Filming in Korea
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Visa & Custom Clearance
Visa
Visa
Korea has entered into visa waiver treaties with many countries, so nationals of visa waiver countries can enter Korea without a visa as long as the purpose of their visit is tourism or temporary visit(typically for 90 days but it can differ depending on the country or region). In order to check whether you are allowed to enter Korea without visa issuance and for other requirements, please contact a Korean Embassy or consular offices in your country or visit the following websites to confirm : www.hikorea.go.kr
But if staying in Korea beyond the period permitted under the treaties or if you want to engage in profitable activities such as employment, you must apply for a Korean visa suitable for their purpose.
According to the Korea Immigration Service, there is no specific visa for filming in Korea. Visitors can enter the country on the regular short term visa that is received upon entrance at the airport.
In case you need to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, before the end of 90 days you should leave for another country near Korea. You do not need to stay overnight in another country before returning to Korea.
But if staying in Korea beyond the period permitted under the treaties or if you want to engage in profitable activities such as employment, you must apply for a Korean visa suitable for their purpose.
According to the Korea Immigration Service, there is no specific visa for filming in Korea. Visitors can enter the country on the regular short term visa that is received upon entrance at the airport.
In case you need to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, before the end of 90 days you should leave for another country near Korea. You do not need to stay overnight in another country before returning to Korea.
Customs Clearance
Customs Clearance
Some equipment or material for shooting on location in Korea will need to pass through customs clearance; KFCIN recommends the ATA Carnet system.
*ATA Carnet System : Treaty regarding the transportations of equipment.
The ATA carnet Agreement on Equipment Transportation
A standard ATA Carnet is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Even though an item is within the validity period, if a customs official sets a re-export team on your certificate, your equipment and materials must be re-exported on the date specified bt the official.
When Bringing in Special Properties
There are many times when firearms and swords are needed for producing films. However, in Korea, firearms may not be admitted into the country without permission, and the production and procession of firearms are prohibited. The Regulations Units under the relevant local police officers have the jurisdiction over firearm matters in Korea.
In general, it is a general rule for prop firearms to be controlled by the regional police headquarters when they are not in use as it is not know when they will be used again. But it is also possible too store the prop firearms in a safe place with the regional police headquarters’ permit. More details regarding this matter can be found through the partner receiving the production service, and when importing firearms, you can receive tax exemption only through ATA carnets.
When Bringing in Animals
In regards to the importing, exporting, and re-importing of all animals; pet animals must have the permission of the Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and wild animals must have the permission of the Minister of the Ministry of Environment. Along with this, all animals must receive veterinary examinations at the border when going through customs. During the examination, if it is considered by the veterinarian to be necessary, animals can be quarantined for a certain period, according to the animal’s condition. If only animals are imported, animals may die during the transportation process, therefore close management such as personnel from the relevant agency actually following is needed.
There are losts of difficulties in importing and exporting animals temporarily, so if a foreign production films scenes in Korea where animals appear, it is effective to provide supply through zoos, or related companies in Korea.