Authentication
Authenticating Foreign Documents for Use in Korea (해외 서류 국내 사용)
A document issued in another country — a foreign degree, marriage certificate, power of attorney, or company record — usually must be authenticated before a Korean authority will accept it. The authentication happens in the document's country of origin: an apostille if that country is a Hague member, or consular legalization if it is not. Once it arrives in Korea, a certified Korean translation is typically required. Find an agent on Seoul Apostille who advises on the correct overseas route and handles the Korean-side translation and submission.
When This Service Is Relevant
- Registering a foreign marriage, birth, or family record in Korea
- Using a foreign degree or qualification for a Korean job, license, or visa
- Submitting a foreign power of attorney or company document to a Korean authority
- Immigration, residency, or family matters at a Korean office requiring foreign records
- Any Korean authority that requires a foreign document be authenticated and translated
What to Prepare
- The foreign document and the country that issued it
- Whether that country is a Hague Apostille member (your agent can confirm)
- The Korean authority that will receive it
- Whether a certified Korean translation is required (usually yes)
Process Notes
- Authentication is done in the issuing country, not by Korea — a Hague country issues an apostille; a non-member uses consular legalization.
- If the document is already apostilled or legalized abroad, the main remaining step in Korea is a certified Korean translation.
- Korean authorities generally require the translation to be certified; your agent provides this and can advise on notarized-translation requirements.
- Plan the overseas authentication before travel or shipping — obtaining an apostille after the fact, from Korea, is much harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an agent on Seoul Apostille apostille my foreign document?
No — a foreign document must be apostilled (or legalized) in the country that issued it; Korea cannot apostille another country's document. Your agent advises on the correct overseas route and handles the Korean-side translation and submission once it arrives.
My foreign document is already apostilled — what is left to do in Korea?
Usually a certified Korean translation, which most Korean authorities require. Your agent provides the translation and confirms whether the specific office needs it notarized.
How do I know if the issuing country uses apostille or legalization?
It depends on whether that country is a Hague Apostille member. Tell your agent the country and document and they will confirm the route before you start.
Which foreign documents are commonly used in Korea?
Marriage and birth records, degrees and transcripts, powers of attorney, and company documents are the most common. Share your purpose with your agent and they will outline the steps.
Related Documents
Need This Document Authenticated?
Share your document and the requesting authority. We'll connect you with an agent who coordinates authentication and any required follow-on steps.