How To Visit Korea From Malaysia

Traveloka Accomodation
30 May 2025 - 7 min read

Visa to Korea from Malaysia - South Korea is a country in Asia with a very diverse and interesting tourism potential. Because the various interesting things on offer make many tourists interested in visiting South Korea as a vacation destination with close friends and family.

Besides being famous for its Korean dramas and also very popular boybands, in Korea there are also many other interesting things that you can find.

If you have the intention to go to Korea, of course the first thing you need to think about is licensing issues. You need to prepare a Korean visa, among other things, before you go on vacation to South Korea.

Don’t worry, we will help you prepare everything according to embassy requirements, making your visa application process easy.

Best Things to do in South Korea

Types of South Korean Visa

1. For a Holiday: K-ETA or C-3 Visa

Most Malaysians can enter Korea with a K-ETA for up to 90 days. If your K-ETA gets rejected (rare, but it can happen), or you want to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need a C-3 tourist visa.

To apply, go to the Korean Embassy in KL. Bring your passport (with at least six months validity), a passport photo, bank statements for the past six months, a letter from your boss or school, and your travel itinerary. The fee is RM180, and the process takes about a week.

2. For Students: D-2 or D-4 Visa

Planning to study in Korea? You’ll need a D-2 visa for degree programs (like university courses) or a D-4 visa for language courses. To apply, you’ll need an acceptance letter from your school, proof of funds (around RM45,000 for one year), a health check (for tuberculosis), and your passport.

The fee is RM270, and it usually takes a week. After arriving in Korea, you’ll need to register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days.

3. For Work: E-Series Visa (E-2, E-7)

Got a job offer in Korea? You’ll need an E-visa. The E-2 visa is for teaching English or other languages, while the E-7 is for skilled professionals like engineers and IT experts.

Your Korean employer will help you get a visa approval number. You’ll also need your degree, a police clearance, a health check, and a copy of your contract. The fee is RM270, and processing time is usually around a week.

4. For Business: C-3-4 Visa or K-ETA

Visiting Korea for meetings or conferences? Malaysians can usually use a K-ETA for business trips. Just select "business" as your purpose when applying.

If your K-ETA is rejected, you can apply for a C-3-4 business visa with an invitation letter from your Korean business partner. The fee is RM180, and it takes about a week. If you have an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), you can skip the visa – just fly in for up to 90 days.

5. For Long-Term Stays: F-Series Visas

F-6 Marriage Visa: If you’re married to a Korean citizen, you can apply for an F-6 visa. You’ll need marriage certificates, photos, chats, and your spouse’s income details. The fee is RM270.
F-2 Resident Visa: After living in Korea for a while (on a work or student visa), you may be eligible for an F-2, a long-term visa that gives you more freedom to live and work.
F-5 Permanent Residency: After five years in Korea, you may qualify for permanent residency (F-5). It’s the ultimate long-term goal!
F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa: Want to live in Korea while working remotely for your Malaysian company? The F-1-D visa lets you stay for up to two years – but it’s for high earners only (earning over RM30,000 per month).

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Things You Need to Prepare Before Going to Korea

So, you’re planning a trip to Korea? Awesome! Whether you’re going for K-pop concerts, cherry blossom season, or just to feast on Korean BBQ, here’s what you need to get ready before hopping on that plane.

1. Get Your K-ETA or Visa Sorted

For most Malaysians, a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) is all you need for a holiday under 90 days. Apply online (www.k-eta.go.kr), pay RM40, and wait for approval (usually within 48 hours). It’s valid for three years.

If your K-ETA gets rejected, or if you’re planning to study, work, or stay longer, you’ll need a visa. For that, you’ll apply at the Korean Embassy in KL – don’t leave this to the last minute!

2. Sure Your Passport is Ready

Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your travel date. Check your passport now – don’t get caught last minute at the airport! If it’s expiring soon, renew it at the immigration office in Malaysia.

3. Have Enough Money (and Proof!)

Korea isn’t the cheapest, so make sure you’ve got enough funds for your trip. For visas, you’ll need bank statements for the past 6 months to prove you can cover your expenses. Even if you’re going with a K-ETA, having a credit card or enough cash is a smart move.

4. Book Your Accommodation

It’s good to have your hotel booking ready. If you’re applying for a visa, you’ll also need a basic travel itinerary showing your plans.

5. Sort Out Your SIM Card or eSIM

Want to post on Instagram in real-time? Get a SIM card or eSIM before you go, or pre-book for pickup at Incheon Airport. Korea has great Wi-Fi, but a local SIM will make your life much easier when you’re out exploring.

South Korea

[46% OFF] Korean SIM Card: South Korea High-Speed Daily/Total Data eSIM

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RM 3

6. Download Essential Apps

Before you leave, download must-have apps:

Naver Maps or KakaoMap (Google Maps doesn’t work well in Korea)
Papago (for translations)
KakaoTalk (for messaging)
Traveloka (for tours and tickets)

7. Pack for the Season

Korea’s weather is no joke! Check the forecast:

Spring (March–May): Light jacket, layers
Summer (June–August): Sunscreen, umbrella, comfy clothes
Autumn (September–November): Sweater weather – pack a jacket
Winter (December–February): Warm coat, gloves, thermal wear

Recommendation Places To Visit in Korea

Visiting South Korea you must visit some of the recommended places below. Check out the full review.

