[Visa Basics 1] A visa is not the same as your status of stay

The word foreigners use most in consultations is "visa". Korean law, however, separates the visa and the status of stay. Once you understand the difference, the rest of the [Visa Basics] series will be much easier to follow.

Visa: what you need to enter Korea

• To enter Korea, a foreign national needs a valid passport and a visa (Immigration Act, Article 7).
• Nationals of visa-waiver countries, people with a re-entry permit and some others can enter without a visa.
• A visa is for entry. After you arrive, your status of stay (below) is the standard.

Status of stay: what you may do in Korea

• Every foreign national entering Korea must have a status of stay (Article 10). Codes such as "E-9" and "F-6" are statuses of stay.
• You may stay and act only within your status of stay and period of stay (Article 17).
• There are three broad groups:
  • Short-term status: tourism, visits, etc., up to 90 days
  • Long-term status: study, training, work, marriage, etc., over 90 days
  • Permanent residence: no time limit

Alien registration and period of stay

• If you stay over 90 days, you must register as a foreign resident within 90 days of entry (Article 31). Residents of Jecheon and Danyang are under the Cheongju Immigration Office.
• Long-term statuses come with a period of stay. To stay longer, get an extension of the period of stay before it ends (Article 25).
• After registering, if you move, report your new address within 15 days of moving in (Article 36).

When your activity changes

• To do an activity that belongs to a different status, get a change of status of stay permit in advance (Article 24). Example: a student starting a job after graduation.
• To keep your status and add another activity, get a permit for activities outside your status in advance (Article 20). Example: a student's part-time job.
• Acting without permission can lead to a shortened period of stay, departure orders and other penalties.

Next Monday

[Visa Basics 2] Statuses of stay from A to H at a glance — more than 30 statuses grouped by letter, so you can see where yours belongs.

Consultation

Talk to Jecheon Bareun Visa Administrative Agent Office about the best option for your situation.

• Phone 010-8230-8880 (daily 10:00–20:00)
• Chat on KakaoTalk
• Book a consultation · Ask a question — you can write in English
• What to bring to a visit

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Sources

• Immigration Act (출입국관리법) Articles 7, 10, 10-2, 17, 20, 24, 25, 31, 36 — Act No. 21857, in force from 2 Oct 2026
• HiKorea — Ministry of Justice stay information

Based on the law in force in November 2026. Actual requirements must be checked against the law and guidelines at the time of application.