After years of building a life in Korea, getting F-5-16 permanent residency feels like the finish line. No more renewals, no more point calculations — just stability. But for many permanent residents, the real next step is bringing their family here permanently, and that’s where the process gets complicated again.
The most common surprise: the income threshold for F-5-18 isn’t the same as what qualified you for F-5-16. The calculation changes based on how many family members you’re inviting, and many applicants discover the gap only after submitting.
Here’s what’s worth knowing upfront — your spouse and children won’t be on a temporary dependent visa. F-5-18 is permanent residency in its own right: no renewal deadlines, no restrictions on where they can work. This guide covers exactly what it takes to get there, starting with whether your current income qualifies.
Top 7 Reasons Your F-5 Visa Was Rejected in 2026
F-5-16 (점수제 영주자, or points-based permanent residency) rejections follow predictable patterns. Immigration officers evaluate your application against specific criteria, and when something doesn’t match, the rejection notice cites a particular reason code. Understanding these seven primary rejection categories helps you identify exactly what went wrong—or prevent problems before they occur.
1. Income Below the GNI 2x Threshold
The F-5-16 income requirement is straightforward but strict: your previous year’s annual income must be at least twice Korea’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. As of April 2026, this threshold is approximately ₩80–90 million, though the exact figure changes annually based on the Bank of Korea’s GNI calculation. According to the Korea Immigration Service, this is the single most common reason for F-5 rejection among F-2-7 holders.
The issue isn’t always that applicants don’t earn enough—it’s that their official income documentation doesn’t reflect their actual earnings. Bonuses, stock options, and certain allowances may not appear on your 소득금액증명원 (income certificate, or proof of income statement) even though they’re part of your compensation package.
2. Income Certificate vs. Employment Contract Mismatch
Your employment contract might state ₩85 million annually, but if your 소득금액증명원 from HomeTax shows ₩72 million, immigration uses the HomeTax figure. This mismatch triggers rejection because the official tax record is the only document that counts for income verification. The gap typically comes from untaxed benefits, deferred compensation, or income timing differences between calendar and fiscal years.
3. KIIP or TOPIK Certificate Problems
F-5-16 requires one of the following Korean language qualifications: KIIP Level 5 completion (사회통합프로그램 5단계 이수, meaning completion of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program’s fifth level) or a passing score of 60+ on the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residency (영주용 종합평가). TOPIK alone does not satisfy the F-5 language requirement—this is a common misunderstanding that leads to immediate rejection.
Even with the correct certificate type, expiration dates cause problems. TOPIK certificates expire two years from the issue date. If your certificate expired before your F-5 application submission date, your application will be rejected regardless of your score.
4. Criminal or Immigration Violation Records
Any criminal record—including fines, immigration penalties, or traffic violations above a certain threshold—can disqualify your F-5 application. According to the official scoring system, penalties apply as follows: imprisonment results in -40 points; fines between ₩2–3 million result in -30 points; fines between ₩1–2 million result in -20 points; fines between ₩500,000–1 million result in -20 points. Immigration Act violations carry separate penalties: total penalties of ₩3 million or more result in -30 points.
These deductions don’t just lower your score—they can trigger automatic rejection for certain violation types, particularly those involving illegal work or overstay.
5. Gaps in F-2-7 Status (The 3-Year Clock Reset)
F-5-16 eligibility requires three or more consecutive years of legal residence on F-2-7 status. Any gap in your F-2-7—even a single day of expired status—resets this clock entirely. Late renewals, status changes that didn’t process in time, or brief periods without valid status all count as gaps.
6. Overseas Criminal Background Check Issues
Your home country criminal record certificate (해외범죄경력증명서, or overseas criminal background check) must be apostilled and translated into Korean, and issued within six months of your application date. Certificates without proper apostille, expired certificates, or certificates from the wrong issuing authority are rejected without review of the rest of your application.
7. Incomplete or Incorrectly Formatted Documents
Missing documents, incorrect translations, or documents that don’t meet Korean government formatting standards trigger rejection. Common issues include translations not notarized by a certified translator, documents issued more than three months before application (for most items), and photocopies submitted instead of originals where originals are required.
