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U.S. and South Korea Launch Visa Working Group, Set Investor Desk in Seoul

The move targets faster, clearer entry for skilled Korean personnel following September detentions at a Hyundai–LG battery site.

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South Korean and U.S. officials attend the first meeting of the South Korea-U.S. "Business Travel and Visa Working Group" in Washington on Sept. 30, 2025, in this photo released by the Korean Embassy in Washington. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Korean and U.S. officials attend the first meeting of the South Korea-U.S. "Business Travel and Visa Working Group" in Washington on Sept. 30, 2025, in this photo released by the Korean Embassy in Washington. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The inaugural Business Travel and Visa Working Group met in Washington on September 30, co-chaired by Kevin Kim and Jung Ki-hong with participation from multiple U.S. agencies.
  • The United States agreed to establish a Korea Investor Desk inside its embassy in Seoul next month to serve as a dedicated channel for business visa issues, with operational details to be posted by the embassy.
  • U.S. officials clarified that B-1 business visitors and travelers under the ESTA program may perform activities such as installing, servicing, and repairing overseas-purchased equipment, with a fact sheet to follow.
  • Seoul and Washington will set up direct contacts among Korean diplomatic missions, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to improve case handling and prevent disruptions.
  • Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau reaffirmed a commitment to welcome ROK investment and to process appropriate visas consistent with U.S. law, after more than 310 Korean workers detained on September 4 were later released and as talks on a proposed $350 billion investment package continue.