By Jung Joo-ri and Kim Young Shin

People visiting non-profit organizations in Korea to give lectures or consultations will now be exempt from requiring a work visa, starting August 2018.

The Ministry of Justice announced on July 22 that non-Koreans invited to non-profit organizations, such as government organizations, government-funded research institutes or universities for public or academic purposes, will be able to enter the country with a C-3, B-1 or B-2 tourist visa starting Aug. 1.

Currently, non-Korean scholars invited for even just a short period of time have to go through a screening process by a Korean embassy overseas or by the Ministry of Justice to be awarded a C-4 work visa. There has been criticism that this causes overseas scholars to turn down invitations from local research institutes.

After the change, non-Korean scholars holding tourist visas will be able to give lectures at up to five non-profit organizations within a seven-day period.

The ministry expects the eased visa regulations to boost interactions between international scholars and local academic institutions.

etoilejr@korea.kr