(Philippine context — practical legal guide)

Bottom line first: If you were deported from the Republic of Korea (ROK) for overstaying, you are generally barred from re-entering any part of Korea—including Jeju Island—for five (5) years from the date of deportation, unless you obtain special permission from Korean immigration. After the ban expires, you may still face enhanced scrutiny and, as a Philippine passport holder, you should plan on applying for a visa in advance (even if a Jeju visa-waiver is operating for some nationalities at that time).

1) Key legal concepts

Overstay – remaining in Korea beyond the authorized stay on your visa/visa-waiver.
Voluntary departure – leaving Korea at your own expense after an overstay is discovered but before a formal deportation order.
Deportation (Forced departure) – removal from Korea under a deportation order; your details are recorded and you become inadmissible for a fixed period.
Entry ban – a period during which you are legally ineligible to be admitted to Korea (applies nationwide, including Jeju).
Special permission to enter – a discretionary waiver granted by the Korean Immigration Service (KIS)/Minister of Justice allowing entry despite a ban.

2) How long is the travel ban after deportation for overstay?

Standard rule (practical application): Deportation for immigration violations (like overstay) triggers a 5-year inadmissibility period.
Start of the clock: The 5 years typically run from the date the deportation was executed (i.e., your departure under the removal order).
Longer bans: Serious offenses (forged documents, crime, repeat violations) can lead to longer bans or permanent ineligibility.
Voluntary departure vs deportation: If you departed voluntarily and paid any overstay fines, Korea may apply shorter or no formal entry ban (though your record can still cause refusals). A deportation order is more severe and almost always means a full 5-year bar.

Practical tip (PH travelers): Keep all documents that show whether you voluntarily departed or were formally deported—the distinction matters when you later apply for a visa or a ban waiver.

3) Does the Jeju visa-free policy help you during a ban?

No. An entry ban overrides all visa-waiver programs. Even if Jeju Island is open visa-free to certain nationals or via specific carriers, you cannot enter Jeju until the ban is lifted or expires.
Airline gatekeeping: Airlines check Korea’s advance passenger information (APIS) and will deny boarding if your passport is flagged as inadmissible due to a ban, even for direct flights to Jeju or cruise arrivals.

4) What happens after the 5 years?

When the 5-year period ends, the ban lapses automatically, but:
- Your prior deportation remains on record and officers may question you.
- As a Philippine passport holder, assume you’ll need a C-3 short-term visa (tourist/business) in advance rather than relying on any visa-free scheme.
- Consular officers can still refuse a visa if they think you might overstay again or if fines/penalties remain unpaid.

5) Can you return to Jeju (or Korea) before the ban ends?

Yes, but only by exception through a Special Permission to Enter (ban waiver). Expect high scrutiny and a low approval rate unless your case is compelling.

Typical grounds that may justify a waiver:

Immediate family emergencies (death/critical illness of a spouse, parent, or child in Korea) with documentary proof.
Significant business reasons (major investments, urgent contractual obligations), supported by a Korean sponsor.
Humanitarian reasons or court-related obligations.

What you’ll generally need:

Sponsor in Korea (individual or company) willing to vouch for you.
Formal application for entry permission notwithstanding the ban, with:
- Copy of your passport and removal/deportation papers,
- Proof of reason for urgent travel (medical certificates, death certificates, corporate letters),
- Evidence of rehabilitation and strong ties to the Philippines (ongoing employment, business registrations, family responsibilities),
- Proof that all fines and administrative costs connected with your overstay/deportation were settled.
Time for processing (not guaranteed; approvals are discretionary).

Reality check: A simple tourism plan for Jeju is not a compelling ground for early re-entry during a ban.

6) Philippine-specific considerations

Disclosure: On any Korean visa form, truthfully disclose prior overstays/deportations. Misrepresentation can cause permanent ineligibility.
Supporting ties: PH applicants should assemble robust evidence of economic and family ties:
- Employment (COE, payslips), business (DTI/SEC docs), tax records (ITR),
- Property (titles/leases), bank statements, family civil status documents.
Travel history: Subsequent clean travel to other countries (on-time exits, visas used properly) helps show low risk of re-overstay.
Unpaid fines: If you left Korea with unpaid fines, resolve them before applying again; unpaid penalties can block visas and border clearance.

7) Step-by-step roadmap depending on your situation

A) You were deported for overstay

Confirm your ban end date. Use your deportation paperwork; the 5-year mark is counted from the date of removal.
During the ban:
- Do not attempt visa-free entry to Jeju; you will be refused.
- If absolutely necessary, explore a Special Permission request with a Korean sponsor.
After the ban:
- Apply for a C-3 visa at the ROK Embassy in Manila (or the Consulate in Cebu/Davao, as applicable).
- Disclose the deportation, attach proof of rehabilitation and ties.
- If approved, you may travel to any part of Korea, including Jeju.

B) You overstayed but left voluntarily (no deportation order)

Pay any fines and keep receipts.
Expect heightened screening on future visa applications.
Apply for a C-3 visa with strong documentation of ties and compliance since departure.
Do not assume Jeju visa-free will be honored; visa in advance is safest for PH nationals.

8) Jeju-specific FAQs (PH travelers)

Q: “I only want to see Jeju. Can I skip Seoul and fly direct?” A: Even direct Jeju arrivals are part of Korea’s territory. If you are under a ban, you cannot enter. Airlines will deny boarding.

Q: “Does a cruise call at Jeju change anything?” A: No. Entry ban still applies at seaports. Cruise lines also pre-screen passenger admissibility.

Q: “After 5 years, can I rely on Jeju visa-free?” A: Visa-waiver policies change and often exclude travelers with prior violations. As a PH national, assume you will need a visa and plan accordingly.

9) Evidence pack checklist (for visas or special permission)

Passport (valid 6+ months) and old passports showing travel history
Deportation/overstay documents, fine payment receipts
Employment/business proof; ITR and payslips
Bank statements (latest 3–6 months)
Property/lease documents
Civil status and family ties (PSA certificates)
Detailed travel itinerary, round-trip tickets (refundable), accommodation
For special permission: sponsor letter, corporate docs, medical/emergency proofs (with translations if needed)

10) Common pitfalls

Hiding the deportation. Leads to near-certain refusal and longer problems.
Assuming Jeju is a loophole. It isn’t; bans are nationwide.
Unpaid fines. These can block visas long after the overstay.
Thin documents. Prior violations require stronger documentation than first-time travelers.
Relying on outdated visa-free lists. Policies shift; PH applicants should prepare for full visa processing.

11) Practical timelines (illustrative)

Deported on 10 November 2021 → Earliest routine re-admission target: after 10 November 2026, subject to visa approval.
Special Permission attempts: only if there’s a compelling ground; start assembling proofs and a sponsor months in advance.

12) Who can help?

Korean Immigration Service (KIS) 1345 hotline (English service is typically available).
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines — for visa applications and clarification of records.
Licensed immigration counsel in Korea — for special permission petitions or complex histories.

13) Quick recap

Deportation for overstay → 5-year entry ban that covers all of Korea, including Jeju.
Jeju visa-free (if operating) does not override a ban and often excludes those with prior violations.
After the ban, apply for a visa with full disclosure and strong supporting ties.
Early return is possible only via discretionary special permission with compelling grounds.

This guide is for general information for Philippine travelers and is not a substitute for legal advice. For case-specific assessment, consult the Korean Embassy or a qualified immigration lawyer.