My experience in applying for a UK Tourist Visa in South Korea

I should have posted about this topic immediately after I applied for my UK tourist visa. It has actually been a few years now since I have done so and my memory of it is not as clear anymore. Anyhow, I will still try to recall the process I went through to hopefully help others and to serve as reference the next time I apply for the same visa again.

The very first time I applied for a UK tourist visa was in November 2010 in the Philippines. I was denied a visa that time because the embassy said that I did not provide enough financial documents to prove that I will be able to support my visit to the UK. The purpose of my visit was to meet my then-fiancé’s family (he is now my husband).

Being married at this time for four years, I applied again in 2016. For this application, we made sure to supply all the financial documents needed, both from our side and his family’s side (since I mentioned that part of my travel expenses will be shouldered by his family). My mother-in-law also provided a handwritten letter stating that she was inviting us to stay with her. Since I was already living in Korea, I had to apply at the VFS Global in Seoul.

I first completed the application form online and then paid the visa fee which cost $111 (good for a 6 month stay) in October 2016. Afterwards, I scheduled a visit to VFS Global and went to Seoul on the appointed date. I brought my husband with me for this appointment. We decided to stay overnight since I think I scheduled the appointment time at 8:30 in the morning. I think applicants are only allowed in 15 minutes before the scheduled time. A guard posted near the door checked my belongings. Any electronic items (e.g. phone, tablets, MP3 players) were not allowed to be brought inside. I left those things with my husband and he waited outside while I finish the process. I think I was given a number to wait my turn.

When my number was called, I approached the desk and the lady went through my supporting documents and double-checked it against a checklist (which was provided with your application). I remember including a photocopy of each supporting document just in case. She returned some of them if she only needed the original or if the photocopy will suffice. I cannot recall now if she asked me or if I informed her about the additional services I wanted. I applied for SMS service (for 2,900 won so I can track the status of my application) and the option of having my passport delivered (for 18,400 won) since it was more expensive to go back to Seoul to personally receive it.

After the documents were checked, biometrics information (photograph and fingerprints) were taken. Overall, I think the whole process took around 30-40 minutes. I do not remember it being that long probably because it was early and there was not a lot of people there. I got my passport back through the mail three weeks later.

The second time I applied was in April 2018 with the visa fee costing $138. I think the process was more or less the same as the first time. One difference that I noticed this time around was that the guard was not as strict as before. I was able to bring my electronics in as long as it was turned-off or in silent mode. I was alone this time and so chose an appointment time in the afternoon. I remember arriving quite early for my 1 PM appointment but was allowed to come in at 12:35 or 12:40 PM. This time I received my passport with the visa attached only 10 days after my application.

My experience with the Korean National Health Service free health tests (Part 2)

This post now covers what happened during my general health examination and cervical cancer test. I had these two tests done at the same hospital (albeit in different buildings). I went to Mirae Women’s Hospital (near Jukjeon station – Line 2) because this is where I had my cervical cancer test done two years ago. I dropped by beforehand to arrange a schedule but was told that there was no need for it and that I can come at any time convenient for me (as long as it is within their opening times I think).

For the general health examination, I was advised not to eat or drink after 9 PM the night before the exam. Following the instructions, I abstained from everything after 9 PM (did not even take a sip of water). I arrived at the hospital before the 9 AM opening time the next day thinking that it would not be busy but I was surprised to see a lot of old ladies seated at the waiting area. I approached the information desk and was handed a form to fill out. I did not even try to hide my amazement at the length of it and how everything was in Korean. I can read and can fill it out myself but it would have probably taken me forever to do so. It was a good thing that a nurse came over to assist me with it. She asked me the questions and I provided her the answer. It was all related to my health history.

The building entrance of Mirae Women's Hospital for the general examination test.

After the form was completed, the nurse instructed me to have my blood pressure taken from the automatic blood pressure machine and to give her the ticket showing the results. I then had my height and weight measurements taken. Next, I was led into a room for the eye exam and hearing test. It was fortunate that I had the eye exam done as I found out that the vision in my right eye had deteriorated faster compared to my left eye. For the hearing test, they instructed me to press a button when I hear a sound from the headset. A chest x-ray followed and then a blood sample was taken.

The last part of the exam was to provide a urine sample. As I had no food or drink since the night before and did not feel like peeing, it took a while. I was told by the nurses to drink lots of water as I was already able to do so after my blood was taken. If I was able to provide the urine sample immediately, the whole process for the general examination would have only taken 30-35 minutes. Due to the wait, it took me around 1 hour and 10 minutes to finish. The nurses handed me my medical files and told me to go to the other building for the cervical cancer test.

The building entrance of Mirae Women's Hospital for the cervical cancer test. 

