D-1 Culture, Arts & Academic Exchange Visa Korea — Eligibility, Documents & Duration
The D-1 visa covers foreign nationals participating in academic, cultural, or arts activities in Korea that are sponsored by recognized Korean institutions but do not fall into the standard student (D-2) or employment (E-1/E-3) categories. D-1 is used for visiting scholars, arts exchange participants, research fellows on cultural exchanges, and participants in government-sponsored cultural programs.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed July 2026
Review & source basis
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
July 14, 2026
Source references
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
Who qualifies for D-1?
D-1 is issued to foreign nationals conducting one of the following under institutional sponsorship:
Academic exchange: • Visiting scholars or professors conducting unpaid research at a Korean university or research institute (paid research → E-1 or E-3) • Academic exchange program participants invited by a Korean university under an official MOU • Post-doctoral fellows on non-employment research fellowships
Culture and arts: • Foreign artists in Korean government-sponsored cultural exchange programs • Participants in formal arts residency programs at certified Korean cultural institutions • Traditional arts practitioners invited by a Korean arts organization
Scholarship: • KGSP (Korean Government Scholarship Program) language training recipients — pre-degree stage only (degree stage uses D-2) • Participants in official academic exchange programs with bilateral government agreements
D-1 is not for self-arranged cultural activities, personal artistic projects without institutional sponsorship, or paid cultural work (which requires E-6 or E-7).
Required documents for D-1
• Valid passport (6+ months validity) • Visa application form + photo • Invitation letter from the Korean sponsoring institution on official letterhead with seal • Proof of the sponsoring institution's legitimacy • Academic or professional credentials (degree certificates, CV, portfolio for arts applicants) • Financial proof: scholarship award letter or personal funds documentation • For government-sponsored programs: official program documentation from the relevant ministry
Stay duration and work restrictions
Duration: D-1 is typically issued for 1 year, renewable while the activity is ongoing.
Work restrictions:
| Activity | Permitted on D-1? |
|---|---|
| Unpaid research / scholarship | ✅ Yes |
| Stipend from recognized Korean institution (living allowance) | ✅ Yes |
| Paid employment / salary from Korean company | ❌ No — need E-1, E-3, or E-7 |
| Selling artworks commercially | ❌ No — need E-6 or E-7 |
| Teaching classes for fees | ❌ No — need E-2 or E-1 |
D-1 vs D-2 vs E-1 — which applies?
• D-1: Short-to-medium term exchange/cultural activity, no degree enrollment, no Korean salary • D-2: Enrolled in a Korean university for a formal degree program • E-1: Teaching at a Korean university as a salaried faculty member • E-3: Employed as a researcher at a Korean research institution with a salary
If you are a foreign PhD doing a research residency at KAIST without salary: D-1. If KAIST pays a full researcher salary: E-3.
Tips from 행정사s
The sponsoring Korean institution typically handles the invitation letter and guides you on the correct visa type — trust their international office.
KGSP scholarship recipients: the Korean Embassy in your country handles the visa as part of the scholarship program.
Need help with this?
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Alien Registration Card (ARC)
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HiKorea
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Visa Extension (Stay Period Extension)
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Status of Sojourn Change (체류자격 변경)
A status of sojourn change allows a foreigner already in South Korea to switch from one visa category to another without leaving the country — for example, from a D-2 student visa to an E-7 skilled worker visa upon graduation and employment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I earn money from my artwork while on D-1?
No. D-1 does not permit commercial sales of artworks, performances for fees, or any income-generating activity. If you wish to sell work or perform commercially in Korea, you need E-6 (arts/entertainment) or E-7.
My institution is offering a modest living stipend — is that 'paid employment' requiring E-1 or E-3?
A living stipend or fellowship allowance from a recognized Korean academic or cultural institution is generally permissible under D-1. However, if the arrangement looks like a salary (regular monthly payments, employment contract, tax withholding), immigration may classify it as employment. Get written clarification from the institution.