How to Read Your F-5 Rejection Notice
When your F-5 application is rejected, immigration issues a written notification called a 거부통지서 (geobu tongjiseo, or “rejection notice”) that includes the specific reason code, legal basis, and deadline for any appeal. Understanding this document is essential for figuring out your next steps—whether that’s correcting your documentation and reapplying or filing a formal appeal.
Where to Find Your Rejection Notice
Log into HiKorea → click ‘민원서비스’ (Civil Services) → ‘신청/접수내역’ (Application History) → find your F-5 application → click ‘처리상태’ (Processing Status) to view the decision. If you applied in person, you’ll receive a physical notification letter at your registered address.
Key Sections of the Rejection Notice
The rejection notice contains several critical pieces of information:
| Section (Korean) | Section (English) | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| 거부사유 | Rejection Reason | Specific issue (e.g., “소득 기준 미달” = income below threshold) |
| 관련법령 | Legal Basis | Immigration Act article cited for rejection |
| 이의신청기간 | Appeal Period | 90 days from notification date (typically) |
| 처리담당자 | Processing Officer | Contact for questions about your specific case |
Common Reason Codes and Their Meanings
Immigration uses internal codes to categorize rejection reasons. While these codes aren’t always displayed on your notice, understanding the general categories helps:
| Rejection Category | Korean Term | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Income shortfall | 소득 기준 미달 | Income below GNI 2x threshold OR documentation doesn’t verify claimed income |
| Document deficiency | 서류 미비/불일치 | Missing, expired, or incorrectly formatted documents |
| Language requirement | 한국어 요건 미충족 | No valid KIIP Level 5 completion or 종합평가 (comprehensive evaluation) score of 60+ |
| Criminal/violation record | 범죄기록/체류위반 | Disqualifying criminal history or immigration violations |
| Stay period issue | 체류기간 요건 미달 | Fewer than 3 consecutive years on F-2-7 |
If your rejection notice is unclear, you can request clarification by calling the immigration office that processed your application. The 1345 immigration hotline (press 2 for English) can also help you interpret rejection reasons.
How to Fix Income-Related Rejections
Income rejections are the most common reason for F-5 denials — and fortunately, they’re often fixable. The key is understanding exactly which income documentation immigration accepts and making sure your numbers align before resubmitting.
Step 1: Verify Your Actual Documented Income
Get your official 소득금액증명원 (sodeuk geumak jeungmyeongwon, or Income Amount Certificate) from HomeTax to see exactly what immigration will see:
→ Go to hometax.go.kr
→ Log in with your 공인인증서 (authorized certificate) or PASS app
→ Click ‘민원증명’ (Civil Complaint Certificate) → ‘소득금액증명’ (Income Amount Certificate) → select the relevant tax year
→ Download and review the total income figure
This number is what matters for F-5 eligibility, regardless of what your employment contract states.
Step 2: Identify the Gap
Compare your 소득금액증명원 total with the current GNI 2x threshold (approximately ₩80-90 million as of April 2026). If you’re below this threshold, you have several options:
| Situation | Solution | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Income slightly below threshold | Negotiate a salary increase with your employer, then wait for the next tax year | Apply after May (when the new year’s income certificate becomes available) |
| Bonuses/income not reflected | Work with your employer to ensure all compensation is properly reported to the NTS | Wait for the amended tax filing, then reapply |
| Income meets threshold, but certificate has errors | Request an amended 소득금액증명원 from the tax office with corrected figures | 2-4 weeks for correction, then reapply immediately |
Step 3: Alternative — Asset-Based Qualification
If your income is genuinely below the threshold, you may qualify using the asset alternative: assets worth 1.5x the average net assets in Korea. This requires submitting proof of real estate ownership, financial assets, or other verifiable wealth. Consult with immigration or an attorney to determine if this path applies to your situation.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documentation
When reapplying after an income rejection, include additional supporting documents:
□ 소득금액증명원 (Income Certificate) — issued within 3 months
□ 납세증명서 (napsse jeungmyeongseo, or Tax Payment Certificate) — confirms you’ve paid all taxes
□ Employment contract showing your current salary
□ 재직증명서 (jaejik jeungmyeongseo, or Certificate of Employment) — issued within 1 month
□ Recent pay stubs (3-6 months) showing consistent income
How to Fix Documentation Errors
Documentation rejections are frustrating because they’re often technicalities — your qualifications might be perfect, but a formatting error or missing apostille stops your application cold.
