If you're planning to visit Korea for work or education, or if you're already here and need help but can't meet in person, scheduling a video session might be the solution you need. We recommend choosing one topic per session if you want to discuss it in-depth, or multiple topics if you just need general information. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

We understand that some individuals may not feel comfortable with voice or video calls, so we provide a text session option for our consulting services. This option allows for greater freedom of expression and easier access to other devices based on your schedule. We recommend focusing on one to two topics to ensure adequate time for discussion.

A Start-up Consultation involves providing guidance and support to individuals or teams who are in the process of launching a new business venture. This service is designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting and growing a successful business in South Korea.

In this article, you will find out the most important things about D-10-1 VISA (General Job Search visa) that you need to know when you go to Immigration! If you graduate from a university in Korea then you can definitely apply for this visa. D-10-1 is available for 3 years only (one term is for 1 year so after 1 year it needs to be extended) and after that, it can’t be extended. This visa can be used once in a lifetime. Update on D-10 Visa System Improvements The D-10 visa (Job Seeking Visa) system has been improved to broaden eligibility and provide greater support for international job seekers in Korea. The updates introduce new qualification categories, additional benefits for promising applicants, and expanded internship and job-seeking periods. This program will be piloted for 2 years, after which its expansion will be reviewed. Applicable from October 29, 2025. New Eligibility Categories Type Eligibility Benefits Type 1 Graduates from universities ranked within the global Top 200  (any major) Exempt  from D-10-1 points system  and financial requirements    Exempt  from major and work experience requirements  when applying for E-7 (Special Activity) Type 2 Majors in Korean Studies  with TOPIK Level 6  proficiency Same benefits as Type 1: Exemption  from D-10-1 point and financial requirements    Exemption  from major/work experience requirements  for E-7 Type 3 Youth under 29  with a Bachelor’s degree or higher  in a STEM field   from a designated university * and TOPIK Level 2 +20 points  toward D-10-1  visa selection Exemption  from work experience requirements  when applying for E-7 (Special Activity) Also, the old system of those who can apply remained: Those who have received permission to change their status of residence from a student visa to a job seeker visa (from D-2-1~4, D-2-7 to D-10) and meet all of the requirements below: A person who has obtained a degree of associate degree or higher from a domestic university and has not passed 3 years from the date of obtaining the degree A person who has TOPIK 4, valid transcript of level 4 or higher, social integration program (KIIP), midterm evaluation certificate or pre-evaluation score sheet. Those who have not stayed with a residence status of Professional occupation (E-1~E-7) Those who have not violated the Immigration Control Act or other laws (excluding fines) Key Differences: Before vs. After Category Current System Improved System D-10 Job-Seeking Period 6 months per term, up to 2 years  total 1 year per term , up to 3 years  total Internship Period (Total) Total internship period limited to 1 year No total limit  on internship duration Internship at a Single Company Limited to 6 months Extended to 1 year  at a single company Note:  To prevent exploitation or low-wage labor, the maximum internship stay at one company remains capped at 1 year . These updates are designed to: Attract skilled foreign talent Provide greater flexibility during job search and skill development Make the transition from D-10 to E-7 visa smoother, especially for high-potential candidates This is a significant improvement  for applicants seeking long-term employment in Korea, especially recent graduates and those in STEM fields. Applicants for the General Job Seeker Point System (D-10-1): ❍ Legal residents in Korea with a bachelor's degree (domestic associate degree) or higher, with a total score of 60 points or higher on the 190-point job seeker score sheet, with 20 or more basic items out of the total score General Job Seeker (D-10-1): Special exemption from the point system ❍ (First change in job search after graduation as an international student) If you change to the first job seeker (D-10-1) status after graduating from a domestic university as an international student (D-2) with an associate's degree or higher, the point system is not applied ※ The first job seeker (D-10-1) stay period is granted for 1 year, and the point system is applied when extending ※ In addition to changing from study abroad (D-2) to job seeker (D-10), it also includes cases where you receive a job seeker (D-10) visa within 1 year of graduation after departure ※ However, those who previously received job seeker (D-10) status (for less than 3 years) are not eligible for the first since it is not a change in job search, so, the score system is applied ❍(Korean language proficiency graduates from domestic universities) Those who have not passed 3 years since obtaining an associate's degree or higher from a domestic regular university ※ Those who have obtained a degree more than 3 years ago will be subject to the general score system ① Holders of a valid TOPIK score of level 4 or higher, ② Those who passed the midterm evaluation of the 4th stage of the Social Integration Program (KIIP), or ③ Those who have been assigned to the 5th stage of the preliminary evaluation Restrictions: ❍ Those who violate domestic laws and fall under the following disqualification reasons: - Those who violated domestic laws and were sentenced to imprisonment or heavier punishment within 5 years from the date of application - Those who violated the Immigration Control Act and were ordered to be deported or leave the country within 5 years from the date of application - Those who violated domestic laws and were sentenced to a fine of 3 million won or more within 3 years from the date of application - Those who violated the Immigration Control Act and received a fine within 3 years from the date of application and whose stay permit is restricted according to the integrated criteria for stay permit restrictions ❍ Those who have stayed for 6 months or more with a job-seeking qualification within the past year from the date of application ❍ Those who apply for a change in qualification 3 or more times without complete departure within 3 years (D-10-1) General job search: Point system applied ❍Common documents (Application form, photo, passport copy, fee, ID copy, etc.) ❍Job search activity plan ❍Degree certificate - Graduates of