KoreaClear · Travel answer
Do I need an invitation to visit Korea, and who can provide it?
Short answer
An invitation is supporting evidence for some Korean visa applications, not a universal entry document or permission to enter. The required inviter and format depend on your actual visit purpose and the mission handling the application.
What to do
- Identify whether the trip is independent tourism, a private visit, conference, business or study.
- Read the relevant mission checklist; if invited, obtain an honest letter from the actual host or organiser covering purpose, dates, address and funding as requested.
- Submit any required host ID/business registration or guarantee documents through the official application route.
Check before relying on this
- Do not buy a fabricated invitation from a stranger.
- A host letter does not guarantee visa issuance or waive other documents.
More details and examples ExpandCollapse
Identify the real host
For a private visit, ask the receiving mission what evidence it needs from the resident hosting you. For a conference or business visit, ask the real organiser or company for the requested supporting documents. Independent tourists should use the tourism checklist.
Confirm the format
Ask the mission whether it requires a particular invitation form, signature, seal, host identification, business registration or guarantee. Include your nationality, visit purpose, accommodation arrangement and dates in the enquiry. Do not obtain an unrelated or fabricated invitation just to add a document.
Sources and provider examples
External sources may use another language.
Sources last checked: . Rules, hours and services can change.