Guide · Document Services
Apostille vs Notarization in Korea
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.
Na-update 2026-07-27 9 min basahin
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
| Situation | Common requirement |
|---|---|
| Immigration / ARC foreign docs | Certified or notarized translation |
| University admission from abroad | Apostille (or embassy legalization) + translation |
| Using a Korean document overseas | Apostille via the correct Korean authority |
| Non-Hague country documents | Consular 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
- Confirm what the university, immigration office, or embassy listed on their checklist.
- Obtain or renew the original public document.
- Complete apostille / legalization in the issuing country when required.
- 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.
Mga madalas itanong
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.
Magpatuloy sa pagbabasa
Mga kaugnay na serbisyo
Handa nang magsimula?
Mag-email sa info@hezokorea.com o magsumite ng request sa homepage — sumasagot kami sa email sa loob ng 24 oras sa mga araw ng negosyo.
Get document help