domestic junior colleges or higher: Academic transcript ※Exempt from submission if confirmed by the Immigration Management Information System (International Student Information System) - Graduates of world-class universities: Academic transcript ※Submit only one of the following: Graduation certificate, degree certificate, or degree acquisition certificate ❍Employment experience proof documents (applicable only to applicable persons) -Employment experience proof certificate (employment certificate) including period of employment, location, job type, etc. ❍Domestic training activity proof documents (applicable only to applicable persons) -Certificate issued by the head of the research (training) institution stating the research topic (training course), research (training) period, completion status, etc. ※Completion of research activities at research institutions: Completion certificate ※Completion of training activities at training institutions: Certificate of Completion of Training Activities ※ Exchange students: Exchange student career verification certificate issued by the school principal ❍ Korean language proficiency proof documents (only for those who apply) - TOPIK (within the validity period) or KIIP pre-evaluation or completion proof documents ※ However, those who submit Korean language proficiency proof documents within the validity period when applying for a job (D-10) visa or changing their residence status will be allowed to extend their stay even if the validity period has expired ※ Exemption from submitting proof of financial ability   ❍ Employment recommendation letters only for those who apply - Recommendation by the head of a relevant central administrative agency: Employment recommendation letter issued by the ministry (delegated agency) - Recommendation by the head of an overseas diplomatic mission: Internal recommendation document of the diplomatic mission ※ Proof of academic background, career certificate, recommendation letter from the relevant organization, or related proof materials (in case of winning a prestigious international or domestic competition or being reported in the media, etc.) ❍ Proof of high-income expert (only for those who apply) - Proof of previous year's earned income issued by a public institution in the country ❍ Proof of living expenses ※ 'Annual single-person household housing allowance Bank balance certificate with an amount exceeding the standard amount of months of stay, etc. ※ However, those who change their residence status from student (D-2) to job-seeking (D-10) for the first time are exempted from submission ❍ Proof of residence ❍ Other documents deemed necessary for point-based evaluation Below you have step by step how to apply for this visa and how to extend it. ※ Items are subject to change depending on individual circumstances Make a reservation on hikorea.go.kr , if you don’t have an account, you will need one, so make sure you sign up first. Bank transaction details (은행가 거래) including the last 12 months (certificate of bank transaction details) and bank balance to prove your financial allowance for the next 12 months (certificate of bank balance/deposit - 잔액/잔고 증면서) of 14,700,000 million won, that you need to take from the bank you have the card at. ***Due to changed of Bank statement requirements, one may or may not be required of usual amount or double/triple amount or none at all. Change of rule still pending to be applied to most offices. Copy of your ID card, passport, and house contract (if you didn't change your house contract and it is expired, then you need to show a bill/proof of residence and the proof of transactions from the bank to your owner) Copy of the emails of job applications and rejections during 6 months. Application form of 6 months plan, application form of change of sojourn and 60,000 KRW tax that you pay at the immigration. (130,000 KRW if you make your ID for the first time) (fees may be subject to change so check with the immigration office by calling 1345 in advance). TOPIK (within the validity period) or KIIP pre-evaluation or completion proof documents ( exemption from submitting proof of financial ability   for Topik 4 or above) ※ First time you apply for this VISA you don’t need the bank deposit, but you need the Graduation Certificate and Transcript. ​ ※ The money for the bank deposit should come only from your parents/personal account from your country, otherwise they won’t accept them, and you need a receipt or a form of demonstrating where they come from. ※Bank balance certificate with an amount equal to or greater than the annual standard amount for single-person household housing allowance for the number of months of stay. ※ While having this VISA try searching for OASIS classes and their help to start your own business in Korea. Special exemption from the general job search (D-10-1) score system 1. First-time/job change after graduation from an international student, Korean language proficiency graduate from a domestic university: ❍Application form and other common documents ❍Job search activity plan ❍Graduation certificate or degree – Domestic Korean language proficiency graduate from a domestic university is only recognized if it has been less than 3 years since the date of obtaining the degree ❍Valid TOPIK score report card of level 4 or higher, Social Integration Program midterm evaluation certificate or pre-evaluation (81 or higher) score report (Only for Korean language proficiency graduate from a domestic university) ※ However, those who submitted Korean language proficiency documents within the validity period when applying for a job search (D-10) visa or changing their residence status will be allowed to extend their period of stay even if the validity period has expired ❍Proof of residence In addition to job search activities conducted by domestic corporate organizations, etc., this visa includes short-term internship courses conducted with training expenses before formal employment. Therefore with this visa, you can work as an Intern and do internships however you can’t work full time or part-time, since it is illegal to make money from any other sources. Also once you have a full-time work contract you should change to an appropriate visa (E1~E7*). ※Professor, conversation instructor, researcher, technical instructor, professional occupation, art (E-1) (E-2) (E-3) (E-4) (E-5) and entertainment (E-6)․ Those who want to train or seek employment in a field corresponding to a specific activity qualification (E-7). This visa is good if you want to get a little bit of experience after graduation or you want to have time to prepare to apply for jobs in Korea. I think it is a good opportunity to travel, get to know people, and make connections while you try to start your adulthood. This can give you the right bridge to find your perfect job. ※This information is taken from HiKorea webiste. This may be subject to change so check with the immigration office by calling 1345 in advance. Files for download:

