Japan Procedures #01: Applying for a Korean Tourist Visa from Japan (Osaka)
This article is a real fragment from living and working in Japan. It is an experience and process record, not legal or visa-service advice.
A DETAILED APPLICATION GUIDE
In this article, I will share the complete document set and process I went through when applying for a visa under the general tourism (general tourism, C-3-9) category for my wife and me at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Osaka.
This is a practical account based on personal experience, and I hope it helps those preparing a similar application.
You can also check the official information on the homepage of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea.
General tourism (C-3-9) visa issuance guidance(25.9.18) View details | check issuance status and printout｜visa | Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Japan
I. THE PROCESS IN SHORT
① Prepare a document set for each person
the official Korean visa termI submitted two document sets: one for me and one for my wife, with almost identical content.
the official Korean visa termMy wife's set additionally needed:
Letter of authorization (power of attorney)
A document proving the relationship (e.g. a notarized translation of the marriage certificate)
※Note: After submission, the Consulate keeps the passport for the entire review period.
② Submit in person at the Korean Consulate in Osaka
the official Korean visa termThe general tourism (C-3-9) visa does not require a prior appointment.
the official Korean visa termAddress: 〒542-0086 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka2the official Korean visa term3-4
Near the Namba area of Osaka. You can take the train to Namba station, then walk about 10 minutes to get there.
Reception hours: 09:00–17:00 💡 Check the working calendar before you go, since the Consulate may close on its own holidays.
③ Review time:
the official Korean visa termUsually about 2 weeks from the submission date.
the official Korean visa termIn my case it was approved after just 8 days.
④ Collect the result and the passport
Once the result shows up, you go in person to collect the paper visa and the passport.
🕒 Passport pickup hours: 14:00–16:00
Check the result at the KOREA VISA PORTAL: View details | check issuance status and printout/View details | check issuance status and printout > View details | check issuance status and printout View details | check issuance status and printout View details | check issuance status and printout View details | check issuance status and printout.
And the procedure is complete!
II. THE DOCUMENTS I SUBMITTED, IN DETAIL
(A full guide – for the Korean tourist visa C-3-9)
**⓪ submission list – Submission list (optional)**
I usually prepare an extra "submission list" sheet so the reviewer can grasp the whole set at a glance. It is not required, but it makes the application look clearer and more professional.
① the official Korean visa termapplication form – Visa Application Form (5 pages)
the official Korean visa termPrint single-sided.
the official Korean visa termYou can download it from the Consulate homepage or the link I attach.
the official Korean visa termFill in every section:
Personal information
Spouse information
Trip itinerary
Trip cost
Sponsor/introducer (if any)
→ You can refer to the illustrated sample of the set I submitted below.
② Original passport
③ A photocopy of the passport photo page (1 copy)
④ ID photo, 3.5 × 4.5 cm
Taken within the last 6 months
White background, face clearly visible
⑤ Visa review fee
the official Korean visa term2,600 yen for the C-3-9 tourist visa.
⑥ Original residence card (residence card)
The card must have more than 3 months of validity remaining at the time of departure to Korea.
⑦ A photocopy of the residence card (residence card) (1 copy)
⑧ Flight ticket or booking (PDF/screenshot)
the official Korean visa termThe departure and return dates must match the application form.
⑨ Hotel booking information
State clearly: hotel name, address, phone number
It must match the Visa Application Form.
⑩ Proof of finances
For example:
A balance certificate (bank balance certificatethe official Korean visa term) issued by the bank; or
A bank statement
(I personally used the bank balance certificatethe official Korean visa term.)
⑪ resident record – Certificate of residence
Obtain it at the city office (city hall) where you live.
※Extra note: If you are not on an engineer visa or permanent residence, you must prove you have lived in Japan for more than 2 years. You can bring:
Old residence cards
Old flight tickets
Previous entry/exit records for Japan
In my case, I had to include my wife's old residence card for them to check.
⑫ the official Korean visa term – Certificate of employment
**⑬ the official Korean visa term – Trip itinerary (optional)**
Not required, but I still submitted it to help the reviewer understand the day-by-day travel plan. → This is especially good for an independent (non-package) travel application.
III. CONCLUSION – KEY POINTS WHEN FILING
Preparing a Korean visa application is actually not too complicated, but it needs to be accurate, consistent and clear. As long as you prepare all the documents above, present them neatly, and keep the information consistent across sections, the approval odds are very high.
A few final points to note:
the official Korean visa termCarefully check the name, dates, passport number and itinerary across documents to make sure there is no mismatch.
the official Korean visa termIf there are optional documents you can prepare (such as the submission list or the itinerary), submit them too — this makes the application clearer.
the official Korean visa termWhen filing at the Consulate, bring both originals and photocopies to avoid having to come back with more.
the official Korean visa termStay polite, confident, and answer truthfully if asked anything further.
I hope this detailed guide helps you prepare your application quickly and succeed on the first try.
Nhật.
A note
This content is an experience record and a reference checklist. It does not replace legal advice or official guidance from the competent authorities. When preparing your application, re-check the latest information from the official website and confirm it for your own case.
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