Cambodia
Korea Visa Guide
Cambodia is one of South Korea's EPS partner countries and also has a significant marriage migration community — many Cambodian women married to Korean nationals have made Korea their home. Cambodia also participates in Korea's seasonal worker (E-8) programme. This guide covers all visa options for Cambodian citizens.
Visa required — C-3 needed for short-term visits
Cambodian passport holders are not eligible for visa-free entry to Korea. A C-3 tourist visa must be applied for at the Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh.
Visa-free entry?
No — C-3 visa required for tourism
K-ETA eligible?
No
EPS partner country?
Yes
Marriage guidance program required?
Yes — Korean spouse must complete before sponsoring
Cambodians in Korea
~50,000 residents
Korean Embassy in Cambodia
Phnom Penh
Non-Professional Employment (EPS)
PopularApply through Cambodia's Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) in cooperation with HRD Korea. Must pass EPS-TOPIK. Eligible sectors: manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, construction.
Marriage Migrant
PopularCambodian spouses of Korean nationals can live and work in Korea on F-6. Cambodia is one of the countries where the Korean spouse must complete the International Marriage Guidance Program before sponsoring a Cambodian spouse. F-6 leads to F-5 permanent residency after 2 years cohabitation.
Points-Based Skilled Worker (E-7-4)
Long-term Cambodian E-9 workers with 4+ years and 80+ K-Points can upgrade to E-7-4. The 2025 quota expanded to 35,000.
Student
Study at Korean universities. GKS government scholarships are available for Cambodian students.
Short-Term Visit
Cambodian citizens require a C-3 visa for short-term visits to Korea. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh.
Why does the Korean spouse need the International Marriage Guidance Program for Cambodian spouses?
Korea requires the International Marriage Guidance Program (국제결혼 안내프로그램) when a Korean man marries a national from certain countries with historically high rates of marriage fraud or visa misuse, including Cambodia. The program is a 1-day education session in Korea covering cross-cultural communication, legal rights, and marriage health. The Korean spouse attends; the Cambodian applicant does not need to. Completion is required before the F-6 visa application can be submitted.
How do Cambodian EPS workers apply?
Through Cambodia's Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) in cooperation with HRD Korea. Steps: (1) Register with MLVT; (2) Pass EPS-TOPIK Korean language test held in Phnom Penh; (3) Employer matching; (4) Standard Labour Contract; (5) E-9 visa at Korean Embassy.
Can Cambodian students get Korean government scholarships?
Yes. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS/KGSP) is available to Cambodian students. Cambodia is included in the list of eligible countries. Applications go through the Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh or directly through targeted Korean universities. The scholarship covers tuition, dormitory, living expenses, and a Korean language training period.
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