In the next building, I took the stairs to the second floor and handed my files to the nurse at the information desk. I was told to sit down and then my name was called after a few minutes. She led me to a cubicle to explain the process of the test. The only free test supported by the insurance is the pap smear. There are two other optional tests they can conduct with a fee. The first is taking pictures of the cervix for 30,000 won and the other one is examining the uterus (or something similar…I cannot remember the exact procedure) for 70,000 won. I only opted to do the pap smear thinking that if something came up in the results then that will be the time I would get the other tests done.

The second floor; the red arrow indicates the location of the information desk.

Similar to my cervical test two years ago, I was examined by a male doctor. The first time I went, I was asked if it would be okay to have a male doctor administer it. At that time, I was in a hurry so I just agreed to it. This time there was no information. I was just called to enter a room and saw a male doctor. If given a choice, I would prefer to have a female doctor but I still went ahead and had it done.

After the cervical cancer test was done, I was told that the results will be sent through the mail. I received mine two weeks later.

My experience with the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) free health tests (Part 1)

The NHIS free health tests are valid until December 31, 2019. However, they usually recommend that it be availed during the first nine months of the year as the last three months are quite a busy time. I decided to get it done this month just to make sure that I do not forget about it.

The usual process is to set a schedule with the hospital or clinic you are intending to have the test done. However, there are also cases wherein there is no need to set a schedule at all. I usually visit the hospital or clinic rather than giving them a call as my Korean speaking skill is not great. Go on the day scheduled for the test and approach the information desk. They will usually ask you to fill out a form first and then the nurses or assistants will assist you on the next steps.

Oral Examination

I had my oral examination done at Daegu S Dental Clinic near Seongseo Industrial Complex station (Line 2). I chose this clinic because it was close to where I live and their website looks professional. I went to the information desk and handed to the assistant my alien registration card and the test voucher (which comes with the letter form the NHIS). After filling out a form, I was asked to sit. An assistant called my name and led me into a dental chair. I sat down and my face was covered with a cloth that has a hole for the mouth area (similar to this). I found this to be a bit weird as I have never experienced this in my dental visits in the Philippines. The doctor performed the examination and then showed me the issues with my teeth on a screen. This was another part which was new to me. From my experience in the Philippines, they only tell you what dental work needs to be done. In Korea, they actually take pictures of it and show you.

To be honest, I only understood very little of what the doctor said because it was all in Korean. I did get that some work needs to be done to my teeth so I asked the assistant for the rates. I told them that I will come back next time to have it done. The examination itself was free so I left the clinic without paying anything.

The second part will focus on my experience with the general health check-up and cervical test.

Korea National Health Insurance Service Free Health Tests

If you are subscribed to the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), there are certain examinations that are offered for free or for a minimum cost (around 10%). I read in a forum online that it is recommended that you get them done because if you end up with a disease that could have been detected by these exams, the insurance will not pay for the medical expenses involved.

When I first received a letter from the National Health Insurance two years ago, it was only for a cervical cancer test. This time the tests I am eligible for are general health exam, oral exam and cervical cancer exam. The other exams are only applicable if you have reached a certain age (usually 40 to 50 years old). The letter they send also includes a list of hospitals and clinics in your area and shows the examinations they can conduct.

In my experience (when I went for my tests and when I accompanied my husband for his gastroscopy), everything was in Korean. The forms were all in Korean and the nurses and doctors spoke Korean but they sometimes used a few English words to explain things. If your Korean is not that good, it is advisable to have a Korean friend with you who can help with filling out the forms and explaining things to you.

I will detail my experience with the three examinations in the next post.

Beautiful Store (아름다운가게): A second-hand store in South Korea

I mentioned to my husband about wanting to check out second hand stores and he remembered reading about Beautiful Store in a book. Beautiful Store is a second-hand shop that sells clothes, books, toys, household items and more. The things they sell are donated by other people and the money raised from the sale are then used to help those who are in need.

Beautiful Store has four locations in Daegu. My husband and I have visited all four and noticed that each shop sells different items (depending maybe on what has been donated). I think the biggest shop they have is the one located at Wolseong. This is actually my favorite location not only because of the size but also because it happens to be the one closest to us.

What I also like about Beautiful Store is that they have a changing room. You can try on the clothes before buying them. There were times when I thought something would fit well only to put it on and find out that it is quite small in certain areas. I have not returned anything back to the store but a friend mentioned that it is possible as long as you have the receipt. I am not sure if it is possible only for certain items or if it applies to anything purchased from them.

The stores also accept donations so I give our clothes that do not fit anymore and the things we do not use or do not like. They check the items you are donating and only accept the ones that they think can still be sold. There were a couple of times that we had to bring back some of the things we were intending to give as they did not accept it.

I hope you give them a visit as they have stores all around South Korea.