A clear guide to the Vietnam visa for South Korean citizens: who needs one, documents, fees, processing time, and how to apply online.
Vietnam is one of the most beloved destinations for Korean travellers, and the visa rarely gets in the way: for many short trips you may not need one at all, and when you do, the Vietnam visa for South Korean citizens is a quick online application from home in Seoul, Busan, or anywhere else.
At MyVietVisa we help a steady stream of Korean tourists, families, and business travellers, so we know the questions that come up. This guide explains who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply online.
Do South Korean citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Often, no — for short stays. Vietnam has long offered a visa exemption for South Korean passport holders for trips up to a set number of days, which makes a quick beach break in Da Nang or Nha Trang easy. But the exemption has a day limit and conditions that can change, so confirm the current rules before you book. If your trip runs longer than the exempt period, you'll need an e-visa or a visa arranged in advance.
If your family has Vietnamese heritage, a multi-year visa exemption certificate may be possible instead. Our Viet Kieu exemption guide explains who's eligible.
Your Vietnam visa options
When you do need a visa, the Vietnam visa for South Korean citizens generally comes down to three routes:
- E-visa (most common for longer stays): Applied for entirely online and emailed as a PDF. Accepted at major airports and many land and sea borders.
- Visa on arrival (VOA): Requires a pre-arranged approval letter, then you collect the visa at a Vietnamese airport. Air arrivals only.
- Embassy/consulate visa: Arranged through a Vietnamese mission in Korea, such as the Embassy in Seoul or the Consulate-General in Busan. Best for longer stays, work, or special categories.
Not sure whether your trip needs one? Our visa checker tells you in about a minute.
Requirements and documents
If you're applying for a visa, the list is short. You'll typically need:
- A South Korean passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with a couple of blank pages.
- A clear colour scan of your passport bio page — flat, no glare, all corners visible.
- A recent passport-style photo on a plain background (no glasses, no hats).
- Your travel dates and intended port of entry, such as Da Nang International, Cam Ranh near Nha Trang, or Noi Bai in Hanoi.
- A Vietnam address — a hotel booking or a relative's home is fine.
Mind the exemption day count
If you enter visa-free, count your days from arrival and keep your return ticket handy. Overstaying the exempt limit can mean fines at departure. For longer or flexible trips, an e-visa gives you a clearer, longer window.
Cost and processing time
If you apply for an e-visa, the total is the government fee — which depends on single or multiple entry — plus any service fee if you use an agent. Government fees change from time to time, so treat any figure online as an estimate and confirm the current rate before paying. Our clear pricing shows what we charge to handle everything for you.
A standard e-visa usually processes in a few business days, but these are estimates, not guarantees. Flying soon? An expedited Vietnamese visa can shorten the wait considerably.
How to apply online, step by step
- Confirm whether your trip fits the exemption window or needs a visa.
- If you need one, choose your visa type and entry option.
- Enter your details exactly as printed on your passport.
- Upload your bio-page scan and photo.
- Add your arrival date and port of entry, then pay and submit.
- Receive your approval, print a copy, and carry it with you.
Apply through us and a real person reviews every field before submission. For the finer points, our FAQ answers what Korean travellers ask most.
A few tips for Korean travellers heading to Vietnam
Frequent direct flights from Incheon and Busan land at Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, so if you carry an e-visa, make sure its port of entry matches your arrival airport. Print your e-visa before you fly and keep proof of onward travel handy. And remember everyone needs their own visa or exemption, children and infants included.
Ready to sort your Vietnam visa the easy way? Start your application and we'll take it from here, or book a free consultation if you'd like to check your options first.
📌Start here: The complete Vietnam e-visa guideFrequently asked questions
Do South Korean citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Often, no — for short stays. Vietnam has long offered a visa exemption for South Korean passport holders for trips up to a set number of days, which makes a quick beach break in Da Nang or Nha Trang easy. But the exemption has a day limit and conditions that can change, so confirm the current rules before you book....
Planning a trip home to Vietnam?
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General information to help you plan, not legal advice; visa and travel rules change. Contact us for your specific situation.