Korean Job Discussion Forums

Korea Newfie · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Newfoundland and Labrador

I have to do the visa run soon, but I'd like to add another country to my list, and I've always wanted to go to China.

Is it feasible to hit Beijing on one of those tours, and do the visa run at the same time? Anybody have experience with this?

Thanks,
KN

kangnamdragon · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Kangnam, Seoul, Korea

It's possible, but I doubt your company would pay for it.

Korea Newfie · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Newfoundland and Labrador

Of course not!

I'd pay the difference. I meant in terms of actually getting it done once I was there.

Mosley · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Keep in mind that you have to get a VISA BEFORE you go to the Peoples' Republic!

BTM · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Back in the saddle.

A colleague did a visa run to Beijing. He described dealing with officialdom as a 'complete nightmare,' and he's one of the most patient people I've ever met.

That said, it is possible.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2003 2:59 am Post subject:

It's uh, far more difficult than anywhere else in the area. And I'm just talking from a non-VISA-getting standpoint, too.

tomwaits · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Location: PC Bong

You could try Shanghai/ I was at the Korean consul there and its not too difficult to find. PM me for the phone number if you wish. Plane wont cost much more than Osaka and a good hotel is about 40 000 won. Also if you pay a bit extra you can get a visa for China in one day---above Kyobo...

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

huh, that's strange that people had problems.. I was in and out in 2 minutes, go back two days later and it's done

you have to get a tourist visa from the Chinese embassy before you go, though

russbeck · Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Location: Florida, USA

Just an idea, and although I've been to Hong Kong and China it wasn't for on a visa run. My intuition tells me Hong Kong would be accomodating and if you have time you can take the train to Guangzhou, I think it was about two hours away and the train ride was fabulous. You'd still need a visa to get into China though I believe.

rooster_2006 · Joined: 14 Oct 2007

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

Don't let the last post keep you from trying it.. although why you would try in Shen Yang is beyond me, as I'm sure they only have Chinese applying there.

The Korea Embassy in BJ was great when I went. No problems whatsoever, didn't even have to take a number, just walked in and right to the window as the girl was waving me forward (despite others being in the room waiting).. hehehe

That said, I would have doubts about trying it anywhere except Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong. News about regulations doesn't seem to travel outside those three cities (as the above poster found out).

pooks · Joined: 01 Apr 2009

Hi ChinaBoy
How long did the Beijing embassy take to process your e2 visa? I have been to Oskaka and Fukuoka and I am looking for somewhere else in SE Asia to go to and I think Beijing sounds best but I do have a bit of a time limit.
Any other info you could give would be super appreciated.
Thanks

katepult · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 11:21 pm Post subject:

I'd recommend that you use one of your holidays in Korea to visit Beijing. You need a Chinese visa to enter China, which can be expensive or quite expensive for Americans.

Do your visa in your home country or do a visa run to Japan or Hong Kong (neither should require a visa to enter). I haven't done a visa in China, but I've done a few in Hong Kong, one in Japan and one in Hanoi. Hong Kong and Japan were efficient and overnight, in Hanoi it took 10 days and extra paperwork. I'd expect China to be more like Hanoi because they may not have a lot of people applying for E2 visas there. When consulates are unfamiliar with the visa process it takes longer.

joeyjoejoe · Joined: 24 Sep 2006

guerillera · Joined: 02 Jul 2009

lol. I worked in China for a while and these posts bring back some memories.