Entry Refusal Reasons and Survival Tips – Must-Read Before Visiting Korea!

There are three main reasons why Korea may refuse your entry:

1. Suspicion of Overstaying or Illegal Employment after Visa-Free Entry
   (Examples: No return ticket, unclear travel plans, insufficient funds → strong red flags)


2. Interpol Red Notice or Serious Criminal Records
   (If your record has been reported to Korea or discovered during screening, entry will be denied.)


3. Abuse of the Refugee Application System
   (Some individuals falsely claim refugee status just to find work or stay longer.
   Korea strictly screens such cases, resulting in an extremely low acceptance rate of only 1–2%.)

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As of 2024, there are about 400,000 illegal foreign residents in Korea.
The top five nationalities are:
- Vietnam (17%)
- Thailand (15%)
- China (13%)
- Philippines (10%)
- Myanmar (7%)

Therefore, Korean immigration applies stricter screening procedures for travelers from these countries.

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Korea’s Airport Entry Refusal Procedure

■ Problem Detected During Immigration Screening

- Immigration officers detect suspicious signs (e.g., unclear purpose, incomplete documents, nervous behavior).
- They request additional documents or explanations.
- They don't immediately deny entry but move you to a deeper inspection.

TIP:
If you respond well at this stage, you still have a chance to enter!

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■ Secondary Inspection

- You are moved to a separate inspection room (separated from other passengers).
- Additional interviews are conducted (lasting from one hour up to several hours).
- You must clearly explain your entry purpose, financial situation, and return plans.
- Sometimes, your luggage and even electronic devices like your phone may be inspected.

TIP:
Inconsistent answers almost guarantee an entry refusal.

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■ Entry Refusal Notification

- After secondary inspection, the officer makes a final decision.
- If denied, you will receive a "Notice of Entry Refusal."
- No entry refusal stamp will be placed in your passport, but a record will remain in Korea’s immigration system.
(★ This record can be checked when you try to re-enter Korea later.)

TIP:
It’s not an immediate forced deportation—you are asked to agree to return voluntarily.

• If you refuse to leave, you will enter a forced repatriation process.
• Your refusal will be officially recorded and shared internationally in many cases.
• This can severely disadvantage you during immigration checks in other countries later.
• Best advice: Agree immediately and board the earliest return flight.

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■ Holding Room Waiting

- Until a flight is arranged, you must stay in the airport’s holding facility.
- Facilities include a small room with a bed, chair, and bathroom.
- You can use your mobile phone but cannot roam freely inside the airport.

Waiting time:
Can range from a few hours to more than a day, depending on airline schedules.

TIP:
The next available flight depends on the airline, so the waiting time can be longer than you expect.

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■ Boarding the Return Flight

- You will be returned to your home country on the earliest available flight without officially entering Korea.
- Return flight costs are your responsibility.
- Normally, you will use your existing return ticket.
- If changes are needed, you must pay any change fees according to the airline’s policies.
- If you have no return ticket, you must purchase a new one at your own expense.

TIP:
If you encounter problems with your ticket, you can seek help from your country’s embassy.

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"Entry screening is not about luck—it’s about preparation.
If you are fully ready with your purpose, financial means, and return plans, you will pass without any issues."