Hello. I am Kim Seong-in, an administrative attorney. Today, I would like to examine the special characteristics of entry and exit regulations for foreign nationals through a case that occurred in 2011. This case is an interesting example where there was a discrepancy in interpretation between the Ministry of Justice's guidelines and the actual court ruling. Although the special characteristics of foreign nationals were not clearly stipulated in the relevant laws, this case is significant as it recognized such special characteristics through a court ruling.   Overview of the Case   Case Background The plaintiff was a foreign national of Chinese nationality who had been residing in the country under the Overseas Korean (F-4) residency status. The plaintiff was involved in four traffic accidents while driving a bus. Three of these incidents resulted in the prosecution deciding not to press charges, and one resulted in a summary order imposing a fine of 1 mil...

Hello, everyone! I am Kim Seong-in, an Administrative Attorney. Today, I will summarize actual case precedents and practical tips that foreigners must know regarding name changes and passport changes when entering or staying in the Republic of Korea. If you have ever wondered how to comply with entry and exit regulations after changing your name or passport information, be sure to read this article to the end!   Case Examples Based on Actual Precedents   A Chinese national, Mr. A, had previously changed his name and passport information multiple times and entered the Republic of Korea, where he remained illegally. After voluntarily reporting his illegal stay and applying for naturalization, his past history of illegal stay, name change, and passport modification were discovered, resulting in the denial of his naturalization application and an order to depart the country.   A argued, “The name change was for astrological reasons, with no malicious intent, and I...

  Hello! I am Kim Seong In, an administrative attorney. Today, I will explain in detail the role of a “recommendation letter” in the nationality restoration approval process and whether it is a required document. I hope this information will be helpful for those preparing for nationality restoration or dual nationality.   How important is a recommendation letter? Generally, when applying for nationality restoration approval, a recommendation letter is not included in the list of required documents requested by the Ministry of Justice or the Immigration Office. The basic documents typically required include the nationality restoration application form, a statement of personal history, and family relationship documents. However! In some special cases (e.g., applications for dual citizenship for outstanding talents), a recommendation letter written by an authorized official may be required. Additionally, recommendation letters can serve as supplementary evidence to explain th...

  Procedures in Korea   1. Issuance of death-related documents Death certificate (issued by a doctor) Autopsy report (if necessary) Cremation certificate (if cremation is performed) 2. Translation and notarization of documents All documents must be translated into the relevant foreign language and notarized. After notarization, certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea (Apostille) is required. 3. Application for repatriation of remains Arrange international repatriation through an airline or specialized funeral service. A consent form for body transport from the consulate in Korea is required during repatriation. 4. Report the death to the immigration office Return the deceased's alien registration card. Bring identification proving your relationship to the deceased. Report the death in the deceased's home country 1. Prepare documents for the death report Original copies of the death certificate issued in Korea, autopsy report, and cremation certificate (if...

Hello, I am Kim Seong In, an administrative attorney. Recently, a Chinese student came to my office. He was a fourth-year student majoring in trade at C University. The student stated that they had engaged in illegal employment at S Company for two months. Upon reviewing the student's income verification documents, it was confirmed that they had received 2.1 million won per month from S Company for two months. The student claimed that they had never been detained or fined for illegal employment and inquired whether it was possible to change their visa status from D2 to E7 in the near future. I explained that even if the applicant does not submit an income verification document to the immigration office, the relevant immigration office can verify the applicant's income through information linkage with the National Tax Service, and therefore the applicant could be subject to a fine. However, I advised that since the expected fine amount is less than 2 million won, the applicant m...