South Korea is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (in force since 14 July 2007). A U.S. public document bound for South Korea needs a single apostille from the competent authority of the state that issued or notarized it, or from the U.S. Department of State for federal documents. No embassy or consular legalization is required, and South Korea's authorities cannot demand one.
Acceded 2006-10-25; in force 2007-07-14 (HCCH).
The route, step by step
- Identify the issuing office
State or local signature → that state’s competent authority. Federal signature → U.S. Department of State. How to tell.
- Prepare the right version
Certified copies for vital and court records; complete notarization for private documents. Preparation checklist.
- Request the apostille
Name South Korea as the destination on the request form so the office issues an apostille (not an authentication certificate).
- Translate if required
Confirm with the receiving office in South Korea whether a translation is needed and by whom it must be made.
Using U.S. documents in South Korea
South Korea requires apostilles on U.S. documents for E-2 English-teaching visas (apostilled bachelor’s degree — notarized copy — and apostilled FBI Identity History Summary issued within six months; state checks are not accepted), F-visa family and residence categories (apostilled marriage and birth certificates), marriage (apostilled birth certificate and a sworn affidavit of eligibility, which U.S. citizens may also obtain at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul), university admission (apostilled transcripts and degrees), POAs for property and inheritance, and corporate documents for company registration. Korean authorities accept English for many immigration uses but require Korean translations for courts and registries; translations are usually certified by a Korean notary. Korea accepts e-apostilles.
Why U.S. documents are sent to South Korea
- E-2/E-7 work visas (teaching)
- marriage registration
- F-4/F-6 visas and registration of children
- school enrollment
- inheritance
South Korea-specific points
- E-2 teaching visas routinely require an apostilled FBI check and apostilled diploma.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an apostille or legalization for South Korea?
An apostille. South Korea is a Hague Convention member, so no embassy legalization is needed.
Who issues the apostille for South Korea?
The U.S. state that issued or notarized the document, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents — never a U.S. embassy, and never South Korea’s embassy.
Does South Korea require a translation?
Requirements vary by the receiving authority in South Korea; translate after the apostille with the translator type they specify.
