Overseas Koreans can visit their motherland more freely starting next month as changes are made to short-term stay visas, the Justice Ministry said Monday.

Koreans with foreign nationalities under the age of 60 can now acquire short-term visas that are valid for up to three years, according to a statement by the Justice Ministry and the Korea Immigration Service.

The changes to the C-3 visa will allow visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days and can be obtained by submitting an application and proof of citizenship to the consulate office.

Korean nationals over the age of 60 can obtain F-4 visas to stay here, as long as they renew the visa every three years.

Currently, the issuance of short-term stay visas is limited to minors, manufacturing industry workers and those between the ages of 55 and 60.

(sys@heraldcorp.com)