Republic of Korea (commonly known as “Korea”)

Mugungwha

South Korea is located in Asia on the Korean Peninsula; It measures a total of 100,188.1 km2 and takes up to 45% of the Korean Peninsula, which is a total of 221,000 km2. The total area of the peninsula includes all the Korean Peninsula and its annexed islands, occupied by both South and North Korea. The Korean Peninsula is slightly larger than Cambodia (181,035 km2), and about 2/3 the size of the Philippines (300,000 km2), Vietnam (331,210 km2), and Japan (377,915 km2).

The Korean Peninsula on which South Korea and North Korea are located, neighbors China to the northwest with Amnokgang (River) as its borderline, and China and Russia to the northeast with Domangang (River) as its borderline. The peninsula is bordered by the Yellow Sea in the west, the East Sea in the east, and the South Sea in the south. The southern and western parts of Korea are plains, while the eastern and northern parts are mountainous. The highest mountain in Korea is Baekdusan (2,744m). Gaemagowon, which is the northern part of Korea, is called the “Roof of Korea”, and the Taebaek Range located on the east coast is called “Baekdudaegan”. Korea’s best known islands include Jeju Island, Geoje Island, and Ulleung Island. Jeju Island and Ulleung Island were formed by volcanic activities. The west coast and the south coast of Korea are rias coasts, and there is a large tidal range. (Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport).

Korea’s total population is 51.74 million (2021, World Bank), making it the world’s 28th most populous country. The population density is 515 people per km (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Statistics Korea Future Population Estimate) which is 23rd largest in the world.

Korea is divided into 17 metropolitan councils and 226 district councils. Among the metropolitan councils, there is 1 special city, 6 metropolitan cities, 1 special self-governing city, 8 provinces and 1 self-governing province.

Local governments consist of 75 cities, 82 guns, 69 self-governed districts; as of December 31, 2019, there are 3,491 eups, myeons and dongs, which are sub-districts of each government. Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do, and the surrounding areas are commonly referred to as the “Capital area” which includes the cities of Incheon, Bucheon, Anyang, Soengnam, Uijeong-bu, Gwangmyeong, Siheung, Uiwang, Gunpo, Gwacheon, Guri, Migeum, Gwangju, Goyang and Hanam. Roughly 50% of the entire Korean population resided in this area with approximately 10 million people residing in Seoul, 2.9 million in Incheon, and another 12 miillion in other cities in Gyeonggi-do.

The climate of Korea is temperate with four distinct seasons:

1. Spring

From March to May, Korea tends to be chilly at morning and at night, and warm in the afternoon. Flowers bloom beautifully. Winter clothes are typically worn until the end of March. April brings warmer temperatures and lighter clothing, and by May, temperatures begin to get very hot.

2. Summer

From June to August, the weather is hot, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The rainy season, called “Jangma”, frequently occurs between late June and late July. A few typhoons with heavy rain and wind typically visit the country between August and September.

3. Autumn

From September to November, the average temperature is 10-25°C. The sky is clear and dry most of the day. By November, winter has arrived and it is recommended to prepare winter clothes and heaters. Autumn in Korea is one of the most beautiful times of the year, thanks to the colorful foliage.

4. Winter

In winter, the weather stays very cold, ranging from -10°C to 10°C from December to February. During this period, the weather seems to run in a cycle of three very cold days followed by four days of milder temperatures. Snow and harsh winds can be expected. Warm clothes and heaters are necessary. The weather gets warmer by the end of February.

The currency of Korea is KRW (Won, ₩).

Exchange rate (as of June 25, 2019): 1 dollar: KRW 1,156.00/1 euro: KRW 1,316.22/ 100 yen: KRW 1,080.93

*It fluctuate everyday based on economic conditions.

● Hyeonchung-il (Memorial Day, June 6): This is a day of honoring national heros, including those who died during the Korean War.
● Gwangbok-jeol (Independence Day, August 15): On this day in 1945, Korea was liberated from Japanese colonial rule.
● Gaecheon-jeol (National Foundation Day, October 3): This is the day on which the Korean nation was founded. In Korean, Gaecheon-jeol means “ the day on which the sky opened”.

