Visa Runs From Korea: Where To Go
Living in Korea on a short-term visa and need to do a quick visa run to reset your tourist visa or change visas? Visa runs are a common practice for foreigners residing in Korea who need to extend their stay without the luxury of obtaining a long-term visa. Or, if you’re changing your visa, a visa run may be in order. I had to do a visa run decades ago when I was switching from a tourist visa to an E2 teaching visa in Korea.
If you’re trying to figure out how easy a visa run is, where the best places for you to take a quick visa run from Korea are, or what you’ll need, I’ve got you covered. From a quick nearby destination to an exciting adventure, there are some pretty great places to go for a visa run from Korea.
Let’s get ready for a visa run from Korea:
- What is a visa run?
- The best places to take a quick visa run from Korea
- Planning your itinerary
- Preparing the necessary documents
- Enjoying your visa run
- Returning to Korea and repeat visits
- Exploring alternatives
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What is a visa run?
A visa run refers to the process of leaving a country, such as Korea, to reset your visa status and gain a new entry stamp or change visas as some are required to be applied for outside of the country. This is especially prevalent among individuals who have entered Korea on a tourist visa or visa waiver, both of which have limitations on the duration of stay. A visa run allows you to basically reset the time and start over.
The best places to take a quick visa run from Korea
When planning a visa run, choosing the right destination is crucial. Ideally, you want to select a neighboring country that offers visa-free entry or grants visas upon arrival for citizens of your nationality. If you had a Korean visa previously, you probably applied from your home country, but you don’t have to go all the way back there, say to the US, to apply for another one necessarily. Popular choices for visa runs from Korea include Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong as they’re nearby so only a few days are necessary.
Here are 4 of the best places to take a quick visa run from Korea. If you’re just looking to reset your tourist visa, these are fun spots, and if you need to visit a Korean Embassy, all of these cities have one.
Fukuoka, Japan
The closest Korean embassy to head to for a visa run from Korea, Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu and is one of the most populated cities in Japan, though it doesn’t feel like that at all as you can easily walk the streets and see a ton. Fukuoka, Japan today is actually two cities that joined in 1889; the port city of Hakata and the castle town of Fukuoka. Today, Hakata is the name of a central district in the city and the main railway station which you will no doubt visit at some point during your visit.
I headed here when I was switching from a tourist visa to a teacher’s visa… I think. It was years and years ago that first time, but Fukuoka was a great place to do it. Easy to get around, the office wasn’t busy, and I got to eat great food while I waited for processing.
- Fukuoka, Japan Itinerary
- Flight duration from Seoul: 1.5 hours
- Korean Embassy Address: 1 Chome-1-3 Jigyohama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0065, Japan
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
- What To Prepare: Fukuoka City Subway 1 Day Pass, Fukuoka Tourist City Pass
- What To Do While You’re There: Join the Fukuoka City, Half Day Heaven Tour
Tokyo, Japan
With its close proximity and excellent transportation links, Tokyo is an ideal destination for a quick visa run from Korea. Experience the bustling streets of Shibuya, visit the iconic Tokyo Tower, or explore the historic Asakusa district. Eat all the sushi, do all of the shopping, have all of the fun of Tokyo!
- Flight duration from Seoul: 2.5 hours
- Korean Embassy Address: 1 Chome-2-5 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
- What To Prepare: Tokyo Subway Ticket – Unlimited Rides 1/2/3 Days
- What To Do While You’re There: Tokyo Hop-On Hop-off Skyhop Bus
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, the vibrant capital city of Taiwan, offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Take a scenic hike up Elephant Mountain for breathtaking views of the city, visit the famous National Palace Museum to witness ancient artifacts, or explore the bustling night markets and indulge in local street food. Taipei is a visa run destination that will leave you captivated and warm you up if it’s winter in Korea when you’re headed out.
- Flight duration from Seoul: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Korean Embassy Address: No. 333, Section 1, Keelung Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am ~ 12:00pm; 2:00pm ~ 4:00pm
- What To Prepare: Taipei Fun Pass
- What To Do While You’re There: Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus Ticket
Hong Kong
Known for its stunning skyline and bustling markets, Hong Kong is a popular choice for a quick visa run. Take a ride on the iconic Star Ferry, shop till you drop in Mong Kok, or unwind on Lantau Island, home to the renowned Tian Tan Buddha. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, adventure, or culinary delights, Hong Kong has it all and has plenty to do while you’re waiting for your Korean visa to process.
- Flight duration from Seoul: 4 hours
- Korean Embassy Address: Hong Kong, Admiralty, Harcourt Rd, 16號, Far East Finance Centre, 5/F
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am ~ 12:00pm; 1:30pm ~ 4:30pm
- What To Prepare: Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card
- What To Do While You’re There: Hong Kong Big Bus Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off
Planning your itinerary
Planning your visa run itinerary is essential. Take into consideration the duration of your stay, transportation options, and the specific requirements of the destination country. Make sure to allocate some additional time for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your visa run. If you’re just looking to reset your tourist visa, you can head out for a day and you’re good to go. If you do need to visit the Korean Embassy, make sure you know when it’s open, go there first thing after dropping off a bag at your hotel, and get that process started.
Book a flight
I usually check out Skyscanner to find deals first and then go through Expedia or direct with airlines to book.
Book a hotel
The best sites to book a hotel for Asian destinations in my experience are Booking.com and Agoda.com.
Preparing the necessary documents
Before embarking on your visa run, ensure that you have the required documents in order to avoid any complications or delays. Typically, you will need:
- Valid passport: Ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
- Passport photo
- Visa application
- Visa fee
- Proof of accommodation: If required, make reservations for your stay in the destination country and carry the relevant documentation.
- Proof of Onward Travel: Some countries may request proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination.
Enjoying your visa run
While the primary purpose of a visa run is to extend your stay, it is also an opportunity to explore a new destination and immerse yourself in a different culture. Take advantage of your time abroad by engaging in local activities, trying new cuisines, and visiting popular landmarks. Treat your visa run as a mini-adventure, it is one afterall.
Returning to Korea and repeat visits
After successfully completing your visa run and obtaining a new entry stamp, you can return to Korea and continue your stay. However, it is important to note that visa runs are not a long-term solution. Yes, there are people that have done them for years and in some cases, the Korean Immigration has actually advised people to do it. (I’m not even making that up, I have a friend who is currently in Korea and the immigration office says this is the best course of action for their current situation.) Korean immigration authorities may scrutinize repeated visa runs though, as it may raise suspicions of visa abuse.
Exploring alternatives
If you find yourself relying heavily on visa runs to prolong your stay in Korea, it may be worth exploring alternative options. Consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or exploring visa pathways that align with your long-term goals. Obtaining a proper visa or residency status will provide you with peace of mind and stability.
Visa runs from Korea can be a practical solution to extend your stay, whether you are a student, tourist, or expat. By choosing the right destination, preparing the necessary documents, and planning your itinerary effectively, you can successfully navigate the visa run process. Remember to enjoy your time abroad, but also explore long-term solutions to ensure a seamless stay in Korea.
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