Consulate General Of South Korea, Chennai

Complete Guide to Visiting the Consulate General of South Korea in Chennai, India: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Attractions

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Consulate General of South Korea in Chennai is a significant diplomatic mission that strengthens India–South Korea relations, particularly with the southern states of India: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Since its inception, the consulate has played a crucial role in advancing diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between these dynamic nations. Centrally located in Chennai, it provides essential consular services such as visa processing, support for Korean nationals, and acts as a hub for cultural exchange and bilateral cooperation (koreacentre.org; chennai.mofa.go.kr).

This guide offers comprehensive information on visiting hours, appointment procedures, accessibility, and nearby attractions. It also highlights the consulate’s contributions to cultural diplomacy, economic engagement, and strategic collaboration—ensuring your visit is both productive and enriching.

Establishment and Historical Evolution
Visitor Information: Location, Visiting Hours, and Services
Milestones in India–South Korea Relations
Role and Functions of the Consulate
Visiting Details: Hours, Location, and Accessibility
Nearby Chennai Attractions
Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Visitor Guide
Consulate Events & Korean Culture in Chennai
Summary & Final Tips
Sources

Establishment and Historical Evolution

Formal diplomatic relations between South Korea and India were established in 1973, setting the stage for decades of partnership (koreacentre.org). The Chennai consulate was opened to address the region’s growing importance as a hub for Korean investment, industry, and cultural exchange. The presence of major Korean companies—Hyundai, Kia, Samsung, LG—has transformed Tamil Nadu into a focal point for bilateral trade and collaboration. Over time, the consulate has evolved from an administrative outpost into a multifaceted institution promoting consular, economic, and cultural engagement.

Visitor Information: Location, Visiting Hours, and Services

Location

Consulate Address: No. 107, Avvai Shanmugam Salai, Royapettah, Chennai – 600014
(chennai.mofa.go.kr)
Visa Application Center (KVAC): Ramee Mall, 2nd Floor, No. 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai – 600018
(visaforkorea-ce.com)

Both locations are easily accessible by metro, bus, taxi, and private vehicle.

Visiting Hours

Consulate: Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM; closed on weekends and public holidays.
KVAC: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (lunch break: 1:00 PM–2:00 PM).

Always verify the latest timings on the relevant official website before visiting.

Consular Services

Visa Processing: For Indian nationals traveling to South Korea.
Korean Citizen Services: Passport, documentation, and support.
Business and Cultural Inquiries: For trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Appointments: Mandatory for most services; book online in advance.
Entry Fees: No entry fees for consulate visits; visa fees depend on visa type (OneVasco South Korea Visa Guide).

Accessibility

Both the consulate and KVAC are wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and staff assistance.

Milestones in India–South Korea Relations

2023 marked 50 years of diplomatic ties, celebrated through summits, business forums, and cultural performances, such as the Ulsan Metropolitan Dance Company in Chennai and Bengaluru (koreacentre.org). The elevation of ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership” in 2015 intensified cooperation in defense, technology, and regional security, with the Chennai consulate playing a key role.

Role and Functions of the Consulate

Consular Services and Citizen Support

Provides comprehensive assistance for visas, passport services, and support for Korean nationals in the southern states (chennai.mofa.go.kr).

Economic Diplomacy and Investment

Facilitates Korean investments and business partnerships, supporting companies like Hyundai and Kia, and helping bilateral trade reach record highs.

Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Exchange

Promotes Korean culture through festivals, performances, and language classes; supports educational exchanges and scholarships.

Strategic and Regional Cooperation

Advances Indo-Pacific collaboration on security, technology, and sustainable development, aligning with both countries’ shared vision (koreacentre.org).

Visiting Details: Hours, Location, and Accessibility

KVAC at Ramee Mall

Address: Ramee Mall, 2nd Floor, No. 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai – 600018
(visaforkorea-ce.com)
Proximity to Major Hubs:
- Chennai International Airport: 14 km
- Chennai Central Station: 7 km
- Teynampet Metro Station: walking distance
Public Transport: Metro (Blue Line, Teynampet), MTC buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws.
Parking: Available at Ramee Mall; arrive early to secure a spot.

Security and Entry

Only applicants (plus necessary companions) are allowed entry.
Standard security screening applies.
Photography is prohibited inside the KVAC.

Fees

KVAC service fee: INR 1,380 (as of June 2025).
Visa fee: varies by type (e.g., tourist visa from INR 3,200).

Nearby Chennai Attractions

Enhance your consulate visit by exploring nearby sites:

Ramee Mall: Shopping and dining within the visa center complex.
Express Avenue Mall: A major shopping center, 2 km away.
Government Museum, Egmore: India’s oldest museum, 5 km away.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore: Iconic Dravidian temple, 4 km away (kapaleeshwarartemple.com).
San Thome Basilica: Historic Christian site, 5 km away.
Marina Beach: The world’s second-longest urban beach, 6 km away.
Semmozhi Poonga: Botanical garden, under 2 km away.
Weekend Getaways: Mahabalipuram (57 km), Kanchipuram (75 km), Pondicherry (170 km).

Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Visitor Guide

Overview

A 7th-century Dravidian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Mylapore. Noted for its grand gopuram, vibrant sculptures, and spiritual significance.

Visiting Hours

Daily: 5:30 AM–12:00 PM; 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
Entry: Free; donations welcome.

Getting There

Metro: Mylapore Station (1 km away).
Bus/Taxi/Auto: Widely available.

Tips

Dress modestly; photography inside the sanctum is prohibited.
Best visited early morning or evening.

For more, see kapaleeshwarartemple.com.

Consulate Events & Korean Culture in Chennai

Cultural Events

The Consulate and InKo Centre organize:

Film Festivals, Dance, Music, Art Exhibitions
Korean Booths at Local Festivals
Community Outreach Programs

Korean Language Classes

Offered at the InKo Centre in partnership with the King Sejong Institute and Sangmyung University. Courses are available for all levels, both in-person and online (inkocentre.org).

Signature Programs

Seoul Circus Festival Open Call: Indian artists can apply to perform at Korea’s largest circus festival (overseas.mofa.go.kr).

Virtual Engagement

Webinars, podcasts, and virtual exhibitions on Korean arts and culture.

Registration and Fees

Most cultural events are free; some workshops may require registration or a nominal fee.

Summary & Final Tips

The Consulate General of South Korea in Chennai is a cornerstone of India–South Korea friendship, delivering efficient consular services and fostering cultural, educational, and economic ties.
Key tips:

Book consular appointments online.
Confirm visiting hours before your trip.
Explore Chennai’s vibrant cultural sites nearby.
Check official websites and KVAC for real-time updates.
Engage with Korean culture through the InKo Centre and consulate events (inkocentre.org).

For travel assistance and updates, download the Audiala app and follow the consulate on social media.