D-4 Language Study Visa for Vietnamese Students
The D-4 language-study visa is the most common first visa for Vietnamese students β Vietnam is the single largest source of Korean-language trainees. The steps are the same as the main D-4 guide; this page covers only what is specific to Vietnamese applicants. Always confirm your exact list with 1345 or the Korean embassy in Vietnam.
What differs for Vietnam applicants
Bank balance & holding period
Financial proof for D-4 is typically about KRW 10 million (schools set their own figure; regional institutes are often lower). Vietnam's holding requirement is longer than most β the embassy generally wants the balance held for about 6 months before you apply. Deposit the money early and don't move it.
Document legalization β apostille vs. consular
Vietnam's accession to the Hague Apostille Convention takes effect on September 11, 2026. Until then your public documents (prior school certificate, family/civil papers) cannot be apostilled β they go through consular legalization: notarization plus certification, then legalization at the Korean Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam. From that date an apostille replaces the legalization step; confirm which applies to your timing, and budget extra time either way.
Tuberculosis (TB) test
Vietnam is on Korea's designated TB-screening list, so a TB test certificate from a designated hospital is required for the D-4 visa. Get it from a screening center recognized by the Korean embassy.
Where Vietnamese apply
Apply at the Korean Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (Da Nang for central provinces), by the region responsible for your residence. Many cases are routed through the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr) first β check your consulate's current process.
Frequently asked questions
How much bank balance do I need for a D-4 visa from Vietnam?
Usually around KRW 10 million (about USD 7,500), though regional language institutes often ask for less. For Vietnam the balance should typically be held for about 6 months before you apply β deposit early and leave it untouched.
Does Vietnam need an apostille for the D-4 visa?
Not yet. Vietnam's accession to the Apostille Convention takes effect on September 11, 2026 β until then documents go through consular legalization at the Korean Embassy/Consulate; from that date an apostille replaces it.
Is a TB test required for Vietnamese D-4 applicants?
Yes. Vietnam is a designated country, so a TB test certificate is required. Take it at a hospital recognized by the Korean embassy.
Can I switch from D-4 to D-2 in Korea?
Yes. Once a Korean university admits you to a degree program, you can change from D-4 to D-2 inside Korea without returning to Vietnam.
Ready to start? Follow the full guide
This page covers only what's specific to Vietnam. The complete D-4 guide has every step and document, with a checklist you can stamp as you go.
Open the full D-4 guide βNot sure which visa? Find my visa β
This is a guide β confirm before you act
Get into Korea is an independent guide, not a government body and not legal or administrative advice. Requirements change often and depend on your nationality and situation, so details here may be outdated or not apply to you. We take no responsibility for any decision made from this page β always verify your exact case with the official sources below before you apply or pay any fee.
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