Starting February 20, 2026 , South Korea has officially simplified visa requirements for Filipino applicants, making it easier and more convenient to travel to the country. The updated rules, implemented through the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Manila, aim to reduce paperwork while maintaining the integrity of the visa process. The move is widely seen as part of South Korea’s effort to encourage more Filipino travelers to visit for tourism, family trips, business, and study. What Changed? (Effective February 20, 2026) Here are the major updates Filipino applicants need to know: 1. Bank Statements WAIVED The biggest relief for many applicants: The three-month bank statement requirement has been removed . This applies to all visa categories processed by KVAC Manila . Previously, applicants had to submit both a bank certificate and three months of transaction history. Now, only the bank certificate (or equivalent financial proof) is typically required unless otherwise specified. Note: The Embassy or KVAC may still request additional documents on a case-by-case basis. 2. Simplified Student Requirements Student applicants now have more flexibility. Instead of submitting both documents, students may now provide: Either  an original School Certificate OR A clear copy of a valid Student ID This reduces duplication and makes the process faster for student travelers. 3. Easier Group and Family Applications For families, corporate delegations, or group travelers, shared documents no longer need to be printed multiple times. Under the new “one-copy rule”: Invitation letters PSA birth or marriage certificates Company documents from a Korean host or Philippine employer Only one copy  needs to be attached to the representative applicant’s file. No more printing the same document for every single person in the group. 4. Relaxed Employment Document Rules Previously, Certificates of Employment (COE) that: Lacked a landline number Used an electronic signature Often required an additional explanation letter. Under the new rules: No explanation letter is needed As long as a reachable company email address or mobile number is provided, the document will be accepted for verification. What Did NOT Change? Filipino passport holders still need a visa to enter South Korea. Applicants must still prepare: Valid passport (at least 6 months validity) Completed Visa Application Form (No. 17) One passport-size photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm, white background) Flight itinerary and/or hotel booking Certificate of Employment (for employed applicants) Visa fee: Free  for stays under 59 days PHP 2,000 (approximately USD 35) for 60–90 days Processing time: 5–15 working days (longer during peak seasons) Applications may be submitted through: Korean Embassy in Manila Korean Consulate in Cebu KVAC Manila Accredited travel agencies Digital Visa Grant Notice: No More Visa Stickers South Korea has also fully transitioned to Digital Visa Grant Notices . Successful applicants will: No longer receive a visa sticker in their passport Need to download and print their Visa Grant Notice from the official Korea Visa Portal ( visa.go.kr ) Present the printed notice together with their passport when checking in and entering Korea Why This Matters For many Filipino travelers, the three-month bank statement requirement was one of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of the application process. By removing this requirement and simplifying student, employment, and group documentation, South Korea has significantly reduced barriers to travel. While the visa requirement itself remains in place, the process is now: Faster Less paperwork-heavy More applicant-friendly Important Reminder These changes apply to applications processed through KVAC in Manila. Requirements may differ in other countries, so always check with your local South Korean embassy or visa center for the most updated checklist. Note: This applies only to Manila. Requirements may differ from other countries, so always check with your local South Korean embassy. Use the KVAC Manila website for the most current requirements. https://www.visaforkorea-mn.com/customercenter/notice/view/883