Apostille and Legalization Requirements
Documents from your home country must be apostilled if your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, or legalized through your embassy if it’s not. The apostille must be applied to the original document, not a copy, and the document must then be translated into Korean by a certified translator.
For overseas criminal background checks:
→ Request from your home country’s issuing authority (FBI for the US, ACRO for the UK, etc.)
→ Obtain an apostille from the relevant government office
→ Have the apostilled document translated into Korean by a certified translator
→ The translation must be notarized
Total timeline: 4-8 weeks depending on the country
Document Validity Periods
| Document | Validity Period | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| 소득금액증명원 (Income Certificate) | 3 months | hometax.go.kr or local tax office |
| 납세증명서 (Tax Payment Certificate) | 3 months | hometax.go.kr or local tax office |
| 재직증명서 (Certificate of Employment) | 1 month | Your employer’s HR department |
| 해외범죄경력증명서 (Overseas Criminal Background Check) | 6 months | Home country authority + apostille |
| 임대차계약서 / 등기부등본 (Lease Agreement / Property Registry) | 3 months | Your landlord or gov24.go.kr |
Common Formatting Errors to Avoid
Watch out for these frequent mistakes: submitting photocopies instead of originals (where originals are required), using unofficial translations (translations must be from certified translators, not DIY), missing pages in multi-page documents, expired certificates (check issue dates carefully), and name mismatches between documents (use your passport name consistently).
How to Fix Korean Language Requirement Issues
The F-5-16 visa has a specific Korean language requirement that differs from F-2-7. Many applicants get rejected because they assume TOPIK is sufficient — it’s not for permanent residency. Understanding the exact requirement prevents this common mistake.
What F-5-16 Actually Requires
You must have ONE of the following:
Option 1: KIIP Level 5 completion certificate (사회통합프로그램 5단계 이수증, or “Social Integration Program Level 5 Completion Certificate”)
Option 2: Comprehensive evaluation score of 60+ (영주용/귀화용 종합평가, the “Permanent Residency/Naturalization Comprehensive Evaluation”)
TOPIK certificates — even TOPIK Level 6 — do not satisfy the F-5 language requirement. TOPIK is relevant for F-2-7 points calculation, but F-5 requires KIIP-based verification of both Korean language AND civic knowledge.
If You Were Rejected for Language Requirements
→ Enroll in KIIP: socinet.go.kr
→ Complete through Level 5 (사회통합프로그램 5단계)
→ Pass the Level 5 completion test
→ Obtain your completion certificate
Timeline: 3–12 months depending on your starting level
If you already have high TOPIK scores, you can take a placement test to skip the lower KIIP levels. TOPIK Level 5–6 holders can typically start at KIIP Level 4 and complete Level 5 within 3–4 months.
KIIP Completion Certificate vs. 종합평가
KIIP Level 5 completion automatically qualifies you. The 종합평가 (comprehensive evaluation) is an alternative test you can take if you prefer not to complete the full KIIP program. This comprehensive evaluation tests both Korean language ability and Korean society/civic knowledge, requiring a score of 60 or higher to pass.
For a detailed comparison of TOPIK vs. KIIP and strategies for maximizing your points, see our guide: How to Boost Your F-2-7 Points Score in 2026: TOPIK vs KIIP – Which Path Earns You More Points Faster?
F-5 Visa Appeal Process: Is It Worth It?
Korean immigration law allows you to appeal an F-5 rejection within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice. However, appeals have a low success rate and are only worthwhile in specific circumstances.
When an Appeal Makes Sense
Appeals are most likely to succeed when immigration made a clear error:
→ Your points were calculated incorrectly (and you can prove a higher score)
→ Valid documents were marked as invalid or missing when they were actually submitted
→ Your income was verified incorrectly (tax records show you meet the threshold)
→ A certificate expiration date was miscalculated
Appeals are unlikely to succeed when:
→ You genuinely didn’t meet the requirements (income below threshold, no valid KIIP completion)
→ Documents were actually missing or expired
→ You have disqualifying criminal or immigration records
How to File an Appeal
Submit a written appeal (이의신청서, or “objection application”) to the immigration office that rejected your application within 90 days of the rejection notification date:
→ Write a formal letter explaining why the rejection was incorrect
→ Include all supporting evidence (corrected documents, proof of calculation error)
→ Submit in person at the immigration office or by registered mail
→ Keep copies of everything you submit
Immigration will review your appeal and issue a decision, typically within 30–60 days. If the appeal is denied, you can file an administrative lawsuit (행정소송, or “administrative litigation”), though this requires legal representation and comes with significant costs.
