US Citizen Wants to go to S Korea?

Question

My fiance is in Yongsan, Korea as a military police for the Army. We want to get married when I go over. What kind of visa do I need to apply for if we're not exactly married yet and how do I get a passport? How is Korea like? Is the housing expensive and what kind of job can I get over there. Also i was wondering, would it be easier if I just apply for a tourist visa, then get married and reapply for an A-3 visa (military dependent). Which way would be best?

Answer 1

Let's start at the beginning.

Passport, you must apply for one: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Visa, you must apply at the Korean embassy for one: http://www.koreaembassyusa.org/

Getting married while there, GO FOR IT. He will have to get approval from his command, and from the chaplain. The chaplain will perform the ceremony, and you will have a lovely honeymoon in South Korea. Make sure that he starts getting the paperwork started early, since we all know that there is quite the paperwork trail.

Staying there, doubtful. Dependents are authorized only in the southern most part of South Korea. If he isn't there, you won't be staying with him. If you decide that you want to stay anyhow, then all housing will come out of your pocket. US jobs in Korea are slim, and usually reserved for command sponsored dependents. Oh, and by the way, your tourist Visa will not be good enough to stay and work. IF you get command sponsored, then you will have to return to the US, wait for the paperwork and then fly back.

My recommendation: Go over, visit, get married if you can, then come back to the states and wait for the PSC move.

Answer 2

He is on unaccompanied orders which means the military won't pay for you to be in Korea. I'm sorry I dont know more about the visas and all that, you will have to talk to either the embassy or the legal department. Yongsan is a pretty big base. There are alot of unknown variables that could complicate your situation and you should probably get advice from someone with knowledge in this. Your fiance should be able to get details on what your options are from the legal folks over here.

Answer 3

mrsjvb is correct

I have just been to Korea - you can go for 30 days as a tourist without a visa but do need a passport

You can get a passport through your local post office

I spent a week there - - observations 1 - I was surprised that there are not more English speaking locals. but there are a number of folks from the Philippines working there and their English is great. 2 - I spent my time in Seoul, I thought it was beautiful and well kept, although a bit cooler than I imagined 3 Everyone was really nice

Answer 4

you will need a regular Korean Tourist Visa, which I believe only allows you to say 30 days. you will NOT be allowed to work over there. Housing would be entirely out of pocket, youwould receive no assistance from the military at all, not even after you are married. In fcat,m oyu may not even be allwoed to get married whileover there, it is strictly up the Chaplian's office and your fiance's chain of command.

Passports you get from the US Post Office.. but check, not all branches have that ability. it is taking on average about 10-12 weeks to get a passport right now, about 8 if you spend the extra money to have it expidited.

In other words.. BAD IDEA. just wait until he returns and get married Stateside.

Answer 5

Your an American you can live were ever but you need a visa other then a a-3 visa just call the South Korean embassy and ask them about the visa you may be able to get a work visa. The South Koreans are amazing people with a great country and dont worry about the cost of living its very cheap.

Answer 6

I dont think you can stay there. As far as I know Korea is a short tour that does not allow dependents. You can visit, you just can't stay. Your Fiance should be able to arrange your travel through the military.

Answer 7

best way like a tourist without a visa ....
30 days!

Answer 8

would you better marry in US