The "visa run" myth
"Pop out and you get another 90 days" is a dangerous misconception.
What is misunderstood
- "Leaving and returning restarts the clock" — visa-free and short-term stays can be subject to limits on total days within a period. Repeating it leads to refusal of entry.
- "Working briefly on a short-term visa is fine" — out-of-status work is a violation regardless of duration.
- "There's no record of entries and exits" — every one is recorded. See stay-record-certificate.
- "If refused entry, I'll just come back" — a record of refusals makes it harder still.
What actually happens
- Entry is refused at the airport and you go straight back, paying for the flight yourself.
- An entry ban can be imposed.
- It counts against you when you later apply for a proper visa.
- If the work is discovered, penalties and deportation follow.
The right approach
- Confirm with 1345 what your status actually permits.
- If you plan to stay long, look at a proper status — study, work, family. See visa-types-overview.
- To work, you must hold a status that permits it. See change-of-status.
- Check first whether an extension is possible. See stay-extension-overview.
Where to go
- 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (20 languages)
- HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr
- Your local immigration office
- 1577-1366 interpretation
Questions people ask
My friend did it and had no problem. They simply weren't caught. The records remain and surface when you next go through a formal process. Don't stake your life on luck.
What if an extension is refused? Explain the situation to 1345 and check whether a change to another status is possible. If nothing works, departing properly is better. See voluntary-departure.
I've already overstayed. Consult 1345 immediately. Options such as voluntary departure exist. See overstay-consequences.
I was refused entry. Establish the reason and, if needed, ask 1345 or an overseas mission.
Take care
Whoever recommends a "visa run" bears no responsibility. You are the one refused entry or punished. Obtaining a proper status is ultimately the fastest and safest route. Get free advice from 1345.
Related
overstay-consequences · voluntary-departure · change-of-status · visa-types-overview · study-abroad-agent-scam
Source
Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08