● Hangeul Day (October 9): This holiday celebrates the proclamation of Hangeul (the Korean Alphabet) by King Sejong and promotes the research and spread of Hangeul.
● Seongtan-jeol (Christmas, December 25): The day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
● Temporary Holiday: Dates designated by the government for elections or other reasons such as public holidays falling on Sundays.

Foreigners who enter Korea must possess a valid passport and visa issued by the Minister of Justice. Visitors from countries that have entered a visa waiver agreement with Korea or visitors that are otherwise exempt from visa requirements may enter using only a passport. Visitors are encouraged to be aware of passport and visa expiration dates to avoid any complications in the of stay extension, etc.
● Short-term visitors (B, C type visa – maximum stay of 90 days)

The expiry date specified on the Visa is the expiry date of the permitted stay.
● Long-term visitors and permanent residence qualification carriers: Carriers of Residence Card, Overseas Korean Resident Card, or Permanent Resident Card

Permission and expiration dates are specified on the back of the alien registration card. Any request for an extension of stay must be made before the end of the stay period expiration date.

1. Qualifications and Period of Foreign Resident Registration
Foreigners who plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days must complete their alien registration before the 90-day period is complete.
2. Marriage Migrants
F61 visas are given to the first 90 days from the date of the entry to the country. Resident registration and extension of stay are processed simultaneously. Nationals of the 18 high TB burden countries must obtain a TB examination proof from a public health center or a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice.
*Two-year stay period are awarded to foreigners who completed Program for Early Adaptation of Immigrants.

Application and reissuance of resident registration can only be completed at the immigration office or branch office that has jurisdiction over the district in which you live.

Residence cards are necessary to verify the identity of foreign residents. Foreign residents are required to carry it at all times.
*Note: Anyone who neglects to keep his residence card in his possession may be subject to a fine of up to KRW 1 million.

Reissuance of a residence card: In the following cases, foreign residents should apply for reissuance of their residence card at the appropriate Immigration Office or branch office within 14 days

Foreigners who intend to stay in Korea longer than permitted stay period may request an extension of stay anywhere between four months before the visa expiration date and the final expiration date. Anyone who applies for an extension of stay after the final stay expiration date will be subject to fines.

Married immigrants registered as an alien who depart Korea during their permitted period of stay can re-enter the country within a year without having to obtain a re-entry permit. However, reentry permit is required if their entry is restricted due to criminal records.

o Married immigrants who maintain their marital status with their Korean spouses
o Married immigrants whose Korean spouses are dead or missing according to adjudication of the court
o Married immigrants who are divorced or separated from their spouses through no fault of their own (documentation required)
o Married immigrants who have children with Korean spouses and are raising young children, regardless of their marital status

a. Required Documents for Applying for Permanent Residence Qualification
o Check Ministry of Justice Hi Korea (www.hikorea.go.kr) –Quick menu – Manual – Enclosure (Guideline manual for each stay qualification)
o Documents proving the place of residence
o Charge of KRW 200,00 (KRW 30,000 charge for issuance of residence card is not included).
*Those who are currently not in marital relations and foreign Koreans whose spouses are Koreans (foreign Koreans qualified for citizenship) must call 1345, as the documents to be submitted and requirements for application are different.

b. Benefits of Permanent Residency
o You do not need to renounce your citizenship.
o You gain the right to vote on local elections after 3 years from the date you obtained permanent residency.
o You do not require a reentry permit when re-entering Korea within 2 years from the date of departure.

Permanent residence qualification may be revoked for the following reasons:
1. Individual who have obtained permanent citizenship using false information or through illegal channels.
2. Individuals who are sentenced to two years or more of prison labor or imprisonment for committing a crime against laws documented in the Criminal Act, Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes, etc., defined by the Ministry of Justice.
3. Individuals who have been sentenced to prison labor or imprisonment for crimes in contravention of the above or other laws with the total term of imprisonment three years or more within the last five years.
4. Individuals specified by a Presidential Decree who have acquired permanent residence qualification under the condition that the individual maintain a certain amount of investment in the Republic of Korea, etc., and violated the condition.
5. Individuals who acted against the national interest of the Republic of Korea in national security, diplomatic relations, national economy, etc.

