China to South Korea tourist visa
Complete South Korea tourist visa requirements, fees, processing times, and approval tips for Chinese citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- South Korea Tourist Visa
- Fee
- $40
- Processing time
- 5–7 working days
- Length of stay
- 30–90 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your current passport must have sufficient validity and blank pages
- Visa Application Form — Complete the official visa application form from the Korea Visa Portal
- Passport-sized Photo — Recent passport-style photograph meeting Korean specifications
- Bank Statements — Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
- Employment Certificate — Documentation proving your employment status and income
- Income Tax Returns — Personal income tax returns demonstrating your financial history
- Travel Itinerary — Detailed plan of your visit including flights, accommodation, and activities
- Household Registration (Hukou) — Copy of your household registration booklet
- Chinese ID Card — Copy of your Chinese resident identity card
How to apply
- Chinese New Year period (January-February) — Chinese New Year period (January-February)
- Labor Day holiday (May) — Labor Day holiday (May)
- National Day holiday (October) — National Day holiday (October)
- Korean holiday periods (Chuseok, Lunar — Korean holiday periods (Chuseok, Lunar New Year)
- Validity period — The time window during which you can enter South Korea (typically 3 months)
- Duration of stay — How long you can remain in South Korea after entry (up to 90 days)
Common questions
- Do Chinese citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
- Yes, Chinese citizens generally require a visa to enter South Korea for tourism purposes. However, South Korea has introduced a temporary visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists traveling with approved agencies from September 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026, allowing stays of up to 15 days. Individual tourists still need to apply for a C-3–9 visa.
- How long can I stay in South Korea on a tourist visa?
- The C-3–9 tourist visa allows Chinese citizens to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days. The exact duration granted depends on your application and the visa officer’s assessment. Multiple-entry visas allow repeated visits within the validity period.
- How long does South Korea visa processing take for Chinese citizens?
- Standard processing takes 5–7 working days from submission of complete documents. During peak seasons such as Chinese New Year, National Day holidays, and summer travel periods, processing may take longer due to high application volumes.
- What is the South Korea tourist visa fee for Chinese citizens in 2025?
- The visa fee is $40 USD for a single-entry visa (up to 90 days) and $90 USD for a multiple-entry visa. Additional service fees may apply at visa application centers. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
- Can I apply for a South Korea visa online?
- Chinese citizens can submit certain visa applications through the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr). However, most tourist visa applications require submitting documents to a Korean embassy, consulate, or designated visa application center in China. Check the official portal for the most current application methods.
- What is the approval rate for South Korea visas from China?
- The estimated approval rate for Chinese tourists applying for South Korea visas is approximately 78%. This rate can vary based on individual circumstances, documentation quality, and the applicant’s profile. Proper preparation significantly improves approval chances.