South Korea announces Hallyu visa and digital nomad visa

South Korea has become an international tourist attraction in recent years thanks to high demand from foreigners who want to travel and learn all about South Korean culture.

This boom in learning about Korean culture is linked in large part to kdramas and k-pop, which have allowed people from other countries to learn about and connect with the nation’s way of life.

In addition, the country has one of the largest business models in the entertainment industry with its series, music, product and skin care brands.

With this rising popularity, the government came up with an idea: the Hallyu visa, which is finally available after a year of discussions.

But what is it?

LeVisa Hallyu

Officially dubbed the “K-culture training visa,” it aims to allow foreigners to stay in South Korea for up to two years to either explore the unique arts scene or pursue their dream of entering the entertainment industry.

The Korean government has decided to launch a new visa program to pave the way for new opportunities and attract talent who want to become part of the entertainment industry.

This visa, named Hallyu in reference to the Korean tide of films, TV series and music that is spreading around the world, is a program designed to make entry easier and more efficient for foreigners who want to learn more about the entertainment industry and work you through there

According to the country’s Justice Ministry, this program is being promoted due to the growing demand for education on Korean cultural content. A Justice Department official says they are still finalizing the details.

Until now, foreigners who wanted to perfect their art in South Korea were restricted by the validity of the tourist visa, which was considered too short (maximum 90 days).

Alternatively, applicants can apply for a student visa, which unfortunately requires enrollment at a university or language school.

The South Korean Working Holiday Visa was not suitable either. The most appropriate was the E-6 (the culture and entertainment visa). However, getting it wasn’t easy as it required a contract with an entertainment agency.

These pre-existing visas were very expensive and did not meet the applicants’ expectations, so the Hallyu visa aims to meet these needs.

This new visa allows international students to be educated and study whatever they want to achieve at an accredited school. The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also clarified that applicants must enroll in a state-approved institution.

How to get Hallyu visa?

The only thing we know about the Hallyu visa so far is that in order to obtain it, applicants must be registered with institutions accredited by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Although there were 769 dance academies in Korea in 2021, according to Statistics Korea, not all of them will qualify as accredited institutions.

An official from the Ministry of Culture said so “More detailed information on the visa will be announced around March.”

Prospective visa applicants stress the importance of inclusivity.

“It’s important not to restrict age because young people in their 20s can at least get a student visa by applying through universities, but what about the rest of us in our late 20s and 30s who are changing careers or just trying new things want to try? ? ” said Michelle Paris, a Maltese harpist currently residing in Korea who hopes to obtain a Hallyu visa by enrolling in a Korean traditional music institution.

“It is also important that we can work with the visa during this time and earn a reasonable income. », She added.

The digital nomad visa

South Korea could soon become the second country in North Asia to offer digital nomads (people who work on the internet while traveling) the opportunity to live there for years.

The government intends to create 2023-2024 massive years for its tourism industry to help the economy recover from the crisis during the Covid pandemic lockdown.

This visa aims to attract freelancers, digital nomads, KPOP enthusiasts and business people.

The government plans to introduce two visas, including the work visa, which will allow digital nomads to live in South Korea.

This visa allows foreign travelers to stay in Korea for up to two years to pursue their interests.

Korea is preparing to welcome more and more travelers and foreigners!