1. Go to https://www.visa.go.kr/. The default language is in Korean. You can change it by clicking your desired language in the upper right of the website.
3. Fill up with your info. Click search.
Step 1: Requirements (for employed)
- Duly-accomplished application form. Fill the form completely in block letters. No erasures. No blank fields, just write "N/A". This can be handwritten or computerized. Print the form in an A4 sized bond paper. Visa application form download link.
- 1 passport sized colored picture. Attach this on your application form. The photo must be taken not more than 6 months.
- Passport. Must be valid for more than 6 months with a least 2 blank pages.
- 1 photocopy of passport bio-page (page 2)
- * Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD countries for the past 5 years.
- Original Certificate of Employment (COE) (must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address)
- Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB). Your account balance must be greater than the estimated travel expense written in your visa application form.
- Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
- ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy)
- * Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card
Visit Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines site for other types of visas. Link here.
Sort the documents based on the list and you're ready for the next step.
Step 2: Submission
Go to your nearest Consular office.- 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Philippines
- 12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City
Applications can only be submitted from Mondays-Fridays (except Philippines and South Korea holidays) from 8:30 - 11 am only and cutoff time is 10:30 am.
Visa processing time in Cebu takes 7 working days.
Visa Application through Designated Travel Agency starting July 1, 2018
Walk-in applicants for temporary visitor's visa will be no longer accepted at the Korean embassy, McKinley Hill starting July 1, 208. Instead, the visa applications will be processed through designated travel agencies. More details
List of Designated Travel AgenciesKorean Consulate in Cebu still accepts personal visa applications
For Cebuanos and other applicants who would like to submit their visa application in Korean Consulate in Cebu, they still continue to accept personal visa applications. No need to go to an accredited agency. More details
Step 3: Processing
Keep your lines open and constantly check your emails. You can also go to https://www.visa.go.kr/ to check the status of your application.How to check your South Korea visa application status online
Step 4: Releasing
Releasing time is only from 1:30 to 4:00 pm.Feel free to drop your questions and clarifications on the comment section below.
In Singapore, souvenir shopping won’t cost an arm and leg. Compared to other countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, this country has the most affordable souvenir items.
To get it started, let's shop till you drop at Chinatown and Bugis Street Market.
Chinatown
What to buy
How to get there
Via MRT: Alight at Chinatown Station. Proceed to Exit A.Bugis Street Market
What to buy
How to get there
Via MRT: Alight at Bugis Station.
Shifen Old Street is located at Pingxi district. It was once a railroad town that transports coal. Meanwhile, the sky lantern was used as a signalling system for those who are working in the coal mining industry and their families.
The Sky Lantern
A sky lantern costs 200 NTD. You can choose a single coloured or multi-coloured lantern. Each colour has a meaning. The famous colour combinations are red for wealth, yellow for money, blue for career, and orange for love. After choosing your lantern, you will write your wishes on it. They believe that God in heaven will read and grant written wishes.
The Foods
After flying a sky lantern, a food trip is a must. We tried Chicken Wings with Fried Rice (70 NTD) and Thai Style Hot and Spicy Chicken (120 NTD). Both are delicious and a must-try.
I have butterflies in my stomach while planning this activity because first of all, I am not a good biker. I rarely drive a bike and had terrible experiences with it. I once tried in Japan and I bumped into a guardrail. In Bantayan Island, Cebu I bumped into a tree. But good thing, I did not experience any of these in Taiwan.
Taiwan is indeed a bike-friendly country. Their spacious sidewalks are dedicated to pedestrians and bicycles. For a not good biker like me, it is pretty bearable because of their two-way bike lanes.
How to rent a bicycle in Youbike
- Secure a local sim and Easycard. You can buy a local sim from Klook. Easycard is a top-up card for public transportation.
- Go to the nearest Youbike terminal. You can find this beside any rail station.
- For first-timers, register your Easycard and local phone number at the terminal kiosks. One local phone number can register up to 5 Easycards for YouBike usage.