Copyright: Copyright: Renata Green - bye:myself - a travel blog by renata green South Korea is launching a nationwide pilot program offering 50% refunds on travel expenses  for trips to selected rural areas facing population decline. The initiative, officially titled the “Local Love Vacation Support Pilot Project” (Half-Price Travel Project) , aims to revitalize regional tourism while making domestic travel more affordable. The program will run from April to June , with possible expansion later this year. What Is the Half-Price Travel Project? Led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization, the pilot project reimburses 50% of verified travel expenses  in the form of mobile regional gift certificates . The total government budget for the program is 6.5 billion won , and the initiative is designed to: Boost tourism in rural areas Combat regional depopulation Encourage repeat visits Support small local businesses According to Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young, the program aims to create successful local tourism models that can later expand nationwide. Credit: Yonhap News Eligible Regions (16 Areas) Travelers visiting the following regions will qualify for the refund: Gangwon Province PyeongChang Yeongwol Hoengseong North Chungcheong Jecheon North Jeolla Gochang South Jeolla Gangjin Yeonggwang Haenam Goheung Wando Yeongam South Gyeongsang Miryang Hadong Hapcheon Geochang Namhae These areas were selected from 84 rural regions experiencing population decline. Who Can Apply? Korean citizens aged 18 or older Must submit a travel plan in advance  to the participating local government Must provide receipts and proof of expenses  after completing the trip Each municipality may have slightly different application schedules and document requirements. Travelers are advised to check the official Visit Korea website:🔗 visitkorea.or.kr How Much Can You Get Back? Approved participants will receive: Up to 100,000 won per person Up to 200,000 won for groups of two or more Refunds are issued as mobile local love gift certificates , not cash. The vouchers: Must be used before the end of the year Can be spent at participating local businesses May be used in online marketplaces selling regional specialties Why This Matters South Korea is facing increasing regional population decline outside major cities like Seoul and Busan. By encouraging domestic travel to lesser-known destinations, the government hopes to: Stimulate local economies Increase tourism revenue Support small merchants Create sustainable regional travel models Copyright: In Sung Choi | Dreamstime If the pilot proves successful, four additional regions  may be added in the second half of the year, with plans for gradual nationwide expansion starting next year. For travelers looking to explore Korea beyond the usual tourist hotspots, this half-price travel program offers a unique opportunity to experience rural destinations at a significant discount. From coastal escapes in Namhae to mountain landscapes in Pyeongchang, now may be the perfect time to discover Korea’s hidden gems, while getting half your money back.

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Application Form for Volunteering work at FlipKorea FlipKorea is looking for talented and creative people to join our Volunteer Team! If you are a student looking to gain experience and strengthen your portfolio or someone with a passion for Korean culture, we encourage you to apply. The volunteer program will run for 3 (three) months , with the possibility of renewal. A certificate of completion will be provided to selected participants upon completion of the program. Applicants living overseas are also welcome to apply. Application deadline: March 25th Interview period: after March 26th *Dates are subject to change. First name(Required) Last name(Required) Email(Required) Phone(Required) Country and city of residence(Required) Age(Required) Gender(Required) Male Female I prefer not to say Position *Please only choose one option(Required) Article writing SNS content creation Resume Upload (PDF)(Required) Upload file here 🤗 Reason of applying *more than 400 characters (Required) Submit 🤍

A list of articles about Korean dramas, recommendations, reviews, and correlations with the Korean culture. 5 REASONS YOU’LL BE SWEPT AWAY BY “MOON RIVER” K-DRAMA RECOMMENDATION OF THE WEEK - IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY - "A tale of heartbreak, courage, and redemption." K-DRAMA RECOMMENDATION OF THE WEEK - LAW AND THE CITY - “More than law, it’s about life, love, and the ties that bind.” K-Movie Recommendation of the month: 20th Century Girl Busan International Film Festival Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Expanded Lineup, New Awards, and Global Premieres K- Drama recommendation of the week - "Crash Landing on You" 1 2 3 Request more info