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C-1 — Temporary News Coverage Visa (C-1)
VisasSouth KoreaC-1 — Temporary News Coverage Visa (C-1)
South KoreaSouth Korea•Asia
Open

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

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4–7 days

Estimated Cost

$40 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

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 grant3 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

D-5 — Journalism Visa (D-5)
South Korea flagSouth 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

Worth Knowing

  • Spouse is not permitted to work during your stay
  • Work authorization limited strictly to assigned media coverage only
  • Bachelor's degree minimum education requirement
  • Must provide dispatch certificate from home media organization to qualify
  • Visa is non-renewable — single entry with no extension option available

Application Process

1

Secure assignment: From news organization

2

Obtain invitation: From news organization in Korea or employer

3

Apply at embassy: D-5 visa application

4

Visa processing: 2-4 weeks

5

Visa issuance: Long-term news visa

Application Forms

Visa Application Form (e-Form)Fill online

Verified Claims (8)

Last verified Jun 30, 2026
Dependent Visa
Not available
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Forms
Visa Application Form (e-Form)
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Included Nationalities
null
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Official Info
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2444/view.do?seq=761437&page=2
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Min Education
none
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":4,"maxDays":7}
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Processing Time
4-7 working days (varies by embassy/consulate)
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Spouse Can Work
no
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Official Information

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