1. Itaewon Street

Itaewon Street - Visa to Korea from Malaysia

If you are looking for a place where you can shop, play and eat. World competitions such as the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics were held here, and it is known as a nightlife spot in Seoul. Therefore, there are always many tourists who visit and enjoy this tourist destination.

Itaewon Street was officially used as a tourist destination in 1997. It is a night paradise that Seoul has, with twinkling lights and a variety of entertainment facilities that only a big city can offer.

2. Namdaemun Gate & Market

Next you should try to visit an interesting place in Seoul, namely Namdaemun market. This market offers various attractions that can make your trip in South Korea more memorable. In this market there are various goods for sale and the prices are still quite cheap.

This traditional market which is the oldest in Korea serves a variety of original Korean souvenirs. You can buy souvenirs at this place as proof of having been to this market when visiting Korea. The goods sold are also of good quality even though they are sold at low prices.

3. Insadong

Insadong - Visa to Korea from Malaysia

The next place that is no less interesting that you can visit is Insadong. This tourist attraction is a settlement located in the Jongno-gu district. In this place there are various shopping centers that sell a variety of authentic Korean traditional goods. There are also several art galleries here that you can enjoy.

Apart from selling art items, you can also find various culinary delights here, because Insadong already has a variety of food needs with a variety of delicious and delicious food menus. The price is also quite pocket friendly. Among the menu are mushrooms, and a variety of vegetable menus with authentic Korean spices.

4. Seoul City Hall

Seoul City Hall - Visa to Korea from Malaysia

This area has Renaissance architecture and was built in 1926. It is one of the must-visit historical places in Korea for tourists. One of the contemporary stories documented here is that Seoul City Hall was used as a meeting place for fans and players of the 2022 World Cup.

One of the most interesting places to visit. Interestingly, this area is often used as a place for famous Korean festivals. So don't miss this place as one of your destinations while in Seoul.

5. Banpo Bridge

Banpo Bridge - Visa to Korea from Malaysia

If you want to find a place that offers a romantic atmosphere, don't worry, South Korea has such a place, one of which is Banpo Bridge which is a romantic area, which is perfect if you come to Korea with your partner, you can spend time in this place. This place is friendly to everyone.

This place offers a very attractive dancing fountain. You will also be entertained by the lights and strains that fill this area. Your vacation to Korea will be more memorable if you have visited this place.

6. Seoul Forest

Seoul Forest - Visa to Korea from Malaysia

Another place that is also very dear to miss is the Seoul Forest, a natural area that offers a variety of views and beautiful nuances, the atmosphere is also quite calm.

This place was once often used as a hunting ground which is now used as a water treatment place. Not only that, this area can also be used as a place to play golf and horse racing. You will also find more than 100 habitats living here.

7. Museum National Korea

Museum National Korea - Visa to Korea from Malaysia

The museum was built in 1945. It has 3 floors with different types of collections. Starting from the 1st floor by showing various objects that contain historical value. Then, moving on to 2, there are various kinds of arts such as calligraphy and typical Korean art paintings.

Well, finally on the 3rd floor there are various ceramics, Buddhist texts, artifacts, and metal works of art. The right choice for your trip.

South Korea

National Museum of Korea and Art Galleries Tour

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South Korea is indeed very popular almost all over the world. Seoul, which is the capital of South Korea, provides many interesting things for tourists.

Therefore, Seoul is designed to be as attractive as possible so that visitors are always comfortable when visiting here. However, whatever it is, Seoul is still a comfortable city to be an alternative as a place to stay while enjoying a vacation in Korea.

To have a great experience during your holiday trip in South Korea, don’t forget to plan your vacation with Traveloka!

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Sun, 13 Jul 2025

Scoot

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Seoul (ICN)

Start from RM 445.76

Tue, 1 Jul 2025

AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)

Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Seoul (ICN)

Start from RM 434.79

Fri, 11 Jul 2025

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Penang (PEN) to Seoul (ICN)

Start from RM 508.32

In This Article

• Types of South Korean Visa
• 1. For a Holiday: K-ETA or C-3 Visa
• 2. For Students: D-2 or D-4 Visa
• 3. For Work: E-Series Visa (E-2, E-7)
• 4. For Business: C-3-4 Visa or K-ETA
• 5. For Long-Term Stays: F-Series Visas
• Things You Need to Prepare Before Going to Korea
• 1. Get Your K-ETA or Visa Sorted
• 2. Sure Your Passport is Ready
• 3. Have Enough Money (and Proof!)
• 4. Book Your Accommodation
• 5. Sort Out Your SIM Card or eSIM
• 6. Download Essential Apps
• 7. Pack for the Season
• Recommendation Places To Visit in Korea
• 1. Itaewon Street
• 2. Namdaemun Gate & Market
• 3. Insadong
• 4. Seoul City Hall
• 5. Banpo Bridge
• 6. Seoul Forest
• 7. Museum National Korea

Flights Featured in This Article

Sun, 13 Jul 2025
Scoot
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Seoul (ICN)
Start from RM 445.76
Book Now
Tue, 1 Jul 2025
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Seoul (ICN)
Start from RM 434.79
Book Now
Fri, 11 Jul 2025
Scoot
Penang (PEN) to Seoul (ICN)
Start from RM 508.32
Book Now
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