How to obtain an apostille in South Korea
South Korea (the Republic of Korea) is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, which means Korean public documents can be authenticated for use overseas with an apostille, rather than going through embassy or consular legalisation—provided the destination country is also a Convention member.
This guide explains what an apostille is, who issues it in South Korea, which documents qualify, and the step-by-step process.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a standard certificate issued under the Hague Apostille Convention that confirms the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document. Once apostilled, the document is recognised in all other Convention countries without further authentication.
An apostille verifies a document’s official origin, not the truth or accuracy of its contents.
Apostille authorities in South Korea
In South Korea, apostilles are issued by two government authorities, depending on the document type:
- Ministry of Justice of South Korea – the primary apostille authority for most domestic public documents
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea – handles certain consular and overseas-related documents
Most applicants will deal with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) or its designated apostille offices.
Apostilles issued in South Korea are valid only for use outside Korea in other Hague Convention countries.
Documents that can be apostilled in South Korea
Civil and personal documents
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Family relationship certificates
- Resident registration certificates
- Criminal record checks / police certificates
- Court judgments and official court documents
Educational documents
- University degrees and diplomas
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates of graduation or enrolment
(Educational documents often require prior confirmation by the issuing institution or the Ministry of Education.)
Legal and commercial documents
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Company registry extracts
- Articles of incorporation
- Notarised contracts and declarations
Important:
Private documents must generally be notarised by a Korean notary public before they can be apostilled.
Step-by-step: how to obtain an apostille in South Korea
Step 1: Prepare the document
Ensure you have:
- The original document, or
- A certified true copy issued by the relevant Korean authority
For private or commercial documents, arrange notarisation first.
Step 2: Pre-verification (if required)
Some documents require verification before apostille, for example:
- Educational records: confirmation by the issuing university or education authority
- Corporate documents: verification through the relevant registry or authority
Skipping this step is a common cause of delays.
Step 3: Translation (if required)
If the document will be used overseas:
- Many recipients require an English translation (or the destination country’s official language)
- Translations are usually prepared before apostille, and both the original and translation may be apostilled if required
Step 4: Apply for the apostille
Submit the application to the Ministry of Justice apostille office or another authorised office.
You will typically need:
- The document(s) to be apostilled
- Application form
- Applicant ID or a power of attorney (if using an agent)
- Government fee
Applications may be made in person or via authorised agents. Overseas applicants often appoint a Korea-based service provider.
Step 5: Apostille issuance
Once approved, the apostille certificate is issued and attached to (or associated with) the document. Processing times are usually short, ranging from same-day service to a few business days, depending on workload and document type.
Apostille vs embassy legalisation in South Korea
| Situation | Correct process |
|---|---|
| Document used in a Hague Convention country | Apostille |
| Document used in a non-Convention country | Embassy / consular legalisation |
| Document used within South Korea | No apostille required |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an apostille for a non-Convention country
Always confirm the destination country’s Hague status. - Failing to notarise private documents
Unsigned or informal documents cannot be apostilled. - Incorrect translation order
Translations completed after apostille often invalidate the certification.
Practical tips
- Apostilles do not expire, but receiving authorities (immigration, courts, banks) may impose their own validity limits.
- Keep both hard copies and digital scans—many institutions verify apostilles electronically.
- If timing is critical, using a local Korean agent can significantly reduce turnaround time.