South Korea Visa RequirementsFor Cambodia passport holders
Cambodian citizens need a South Korean tourist visa before travel. The fee is $50 and processing takes approximately 5 business days at the Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh.
Cambodia passport holders require a visa to enter South Korea.
Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Phnom Penh. Fee: $50 USD. Processing: 5 business days. Submit passport, application form, passport photo, bank statements (3 months), employment certificate or student ID, hotel reservation, and round-trip flight itinerary. Those with prior Korean visits or stable employment have higher approval rates. A single-entry C-3 visa (tourist) is standard.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Regular Cambodian passport required.
Completed C-3 Visa Application Form
Official Korean visa application form (available at the embassy), completed accurately.
Passport Photos (1)
One recent color photo, 3.5x4.5cm, white background.
Bank Statements (3 months)
Recent statements showing stable funds; minimum $1,000-2,000 equivalent recommended.
Employment Certificate
Employer letter confirming position, salary, approved leave, and return obligation.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservations or invitation letter from host in South Korea.
Return Flight Itinerary
Round-trip flight booking confirmed or provisional.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Coverage for medical emergencies in South Korea recommended.
Current Travel Situation
Cambodia to South Korea: What You Need to Know
South Korea requires a visa for Cambodian passport holders. Korea-Cambodia relations are robust: South Korea is a major investor in Cambodia, thousands of Cambodian workers are employed in Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS), and Korean cultural exports like K-pop and K-dramas have made Korea a top aspirational destination for young Cambodians. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Phnom Penh handles tourist visa applications. Despite strong people-to-people ties, visa liberalization has not yet extended to Cambodian passport holders, partly due to immigration concerns.
How to Get There
Fly from Phnom Penh (PNH) to Seoul Incheon (ICN) via Bangkok (BKK), Hong Kong (HKG), or with direct options via T'way Air or Korean Air seasonal routes. Total journey: 7-10 hours. Korean Air, Asiana, and Thai Airways operate common routes. Korea's KTX high-speed rail connects Seoul to Busan in 2.5 hours.
Money & Banking
South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW). ATMs widely available; most accept international cards. Credit cards broadly accepted. Daily budget: 50,000-80,000 KRW (budget), 120,000-200,000 KRW (mid-range). Tipping is not customary in Korea.
Practical Tips
The Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh is efficient; apply in person and collect within the week. Carry bank statements showing sufficient funds (at least $1,000-2,000 equivalent). K-ETA is not applicable for Cambodian nationals; a full visa is required. Download the VisitKorea app before departure. Consider purchasing a T-money card at Incheon Airport for public transport across Seoul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cambodian citizens need a visa for South Korea?
Yes. Cambodian passport holders require a Korean C-3 tourist visa. Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Phnom Penh.
Where do Cambodians apply for a Korean visa?
Apply in person at the Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh. Processing takes approximately 5 business days.
Does the K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) apply to Cambodian nationals?
No. K-ETA is available only to nationals of certain visa-free countries. Cambodian passport holders must apply for a full C-3 tourist visa regardless of K-ETA availability.
Can Cambodian workers return to South Korea as tourists?
Cambodian workers who have completed an Employment Permit System (EPS) contract in Korea and returned home face additional scrutiny on tourist visa applications. Demonstrating strong ties to Cambodia is particularly important for this group.
What are the top attractions in South Korea for Cambodian visitors?
Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Korean Folk Village near Seoul, Jeju Island, the Busan seafood market, Myeongdong shopping district, and K-pop themed tours in Seoul are among the most popular.
What is the currency in South Korea?
South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW). ATMs are widely available. T-money transit cards can be purchased at Incheon Airport and loaded with KRW for use on subway, buses, and taxis.
Are direct flights available from Cambodia to South Korea?
Seasonal and occasional charter direct flights from Phnom Penh to Seoul have operated. More commonly, Cambodians connect via Bangkok (BKK) or Hong Kong (HKG) on Korean Air, Asiana, or Thai Airways.