Getting a Korean Visa can be daunting task as there are numerous requirements that are needed to be accomplished. It can be overwhelming and intimidating especially for first time applicants.

But good news for PRC holders! The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines simplified the visa application documents for visa applicants who are PRC holders, from February 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. The following professions were listed: physicians, dentists, lawyers (including judge, prosecutor), certified public accountants, pharmacists, and veterinarians.

What are the requirements?

Photocopy of a valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Identification Card or (IBP ID for lawyers)
Required Visa Application Document
Latest Certificate of Employment
Visa service fee of Php 900.00

Note: Submission of Bank Certificates, Bank Statements, and Income Tax Returns (ITRs) are not required for qualified PRC ID holders and their immediate family members. However, other proofs of relationship may still be required.

*Exempted documents may still be submitted if preferred

Inside KVAC

We personally went to the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) office for the submission of documents. We opted to go for walk in, however I would still recommend to secure a reservation thru the KVAC website to ensure your slot. Their office is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday except during Philippine and Korean Holidays, and is located at the 9th-10th floor of Brittany Hotel at 6 McKinley Parkway, Aura Complex, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

At the 9th floor lobby entrance, you will immediately see the receiving counter where you can ask for inquiries, and for the initial screening of documents. After document confirmation and checking, a designated number will be given for the queue. Only 1 (one) person will be allowed to go up to the 10th floor for further evaluation of the documents.

In our experience, we were immediately accommodated by the front desk personnel as walk in. Luckily, it was not crowded during our time of visit. We waited for us to be called.

On the 10th floor, Rei-san was directed to a counter where there were at least ten busy counters accommodating applicants. The lady at the counter checked all the documents and found everything complete, except for Rei-san’s Certificate of Employment (COE) details. The staff explained that his COE didn’t have a specific start date for his job. So, it’s important to ensure that your COE includes the following details:

It should be an original copy
Date of employment / Date hired (Ex. February 20, 2022 to present)
Current position of the visa applicant
Contact number and email of HR office
Date issued

Rei-san had to provide another COE with the necessary details. Luckily, he was able to do this without having to go back to the visa center. Using WExpress, Rei-san sent his COE, and the KVAC confirmed receiving it 3 working days later.

Before we left, Rei-san paid the fees at the cashier on the same floor. They asked if we wanted our passports delivered for a fee of PHP 900. But because our schedules are unpredictable, we chose to pick up our passports ourselves.

The Verdict

Here’s the most excruciating part of the visa application… the waiting game. It took us around more than 2 weeks for our most awaited results. We read in some forums that others received theirs within a week. Some, five to ten days. On this part, we couldn’t really guarantee a time frame on when the embassy’s verdicts would come out. On your receipt, though, there’s a date that states the approximate date of the release.

By the way, you can check the visa application status thru this portal: https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10301. First, click your application type (Ex. Visa Application Center). Then, input the following details: 1) Application number, 2) Passport number, 3) Name, and 4) Birth date. After entering your details, click on search. Please refer to the photo below for reference:

Final Thoughts

We went back to the KVAC to claim our passports, where we were immediately ushered straight to the Releasing window, where we got our passports and our printed Visa Grant Notice slipped into one of our passport’s pages. There were no visa stickers issued, and we found out that the Korean embassy in the Philippines ceased releasing visa vignette stickers in 2020.

We were surprised to receive a Multiple Entry visa for our first time application. We were very anxious because we’ve read about horror stories of being denied despite all the supporting documents submitted. With all the prayers and wishful thinking, we passed. Thank you, Korean Embassy.

Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC)
9-10/F Britanny Hotel, Aura Complex,
6 McKinley Pkwy, Taguig, Metro Manila
kvacph@visaforkorea-mn.com

Annyeong haseyo! South Korea has always been one of my dream destinations as a super fan of Korean dramas and oppas (oh!). To celebrate our 4th anniversary, RA and I spontaneously booked a flight to Seoul. We booked our accommodation at Myeongdong Sunshine Guesthouse, located in the heart of Myeongdong. So, we strolled its streets almost every night.

Many said Myeongdong is a tourist trap due to the high cost of goods within the district. However, Myeongdong is usually crowded with tourists and filled with various shops, souvenir items, and several cafés and restaurants. At nighttime, numerous food stalls lined its streets.

Despite being a place not recommended by many locals and tourists, I felt glad we stayed here for our first visit. I found it safer since most people roaming around are also tourists. We didn’t feel alienated. I am somewhat intimidated by the locals because of one of our encounters with a Korean bus driver who explicitly showed that he was dismayed or frustrated with us because we weren’t familiar with how Discover Seoul Pass is used for the Red Tour Bus without the exchanged ticket. Kinda shocked, but we’re very used to dealing with rudeness back in our hometown.

