Korean Birth Certificate

How to Get Your South Korean Birth Certificate

When applying for a passport, visa, marriage certificate, or other official documents, obtaining a copy of your Korean birth certificate can be a crucial first step. The experts at Korean Apostille have put together this comprehensive guide on how to obtain a copy of your Korean birth certificate.

Understanding Korean Birth Documentation Types

Unlike most developed nations, South Korea’s birth registration system works a bit differently. Although bona-fide birth certificates are issued these days — this was not the case before Korea became developed in fairly recent times — official birth records are part of the Korean Family Relation Register (가족관계등록부), which is maintained by a local ward office. There are several different types of birth-related documents, so you must determine which one you require.

South Korean Birth Certificate (출생증명서)

When a baby is born at a hospital, birthing center, or with medical assistance, the medical facility issues a birth certificate (출생증명서), which:

• Is issued by the hospital/facility where the birth occurred
• Contains details, such as date, time, place of birth, parents’ information, etc.,
• Is primarily used to register the birth with the government (n.b. it is not the main legal record)

 – How to Get a Korean Hospital Birth Certificate

If you need to obtain an original hospital birth certificate in South Korea:

1. Contact the hospital directly, or wherever the birth took place
2. Request a copy of the birth certificate
3. You will typically need to provide:
   • Identification
   • If it isn’t for you, then proof of relationship to the child
   • Birth details (date, birth name, names of parents, etc.)
4. There may be a small fee

Certificate of Family Relations (가족관계증명서)

Korea’s Certificate of Family Relations is the most commonly requested document and serves as the modern equivalent of a birth certificate. It shows your relationship to family members and includes birth information. This comprehensive document verifies your familial ties and includes:

• Your full name, date of birth, and gender (please note that the Republic of Korea does not yet recognize gender neutrality)
• The names of both birth parents
• Spouse and children (if applicable)
• Legal guardianship or adoption status

Basic Certificate (기본증명서)

Korea’s Basic Certificate (기본증명서) is an official document from local authorities that verifies identity and citizenship. It records key details such as name, birth date, gender, parents, and any legal changes. Korean citizens rely on it for major official needs — passports, marriage, jobs, and legal matters — much like birth certificates serve as lifelong identity records in most Western nations.

Birth Certificate (출생증명서) vs. Basic Certificate (기본증명서)

Birth Certificate (출생증명서) refers to a hospital-issued document recording the birth event, and is used once to register births with the government within a month of the event. Korea’s Basic Certificate (기본증명서) is an official government document that serves as legal proof of identity and citizenship. It contains personal information and is used throughout one’s life for official purposes, like obtaining a passport and for numerous other legal matters.

In short, hospital birth certificates (and their ilk) are one-time-use registration documents, while Korea’s official government basic certificates are permanent legal records and primary identity documents.

Resident Registration Abstract (주민등록초본)

While not technically a birth certificate, this document contains birth date information and current address details.

Why do People Request a South Korean Birth Certificate?

Immigration & Visa Applications: Used to prove family ties for dependent or spousal visas.

Legal Proceedings: Required for divorce, inheritance claims, custody cases, or guardianship applications.

Nationality & Naturalization: Essential for renouncing or reinstating Korean nationality, or applying for dual citizenship.

School & Employment: Sometimes needed for scholarships, employee benefits, or verifying family status.

Financial & Property Transactions: Used in inheritance, property transfers, or joint financial accounts.

Passport or ID Applications: Serves as proof of birth and identity for Korean nationals residing abroad.

How to Obtain Your South Korean Birth Certificate

If You Are in South Korea

Visit a Local Government Office: You can obtain your birth certificate at any district office (구청) or community service center (주민센터) in Korea. Bring your Korean ID, Foreign Residence Card (외국인 등록증), or passport for identification.

Online via Official Government Websites: Korean citizens and some foreign residents can use the online civil affairs service (인터넷 민원발급서비스) to request documents digitally.

Automated Certificate Issuing Machines: Many local government and public offices have automated kiosks that issue certificates for a nominal fee. These machines also require proper identification.

If Your Are Not Currently in Korea

1. Contact the Nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate

You can request a copy of your birth record through the Korean embassy or consulate in your current country of residence, who will typically require:

• Valid identification (passport or Korean ID)
• Your Korean resident registration number (if available)
• Details of your family registry (e.g., your parents’ names)

2. Use the Family Register Office for Overseas Koreans

The National Court Administration operates a Family Register Office specifically for overseas Koreans. They handle registrations and issue certificates for births, deaths, marriages, and more. Visit their official site for instructions and downloadable forms.

