Thailand
Korea Visa Guide
Thailand is one of South Korea's EPS (Employment Permit System) partner countries, with thousands of Thai nationals working in Korean manufacturing, agriculture, and food service. Beyond EPS, Thai professionals work in E-7 roles, Thai students attend Korean universities, and Korean-Thai couples navigate the F-6 marriage visa. This guide covers every option.
No K-ETA required (suspended until 31 Dec 2026)
Thai passport holders can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. K-ETA is suspended through 31 December 2026. Standard tourist and short-business visits require no advance application.
Visa-free stay
90 days (tourism/business)
K-ETA required?
No — suspended until 31 Dec 2026
EPS partner country?
Yes
Working Holiday eligible?
Yes (age 18–30)
Thai in Korea
~20,000 residents
Korean Embassy in Thailand
Bangkok + Consulate General in Chiang Mai
Non-Professional Employment (EPS)
PopularApply through Thailand's Department of Employment (DOE) in cooperation with HRD Korea. Must pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test. Eligible sectors: manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, food processing.
Skilled Worker
PopularThai professionals in hospitality, food service (Thai cuisine chefs are eligible under E-7-1), IT, and engineering can apply. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
Student
Study at Korean universities with growing Thai student enrollment. GKS scholarships available. Korean language programs are popular as a first step.
Short-Term Visit
Thais can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days — no visa application needed. K-ETA suspension through 2026 means no pre-travel registration required.
Working Holiday
Thai citizens aged 18–30 are eligible for Korea's Working Holiday visa. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Bangkok.
Marriage Migrant
Thai spouses of Korean nationals can live and work in Korea on F-6, leading to F-5 permanent residency.
Do Thai citizens need a visa to visit Korea?
No. Thai passport holders can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. K-ETA is suspended through 31 December 2026, so no pre-travel registration is needed. From 1 January 2027, this may change unless the exemption is extended.
How do Thai workers apply for EPS in Korea?
Through Thailand's Department of Employment (DOE) in cooperation with HRD Korea. Steps: (1) Pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test (held in Thailand); (2) Register on the Thai EPS roster via DOE; (3) Wait for employer matching; (4) Receive employment contract; (5) Apply for E-9 visa at the Korean Embassy in Bangkok.
Can Thai chefs work in Korea?
Yes. Thai cuisine chef is an eligible occupation under E-7-1. Korean restaurants and hotels with Thai food concepts actively recruit Thai chefs. You'll need a culinary qualification and your Korean employer must apply for the E-7 CVI on your behalf.
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