Things that you should expect at Myeongdong:

1. Food Is Expensive!

Various Korean treats and snacks are being sold at the food stalls. The stalls are only open at night until nearing midnight. The snacks are usually priced at around 10,000 won (Php 424). It’s pricey, but somehow, we enjoyed trying every Korean food that stimulated our curiosity. We just loved Hotteok, Japchae, and Korean strawberries! To compare the prices, hotteoks in Myeongdong are priced at 5,000 Korean won, while in the Namdaemun market, it’s just 3,000 won. Likewise, Korean strawberries are sold at 15,000 won, but in Namdaeumun, it’s just 8,000 won.

Being a not-so-fan of Korean food, RA became flustered about how delicious authentic Korean gastronomy is. He specifically liked the hotteoks: sweet Korean pancakes, fried chicken, and street Japchae.

I would not recommend this place if you want to splurge on affordable Korean foods. There are markets in Seoul that are way cheaper — Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, Gwangjang or Tongin.

2. Cosmetics Stores Are Everywhere!

Of course, skincare and beauty will always be associated with Korea. You can find lots, as in LOTS of cosmetic shops left and right. They will offer you incredible deals and sale items, and you’ll absolutely feel the challenge to refuse. You may feel scammed afterward for spending 100,000 won >_<. But of course, make sure you’re going to use these products or it’s going to be a waste. My best buys here are the Aloe Vera 99% and Aloe sunscreen with SPF 50, both from Holika Holika. I ended up spending 95,000 KRW in shopping. But hey, look! Free umbrella and ten pieces of face mask sheets. I would recommend going to Olive Young store, they have the cheapest deals and you’ll be rest assured that you are buying authentic Korean skincare products. Enjoy tax-free shopping!

3. It Gets Crowded, Especially At Night

If you don’t like going to buzzing and crowded places, I think you might want to skip Myeongdong. The area is jampacked with lots of tourists looking around. Most of the shops and dining places are crowded.

4. Twelve Storeys of Shopping at Daiso

Being a Shopee fan, I love that Myeongdong has a 12-storey Daiso store. Daiso is located near Myeongdong Station, a 12-floored building filled with affordable and adorable finds. This place is a must-visit if you love shopping for cute, cheap stuff! Each of the floor has a different category:

12^th floor: Fashion, Travel and Season
11^th floor: Tools, Car, Accessory Handicraft
10^th floor: Gardening, Artificial Flower, Pet
9^th floor: Camping, Sports
8^th floor: Bath, Cleaning, Laundry
7^th floor: Interior, Storage
6^th floor: Tableware, Ceramic
5^th floor: Food, Disposable Products
4^th floor: Character, Kids, Party
3^rd floor: Stationary, Digital, Wrapping
2^nd floor: Beauty, Accessory
1^st floor: Season, Paying Counters/Cashier

I suggest roaming starting from the top floor (12th floor) to indulge per theme. The store has an elevator to get you to the top floor.

5. It's a "Pasalubong" Haven

The whole spectacular travel would definitely not be complete without buying take-home goods. Myeongdong has a variety of stores where you can hop to: Korea Mart for food, snacks, and grocery items, HBAF for nut snacks, and Olive Young for skincare products. Btw, the Daiso store also offers cheap and yummy snacks; it’s located on the 5^th floor.

HBAF is the largest nut brand in South Korea. Their almond nuts are uniquely flavored, and it is a must buy for me. Swear you will definitely love the flavors. To be specific, my favorite flavor is honey butter. I’ll also go back for these, I promise! (Please).

I got this photo very early, at 6am, so Korea Mart isn’t open yet. The store has lots of items on sale, there are also 1 plus 1 promos. Most of these items are places outside the store. But if you are looking for an amazing and affordable grocery spree, I would recommend visiting Lotte Mart instead before heading back to Incheon Airport. It is way cheaper and has a better variety. I’ll probably make another blog on this topic.

By chance, we made our first stop at Myeongdong Cathedral because we arrived a little early for our hotel check-in. Since we had some time to spare and the cathedral was just a few minutes away, we decided to visit it.

6. Myeongdong Has a "Secret" Quiet Place

Myeongdong cathedral is also known as the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It is the national cathedral of the Archdiocese of Seoul and is located in the Myeongdong area, Jung District. This is the mass schedule as of today, Sept 29, 2024:

Sundays: 07:00, 09:00(English), 10:00, 11:00, 12:00(Mass for the People), 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00 and 21:00(SAT 18:00, 19:00)

Mondays: 06:30, 10:00 (at Basement Shrine), 18:00

Tuesdays to Saturdays: 06:30, 10:00 (at Basement Shrine), 18:00, 19:00

Final Thoughts

Myeongdong area being a touristy place might challenge our pockets and wallets. But it is still a nice place to roam around, window shop if you’re on a budget, try the food from the stalls, or enjoy the view and the crowd. Happy traveling!