Admission and school records are incomplete
The admission certificate, school status, and program details need to support the exact study route.
Manual basis: Study-status manuals rely on school-issued admission and program documents.
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I meet the core D-1 requirements and understand any sponsor, degree, income, family, or experience conditions that apply.
Overview
The D-1 visa (문화예술 — culture and arts) covers non-commercial academic and artistic activities in Korea. It is designed for foreign researchers writing academic theses, creative artists engaged in non-profit work, cultural exchange participants invited by recognised organisations, and foreigners wishing to study Korean traditional arts (such as taekwondo, court music, calligraphy, or Buddhist temple training) under a qualified master. Unlike performance or entertainment visas, D-1 activities must be non-commercial — the holder may not receive payment for their activities. If the intended stay is 90 days or less, a C-3 visa (short-term visit) is used instead.
Who is the D-1 visa for?
Foreign nationals pursuing non-commercial academic or artistic activities in Korea: thesis writers, non-profit artists, participants in cultural exchange programmes invited by the Korea Foundation or Arts Council Korea, and those studying Korean traditional arts under a certified master or reputable arts organisation.
Eligibility requirements
Non-commercial purpose — no paid employment or commercial activities related to the cultural/arts work
Invitation or sponsorship from a recognised cultural or academic organisation, or enrolment with a qualified traditional arts instructor
Sufficient funds to cover stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter)
For invitations from Korea Foundation or Arts Council Korea: valid invitation letter
For traditional arts training: proof the instructor is a certified 무형문화재 (intangible cultural heritage) holder or equivalent, or affiliated with a renowned arts institution
Delay and refusal risks
What can go wrong with D-1?
Student-status delays usually come from school eligibility, finances, admissions records, or study/work compliance.
Financial proof does not match the filing route
Weak balance records, unclear sponsor support, or missing scholarship/tuition proof can create delay.
Manual basis: Study-status manuals include financial ability and tuition/stay-expense evidence.
Prior violations or unresolved compliance issues
Prior overstays, fines, unauthorized work, tax delinquency, or criminal history can trigger closer review even when the basic visa category looks correct.
Manual basis: The stay manuals repeatedly reference status restrictions, law-violation review, criminal-record checks, tax/payment issues, and status-change limits.
Required documents
- 1.
Valid passport + visa application form + passport photo
- 2.
Invitation letter from the sponsoring cultural/academic organisation
- 3.
Documents proving the organisation is a recognised cultural or arts body
- 4.
Instructor's credentials (if studying under a traditional arts master)
- 5.
CV or portfolio
- 6.
Proof of sufficient funds for stay
- 7.
사증발급인정서 (required for all cases except those with direct invitations from Korea Foundation / Arts Council Korea)
How to apply — step by step
- 1
Secure an invitation or enrolment
Obtain an invitation from a recognised Korean cultural/academic institution, or arrange enrolment with a qualified traditional arts instructor. For Korea Foundation or Arts Council Korea invitations, this alone may allow the consulate to issue directly.
- 2
Obtain 사증발급인정서 (if required)
For most D-1 applications other than those with direct Korea Foundation/Arts Council Korea invitations, the sponsoring organisation must apply for a 사증발급인정서 at the regional immigration office before you apply at the consulate.
- 3
Apply at the Korean consulate
Submit your visa application with the invitation letter, organisation documents, and 사증발급인정서 (if applicable).
- 4
Register on arrival
After arriving in Korea, register at the local immigration office within 90 days and obtain your ARC. Your activities must remain non-commercial throughout your stay.
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