C-3-9 (Tourist) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What C-3-9 Is

C-3-9 is a short-stay visitor status for tourism. It is distinct from visa-free entry (for eligible nationalities) and from other C-3 subtypes used for specific non-tourist short-term purposes.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Passport/nationality profile requires C-3-9 rather than visa-free/K-ETA entry.
• Travel purpose is genuine tourism with a coherent itinerary and return/exit plan.
• Can prove financial capacity for trip and short-stay expenses.
• Has no unresolved overstay/immigration violation history affecting short-stay credibility.
• Submits complete and consistent consular documentation under current guidance.

3. Criteria Summary

• C-3-9 is not a points-based category.
• Review is purpose-and-credibility driven: trip intent, financial proof, and return ties.
• Nationality/risk controls may trigger enhanced document checks in practice.
• If entering under K-ETA-eligible channel, C-3-9 may not be required; verify current policy by nationality.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• C-3-9 is a tourism visa; there is no employment salary threshold framework.
• Work activity is not permitted under C-3-9 unless separately authorized under correct status.
• Submitting employment ties from home country can support return-intent credibility.
• Attempting to use C-3-9 for de facto work/study objectives is a common refusal trigger.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• C-3-9 does not use employer sponsorship as its core basis.
• Any employment-related activity in Korea requires an appropriate work-authorized status.
• Short-stay extension or purpose-change is tightly controlled and case-specific.
• If purpose changes after entry, consult immigration before any activity outside tourism scope.

6. Required Documents

• Visa application form + passport + photo + applicable fee proof.
• Travel itinerary and accommodation evidence for planned stay.
• Financial proof (bank/sponsor documents) sufficient for short-stay tourism period.
• Return/onward travel and home-country tie evidence where required by consulate.
• Any additional country-specific documents requested under current consular controls.

7. Fees and Processing

• C-3-9 issuance fees follow official visa fee schedule by consular processing type.
• Processing time varies by mission workload and applicant nationality profile.
• Incomplete tourism-purpose or financial proof commonly triggers supplement requests.
• Expedited assumptions are risky during peak seasons; apply with margin before departure.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Tourism purpose is not sufficiently credible or itinerary is inconsistent.
• Financial/self-support evidence is weak or unverifiable.
• Insufficient proof of return intent/home ties for risk profile.
• Prior overstay/immigration history not adequately explained.
• Application built on outdated K-ETA/visa assumptions for applicant nationality.

9. FAQ