The Practical Reality
For most applicants, reapplying with corrected documentation is faster and more effective than appealing. Appeals can take months to process, and during that time, you can’t reapply. If your rejection was due to fixable issues (income documentation, expired certificates, missing apostille), addressing those problems and submitting a new application is typically the better path forward.
When and How to Reapply After F-5 Rejection
There’s no mandatory waiting period for F-5 reapplication after a rejection due to documentation issues. Technically, you can reapply immediately once you’ve resolved the problem. That said, strategic timing can significantly improve your chances.
Reapplication Timeline by Rejection Type
| Rejection Reason | Recommended Wait Time | What to Do First |
|---|---|---|
| Missing/expired documents | Immediately after obtaining correct documents | Get new documents with correct formatting/validity |
| Income below threshold (current year) | After May of the following year | Wait for a new tax year income certificate showing higher income |
| KIIP/language requirement | After completing KIIP Level 5 | Enroll in and complete the KIIP program |
| Criminal/violation record | Consult with an immigration attorney | Some records have waiting periods; others are permanently disqualifying |
| F-2-7 status gap | 3 years from your current continuous F-2-7 start date | Maintain continuous status without any gaps |
Step-by-Step Reapplication Process
→ Go to hikorea.go.kr
→ Log in and click ‘민원서비스’ (Civil Services) → ‘체류허가’ (Stay Permit) → select F-5 application
→ Fill in the application with corrected information
→ Upload all required documents (fresh copies, newly issued within validity periods)
→ Pay the application fee (₩230,000 as of April 2026 — verify the current fee)
→ Book an immigration office appointment for biometrics/interview
Online application: 30–45 minutes | Appointment wait: typically 2–4 weeks
For the complete step-by-step F-5 application process, including all required documents, see: F-2-7 to F-5 Permanent Residency Conversion Guide 2026: Eligibility, Documents & Step-by-Step Process
F-5 Rejection Self-Diagnosis Checklist
Use this checklist to identify potential rejection risks before submitting your F-5 application, or to figure out what went wrong after a rejection:
| Requirement | Status | If No, What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 3+ consecutive years on F-2-7? | □ Yes □ No | Wait until your 3-year anniversary; verify there are no gaps |
| Previous year income ≥ GNI 2x (approx. ₩80–90M)? | □ Yes □ No | Check your 소득금액증명원 (Income Verification Certificate); consider the asset alternative |
| KIIP Level 5 complete OR 종합평가 (Comprehensive Evaluation) score of 60+? | □ Yes □ No | Enroll in KIIP at socinet.go.kr |
| Overseas criminal record certificate (apostilled, within 6 months)? | □ Yes □ No | Request from your home country now (4–8 week process) |
| No disqualifying criminal record in Korea? | □ Yes □ No | Check your HiKorea stay history; consult an attorney if records exist |
| No immigration violations/overstay history? | □ Yes □ No | Verify at the immigration office; some violations have waiting periods |
| 소득금액증명원 (Income Verification Certificate) issued within 3 months? | □ Yes □ No | Get a new certificate from hometax.go.kr |
| All translations certified and notarized? | □ Yes □ No | Use a certified Korean translator; get notarization |
| 신원보증서 (Guarantor Form) complete? | □ Yes □ No | Find a Korean citizen guarantor; complete the form |
Real Rejection Pattern: What Actually Goes Wrong
One common F-5 rejection pattern involves income documentation timing. An applicant earning ₩88 million annually applies for F-5 in March 2026. Their 소득금액증명원 (income certificate) shows 2024 income of ₩75 million because the 2025 certificate isn’t available until May 2026. The application is rejected because ₩75 million falls below the GNI 2x threshold, despite the applicant’s current salary being well above it.
The problem: Income certificates reflect the previous completed tax year. Applications submitted between January and April use income from two years prior, not the most recent year.
