South Korea•Asia2–4 weeks
KRW ₩60,000
Varies by filing options
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Long-term cultural exchange visa for artists and researchers engaging in non-commercial artistic or academic pursuits in South Korea.
The D-1 Art and Culture Visa enables foreign nationals to pursue non-profit academic or artistic activities in South Korea. It targets researchers, creative professionals, and traditional arts students—including taekwondo, court music, calligraphy, and Buddhist training—under certified masters or recognized institutions. Activities must remain non-commercial; visa holders cannot receive payment.
The visa permits up to 2 years of stay, renewable if the project continues. Application fee is KRW 60,000 ($60); extensions cost the same. Dependents may accompany the holder, though spouses' work is restricted. Processing takes 14–28 days. Applicants must secure an invitation from a recognized Korean cultural or academic organization and demonstrate sufficient financial resources.
This visa is ideal for international artists, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts invited by recognized Korean organizations who wish to deepen expertise in Korean traditions without commercial work.
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
South KoreaMust engage in non-profit academic or artistic activities.
Must have an invitation or sponsorship from a recognized Korean cultural, academic, or arts organization.
Must demonstrate sufficient financial funds to cover the stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
For traditional arts training, must provide proof that the instructor is a certified intangible cultural heritage holder or affiliated with a reputable arts institution.
Activities must be non-commercial; the applicant may not receive payment for their work in Korea.
Must possess relevant qualifications or a portfolio demonstrating expertise in the field.
Visa application form
Valid passport and a photocopy of the personal information page
One recent passport-sized color photograph
Invitation letter from the sponsoring cultural or academic organization
Documents proving the organization's status as a recognized cultural or arts body
Instructor's credentials (if studying traditional arts)
CV or portfolio of artistic/academic work
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or sponsorship letter)
Visa application fee
| D-1 Art and Culture Visa Application | — |
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