Guide · Document Services

Apostille vs Notarization in Korea

Official stamped documents prepared for legalization

Foreign diplomas, birth certificates, and bank letters often need more than a plain translation. Korea may ask for certified translation, notarization (공증), apostille, or embassy legalization — sometimes more than one. This guide clarifies which path fits common visa, ARC, and Study in Korea cases.

Mis à jour 2026-07-27 9 min de lecture

Three paths people mix up

  • Certified translation — A qualified translator or licensed administrative agent attests the Korean/English rendering is accurate.
  • Notarized translation — A notary verifies the translator’s identity/signature (공증). Common for court, overseas, or strict receiving offices.
  • Apostille — An authentication under the Hague Convention so a public document is recognized abroad (or a foreign public document is recognized in Korea). Not the same as translation.

When you typically need which

SituationCommon requirement
Immigration / ARC foreign docsCertified or notarized translation
University admission from abroadApostille (or embassy legalization) + translation
Using a Korean document overseasApostille via the correct Korean authority
Non-Hague country documentsConsular legalization instead of apostille

HezoKorea reviews your receiving office’s rules before you pay for the wrong stack of stamps — see apostille Korea, certified translation, and notarized translation.

Usual order of steps

  1. Confirm what the university, immigration office, or embassy listed on their checklist.
  2. Obtain or renew the original public document.
  3. Complete apostille / legalization in the issuing country when required.
  4. Arrange translation (and notarization if required) into the language the Korean office accepts.
Tip: Doing translation before apostille (or the reverse) can force a redo. Share your checklist with us first.

Questions fréquentes

Is an apostille a translation?
No. An apostille authenticates the origin of a public document. You often still need a separate certified or notarized translation for Korean offices.
Can HezoKorea handle both?
Yes. We coordinate translation, notarization guidance, and apostille/legalization pathways for the same document package.

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