Applying for Korean Visa in Malaysia

There are many types of visas issued by (South) Korea and application process may vary. The pointers below are written based on the process I went through while applying for a C-3 visa (short term general visa). Here goes.

Why?
I will be starting my Korean studies (Regular programme) at the Korean Language Education Centre (KLEC) in Sogang University coming March.

What?
A C-3 visa is like a temporary visa to remain in Korea for up to 90 days. It's almost similar to a tourist visa, but the former can be converted into D-4 visa should I decide to extend my terms with KLEC and remain longer in Korea ( >91 days). This is impossible with the tourist visa.

Therefore, if you (i mean Malaysian national) are sure you will not stay more than 90 days, you need not apply for any visa since Malaysia is one of the countries under Visa Exemption Agreement with Korea.

Where?
Korean embassy in your respective country.
The embassy in Malaysia is located at:
No. 9 & 11, Jalan Nipah, Off Jalan Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur.
Visa Application (Submission Hours): 8.30am - 11.30am, weekdays only
Visa Collection Hours: 3.00pm - 4.00pm, weekdays only
(Note: the operation hour stated on the embassy's website is not accurate. You will be denied entry into the embassy if visits are not within the stipulated hours above)

How?
1. The application form is available for download on the embassy's website. Otherwise, you can get a printed copy at the embassy at no charge.
2. Prepare the following documents (on top of the completed application form) to support your application:

• Certificate of Enrollment from University (original AND photocopy)
• Certificate of Admission from University (original AND photocopy)
• Proof of Payment (application fee and tuition fee, fully paid prior to start of semester) (original AND photocopy)
• Passport
• Passport photo (1pc)
• Academic Certificates - Degree/Diploma/High School (original AND photocopy)
• Latest three months' financial statement (Certified True Copy by bank).
• Travel itinerary (return air ticket)

How Much?
For a C-3 visa (maximum 90 days stay): RM96

How Long?
3 working days to process

Others:

Since the required documents may change time-to-time, it is best to call the embassy first to double confirm.

When I submitted my application to KLEC, I had to also send them a bank statement to prove that there is more than 3000USD in my savings. Logically, if you're studying in Korea for a longer duration (i.e. full-time undergraduate/graduate courses, or courses exceeding one-term), a higher sum in your savings is expected.