Divorce Certificate
Korean Divorce Certificate (이혼 혼인관계증명서) — Certified Translation
Korea does not issue a separate divorce certificate — proof of divorce is shown on the 혼인관계증명서 (marriage relations certificate) where the divorce is recorded, or on the 기본증명서 (basic certificate) which includes marital status history. Before a foreign authority will accept either document as proof of divorce, a certified translation is required, and an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is usually needed as well. Seoul Apostille obtains the correct certificate version, applies the apostille, and provides the certified translation ready for submission.
When This Guide Is Relevant
- Applying to remarry in a foreign country that requires proof of prior divorce
- Visa applications where marital status history must be declared and documented
- Foreign legal proceedings involving property division, alimony, or custody that need Korean divorce records
- Updating civil status with a foreign government or civil registry after divorce in Korea
- Insurance, pension, or inheritance claims abroad where single or divorced status must be proven
What to Prepare
- 혼인관계증명서 (marriage relations certificate) — 상세증명서 (detailed) version, which shows divorce records; issued within the last 3 months
- 기본증명서 (basic certificate) if the receiving authority specifically requests a document showing current marital status
- Passport copy of the applicant
- Receiving authority's name and purpose — some foreign registries require the document explicitly show the divorce date and type (협의이혼 or 재판이혼)
Process Notes
- The 상세 (detailed) version of 혼인관계증명서 is essential — the 일반 (standard) version may omit divorce records or prior marriages, causing the foreign authority to reject it
- If the divorce was finalised by court order (재판이혼), a court judgment excerpt may also be required — we advise based on the receiving country's requirements
- The apostille certifies the document is a genuine public record; the certified translation renders the divorce details readable to the foreign authority
- Some countries require that both the divorce record and the applicant's current 기본증명서 are submitted together — we can prepare both in one request
- Processing: document issuance same-day + MOFA apostille 3–5 days + translation 1–2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Korean divorce shown on official documents?
Korea records the divorce on the 혼인관계증명서 (marriage relations certificate). The 상세 (detailed) version includes the divorce date, type (mutual agreement or court-ordered), and registration number. This is the standard proof-of-divorce document accepted by foreign authorities.
Do I need both apostille and translation for a foreign remarriage?
Almost always yes. The foreign civil registry needs to verify the document is genuine (apostille) and understand its contents (certified translation). Some countries also require a notarial certificate or an affidavit of single status in addition.
What if the divorce was finalized in Korea but I currently live abroad?
We can obtain the 혼인관계증명서 on your behalf through a power of attorney arrangement. Contact us with your situation and we will confirm the authorization documents required.
My divorce involved a foreign national — does that affect the document?
International divorces are recorded on the Korean side in the same 혼인관계증명서. If the foreign spouse's name appears differently in the Korean record than in their foreign passport, we note this discrepancy in the translation for the receiving authority.
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