3. Request Via a Proxy Present in the Republic of Korea

If you have a trusted family member or legal representative in Korea, they can visit the local ward office on your behalf. They will need:

• A certified Power of Attorney
• Their own valid ID
• Your personal details

4. Professional Services

Korean Apostille specializes in obtaining official documents for overseas clients. Let us take care of the entire process, including obtaining documents then translating and authenticating them (e.g. apostille services).

How to obtain a Korean Birth Certificate if Outside Korea

1. Download and Fill Out the Application Form

Use the official form: 가족관계등록사항별 증명서 교부 신청서 (Application for Issuance of Family Relation Certificate)

• Fill out all sections marked with a ★
• Use your full Korean name in Hangul
• Provide your Korean resident registration number or family registry address (본적) and head of household’s name (호주)

You can download this from your local Korean embassy or consulate as well as the Family Register Office for Overseas Koreans.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Document	Description
Application Form	Official form for requesting family relation certificates. Must be filled out in Korean, using your Korean name.
Valid ID	A copy of your passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued ID.
Korean Resident Registration Number	If available, this helps locate your record. Alternatively, your Korean family registry address (본적) and the name of the head of household (호주).
Proof of Name Change (if applicable)	Documents like a marriage certificate, adoption papers, or court order showing legal name change.
Processing Fee	Roughly USD1.50 per copy, payable in cash (if applying in person at a consulate).
Contact Information	A local phone number and address for communication and delivery.

3. Submit Your Application

Apply in person or by mail to the nearest Korean embassy or consulate. Include a return address and contact number for your current country of residence.

4. Wait for Processing

The process takes around 10 business days via embassies & consulates, not including mailing time. Note that certificates not picked up within six months will be shredded due to privacy laws.

Korean Birth Certificate Processing Times and Costs

If present in Korea: Most certificates are issued immediately or within one day. Fees typically range from 1,000 to 2,000 KRW per document.

Outside of Korea: Processing through Korean consulates usually takes 2-4 weeks. Fees vary by country, but generally range from USD 10-30.

Professional Services: Companies like Korean Apostille can typically obtain documents within 3-7 business days, with additional fees added for expedited service, translation, and apostille authentication.

Authentication and Translation Services for Korean Birth Certificates

For international use, your Korean birth certificate may require:

• Apostille Certification for countries party to the Hague Convention
• Embassy Legalization for nations not party to the Hague Convention
• Notarized Translations into the target language

We provide comprehensive services for document authentication and certified translation, ensuring your documents meet international requirements.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Request a translated and notarized copy if you need it for legal use abroad
• Processing times vary, so plan ahead if you need it for immigration, school, or other deadlines
• If your birth was registered under a different name or spelling, clarify that with the embassy
• Unlike older family registers, modern certificates only show relevant information based on the purpose of issuance, helping protect personal data

Korean Birth Certificate FAQs

Q1: Can I procure someone else’s Korean birth certificate for them?

A: Generally, only the person named on the certificate, their spouse, direct descendants, or authorized representatives can obtain birth certificates. You’ll need to provide proof of relationship and proper identification.

Q2: How long is a Korean birth certificate valid?

A: Korean birth certificates don’t expire, but some institutions may require recently issued copies (typically within 3-6 months) to ensure current information.

Q3: What if I was born in Korea, but am not a Korean citizen?

A: If you were born in Korea, your birth should be registered regardless of citizenship. Contact the district office where you were born or a Korean consulate for assistance. The place of birth, such as a hospital, should also have retained all related records. Foreign citizens are often required to notify their home nation of overseas births — e.g. the United States has its Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).

Q4: Can I get a Korean birth certificate if I was adopted?

A: Yes, but the process may be more complex. You may need additional documentation and should contact Korean adoption agencies or legal professionals for guidance.

Q5: How much does it cost to get a Korean birth certificate from overseas?

A: Costs vary by country and service method. Consulate fees range from USD 10-30, while professional services — like those offered by Korean Apostille — including authentication and translation, can range from USD 100-300 and up, depending on what you require. Need help obtaining a Korean birth certificate? The professionals at Korean Apostille are here to assist you with the entire process, from document retrieval to translation and authentication. Contact us today to get started.