The 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 () 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.
검토 기준
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.
최종 검토일
2026년 4월 22일
출처 기준
신청 전 주의사항
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.
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 → or )
• 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 )
• Participants in official academic exchange programs with bilateral government agreements
is not for self-arranged cultural activities, personal artistic projects without institutional sponsorship, or paid cultural work (which requires or ).
• 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)
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.
비자 신청을 도와드릴 인증된 전문가
Mr. Visa Korea에는 운영팀이 검증한 공인 출입국행정사(행정사)가 등록되어 있습니다. 콜드콜 없이 바로 상담을 예약하세요.
인증된 프로필만 등록
직접 상담 예약 가능
용어가 생소하신가요?
Can I earn money from my artwork while on D-1?
No. 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 (arts/entertainment) or .
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 . 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.
• 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:
• 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.
자격 확인 및 리뷰
Mr. Visa Korea에 등록된 모든 전문가는 한국에 등록된 공인 출입국행정사입니다.
전문가 보기작성자 James Chae — 엑스퍼트 사피엔스 공동창업자
플랫폼 전문 분야: 출입국 컨설팅 및 비자 서비스 · 검토됨 4월 2026