How to avoid this:
→ Submit F-5 applications after May, when the most recent tax year’s income certificate becomes available
→ If applying before May, verify that your income from the previous completed tax year meets the threshold
→ Consider waiting if your income increased significantly in the most recent year
Another frequent rejection pattern: KIIP certificate confusion. An applicant has TOPIK Level 6 and assumes this satisfies F-5 language requirements. The application is rejected because TOPIK doesn’t count for F-5—only KIIP Level 5 completion or a 종합평가 (comprehensive evaluation) score of 60 or higher.
The problem: F-2-7 and F-5 have different language requirements. TOPIK works for F-2-7 points, but KIIP is required for F-5.
How to avoid this:
→ Complete KIIP Level 5 even if you have TOPIK Level 6
→ TOPIK Level 5-6 holders can skip to KIIP Level 4 via the placement test, completing Level 5 in 3-4 months
→ The 종합평가 test is available as an alternative if you’d rather not attend classes
Details That Matter
KIIP completion certificates have no expiration date. Once you complete KIIP Level 5, your certificate is valid indefinitely. TOPIK certificates expire after 2 years—this is one reason KIIP is the safer long-term choice for F-5 applicants.
Income certificates from HomeTax reflect calendar year totals. If you started a new job mid-year, your first year’s income certificate will show partial-year earnings. Wait for a full calendar year to pass before relying on that income for F-5 eligibility.
The 3-year F-2-7 requirement counts from your most recent continuous status start date. If your F-2-7 status lapsed for even one day and you had to reapply, your 3-year clock restarted from the new approval date. Check your HiKorea stay history to confirm your actual continuous residence period.
Short trips abroad don’t affect your 3-year clock—provided each trip is under 90 days and your total time abroad doesn’t exceed 180 days per year. Longer absences may require consultation with immigration to confirm continued eligibility.
Report workplace, income, or industry changes within 14 days. As of 2026, F-2-7 holders must report these changes to immigration. Failing to report can result in violations that affect your F-5 eligibility.
Common Mistakes That Lead to F-5 Rejection
Assuming TOPIK satisfies F-5 language requirements. It doesn’t. F-5 requires KIIP Level 5 completion or a 종합평가 score of 60 or higher, not TOPIK.
Applying before May with high current income but lower previous-year income. Immigration uses your completed tax year income, not your current salary. If you got a raise in 2025, your 2024 income certificate (available until May 2026) won’t reflect it.
Submitting overseas criminal background checks without an apostille. The certificate alone isn’t enough. It must be apostilled (or legalized) and translated into Korean by a certified translator.
Using online translation services instead of certified translators. Immigration requires translations by certified Korean translators, with notarization. Google Translate printouts will get your application rejected.
Forgetting to update your address after moving. Your current residence documents must match your registered address. If you moved and didn’t update immigration, your application may be flagged for an address discrepancy.
Not checking your HiKorea stay history before applying. Minor violations you forgot about—late renewals, address change failures—appear in your immigration record and can affect your application.
Waiting too long to start KIIP after rejection. KIIP Level 5 takes 3-12 months to complete depending on your starting level. If you’re rejected for language requirements in April, starting KIIP immediately gives you the best chance of reapplying within a year.
Official Resources & Links
- Korea Immigration Service — official visa requirements and policy updates
- HiKorea Online Portal — visa applications, appointment booking, status checks
- Ministry of Justice Korea — immigration policy announcements
- HomeTax — income certificates and tax documentation
- Social Integration Information Network (KIIP) — KIIP enrollment and completion certificates
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appeal an F-5 rejection, and how long do I have?
You can file a formal appeal (이의신청, uisinchung) within 90 days of receiving your rejection notice. Submit a written appeal letter with supporting evidence to the immigration office that rejected your application. Appeals work best when immigration made a clear calculation or documentation error. For rejections based on genuinely not meeting requirements, reapplying after fixing the issue is typically faster than appealing.
Is there a waiting period before I can reapply after F-5 rejection?
There’s no mandatory waiting period for documentation-related rejections. You can reapply immediately after obtaining the correct documents. However, for income-related rejections, you may need to wait until your next tax year’s income certificate becomes available (after May). For criminal or violation-related rejections, some records have mandatory waiting periods—consult with immigration or an attorney for your specific situation.
