Non-commercial academic research and arts activities — studying Korean culture, traditional arts, or pursuing creative work.
체류 기간
1 year (initial grant); extendable
처리 기간
2–4 weeks at consulate; 사증발급인정서 may be required except for specific invited cases
비자 수수료
₩60,000 (extension) / ₩100,000 (status change)
mrVisaKorea.visaTypeDetail.feeSourceNote HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. mrVisaKorea.visaTypeDetail.feeVerifyNote
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.
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.
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
Valid passport + visa application form + passport photo
Invitation letter from the sponsoring cultural/academic organisation
Documents proving the organisation is a recognised cultural or arts body
Instructor's credentials (if studying under a traditional arts master)
CV or portfolio
Proof of sufficient funds for stay
사증발급인정서 (required for all cases except those with direct invitations from Korea Foundation / Arts Council Korea)
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.
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.
Apply at the Korean consulate
Submit your visa application with the invitation letter, organisation documents, and 사증발급인정서 (if applicable).
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.
D-1 비자 도움이 필요하신가요?
D-1 신청을 전문으로 하는 검증된 전문가와 연결하세요.
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D-1 비자에 대해 궁금한 점이 있으신가요?
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