Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago

"Beware of sending files to them via mail. Lost my mom’s greencard, states that they sent it but we opened the package with only the passport and the visa. Called to have them check but there’s nothing they can do but say it’s not there. Had a cancelled flight, ruined plans, paid 500$ for renewal of the card, and the stress isn’t worth it. DO NOT SEND ANYTHING VIA MAIL!"

"I had low expectations of what I would experience here, since government offices (whether US or another country's) aren't exactly known for being friendly or efficient. However, applying for my D-2 Exchange student visa was easy and efficient. Another reviewer already stated what documents are needed, so I won't repeat that information. I made an appointment for 2PM on the consul 24 website, which was a bit confusing but not impossible to figure out. I arrived 5 minutes before and got a ticket to go up to the elevator to the 27th floor. At 2PM, I went up to the visa window and was done within 5 minutes. As long as you make an appointment and bring the proper documents, you will have an easy and smooth time. Much better than say, going to the DMV. Cost for US citizens student visa is $45, needs to be paid with cash or money order. I paid cash. No appointment is needed to pick up your passport. Don't go between 1-2PM, as that is their lunch break. I did have to wait for 5-10 minutes at the window because no one was sitting there, so it might be wise to have a bell or something to alert someone in the back office that you are waiting. But all the employees I interacted with were courteous and friendly, which is all I could ask for. Most of the reviewers on here who are negative likely didn't prepare properly, and they shouldn't blame the employees for getting mad at them for their ill preparedness."

"I am so grateful that they are very responsive to all my questions, they reply right away to my emails. The people at the consulate are also kind and checks all your papers before you go. I am very much thankful for their help."

"I had a really good experience. If you are confused about what you need, I will list them below (student visa [D-2] exchange in Korea) * Visa packet from school in Korea - has financial and Korean doc that are needed for confirmation - acceptance letter from school in Korea - School registration and such not *visa application (listed on the website, there are videos on yt on how to fill them out) *Financial statement (may not need them but just in case) prove you are able to go (I think that is all that you need for a student visa) The office itself is not tricky to find. You have to talk to the person at the front desk to get a ticket to take you to the right floor. The people at the consultant itself are really nice, and if you have questions, don't be afraid to ask. You also have to have an appointment, which was a little tricky to find on the website, but it takes like 5 min to fill out. (If you are on the website, I think the link looks like one of the clipboard icons I could be wrong) Also, there is a parking lot right next door, but it is a little expensive if you are not from Chicago"

"Very unprofessional. The woman at the desk said “You are young. You should know how to do this” so many times. It was her job to help me and let me know documents to prepare for the passport… After all that, one of the employee forgot to tell me one of the document to prepare so i had to make two trips for this unpleasant experience. Unprofessional, unpleasant, and not helpful. Please submit your review at: http://wati.union.re.kr/mofa/ the link is their actual review website that matters."