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.
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).
• 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
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: 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.
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.
도움이 필요하신가요?
저희 전문가들은 d-1 culture, arts & academic exchange visa korea — eligibility, documents & duration 사례를 정기적으로 처리하며 한국 출입국관리소가 요구하는 사항을 정확히 알고 있습니다.
전문가 찾기Can 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.