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Get Birth Certificates in South Korea – Seoul and Busan
South Korea uses a family registration system similar to Japan’s. A birth certificate in South Korea is known as a 기본증명서 (gibon jeungmyeongseo — basic certificate) or a 가족관계증명서 (gajok gwangye jeungmyeongseo — family relationship certificate). These documents are issued by local district offices (gu-cheong or dong-cheong) in Seoul and Busan and serve the same purpose as a birth certificate internationally.
Birth Registration in South Korea
Under the Act on the Registration of Family Relationships, every birth in South Korea must be reported within 1 month at the local district office where the parents are registered. Hospitals issue a birth fact certificate (출생사실증명서) that is used to complete the registration. South Korea has also made birth registration available online through the Government24 portal (gov.kr).
Documents Required
- Hospital birth fact certificate (출생사실증명서)
- Resident registration cards of both parents
- Completed birth registration form
- Passports (for foreign residents)
How to Get a Birth Certificate in Seoul
Seoul is divided into 25 autonomous districts (gu), each with a district office (gu-cheong). To register a birth and obtain a birth certificate in Seoul:
- Visit the gu-cheong (district office) of your registered district in Seoul
- Submit the hospital birth fact certificate within 1 month
- Present both parents’ resident registration cards
- Complete the birth registration form
- Request a 기본증명서 or 가족관계증명서 — issued immediately at no charge at the district office
Seoul residents can also complete birth registration and request certificates online at Government24 (gov.kr) or via the Minwon24 portal.
How to Get a Birth Certificate in Busan
Busan has 16 districts (gu), each with its own district office. The process is identical to Seoul:
- Visit the Busan district office of your registered area
- Submit the hospital birth fact certificate within 1 month
- Present parents’ resident registration cards
- Request the gibon jeungmyeongseo or gajok gwangye jeungmyeongseo
Certificates are issued immediately and free of charge at district offices.
Getting South Korean Birth Documents for Use Abroad
South Korea is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Family relationship certificates and basic certificates can be apostilled for international use. Apostilles are obtained through the district court or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ overseas authentication service.
Tips for Getting a Birth Certificate in South Korea
- Register within 1 month to meet the legal requirement
- Use Government24 (gov.kr) to register births and obtain certificates online — no in-person visit needed
- Certificates can also be printed at unmanned civil service kiosks available in district offices and government buildings
- For Koreans abroad, births can be registered at the nearest Korean embassy or consulate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a birth certificate in South Korea free?
Yes. The gibon jeungmyeongseo (basic certificate) and gajok gwangye jeungmyeongseo (family relationship certificate) are issued free of charge at district offices and online via Government24.
Can foreigners register a birth in South Korea?
Foreign nationals who give birth in South Korea must register the birth at their local district office and also report it to their home country’s embassy. If one parent is Korean, the child may be eligible for Korean nationality registration.
How quickly can I get a birth certificate in South Korea?
Certificates are issued immediately upon request at district offices or instantly online via Government24 and Minwon24.
Conclusion
South Korea’s highly digitized civil registration system makes getting birth certificates in Seoul and Busan fast and easy. Online services through Government24 allow parents to register births and obtain family certificates without visiting a district office. Apostille services are available for international use.