Korean visa

ULAANBAATAR / SEOUL. South Korea has launched a one-year trial of a new tourist group visa system for Mongolian citizens, effective October 30, 2026. Under the scheme, groups of at least five tourists organized through seven travel companies selected by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea will be eligible for C-3-2 group visas. Visa holders may stay in South Korea for up to 15 days.

According to South Korea’s Ministry of Justice, the pilot program is scheduled to run from October 30, 2026, through October 31, 2027. This does not mean Mongolian citizens are being granted visas valid for one year; rather, the new group visa system is being tested over a one-year period.

Under the program, applicant groups must be organized by one of the seven designated travel companies operating in Mongolia and selected by the South Korean Embassy. During the initial phase, the program will focus primarily on corporate incentive and training trips, as well as educational trips for students.

Requirements for Visa Monitoring and Trip Organization

South Korean authorities plan to introduce safeguards to prevent people subject to entry restrictions or with a history of illegal residence from abusing the simplified visa process.

For example, the names of group travelers will be screened in advance. If participants leave the group without authorization or abandon the scheduled itinerary during the trip, the designated travel company responsible for the group may face administrative measures.

Accordingly, the arrangement does not mean that all Mongolian citizens can apply for a group visa through any travel company of their choice. The final decision on whether to issue a visa will also depend on the relevant screening process and requirements.

Potential Impact on Tourism Ties Between the Two Countries

South Korea’s Ministry of Justice said the new group visa arrangement is intended to simplify travel for Mongolian tourists and support exchanges and tourism between the two countries. The ministry said an increase in the number of Mongolian group tourists could have a positive effect on demand for tourism services and regional travel destinations.

South Korea is an important destination for Mongolian tourists because of its proximity, direct-flight options, and cultural and commercial ties with Mongolia. The new program could create additional opportunities for travel companies, particularly in organizing corporate group trips, training visits and student excursions.

However, the system remains at the pilot stage. South Korean authorities plan to assess, based on the results of its one-year implementation, whether to make the arrangement permanent and whether the range of eligible groups should be expanded.

The decision does not represent a comprehensive change to visa policy for Mongolian citizens traveling to South Korea, but it is a concrete step toward supporting group tourism.