If you're thinking of travelling to South Korea from Madrid or need to carry out a consular procedure, you've come to the right place. The Embassy of South Korea in Madrid manages all diplomatic and consular matters for Spanish citizens. Below, we explain everything you need to know about how to contact them, where they are located, and how to apply for your visa.
Location and contact of the embassy
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Spain is located in the Ciudad Lineal district, in the northern area of Madrid. Here are the official contact details:
Address: Calle González Amigó, 15 – 28033 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 91 353 2000
Email (consulate): [email protected]
Fax: +34 91 353 2001
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00 hours
Keep in mind that these phone numbers are official and have been verified directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea. Be wary of any other information you find online, especially fake emergency numbers.
How to get to the embassy by public transport?
The embassy is well connected by public transport. The easiest way to get there is by metro: get off at Arturo Soria station (line 4) and then take bus 70 towards Plaza de Castilla until the Arturo Soria-Añastro stop (it's the fourth stop, just 6 minutes). You can also get there by taxi, although the area may be congested during peak hours.
Applying for a visa to South Korea
Do I need a visa?
Spanish citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in South Korea. Simply enter with your valid passport and you will receive an entry stamp automatically upon arrival.
However, if your trip is for work, study, residency, or will last more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a specific visa.
General requirements for visa application
If you need a visa, these are the basic documents you will need to present:
• Visa application form (available on the official embassy website)
• Valid passport with at least six months of validity and available blank pages
• Recent passport-sized photograph (4×3 cm)
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
• Additional documentation depending on the type of visa (university acceptance letter, employment contract, etc.)
How to apply for the visa
The process is straightforward but requires a bit of organisation. Here are the steps:
1. Request an appointment – You must call the contact number or send an email. Appointments are only granted two days a week: Wednesday and Friday, from 10:00 to 13:00 hours.
2. Prepare the documentation – Gather all the papers that correspond to your type of visa. The embassy has a detailed list on its website: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/es-es/index.do
3. Attend in person – It is mandatory to appear in person. Applications by mail, fax, or through representatives are not accepted.
4. Wait for the resolution – The processing takes a minimum of 2 weeks. If you apply during peak season (June-August and December-February), it may take longer.
Time and costs
There is no urgent processing service; all applications are processed in order of arrival. The minimum time is 2 weeks, although during high-demand periods it can be significantly extended. Costs vary depending on the type of visa, but you can check them directly at the embassy.
Other consulates in Spain
In addition to Madrid, South Korea has consular presence in other parts of Spain:
Consulate General in Barcelona (serving Catalonia, Valencia Community, and Balearic Islands): [email protected]
Consulate in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (serving the Canary Islands): [email protected]
If you live in these regions, you can contact the corresponding consulate directly.
Important information before travelling to South Korea
Beyond consular procedures, there are other practical aspects you should consider:
Travel insurance: Although it is not mandatory, it is advisable to purchase one that covers medical emergencies and cancellations.
Connectivity: South Korea has excellent mobile coverage and internet. You can buy a local SIM card at the airport or rent a portable WiFi device.
Currency and exchange: The local currency is the South Korean won (KRW). ATMs are everywhere, and credit cards are accepted in most establishments.
Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas of Seoul, but it is useful to carry a mobile translator or learn some basic phrases in Korean.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get tourist information about Korea?
For tourist information, you can consult the official tourism website of South Korea or contact Korean cultural promotion agencies. The embassy can provide general information, but its main function is to manage diplomatic procedures and visas.
What should I do if I lose my passport in South Korea?
If you lose your passport while in Korea, you must contact the Embassy of Spain in Seoul immediately. They can help you process an emergency passport or contact local authorities. The consular emergency phone number is +82 2 794 3581.
How long can I stay without a visa?
Spaniards can stay for 90 days without a visa. If you need to stay longer, you must process the extension or the corresponding visa before your entry authorization expires.
Can I apply for the visa from outside Madrid?
If you live in Catalonia, Valencia, or the Balearic Islands, you can apply for the visa in Barcelona. If you are in the Canary Islands, in Las Palmas. For the rest of Spain, you will need to travel to Madrid or use the services of an agency if the embassy allows it (check directly).
Conclusion
Processing a visa for South Korea is a straightforward process if you know what you need and follow the steps correctly. The most important thing is to always verify the information directly with the embassy, especially the contact numbers and specific requirements according to your type of visa, as these details can change. Do not use phone numbers you find on unverified sites; always refer to official sources.
If you have specific questions about your case, do not hesitate to contact the Consulate of Madrid directly. The staff are used to handling inquiries and will know how to guide you in the best possible way.
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