South Korean citizens moving to United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
South Korea is a YMS-participating country (ages 18–30, 2-year open stay). Skilled Worker and Global Talent also widely used.
Tourist entry
Not quite. South Korean nationals can enter United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visa-free for short tourism but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance. Tourism stays do not permit work, long-term study, or residence.
Treaty & bilateral memberships
- UK Youth Mobility Scheme
Consular processing: Seoul
Treaty and bilateral routes
These routes are available to South Korean applicants under specific bilateral agreements.
All United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland routes
Skilled Worker visa
Work visa for non-UK workers with a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.
Health and Care Worker visa
Discounted Skilled Worker route for eligible NHS, adult social care, and allied health roles.
Global Talent visa
Unsponsored visa for leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology.
Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of eligible UK higher education institutions.
High Potential Individual visa
Unsponsored work visa for graduates of a time-limited list of top global universities.
Innovator Founder visa
Endorsement-based visa for founders launching an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK.
Scale-up visa
Sponsored route for workers joining qualifying fast-growing UK scale-up businesses, with faster settlement timelines.
Student visa
Study visa for international students enrolled with a licensed Student sponsor at eligible UK institutions.
Family visa (partner/spouse)
Visa for partners of British citizens, settled persons, or certain other qualifying sponsors.
Standard Visitor visa
Short-stay visa for tourism, visiting family, or permitted business activities up to 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
Can South Korean citizens enter United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland without a visa?
Not quite. South Korean nationals can enter United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visa-free for short tourism but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance. Tourism stays do not permit work, long-term study, or residence.
Which United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visa routes are best suited to South Korean applicants?
Treaty routes (Youth Mobility Scheme visa) apply specifically to South Korean nationals. South Korea is a YMS-participating country (ages 18–30, 2-year open stay). Skilled Worker and Global Talent also widely used.
Where do South Korean applicants typically apply for a United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visa?
Applications are typically processed at Seoul. Some digital and in-country applications can be filed directly with United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland's immigration authority without a consular visit.