1. Qualifications
a. Foreigners who have stayed in Korea over 2 years in the status of matrimony with a Korean citizen.
b. Foreigners who have been married to a Korean citizen for over 3 years and have continuously stayed in Korea over 1 year in the status of matrimony.
c. Foreigners who could not attain normal married life while being married to a Korean, due to spouse’s death or disappearance, or other incidents without any reasons attributable to themselves, and at the same time, who satisfy stay periods specified in number 1 or 2.
d. Foreigners who are currently, or in the near future will be, providing primary care for children born in wedlock with a Korean spouse, and who satisfy stay periods specified in number 1 or 2.
2. Required Documents
a. Application for permission of naturalization (downloadable from homepage) plus 1 color photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm);
b. Criminal record from the native country (authenticated);
c. 1 copy of each: Korean spouse’s family certificate, basic certificate, marriage certificate and resident registration
▪ If a baby is born as a result of the union, applicant must submit an additional family certificate bearing the name of the child;
d. Document certifying that the person or the co-habiting family is capable of maintaining livelihood (examples below):
▪ Bank balance certificate showing over 30 million won in the name of the applicant or family members living at the same residence;
▪ Certificate of real estate register (original document) or real estate lease agreement (original and photocopy) worth over 30 million of officially assessed value;
▪ Document certifying that the applicant or his/her spouse has a certain amount of income, including the certificate of employment (submitted together with the business registration certificate of the business owner)
e. Family relation notification to the Supreme Court (downloadable from homepage www.hikorea.go.kr), and documents proving family relations in the applicant’s country of origin (attach a translated document in Korean);
▪ Materials documenting personal status (married, unmarried, adopted, etc.) of naturalization (applicant’s parents, spouse and children).
f. Fee: KRW 300,000 (revenue stamp)
g. When marital ties with Korean spouse have been severed, the following documents are required:
▪ The adjudication of disappearance if the Korean spouse is missing, death certificate if the Korean spouse is deceased, court decision specifying that the Korean spouse is responsible for the dissolution of the marriage if divorced or separated.
▪ If raising a child, a certificate of family relations of Korean children, and other documents proving that the married immigrant is raising a children or is responsible for raising children.
▪ Additional documents necessary for extension of stay, application for permanent residence and application for naturalization when the married immigrant is not at fault for the divorce or separation (any of the following):
▪ The criminal sentencing or the divorce ruling (which spouse is at fault is included in the divorce ruling)
▪ When spouse is accused of assault, etc.: Deposition note to institute a public action (suspension of prosecution or no right of arraignment)
▪ When assaulted by spouse: Medical certificate (proving that the immigrant was beaten up by the partner), the image of a scar, etc.
▪ When he spouse is not financially stable: Declaration of bankruptcy of the spouse, etc.
▪ When the immigrant does not know where his or her spouse is : Certified copy of the report of missing spouse
▪ Certificate describing the cause of discontinuation of marital ties, written by a cousin of the spouse or a closer relative
▪ Certificate recognizing that the spouse is responsible for the discontinuation of the marriage, written by the head of the local community (tong or ban), where the couple lived when the marriage was discontinued, (describing the cause and the course of discontinuation of the marriage)
▪ Other documents that can be substituted for the above: Letter of confirmation of a certified organization,etc.

3. Naturalization Procedure
a. Application for Naturalization
Prepare the required documents listed above, and submit them in person to the appropriate immigration office (including Donghae and Sokcho branch offices).
b. Review for Naturalization
• After the application is submitted, screening, interviews and due diligence are conducted.
• You will be personally notified 2-4 weeks before the date of the interview. Be sure to inform the designated immigration office if there is a change in your address
• Married immigrants maintaining regular marriage and cohabitation practices are exempt from taking the Korea Immigration and Integration Program Comprehensive Evaluation and will be evaluated (Korean language skills, other qualifications, etc.) during the interview
*Married immigrants who have been divorced are not exempt from taking the Korea Immigration and Integration Program Comprehensive Evaluation.
• There will be another chance to take an interview if you fail on the first one (total of 2 interviews).

4. Notification of Permit for Naturalization
▪ When the naturalization is approved after the review, the applicant must participate in the presentation ceremony for the nationality certificate (the immigration office of jurisdiction at your address will notify the applicant in advance). After the applicant takes an oath at the ceremony and receives the naturalization certificate, he or she will officially receive Korean nationality. Approval for naturalization is delivered to the applicant via mail. The schedule of the naturalization evaluation is announced every month on the announcement tab of the Korea Immigration Service website or KakaoTalk Plus Friends, “Nationality Total Information”.
▪ After receiving the naturalization certificate, after receiving approval, applicants must check if their name, date of birth, etc. are correct.

