How to Apply for a Korea Visa in Chicago

Chicago is America’s third-most-populous city and its metropolitan area, known as Chicagoland, has a population approaching 10 million people.  Chicago is a vibrant international city with a robust economy that is the corporate headquarters for 57 Fortune 1000 companies.  While manufacturing and food processing provide a strong foundation for its economy, the city is also an important financial center and is home to the Chicago Stock Exchange, Chicago Board Options Exchange, and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The Chicago metropolitan area covers 14 counties across three states—Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin—and includes cities like Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero, Skokie, Gary (Indiana), and Kenosha (Wisconsin).  Chicago has a large population of Korean immigrants and 2nd and 3rd generation Korean Americans.  Koreans have lived in Chicago for over 100 years and are one of the more successful immigrant groups in the city, excelling in education and business.  There are several Korean community organizations in the metro area such as the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago, Korean American Association of Chicago, Chicago Korean Education Center, and others.  Korean Air offers nonstop flights from Chicago O’Hare to Seoul-Incheon Airport.    

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is an East Asian country on the Korean Peninsula between the Yellow Sea and East Sea, wedged between China and Japan.  Although Korea is a small country of only 51 million people, their economy is the 10th largest in the world and is ranked 5th in manufacturing output.  Korean consumer brands like Samsung, LG, and Kia products are an everyday part of the lives of Chicagoans.  Chicago manufacturers import Korean industrial products such as machinery, chemicals, plastics, but there is also a hefty flow of goods and services being exported to Korea.  In recent years Korea has become an increasingly popular destination for American college students interested in studying Korean language and culture, influenced by the popularity of Korean pop music, dramas, and food.  Seoul, South Korea’s capital and most populous city, is one of the most exciting and vibrant places in the world.  Neighborhoods like Hongdae, Itaewon, Gangnam are packed with nightclubs, bars, singing rooms, eateries, and boutique shops.  Busan, Korea’s second largest city, is also a must-visit destination for Chicago tourists.  As a port city on the southeastern tip of the country, Busan has a rugged flavor that contrasts with the glitz and glamour of Seoul.     

Obtaining a Korean Visa from Chicago

Visas for South Korea are issued by the Korean government in the United States.  The government of South Korea is represented by their embassy located in Washington, D.C. along with twelve consulates located throughout the United States.  To apply for a visa from Chicago, you will fill out the visa application and bring your original passport and supporting documents to their office in Chicago.  You can also send your application by US Mail or courier service using FedEx or UPS.  Here is the address:

Korean Consulate General
NBC Tower Building Suite 2700
455 N. Cityfront Plaza Dr.
Chicago, IL 60611   

It is important to review the requirements for visas on the Korean consulate website and ensure your application and all supporting documents are accurate.  Here is the link to the consulate website with detailed information: General InformationConsulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago (mofa.go.kr)

You should include a self-addressed USPS (US Postal Service Express Mail or Priority Mail), FedEx, or UPS prepaid envelope (please make note of the tracking number) so the consulate can return your passport and visa to your home or office.  The consulate does not accept FedEx or UPS shipping labels where the account or credit card information has been written in -- all return airbills must be prepaid.

The government’s visa fee is $45 for U.S. citizens and the processing time can take up to 2 weeks.  If you need the visa faster, please contact our company to inquire about expedited services.

Other things to consider:

  • U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days if they are traveling for tourism, pleasure, short-term business meetings, or visiting family, however, they must apply for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) on this website: Welcome - K-ETA
  • U.S. citizens must have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of your date of entry into South Korea.
  • All visitors to Korea are currently subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine at a hotel assigned by the government and a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) result is required for all foreigners entering the country. For more information, please visit the Korean embassy website: Notice 목록Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA (mofa.go.kr)
  • It is recommended to purchase travel insurance before any international trip in case of medical emergencies.  We advise getting the Geo Blue Voyager Single Trip Plan.

Emergency Assistance for Korean Citizens in Chicago 

If you are a citizen of South Korea living in the Chicago area with an emergency or require urgent assistance, you can reach the Korean consulate in downtown Chicago by calling 312-822-9485 or by email at chicago@mofa.go.kr.   

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in Chicago or anywhere in the state of Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin and have difficulty applying for a Korean visa or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Korean visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the Korean government.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans. 

We provide the following Korea visa services for our customers:

  • Korean Tourist Visa
  • Korean Business Visa
  • Korean Official Duty Visa
  • Korean Student Visa
  • Korean Work Visa (English Instructor / University Professor / Specialty Occupation / Religious Worker / Military)
  • Korean Working Holiday Visa
  • Korean Journalist Visa (Temporary News Coverage / Residence Reporter)
  • South Korea Hotel Accommodations