How to Get My Korean Birth Certificate: A Complete Guide
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 guide for those who want to know the answer to, “How to get my Korean birth certificate.”
Birth Certificate Types in South Korea
Unlike most other developed nations, South Korea has several different types of birth-related documents, so you must determine which of these you require.
Korean Medical Certificate of Birth
Korean hospitals, hospices, and birthing centers can provide an initial Medical Certificate of Birth used for registration or immediate travel/ID, but the country’s official birth record is the Family Relations Register (기본증명서). This certificate is issued by a South Korean court or community center and contains vital details (e.g. name, birth date, parents’ names), which is used for ID, proof of relation, etc. Places of birth can issue a certificate for immediate use, but you must file a report within a month to obtain the official government record.
Family Relations Certificate (가족관계증명서)
This 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.
Basic Certificate (기본증명서)
This document contains detailed birth information including the exact time and place of birth, parents’ names, and registration details.
Resident Registration Abstract (주민등록초본)
While not technically a birth certificate, this document contains birth date information and current address details.
How to Get a Copy of my Korean Birth Certificate
If Currently 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 Not in Korea
Consulates or Embassy: Visit the nearest Korean diplomatic mission in your country. Contact them beforehand to confirm required documents and fees.
Authorized Representative in Korea: You can authorize a family member or legal representative in Korea to obtain the document on your behalf using a power of attorney.
Professional Services: Korean Apostille specializes in obtaining official documents for overseas clients, handling the entire process, including translation and authentication.
Required Documents to Get Your Korean Birth Certificate
When requesting your Korean birth certificate, you’ll typically need:
- Valid identification (passport, foreign registration card, or Korean ID)
- Application form (available at the issuing office)
- Proof of relationship (if requesting someone else’s certificate)
- Processing fee
If applying from abroad, additional documents may include:
- Completed application from a Korean consulate
- Copy of passport or identification
- Proof of Korean citizenship or family relationship
- Consular fees (varies by country)
Korean Birth Certificate Processing Time and Costs
In Korea: Most certificates are issued immediately or within one day. Fees typically range from 1,000 to 2,000 KRW per document.
Outside 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 for expedited service, translation, and apostille authentication.
Authentication and Translation of 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
Korean Apostille provides comprehensive services for document authentication and certified translation, ensuring your documents meet international requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I get someone else’s Korean birth certificate? 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, may also have records of birth. Foreign citizens are often required to notify their home nation of overseas births — e.g. the United States has a 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 cost USD 100-300, depending on requirements.