5. Renunciation of foreign citizenship (homeland’s embassy) or vow of no-exercise of foreign citizenship (immigration office)
▪ After receiving approval, the applicant has 1 year from the approval date to visit the Minister of Justice to take a vow that he / she will not exercise his/her foreign citizenship in Korea.
▪ After a year, if the applicant has not completed all the requirements, Korean citizenship will be revoked, and the applicant must report the denationalization, and re-apply to seek Korean nationality or restoration of nationality.
▪ Applicant renouncing their citizenship of origin must submit an official certificate of renunciation to the immigration office, and get a confirmation document.
▪ Please contact the embassy for required documents, etc., for renunciation of foreign citizenship.
▪ Applicants should submit a copy (and retain the original document), when submitting notification for permission of naturalization to their embassy.
▪ Applicants can take a vow of no-exercise of foreign citizenship only if the married immigrant retains his / her marital relationship; a confirmation document for vow of no exercise of foreign citizenship is issued after the vow;
▪ If a confirmation document for vow of no exercise of citizenship is submitted, the applicant can retain his / her nationality, but will only be treated as a Korean when physically in Korea. In this case, the applicant must present his / her Korean passport when arriving or departing through domestic airports or harbors.
*For countries that do not recognize multiple citizenship (China, etc.), the applicant may automatically lose his / her original citizenship according to the law of the corresponding country. (Please inquire at your local embassy for more information regarding multiple citizenship).

6. Report of Resident Registration
▪ In order to receive their Korea identification card, applicants must submit their notification for foreign citizenship renunciation, documents (or confirmation of no exercise of foreign citizenship), and 2 ID photos, (3x4 cm) to their local community center.

7. Returning residence card (can be mailed to the immigration office)
a. Residence card must be returned within 30 days of resident registration (those returning cards after 30 day period are subject to fines)
b. Residence cards may be submitted before resident registration, upon issuance of confirmation document of renunciation of foreign citizenship or confirmation document of vow of now exercise of foreign citizenship.

8. Dual Citizenship
As a rule, dual citizenship in Korea is not allowed. The law explicitly states that one who has acquired Korean citizenship must renounce the citizenship of another country within one (1) year.
There are however, exceptions to this rule. Dual citizenship may be permitted if a person acquired Korean citizenship as:
a. A spouse of a Korean national;
b. A person who has contributed greatly to the Republic of Korea;
i. A person has outstanding abilities in a specific field, such as science, economy, culture, and sport; and
c. A person who finds it difficult to renounce his or her citizenship because of the laws and procedures of his or her country.
Dual citizenship is allowed only for the categories of people stated above and only if they vow their intention not to exercise foreign citizenship in Korea.
Requirements
Philippine Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition (RA 9225)
Original and three (3) photocopies of the following:
• Filled-out Application Form
• PSA Birth Certificate
• PSA Marriage Certificate
• Philippine passport or two (2) Philippine government-issued I D
• Affidavit of Renunciation, if any
• Certificate of Naturalization (with English Translation)
• Foreign passport and Korean I D
• Certificate of family registry (with English Translation)
• 6 pcs. 2x2 size picture (front view)
• 1 pc. 2x2 size picture (left-side view)
• 1 pc. 2x2 size picture (right-side view)

1. Programs for Early Adaptation of Immigrants
Programs are offered to newly married immigrants who enter Korea for the first time as a married couple. They are offered in 13 languages at the immigration offices, multicultural family support centers, and foreigner support organizations nationwide. Programs cover basic living tips for new arrivals, understanding cultural differences for a better marriage, information services for life in Korea, and procedures to get permission of stay. You can apply at the Immigration and Social Integration Network Website (www.socinet.go.kr).

The main contents of the program are focused on understanding between spouses and family members, advice from marriage migrants immigrants who are accustomed to life in Korea, necessary life information, basic laws, regulations and culture and systems related to immigration and stay.

