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The visa is the long-stay residence visa for foreign journalists, correspondents, and media professionals permanently or semi-permanently stationed in Korea. It differs from C-3-5 (short-stay news-gathering trips) in that D-5 is intended for full-time resident foreign press.
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
April 22, 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.
D-5 is for foreign nationals who are:
• Employed as a staff reporter, correspondent, or bureau chief by a recognized foreign news organization and stationed in Korea on an ongoing basis
• Assigned as a full-time journalist with a Korean address and a regular reporting beat
• Staff at foreign broadcasting companies with a Korean bureau (BBC, CNN, AP, Reuters, etc.)
D-5 is not for freelance journalists without a staff position, one-time coverage assignments (use C-3-5), content creators without press organization affiliation, or PR professionals.
Foreign journalists on D-5 must obtain formal press accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Press Corps or the Korea Press Foundation (한국언론진흥재단).
Process:
| D-5 Journalism | C-3-5 News Gathering | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Long-term residence | Up to 90 days |
| Employment | Staff at resident bureau | Short assignment |
| Press card | Korean Foreign Press Card required | Foreign press credential |
| Family | Can bring on | Not standard |
Duration: is issued for 1 year, renewable annually. ARC required if staying more than 90 days.
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Our specialists handle d-5 journalism visa korea — foreign correspondents, press cards & residence requirements cases regularly and know exactly what Korean immigration officers look for.
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Visa Process
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is the official ID card issued to foreigners staying in South Korea for 91 days or longer. It is required to open a bank account, sign a phone contract, and access most public services.
Visa Process
HiKorea
How to use HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) — Korea's official immigration portal for visa extensions, status changes, and ARC renewal. Processing time: 3-10 business days.
Visa Process
Visa Extension (Stay Period Extension)
A visa extension — officially called a 'stay period extension' (체류기간 연장) in Korean immigration law — allows a foreigner to legally remain in Korea beyond the expiry date on their current visa or ARC without leaving the country.
Visa Process
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.
Can a D-5 journalist work on non-journalism projects in Korea?
D-5 authorizes journalism work only. Taking paid employment in other industries while on D-5 is not permitted.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed April 2026
