Aside from Korean restaurants, the easiest way to go to Korea is to its Embassy office in Qatar. Those who are planning to visit South Korea would have to secure a travel visa right at their Embassy office in Qatar.
Location: P.O.BOX 3727, New Diplomatic Area, 865 Onaiza-66, Al Shabab St., Doha, Qatar (link)
Office Hours: 07:30-12:00, 13:00-15:00 [Closed days: Weekends (Fri/Sat), Qatar legal holidays, Korea]
Office Number: +974 4483 2238 , +974 4483 2239
Email Address: koemb_qa@mofa.go.kr
Website: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/qa-en/index.do
Facebook Page: 주카타르 대한민국 대사관 Korean Embassy in Qatar
Instagram Page: koreanembassy_qatar
VIA METRO:
The nearest Metro station to the Embassy is Al Qassar Metro Station but it will take about 21 minutes long walk going to the Embassy or about 5 minutes to travel by taxi.
There’s also a Metro Link from Doha Metrio going around the Onaiza / New Diplomatic Area (alight at the Mosque along Al Shabaab Street). Please always get updates from the Doha Metro app or social media for any changes in the metro schedules.
When you reach the mosque, enter the visitors gate of the NEW DIPLOMATIC AREA. No car is allowed inside, your QID may be checked for identification purposes only, and a shuttle bus will take you to the embassy office.
When you reach the embassy, you will be asked to log and switch off your phone: NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED INSIDE THE EMBASSY PREMISES. This is the reason why we don’t have photo of the embassy for this blog.
The Korean Embassy in Qatar
The current Ambassador of Korea to the State of Qatar is H E Joon-ho Lee since 2021. He said in one of the news articles last year that: “The year 2022 is a big moment for Qatar. This World Cup will be memorable not only because it is the first-ever World Cup in the Middle East, but also the biggest post-pandemic sporting event which will connect us with hope, friendship, and solidarity.” As Qatar has prepared for the tournament, the envoy stressed that Korea “has been with Qatar through the long journey”.
The Korean Community in Qatar
There are about 2,000 Koreans residing in Qatar, associated with various fields such as construction, infrastructure, accommodation, and restaurants.
During the Lunar New Year celebration at the Embassy, Ambassador Lee also appreciated the role of the Korean community in the preparations for the successful World Cup last year.
Korean companies participated in major infrastructure development in the country including Doha Metro, Lusail Expressway, and the design of Al Thumama stadium.
Flights to South Korea from Qatar
Qatar Airways operates direct flights daily from Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar to Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea (02:15 DOH Non-stop, 8h 40m 16:55 ICN).
How to Get Visa To South Korea
From April 1, 2022 (Friday), Citizens of Qatar can travel to South Korea for a stay duration of 30 days without applying for a visa. However, citizens of the following 96 countries*, including Qatar, are required to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before entering Korea.
Nationals or citizens of K-ETA eligible countries should apply for K-ETA through the K-ETA website(www.k-eta.go.kr) or the mobile app(K-ETA) at least 24 hours before departure. K-ETA Fee is 10,000 KRW excluding additional fees (VAT).
Meanwhile, the PHILIPPINES and 33 other Nationalities listed here are required to have lived in Qatar above 2 years and need to prove it to apply for a Korean visa. Requirements are also mentioned in the hyperlink. Visa Application fees are as follows:
- Single entry: QR 160 (for Philippine Passport holder with stay less than 59 days = NO VISA FEE)
- Double entry within 6 months: QR 280
- Multiple entry: QR 360* Fee of each applicant, according to your nationality
For more details about the visa application to Korea, please visit our previous blog post:
