju has its own 30-day visa-free scheme for Indians, but it applies only to direct Jeju flights, does not allow onward travel to Seoul or Busan, and entry is not guaranteed — Indian tourists have been refused and deported at Jeju airport, and the Indian Embassy in Seoul issued a formal advisory in February 2026. On our Seoul + Jeju packages we always arrange the proper mainland Korea tourist visa (C-3-9), which covers Jeju as well, so you travel on a single valid visa with no risk of being turned away.
Documents required
The papers a South Korea application typically needs. We send you the exact, up-to-date checklist for your trip and travel dates.
- Passport — Signed, valid 6+ months, with blank pages, plus old passports
- Visa form & photo — 35x45mm colour photo, white background
- Confirmed itinerary — Return flights and hotel reservations
- Financial proof — 3–6 months bank statements and latest ITR
- Employment proof — Employer NOC/leave letter, or business registration/GST
- Cover letter — Explaining trip purpose, dates and funding
Official links
Always check the latest rules on the official government and visa-centre pages below before you apply.
- Korea Visa Portal (Ministry of Justice) official
- VFS Global — Korea Visa Application Centre (India) official
Visa rules change frequently. A tourist visa is granted at the discretion of the consulate — we prepare the strongest possible application, but no agent can guarantee an outcome.
South Korea visa, answered
Do Indian passport holders need a visa for South Korea in 2026?
Yes — a short-term tourist visa (the C-3-9), applied at the Korea Visa Application Centre run by VFS Global in India. There is no visa-on-arrival and no e-visa, so plan to apply about 3–4 weeks ahead. We help assemble and check your documents.
Do I need to apply for K-ETA?
No. The K-ETA travel authorisation is only for visa-exempt nationalities, and Indians are not on that list — so you apply for the proper tourist visa instead. Do remember to fill in the free online e-Arrival Card before you land.
Can Indians visit Jeju Island visa-free?
Technically yes — Jeju has a 30-day visa-free scheme, but it only works on a direct Jeju flight, does not let you travel onward to mainland Korea without a proper visa, and entry is decided on the spot. Several Indian travellers have been detained and deported at Jeju airport, and the Indian Embassy in Seoul issued an advisory in February 2026. That is why on every Oyster Seoul + Jeju package we get you the proper mainland tourist visa (C-3-9) in advance — it covers both Jeju and the mainland, so you arrive with a confirmed, valid visa and zero risk of being turned back.
When is the best time to visit South Korea?
The two showstopper seasons are spring (late March–April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October–November) for fiery maple foliage. Winter is great for snow and skiing but very cold, while summer is warm and lively with a humid monsoon spell in July.
How much does a South Korea trip from Bangalore cost?
A 6-night package with one-stop flights, hotels and transfers starts from around ₹1,05,000 per person; land-only options are lower. Blossom and autumn peak dates cost more, so we share a live, tailored quote before you commit.
Need a South Korea visa?
Tell us your travel dates and we’ll send the exact South Korea checklist, fill the forms and handle the application from start to finish.
Let us handle your South Korea visa
The checklist, the forms, the appointment and the follow-up — done properly, so you can focus on the trip.