Job Discussion Forums

Gamecock · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 102 Location: Zhuhai, China

Has anyone had their Z visa processed in Seoul? I've heard some conflicting reports that an individual can't go to the consulate with their paperwork, but most go through a travel agent. Does anyone know if this is the case? If it is, does anyone know a travel agent in Seoul that they have used that they can recommend?

Thanks.

dragon777 · Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Posts: 163 Location: Christmas Island

Why don't you just ask the embassy? Email them.

Eyrick3 · Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 161 Location: Beijing, China

Gamecock, please keep us updated on this. I have a friend who may need to do a visa run and was asking if South Korea is an option.

Gamecock · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 102 Location: Zhuhai, China

Here's an update for anyone wanting to apply for their Z visa in Seoul. First, the Chinese consulate is incredibly unhelpful here. They didn't return my e-mail, and when I tried to call them to ask a few questions, the ONLY information I received was that as an individual they would not even talk to me and that I should contact one of the Korean travel agents authorized by them.

Here is a list of "authorized" travel agents in Seoul who can process your visa for you (for no more than 20,000 won more than your visa fee):

http://kr.china-embassy.org/chn/lsqz/ls_qz/ls_qz_13/t229558.htm

I called about a dozen of these travel agents before finding one that spoke even a little broken English, and who was willing to help me. I used Bae Soo Jin at the Kyungnam Travel Agency located about 3 blocks from the American embassy, 02-730-4005. They are located on the 2nd floor of the red brick building across from the LARGE "finance center" tower (You can see it easily from the Kyobo building). The travel agency is above Office Depot.

After arriving at this travel company I was informed I would need to have a medical certificate (even though my employer told me I wouldn't). The consulate in Seoul WILL NOT process your paperwork without a medical certificate. There are only 3 hospitals/medical centers in Seoul that have been authorized by the Chinese consulate. The fee for the medical exam is 170,000 won, which by Korean standards is extraordinarily high. So be prepared for this.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

To the best of my knowledge, from memory, those who recently got their z-visa in Hing Kong did not need a medical.
Confirmation on that would be helpful, of course. I do know the fees the agents charge here in China are relatively modest, or do it yourself in person. Based on what you are sayin Hong Kong is a better choice. How far away is the nearest embassy/consulate in Korea? It would be interesting to hear from someone who just walked into the consulate and applied. Sounds like maybe this doesn't hapen very often, and the Consulate workers don't know what to do?

Gamecock · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 102 Location: Zhuhai, China

Well, Seoul is the practical choice for me because I am currently living in Korea. I did go to the consulate office in Seoul, and they would not even let me in the front gate. When I told them I was there to apply for a Z visa, they pointed me to a laminated document pasted on the gate door which said I had to apply through a travel agent. It is official policy in Seoul, to be sure, not just an ignorant consulate worker.

Wyndian · Joined: 10 Jul 2008 Posts: 8

I used an agency located in Gwanghwamun.