C-1 — Temporary News Coverage Visa (C-1)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

4–7 days

Estimated Cost

USD $40

Stay Duration

3 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Short-term visa for foreign journalists and media personnel covering events in South Korea.

The Temporary News Coverage (C-1) visa is for foreign journalists and film crews dispatched by overseas media organizations to cover events, conduct interviews, or film in South Korea for up to 90 days. It distinguishes professional media work from general tourism or business.

Processing takes 4-7 working days and fees range from USD 40-90. The visa is non-renewable, does not permit spouse work, and does not offer dependent visas. Submit the Visa Application Form (e-Form) via https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10108&LANG_TYPE=EN. No prior job offer or specific education level required.

This visa is ideal for foreign correspondents, freelance journalists with confirmed assignments, and media technical staff such as camera operators dispatched for temporary coverage.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

South Korea

D-5 — Journalism Visa (D-5)

Validity2 years

Processing2–4 weeks

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a foreign journalist, media personnel, or media representative dispatched by a foreign news organization.

Purpose must be for short-term news coverage, reporting, or preparation for establishing a local branch office of a foreign media organization.

Must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.

Must not be a resident foreign correspondent (who should hold a D-5 visa instead).

Must provide proof of employment or dispatch from the media organization.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Visa application form

Valid passport and a photocopy of the personal information page

One recent passport-sized color photograph (3.5cm x 4.5cm)

Dispatch certificate from the employing news organization or employment certificate

International press card (if applicable)

Copy of the business registration certificate of the media organization

Visa application fee

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Processing takes just 10 business days via official visa portal
Simple application for foreign journalists and media professionals covering short-term events
Up to 90 days stay authorized for reporting, film production, and news coverage
Dependents can accompany you on the visa
No mandatory income or savings thresholds to qualify
Convertible to D-5 long-term press visa for extended stays
Clear media-specific legal pathway distinct from tourist or business categories