Traveling to Korea as a US citizen doesn’t require a visa, as long as you’re traveling for less than 30 days and don’t plan on working. For those looking to stay in Korea longer or trying to find a job, you’ll have to apply for a visa. If you happen to be Korean-American with a parent that was born in Korea and became a US citizen through naturalization, you’re in luck. You’re eligible for an F-4 visa, which has the best benefits out of all the visas available. This visa is much better than an E-2 visa or C-3 visa, which have very strict rules on what you can and can’t do in Korea. F-4 visas last for 2 years with unlimited options to renew and grants you all the rights of a Korean citizen, such as working, insurance, and pension.
Applying for an F-4 visa is very easy and is available to use in just a few days. First, make sure that your parent(s) have completely given up their Korean nationality. That means that they are no longer considered a Korean citizen, which usually requires an adjustment to their Family Census Register (Hojuk Deungbohn). If your parents are clear, then make sure you have the following documents
Your passport that won’t expire for at least a few years
A completed visa application with recent photo attached
A copy of your birth certificate with your parent’s names
A copy of your parent’s US naturalization papers
A copy of your parent’s Family Census Register (Hojuk Deungbohn) showing that they have given up their Korean nationality
$45 in cash or check (check only if you’re applying by mail)
Check http://www.dynamic-korea.com/consulate_service/information2.php to see which Korean embassy you need to apply to, since each embassy covers a certain area. If you’re lucky enough to live by a Korean embassy, then you can apply for your visa and receive it personally. Otherwise, you’ll need to send all the documents listed (yes, even your passport) to the designated Korean embassy with a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the embassy to return your passport in. Try not to send original documents (except for your passport) since original birth certificates and naturalization papers are very difficult to replace. If approved, you’ll get your passport back with a single entry F-4 visa inside ready for immediate use. If you don’t get approved, you’ll receive your application back and a letter stating what was wrong with your application and how you can fix it.
Getting an F-4 visa is perfect for any Korean-American looking to spend an extended period of time in Korea. With all benefits of a Korean citizen and none of the hassles of the other visas, F-4 is the way to go.
