Good news for those dreaming of becoming a K-Pop idol in South Korea!
On Monday, June 17, 2024, South Korea’s Ministry of Finance announced plans to introduce a new visa type for foreign nationals who are interested in undergoing training to become a K-Pop idol.
K-Culture Training Visa
Named the “K-Culture Training Visa,” this visa will allow holders to participate in professional training programs in areas such as dance and choreography, vocal performance, and modeling—just like actual K-Pop idols.
As of now, it is still unclear whether applicants must first receive an offer from a Korean entertainment agency to be eligible for the visa. Further details and official requirements are expected to be released by the end of the year.
The introduction of this visa is part of the government’s broader effort to revitalize Korea’s tourism industry, aiming to bring it back to pre-pandemic levels.
According to Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, K-Pop has become a major reason why many people are drawn to visit Korea—and even to learn its language and culture. The government is leveraging this global appeal to attract more international visitors.
However, despite the powerful influence of K-Pop on tourism, Korea’s tourism sector has yet to fully recover from the effects of the pandemic. In 2023, Korea welcomed around 11 million visitors, a noticeable drop from the 17.5 million tourists recorded in 2019. This decline has also impacted the country’s tourism revenue.
In addition to the K-Culture Training Visa, South Korea also recently launched a new work visa earlier this year. This visa is designed to accommodate digital nomads—individuals who use technology to work remotely from different locations—making it easier for them to live and work in Korea.
