🛂 Korean Visa Types Explained (D-4, D-2, E-2, F-series, etc.)
🛂 Korean Visa Types Explained (D-4, D-2, E-2, F-series)
한국어 보조: 비자 규정은 자주 변경됩니다. 아래 공식 사이트에서 최신 정보를 꼭 확인하세요.
- English-speaking learners of Korean (global audience)
- Travelers and foreign residents in Korea
- Readers who want practical visa + culture information
- Understand what D-4, D-2, E-2, and F-series generally cover.
- Know where to verify current requirements (they change).
- Prepare simple phrases for schools, employers, and immigration.
Tip (Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow): avoid overconfidence—double-check assumptions on the official portals below.
D-4 is typically for students enrolled in accredited Korean language institutes (often attached to universities). It’s a common path before degree study or work.
- Purpose: Language training at approved institutions.
- Notes: Attendance/financial proof often required; conditions vary by country and school.
🔎 Check details → Korea Visa Portal
D-2 generally covers undergraduate and graduate programs at accredited Korean universities. Some part-time work may be possible with prior permission; limits and conditions can change.
- Purpose: BA/MA/PhD or exchange at accredited institutions.
- Tips: Consider scholarships via Study in Korea.
E-2 is commonly used by English teachers in public programs (e.g., EPIK), private schools, or language institutes. Minimum requirements (degree, nationality, background checks, etc.) are defined by policy and may change.
- Purpose: Language instruction (primarily English) at authorized institutions.
- Next step: Explore EPIK and confirm current eligibility.
- F-1: Visiting/staying with family, dependents
- F-2: Long-term residency pathways (various tracks, points systems exist)
- F-4: Overseas Koreans (heritage-based eligibility)
- F-5: Permanent residency
- F-6: Spouse of Korean national (marriage-based)
📑 Start here → HiKorea (Immigration)
A: 비자 신청하려고 왔습니다.
Bija sincheongharyeogo wasseumnida.
I’m here to apply for a visa.
B: 어떤 비자이신가요? D-4, D-2, E-2 중에서요?
Eotteon bija isingayo? D-sa, D-i, E-i jungeseoyo?
Which visa do you need? D-4, D-2, or E-2?
A: 저는 D-4로 한국어를 공부할 예정입니다.
Jeoneun D-sa ro hangugeoreul gongbuhal yejeongimnida.
I plan to study Korean on a D-4.
Open quiz
- Which visa is generally for degree programs at universities?
- Where do you verify the latest visa rules?
- True/False: E-2 requirements never change.
Show answers
- D-2
- Official portals: Korea Visa Portal / HiKorea / your local Korean embassy
- False — policies and conditions may change.
- ❌ Assuming last year’s rule still applies → ✅ Re-check on visa.go.kr / HiKorea.
- ❌ Mixing D-4 (language) with D-2 (degree) → ✅ Match visa to your main activity.
- ❌ Ignoring part-time work permissions → ✅ Confirm if allowed, limits, and prior approval requirements.
- ❌ Missing financial/attendance proofs → ✅ Prepare documents listed by your school/embassy.
- ❌ Relying on forums only → ✅ Prioritize official sources; use communities for tips, not rules.
- 7-minute rule: Spend 7 min/day checking one official page and taking one note.
- 1-document habit: Each day, finalize just one item (passport scan, bank proof, photo).
- Calendar pings: Set reminders for embassy slots, school letters, ARC deadlines.
- Speak it out: Practice your purpose line in Korean: “D-4 비자 신청하러 왔습니다.”
Can I switch from D-4 to D-2 later? / 나중에 D-4에서 D-2로 바꿀 수 있나요?
Often possible if you meet university and immigration requirements; process varies. (조건 충족 시 가능할 수 있으나, 절차는 상황에 따라 다릅니다.)
Is part-time work allowed on student visas? / 유학 비자에서 아르바이트가 가능한가요?
Sometimes with prior permission and limits; always verify current rules. (사전 허가와 제한이 있을 수 있으니 반드시 최신 규정을 확인하세요.)
Who is eligible for E-2? / E-2 비자 대상은 누구인가요?
Defined by policy (degree, nationality, background checks, etc.) and may change. (학위·국적·범죄기록 등 정책에 의해 정해지며 변경될 수 있습니다.)
What does F-4 mean? / F-4는 무엇인가요?
Commonly for Overseas Koreans who meet specific heritage/eligibility rules. (재외동포를 위한 비자로, 관련 자격 요건을 충족해야 합니다.)
Manual picks only (no duplicates, no 404s).
Applying for D-4, preparing for D-2 interviews, or exploring E-2? Let’s practice real scenarios and documents together.
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