International Marriage

International Marriage

This refers to marriage between a Korean national and a national of another country. Couples should have documents that prove the legality of their marriage regardless of whether their wedding ceremony is held in Korea or abroad (The document must be translated into Korean if it is written in foreign language). Both parties also should have proof that they are not married twice. For Koreans, this means a copy of the Korean person’s family register (호적 Hojeok). The foreign national will have to provide similar proof (documents need to be translated into Korean if written in a foreign language). Witnesses are required. It is necessary to get signatures from two Korean nationals who can prove that the couple’s marriage is valid. You will be legally married under Korean law within three to four days after submitting all the required documents to the regional district office (or 구청 Gucheong) in your region.

Reporting marriages and births

Reports must be filed with the nearest immigration office if a Korean national in an international marriage acquires foreign citizenship based on the citizenship of the spouse or if a child is born to foreign national parents or in the case of the death of the child.

Submission period and necessary documents

• Report of birth: Report within 30 days of birth with parents’ passports, birth certificate, 40,000 won for government revenue stamp.
• Report of death: Report within 14 days of death with Alien Registration Card, death certificate, 40,000 won for government revenue stamp.
• Marriage: Bring passport, Alien Registration Card and written description stating reason for the submission of the report, 40,000 won for government revenue stamp.