Apostille in Korea

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates a public document for international use between countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. South Korea has been part of the Convention since 2007, so Korean public documents can be apostilled for use abroad, and foreign documents from member countries can be apostilled in their home country for use in Korea.

You typically need an apostille when:

• Using a Korean document abroad — e.g. a Korean criminal record check, diploma, or marriage certificate for a visa or job overseas
• Using a foreign document in Korea — e.g. a degree, birth certificate, or police clearance for a visa, ARC, or employment

In Korea, apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and, for certain document types, the Ministry of Justice. We confirm which route your document needs before you start.

• Criminal record / background checks (범죄경력증명서)
• Diplomas, transcripts, and academic certificates
• Birth, marriage, and family relation certificates
• Business registration and corporate documents
• Powers of attorney and notarized declarations

Foreign-language documents often require notarized translation or certified translation before or after apostille, depending on the receiving authority.

1. Tell us the document, its origin country, and where it will be used.
2. We confirm whether you need an apostille or consular legalization, and any translation required.
3. We guide document issuance, translation, and the apostille/legalization steps.
4. You receive documents in the format your receiving office accepts.

HezoKorea provides document preparation and process guidance. Complex legal matters are referred to licensed professionals.