At some point, most expat teachers find it necesary to make a 'visa run' and the most convenient place to do it is Fukuoka, Japan. The links below contain more detailed information, but the basics are:

- The Korean consulate is open Monday to Friday, 9am~12:pm, 1:30pm~ 5pm. The visa costs about 6000 yen.   See maps below for its location.

- You can fly or take the ferry to Fukuoka. For the latest air travel info, visit the Korean Air or Asiana websites. For Ferry travel, check out our Ferry Travel Guide, visit the international ferry termninal in Jungangdong, or contact a travel agent. Kangsan Travel offers a very reasonable 180,000won Fukuoka package that includes a night in relatively comfortable hotel

- You must have 'the blue form' (Certificate for Conformation of Visa Issuance) in order to obtain a visa at the consulate.

- CHANGE MONEY INTO JAPANESE YEN BEFORE YOU GO! It's not so easy to do so once you get there.

September 2005 Updates from Stasee

1. There's a ShinSaeGae Bank at the Fukuoka terminal where you can change won into yen.
2. The taxi is only about 2,000? yen (about $20) from the ferry to the embassy. If there's 3 or more, it's about the same cost as taking the buses (plus much more convenient).
3. I can't remember the times exactly, but I think this is accurate. You can only pick up your completed visa between 9 and 11 am the next day. I don't think you can drop off during these times. The embassy does close from 12-1:30 for lunch. I dropped off my visa form after lunch and picked up the next morning, anyhow.

-Update April '04 - a report from the Pweb inbox - I would suggest adding a reminder for visa-seekers to bring a passport photo. There is a machine at the embassy, but it is expensive and often out of order. Though there are several tourist points near the embassy, no photo shops were apparent.

Additional Info Submitted by S.C. : Here is some further info to assist those making a visa run to Fukuoka. When you arrive at the Hakata terminal, you take a 55 bus to Diaei department store. Cost is 180 yen. You can change a 1000 yen note on the bus in the payment unit at the front of the bus. When you get on the bus you take a ticket from either side of the entry door, which is in the middle of the bus. It has a number on it and at the front of the bus there is an LED display which advises you of your fare cost. When you alight, you drop in the correct money and ticket into the unit next to the driver at the front of the bus. When you alight from the bus, you cross to the other side of the street and as you stand at a small bus stop facing the department store, you take a 300 or 301 bus to a stop where you will see a Toys R us store. I beleive the stop name is Fukuoka dome. Cost is 220 yen. The ride is about 10 -12 minutes. When you alight from the bus, you can see the Korean Embassy on the corner of the next intersection. Remeber to carry Yen because the Embassy does not accept Won. This was far simplier, than trying to find the subway and more convenient. Remember also to grab a Welcome to Fukuoka guide book from the ferry terminal because this offers some good information and discounts at the local motels around Hakata and Tenjin stations.

March 2005 Update from Emily

According to the official behnd the counter it is no longer possible to drop off your passport and visa application at 9am and collect the same day, but you can collect your visa at 11am the following day.|
Some people were able to drop off their documents at 1pm and collect your visa at 11am the next day, but I'm unsure if this is guareteed.
Unfortunately this information had not been available to anyone previiously, and we were informed that this new regulation has been in place from 28th February 2005.
Additional information, the photo booth in the embassy is 600 yen, the visa is now 6000 yen, and the departure tax from Hakata ferry terminal is 400 yen.