2. Benefits for program participants
▪ When applying for naturalization
- Recognition of Comprehensive Evaluation for Naturalization for applicants (granted when completing the naturalization program)
- Exempted from interview (granted when passing the Comprehensive Evaluation for Naturalization
▪ When applying for permanent residence qualification
- Recognized for fulfilling basic requirements
- May be exempted from fact finding
▪ When applying for other stay qualification
- Additional points awarded (D-8-4 Technology Based Startup points system, D-9-1 International Trade points system, D-10-1 Job Seekepoints system, E-7-4 Skilled Workers points system, F-2-7 Long-term residency point system)
- Exempt from proving Korean language proficiency, etc.
▪ When applying for a visa
▪ Exempt from proving Korean language proficiency, etc.

1. Korean Language Education
For foreign residents, learning Korean is essential to successfully settling in Korea and gaining a better understanding of Korean culture. Fortunately, there are many organizations in Korea that provide opportunities for foreign residents to learn Korean free of charge. Multicultural Family Support Centers, the Korea Migrants’ Center, and Korean Language School are a few of the leading organizations that provide Korean language education for foreign residents. Multicultural Family Support Centers also operate a Visiting Education Program through which Korean language instructors are sent to the homes of married immigrants. With an increasing number of Korean language education programs available online, foreign residents can even learn Korean from the comfort of their home.

2. Education on Korean Culture and Life in Korea
A wide variety of educational programs on Korean culture and life in Korea are available to help foreign residents overcome difficulties that may arise from lifestyle and cultural differences. There are lectures and experience programs dedicated to education on multicultural understanding, law, human rights, marriage, family and adaptation to Korean society.

3. ICT Education
Most Korean households use PCs, and Korea has a highly advanced internet network. Users can obtain rich information using the internet, and enjoy the convenience of various online services, such as Internet banking and administrative services. As such, many organizations, including the Multicultural Family Support Centers and the Korea Migrants’ Center, operate ICT education programs to enable foreign residents to learn how to search for information through the Internet and use diverse applications.

4. Counseling
Counseling services aim to help foreign residents that are experiencing difficulties in Korea by providing them with the advice and information needed to find a workable solution. Areas of expertise include family affairs, labor, residence, and law.

5. Violence against Immigrant Women
1366 – Emergency call for women, counseling in Korean
1577-1366 – Danuri Helpline, Counseling in Foreign Languages
112 – Police hotline

Guide to Immigrant Women Who Are Victims of Violence
1. Shelter immigrant victims of violence (28 sites nationwide)
o Provides temporary protection, counseling, medical services, and legal advices to immigrant women (and their children) who are victims of violence
*Facilities closed to public where you can be admitted with initial counseling at 1577-1366, 1366, police station, etc.

2. Group home for victimized immigrant women (3 sites nationwide)
o Provides housing for immigrant women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, or sex trafficking.
*Granted priority to public rental housing
3. Center for self-support of victimized immigrant women (1 center in Seoul)
o Provides resources for independence self-support of immigrant women and children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence or sex trafficking.
*Education and training for vocational skills, job placement, etc.

4. Operation of counseling centers for victimized immigrant women
o Provides expert services such as counseling, temporary shelter, medical and legal support, etc. for immigrant women who are victims of domestic or sexual violence, etc.

5. Sunflower Center (Crisis Intervention Center for Women and Children)
o Provides services including counseling, medical, legal, and investigation of victims of sexual violence, domestic violence, and sex trafficking (24 hours everyday)
o Assists to cope from the violent situation

6. Counseling centers for victims of sexual violence and sex trafficking
o Provides continuous counseling and free legal services
o Assistance during police investigations and witness testimony in court
o Referral to medical centers and local shelters for victims

7. Korea Legal Aid Corporation
o Provides legal advice to victims of violence, represents for criminal, civil, and domestic litigations, or lawsuit
*www.klac.or.kr

8. Multicultural Family Support Center
o Provides marriage counseling, interpretation, and translation
o www.liveinkorea.kr
*Download APP
o Android phones: Google Play > Enter Danuri > Download
o iPhone: AppStore > Enter Danuri > Download

9. Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
Ambassador: H.E. Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega
Address: 80 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 04346
Website: www.philembassy-seoul.com
Trunkline: (+822)796-7387; (+822) 7967388

• https://www.liveinkorea.kr/portal/USA/board/mlgd/boardView.do?boardSeq=14&menuSeq=3700
• Official Website of Embassy of the Philippines — South Korea:: (philembassy-seoul.com)Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인정책본부)
• www.hikorea.go.kr