Media
Short-term News Coverage (C-1)
C-1 visa is required for journalists dispatched from foreign media companies or under contract with them for a short time in Korea.
This visa is also required for persons who will establish a branch office of foreign media companies. If they want to stay in Korea after establishment, they need to change to D-5 visa.
The period of stay is up to 90 days and can be extended.
You can apply for a visa without a visa eligibility certificate.
Long-term News Coverage (D-5)
D-5 visa is required for journalists dispatched from foreign media companies or under contract with them for a long time. Administrative affairs, interpreting, vehicle driving are nor cevered by this visa type.
The period of stay is up to 2 years and can be extended.
A journalist who was dispatched from media company which established branch office in Korea can apply for a visa without a visa eligibility certificate. Dependent family members can apply for F-1 visa.
In other cases, you need a visa eligibility certficate before applying for D-5 visa.
Culture (D-1)
D-1 visa is required for persons who want an academic or art activity or receive education from related experts in Korea.
The period of stay is up to 2 years and can be extended.
An invitee by Korea Foundation or Art Council Korea can apply for a visa without a visa eligibility certificate. In other cases, you need a visa eligibility certificate before applying for D-1 visa.
You cannot change to D-1 visa in Korea except you are adoptee born in Korea or you are German or Canadian.
Religion (D-6)
D-6 visa is required for persons who want religious or social welfare activity in Korea.
The period of stay is up to 2 years and can be extended.
An invitee by religion or welfare orgnizations of Korea can apply for a visa without a visa eligibility certificate. In other cases, you need a visa eligibility certificate befoe applying for D-6 visa.
You cannot change to D-6 visa in Korea except you are German or Canadian.