How to Apply and Get a South Korean Visa in the Philippines for Filipino

This is our first out of the country family getaway that requires a visa. Since we have plenty of time to prepare, we prepared first the documents needed. We also submitted NSO birth certificate and marriage certificate as proof of relationship.

STEP 1: Gathering of Documents

A. Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipino Employees (for me, my husband and my sisters who are currently employed)
1. Application Form
2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted)
6. Original Certificate of Employment
   (must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number (cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address)
7. Original Personal Bank Certificate
   (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
8. Bank Statement
   (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
10. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316

B. Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipino Businessmen (for my father and my mother)
1. Application Form
2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted)
6. Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
7. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor's Permit8. Original Personal Bank Certificate
   (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
9. Bank Statement
   (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
10. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316

I had a little bit problem (actually it's BIG) in preparing the travel documents of my 2 sisters. They are working in our small family business and they do not have an ITR. I called the Korean Embassy to raise my concern and the lady told me that if they are working, even though in a family business, they must have an ITR. Oh well, they just made a visit at the BIR Regional Office and applied for a TIN.

STEP 2: Submission of Application 

You have an option to submit all the documents personally at the embassy or thru a travel agent. Since Taguig is just 2 hours away, we opted to go to the embassy personally.

1.  The embassy is located at 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634. 

2.  No need for appointment. First come first serve. Filing of visa application is open from 9 to 11 am only, Monday to Friday. We were at the embassy at around 8:30am and finished at 9:00am.

3.  Pay the visa fee

Visa Fee: 59 days (or less) stay in Korea -- GRATIS
                   60 to 90 days stay in Korea -- PHP1,800.00

4. Wait for 5 agonizing days. (Pray hard!)

5. Claim your passport after 5 days and hopefully with an approved visa.

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Pasalubong from Ilocos: Bagnet, Longganisa, Chichacorn, Sukang Iloko and Marsha's Delicacies

One thing i love most about going to places is the goodies I will bring home to my family and friends. Here are some of the pasalubong I've found in Ilocos.

BAGNET

We bought bagnet at the Vigan public market because it's much cheaper. Bagnet is crispy fried pork belly. Parang lechon kawali. We bought ours at Php 350.00 per kilo.

The meat was so soft and the skin was so crunchy.The pork is boiled until tender and it's deep fried...twice! The twice frying is what gives it the unique taste. It is serve with sukang Iloko or chopped tomatoes and onions with bagoong isda dip.

LONGGANISA

And there's the Vigan longganisa for P120.00 per dozen. I don't really like the taste of their longganisa because it's too garlicky. I remember when the first time I went to Vigan and rode the Partas bus on my way home, hindi kami umalis ng terminal hanggang may naamoy na longganisa ang kundoktor sa loob ng bus. Lahat ng longganisa ay dapat nasa baba kasama ng ibang mga bagahe. Amoy na amoy kasi ang bawang. I like the Pampanga longganisa that's sweet with a little bit of garlic.

CHICHACORN

Ilocos is also famous for the chichacorn. There are many brands but my favorite is the one with yellow packaging that has a label " The Original Ilocos Chichacorn, made in Ilocos Sur. I love the garlic flavor. We bought ours at their store at the town outside Vigan.

SUKANG ILOKO

Sukang Iloko is a chemical-free organic vinegar made from sugar cane and plant extract called samak that turns the color dark preserved in earthen jars. This is good for chicharon and bagnet.

MARSHA'S DELICACIES

And our last stop is the Marsha's Delicacies. You can bu all of the goodies I've mentioned above here. But Marsha is famous for the royal bibingka and brownies. They also have a coffee shop and a clean restroom perfect for stop over.

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Baluarte ni Chavit

After eating our breakfast and packing our things, we headed to visit Baluarte. This is the info I got from their website: chavitsingson.net

Baluarte is 80 hectares of gently rolling terrains, hills and mountain sides, the structures of facilities and amenities, its phases of construction is in its best possible realistic and natural habitat for good and sound animal care.

Located along the western seaboard of Northern Luzon 408 kilometers north of Manila, bounded in the South by South China Sea, Baluarte has its breathtaking view of Vigan City. Baluarte is open to the public and admission is FREE. It is actually Governor Chavit's gift to the people of Vigan where residents are accorded free use of spaces for their livelihood programs.

Yes, It's FREE.

Animals are everywhere.

 

There is also a butterfly garden.

There is also a souvenir shop inside the Baluarte. You can also ride the pony.

There is a golden building that is so prominent. It is the house of Gov. Chavit Singson. Holy cow! It's a huge house with helipad.

Baluarte is a ten minute drive from Vigan City. Baluarte construction is still on going. Zoo patrons are given free admission and free use of its facilities in the picnic areas. It is open daily from 7am to 6pm. You are free to bring your food and be at the picnic place of your choice. We have enough comfort rooms available at the entrance. 

You can contact them at 077-722-7186.

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Calle Crisologo: A Travel Back in Spanish Time

The famous landmark of Vigan City is the Calle Crisologo. After watching the dancing fountain at Plaza Salcedo and eating our dinner, we walked to Calle Crisologo. 

The street was so crowded. Full of locals and tourist. Most of the first floors of the old houses were converted to souvenir shops and restaurants. 

Luis is so cute in his native hat.

I was amazed on how the government managed to restore or preserve the area. Vigan is also called the Heritage Village.  No wonder it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you are tired of walking, the other way to tour the street is via riding the kalesa.

Anyone won’t regret visiting this street with scenes of old times, the Spanish era. The place is so charming and romantic during night time.

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Vigan: Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo

After refreshing at our hotel, we went to the Plaza Salcedo to watch the now famous dancing fountain of Vigan. Right in front of the St. Paul's Cathedral is the Plaza Salcedo.

We watch the 8:00PM show. It lasted for about 10 minutes. Fountains lighted in different colors and hues was such a sight to behold. It was accompanied by modern songs. According to my sister, it was much better than the Symphony of Lights we witness in Hongkong. 

The St. Paul's Cathedral

There were so many people watching the show. Some children played at the water and I thought it was so fun. I was tempted to join but then I chancge my mind. Baka hindi ako papasukin sa Jollibee if I'm wet.

There are many commercial establishments around the plaza but you can notice that the architectural design and structure follows a building standard. The structures are in old Spanish time style. 

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