- Choose a bike. Make sure it is in good condition: the gear and brake are working, the tire is not flat, etc.
How much does it cost
For a rental under 4 hours, every 30 minutes is charged NT$10.Between 4-8 hours, every 30 minutes is charged NT$20.
Over 8 hours, every 30 minutes is charged NT$40.
Where to start
I decided to jump-start our bicycle adventure at Xinbeitou station. But before that, we made a side trip to Beitou Thermal Valley. The jade-like pond gives off eerie sulphuric steam that makes a picturesque view.
After some photo ops at Beitou Thermal Valley, we went back to a YouBike terminal near Xinbeitou station.
How did it go
It was not an easy kickoff. We started on narrow roads along the highway. I did not ride my bicycle at first because I'm afraid of bumping into the parked cars. It was after an approximate of 1 km before we arrived on a wider bike lane.
Another 1 km and we arrived at Keelung River Riverside Bicycle Lane. But before continuing our bicycle adventure, we stopped by at a cafe to refuel our hungry and parched bodies.
Keelung River Riverside Bicycle Lane
Last stop: Tamsui Station
Every country has its own flavor, story, and wonders. Taiwan may not be a top destination for most of the tourists, but this country deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. You can explore Taipei on a bike, fly and make a wish on a sky lantern at Shifen Old Street, hike Elephant mountain and catch the beautiful sunset over Taipei 101, or indulge in a wide array of mouthwatering street foods at Raohe Night Market.
Day 1
Check-in at Green World Sansui
Bike around National Taiwan University
Stroll at Raohe Night Market
Chill at Rainbow Bridge
Day 2
Beitou Thermal Valley
Cycling day: Xinbeitou to Tamsui Station
Day 3
4-hour Taipei Sightseeing
Blue line: National Palace Museum
Red line: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and Taipei 101
Day 4
KKday Tour: Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen
Ximending Night Market
Day 5
Elephant Mountain
Shilin Night Market
Accommodation
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| It is just a 5-minute walk from Exit 9 of Minquan West Road station. Lots of restaurants and fast foods nearby. |
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| The triple room has a private bathroom with a hot and cold bathtub. It is also equipped with a cable TV. |
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| Breakfast buffet. They offer vegetables, fruits, coffee, tea, juice, bread and jam, porridge, eggs, and fries. |
Why visit Apo Island
If you're interested to swim with pawikan or sea turtles, Apo Island is the best place for you. Approximately 145 sea turtles are inhabitants of this sanctuary. You can swim, snap groupies, take photos, but just don't touch them. Be a responsible tourist. 😉
This has been my second time visiting the island and I would not mind going here even for the nth time.
How to get there (from Dumaguete City)
1. Go to Ceres Bus Terminal, Dumaguete City.
2. Ride a Ceres bus bound for Bayawan. The fare is 50 PHP for aircon and 25 PHP for non-aircon. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
3. Inform the driver or "konduktor" to drop you off at Malatapay Port (Apo Island).
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4. From the highway, walk straight to the port.
5. Pay for the boat rental and write your name on the manifest. Below is the price for the boat rental.
6. Board the boat and in 30 minutes you'll arrive at Apo Island. If you are lucky enough, you might get a chance to see dolphins.
7. Pay 100 PHP per head for the entrance fee. To swim with the turtles, you need to pay 300 PHP for a tour guide. They strictly implement 1 guide: 4 tourists.
Optional fees:
Snorkeling mask rental - 100 PHP
Lifejacket rental - 100 PHP
Table rental - 300 PHP
8. Enjoy swimming with sea turtles and exploring the island.
What to bring
1. Foods and drinks. These are quite expensive if you buy these at Apo Island.
2. Snorkeling gear. If you don't have one, snorkeling mask rental is available for 100 PHP.
3. Action cam. Photograph or it didn't happen. Snap a groupie with the pawikan or you'll regret it.
