South Korea Visa RequirementsFor Taiwan passport holders
South Korea requires Taiwan passport holders to apply for a visa before travel. The fee is approximately USD 50 for a tourist visa allowing up to 90 days. This is notable as South Korea offers visa-free access to many other passport holders but not to Taiwan.
Taiwan passport holders require a visa to enter South Korea.
Apply at the Korean Culture Center Visa Office in Taipei, which handles Korean visa applications for Taiwan residents. Required documents: valid ROC passport (6 months validity), completed visa application form (C-3 for tourism), passport-size photos, return flight ticket, hotel bookings or host invitation, bank statements. Fee: approximately USD 50 (KRW equivalent). Processing: 3-5 business days 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
For Your Visa Application
Valid ROC Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay in Korea.
Completed C-3 Visa Application Form
Korean visa application form for short-term tourism (C-3). Available at Korean Culture Center Visa Office Taipei.
Passport-Size Photo
One recent color photo (35x45mm) on white background taken within 6 months.
Confirmed Round-Trip Ticket
Proof of entry and departure from Korea within 90 days.
Hotel Booking or Host Invitation
Accommodation confirmation or letter of invitation from a Korean host.
Bank Statements
3 months of bank statements showing adequate funds.
Visa Fee Approximately USD 50
Paid at the Korean Culture Center Visa Office in Taipei. Check current fees in KRW equivalent.
Employment Certificate or Student ID Recommended
Proof of ties to Taiwan (employment letter, student enrollment certificate) showing intent to return.
Required at Entry
Korea Visa Stamp
ROC passport with Korean visa stamp. Present at Korean immigration at Incheon (ICN) or Gimpo (GMP).
Completed Arrival Card (E/D Card)
Fill in the Entry/Departure card on the plane or at Incheon Airport.
Current Travel Situation
Taiwan to South Korea: What You Need to Know
South Korea and Taiwan have no formal diplomatic relations; South Korea switched recognition to the PRC in 1992. This created a significant rupture in what had previously been close ties. Despite the diplomatic break, South Korea-Taiwan trade and people-to-people ties remain active. Both countries are major semiconductor producers (Samsung, SK Hynix vs. TSMC, MediaTek) and compete as well as cooperate in the global chip industry. The Korean Culture Center in Taipei and the Taipei Mission in Korea facilitate bilateral relations. Despite strong economic and cultural ties, South Korea has not granted visa-free access to Taiwan passport holders, which is often cited as a diplomatic anomaly.
How to Get There
If you visit Korea frequently, apply for a multiple-entry visa (C-3-9) which allows multiple visits within validity. A Korean Working Holiday Visa is also available for Taiwanese citizens aged 18-30.
Money & Banking
South Korea uses the South Korean Won (KRW). Cards are widely accepted; South Korea is highly digital. ATMs at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) reliably accept foreign cards. T-Money card for transit is essential.
Practical Tips
Direct flights from Taipei (TPE and TSA) to Seoul (ICN and GMP) are frequent via EVA Air, China Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana, and LCC carriers. Incheon International Airport (ICN) is a major hub. Korea is extremely popular with Taiwanese travelers for food, K-pop, and shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Taiwan passport holders need a visa for South Korea?
Yes. Despite Taiwan and South Korea having strong unofficial ties, South Korea requires Taiwan (ROC) passport holders to apply for a visa. Apply at the Korean Culture Center Visa Office in Taipei. The fee is approximately USD 50 for a tourist visa (C-3) allowing up to 90 days.
Why does South Korea require a visa from Taiwan when many other countries don't?
South Korea severed formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1992 when it switched recognition to the PRC. Unlike many countries, South Korea has not reinstated a visa-free arrangement with Taiwan. This is considered a diplomatic anomaly given how otherwise strong Korea-Taiwan economic and cultural ties are. It is a frequently discussed issue in bilateral relations.
How do I apply for a South Korea tourist visa from Taiwan?
Apply at the Korean Culture Center Visa Office in Taipei. It serves as the de facto Korean consular office. Required documents: valid ROC passport (6 months validity), completed C-3 visa application form, passport-size photo, confirmed round-trip ticket, accommodation proof, bank statements, and employment/student verification. Processing: 3-5 business days.
Is there a Taiwanese representative office in South Korea?
Yes. The Taipei Mission in Korea (TMIK) in Seoul provides consular services for Taiwanese citizens in South Korea. The Korean Culture Center in Taipei handles Korean representation in Taiwan.
Can I get a multiple-entry South Korea visa?
Yes. If you visit Korea frequently, apply for a multiple-entry C-3-9 visa, which allows multiple visits within its validity period. Multiple-entry visas are typically available to applicants with a history of Korea visits and clear ties to Taiwan.
What are the most popular destinations in South Korea for Taiwanese tourists?
Seoul (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong shopping, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gangnam, Han River parks), Jeju Island (volcanic landscape, beaches, resort), Busan (Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market, Gamcheon Culture Village), Gyeongju (ancient Silla kingdom ruins, UNESCO), and the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) tour are top choices.
What currency does South Korea use?
South Korea uses the South Korean Won (KRW). Cards and digital payments (Kakao Pay, Samsung Pay) are widely accepted. T-Money card is essential for public transit in Seoul (buses, Metro, taxis). ATMs at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) reliably process foreign cards.