Does TOPIK Level 6 satisfy the F-5 Korean language requirement?
No. F-5-16 requires KIIP Level 5 completion (사회통합프로그램 5단계 이수, sahoetonghap program Level 5 completion) or a 종합평가 (jonghap pyeongga, comprehensive evaluation) score of 60 or higher. TOPIK certificates—even Level 6—don’t satisfy this requirement. If you have TOPIK Level 5 or 6, you can take a KIIP placement test to start at a higher level and complete Level 5 faster.
What income threshold do I need for F-5-16 approval?
Your previous year’s annual income must be at least twice Korea’s GNI (Gross National Income) per capita. As of April 2026, this threshold is approximately ₩80–90 million, though the exact figure changes annually. Check the current GNI figure on the Bank of Korea website or verify with immigration before applying. An alternative qualification path exists based on assets worth 1.5 times average net assets.
How do I check my immigration record for violations before applying?
Log into HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) → click ‘민원서비스’ (minwon seobiseu, civil service) → ‘체류이력조회’ (cheryu iryeok johoe, stay history inquiry) to view your complete stay history, including any recorded violations, penalties, or status gaps. Address any issues before applying for F-5. If you discover violations you weren’t aware of, consult with the 1345 immigration hotline or an immigration attorney before proceeding.
Will a single traffic ticket disqualify me from F-5?
Minor traffic violations typically don’t disqualify F-5 applications. The deduction system applies to more serious offenses: fines of ₩2–3 million result in -30 points; fines of ₩1–2 million result in -20 points; fines of ₩500,000–1 million also result in -20 points. Fines below ₩500,000 carry no point deduction. However, for F-5 eligibility, the main concern is criminal records (imprisonment, significant fines) and immigration violations (illegal work, overstays). Check your specific situation with immigration if you have any records.
If my F-5 is rejected, what happens to my F-2-7 status?
Your F-2-7 status remains valid and unaffected by an F-5 rejection. You continue to hold F-2-7 until its expiration date and can renew it normally. The F-5 rejection doesn’t create any penalty or negative mark on your F-2-7 status. You can continue working, living, and traveling on your F-2-7 while addressing the issues that caused your F-5 rejection.
What To Do Next
If you were rejected for income-related reasons
Verify your actual documented income on HomeTax immediately — what your contract says and what your 소득금액증명원 (income verification certificate) shows are often different numbers. If your 2025 income meets the GNI 2x threshold but you were rejected based on 2024 figures, wait until after May 2026 when the new certificate becomes available. If your income genuinely doesn’t meet the threshold, explore the asset-based alternative or focus on increasing your documented income before the next tax year ends.
If you were rejected for documentation issues
Identify exactly which documents were problematic from your rejection notice, obtain correct versions with proper apostilles and certified Korean translations, and reapply as soon as all documents are ready. There’s no waiting period for documentation-based rejections. Double-check validity periods — most documents must be issued within 3 months of your application date, so time your document collection accordingly.
If you were rejected for Korean language requirements
Enroll in KIIP immediately at socinet.go.kr. If you have TOPIK Level 5 or 6, take the KIIP placement test to skip to Level 4 — you can complete Level 5 within 3-4 months. KIIP completion certificates never expire, unlike TOPIK certificates, which are valid for only 2 years. This makes KIIP the more strategic choice for long-term F-5 planning.
If you’re preparing to apply and want to avoid rejection
Use the self-diagnosis checklist above to verify you meet all requirements before submitting. Order your overseas criminal background check immediately — with apostille processing, this takes 4-8 weeks. Confirm your KIIP Level 5 is complete or your 종합평가 (comprehensive evaluation) score is 60+. Check your HiKorea stay history for any violations or gaps you may have forgotten. For the complete F-5 application process, document list, and step-by-step instructions, see our F-2-7 to F-5 Permanent Residency Conversion Guide 2026. For information about what changes after F-5 approval, including your new rights and freedoms, see: What Changes After You Get F-5 Permanent Residency in Korea: Complete 2026 Guide to Your New Rights & Freedoms.
For questions about your specific situation, call 1345 (press 2 for English, Mon–Fri 9AM–6PM) or verify current requirements at immigration.go.kr.
