The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official sources from the Ministry of Justice and HiKorea. Updated August 1, 2026.
Navigating government bureaucracy in a foreign country can be daunting, but finding the correct portal is the most important step in ensuring your legal stay. To access official Korea Immigration Service information and HiKorea guide resources, you should primarily use the Ministry of Justice portals: immigration.go.kr for general policy and hikorea.go.kr for administrative tasks. These sites, along with the 1345 Immigration Contact Center, are the only authorized channels for verifying visa status, reporting residency changes, and applying for official permits.
Which Official Websites Should You Use?
The South Korean government distributes immigration information across three primary websites depending on whether you are seeking general policy, performing a specific administrative task, or applying for entry authorization. It is vital to check the URL to ensure it ends in .go.kr, which signifies an official government domain.
Korea Immigration Service (General Policy)
The main Korea Immigration Service website is the authoritative source for high-level policy and general information. Use this site if you need to:
- Research different visa categories and eligibility requirements.
- Use the “Visa Navigator” to find the correct visa for your specific situation.
- Access the e-form for visa applications.
- Learn about the Smart Entry Service (SES) and the Mobile Residence Card.
HiKorea (Administrative Services)
While the main Immigration site is for information, HiKorea is the operational portal for “civil services.” This is where foreigners actually interact with the government. You should use HiKorea to:
- Check the current status of a visa application.
- Book a visit appointment at a local immigration office (Visit Reservation).
- Report a change of residence (address) online.
- Verify the validity of an Alien Registration Card (ARC) or Domestic Residence Card.
K-ETA (Entry Authorization)
For citizens of visa-exempt countries, the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) website is the only official platform for application. The application fee is approximately 7 to 8 USD (10,000 KRW). Be cautious of third-party agencies that charge high fees for “expedited” services; these are not official government channels.
How to Use HiKorea for Online Administrative Tasks
HiKorea is designed to reduce the need for physical visits to immigration offices. Many tasks that previously required a trip to a government building can now be handled digitally.
Managing Your Residency and Visa
Through the “Civil Application” and “Inquiry” sections, residents can perform several critical tasks. For example, if you move to a new apartment, you can use the portal to report your new address. This is a legal requirement for all registered foreigners.
Visit Reservations
Most local immigration offices no longer accept walk-ins for many services. To avoid being turned away, you must use the HiKorea “Visit Reservation” system to select a specific date and time for your appointment. When booking, you will typically need to provide your registration details and the purpose of your visit.
Checking Application Results
Rather than calling an office, you can use the “Check Application Results” feature on HiKorea. By entering your passport number or registration number, you can see if your visa extension or change of status has been approved.
Contacting the Immigration Contact Center (1345)
If the websites are unclear or you have a specific question about your legal status, the 1345 Immigration Contact Center is the primary resource for direct human assistance.
Multilingual Support
The 1345 center provides telephone consultations in multiple languages to ensure that non-Korean speakers can understand their legal obligations. This service is specifically dedicated to visa and residency issues.
How to Call 1345
- Inside Korea: Dial 1345 without an area code.
- From Abroad: Dial +82-2-6908-1345 to 6.
For the most accurate answer, have your Alien Registration Card (ARC) or passport number ready, as the agent will need this to access your specific file.
Essential Deadlines for Foreign Residents
Missing a government deadline in Korea can lead to fines or complications with your visa status. Two specific timelines are critical for all foreigners.
Foreigner Registration (90-Day Rule)
Foreigners who intend to stay in the Republic of Korea for more than 90 days—including international students and workers—must register their presence. This registration must be completed within 90 days of the date of entry. This process involves submitting a registration application, passport, and supporting documents (such as a business registration certificate for workers or school documents for students) to the immigration office overseeing your place of residence.
Reporting Changes of Residency (14-Day Rule)
Whenever you move to a new address, you are legally required to report the change. This must be done within 14 days of the move. You can report this change through two channels:
- Online via the HiKorea portal.
- In person at the local municipal government office (Eup/Myeon/Dong center) or the local immigration office.
Warning: Failure to report a change of address within the 14-day window may result in administrative penalties or fines.
How to Avoid Phishing and Unofficial Sites
Because immigration services are critical, there are many fraudulent websites and agencies that mimic official portals to steal personal information or overcharge for simple services.
Recognizing Fake K-ETA and Arrival Sites
Phishing sites often look nearly identical to the official K-ETA or e-Arrival Card websites. These sites often charge significantly higher fees than the official 10,000 KRW for K-ETA. To protect yourself, always ensure you are using www.k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA mobile app.
The “.go.kr” Rule
The most reliable way to verify a site is to look at the domain. Official Korean government websites end in .go.kr. If a site claiming to be an immigration portal ends in .com, .net, or .org, it is not an official government site and should be treated with caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do everything online via HiKorea?
Many tasks, such as residency reporting and status checks, are available online. However, some processes—such as the initial issuance of a physical Alien Registration Card or certain visa changes—still require a physical visit to an immigration office after making a reservation via HiKorea.
What happens if I report my address change after 14 days?
Reporting after the deadline is still required, but you will likely be subject to a fine. The exact amount depends on the length of the delay. You should report the change as soon as possible to minimize the penalty.
Is the 1345 center available 24/7?
While 1345 is the primary contact point, availability may vary by language. It is recommended to call during standard Korean business hours for the best chance of reaching a multilingual agent.
Practical Next Steps
- Bookmark the Portals: Save HiKorea and Korea Immigration Service in your browser.
- Verify Your Entry: If you are planning a trip, ensure you apply for K-ETA only through the official
.go.krsite. - Check Your Calendar: If you have recently moved, check if you are still within the 14-day window to report your address change via HiKorea.
- Save the Number: Add 1345 to your phone contacts as “Immigration Support” for quick access.
Official Sources
- K-ETA Official Portal
- Korea Immigration Service (Ministry of Justice)
- HiKorea Official Portal
- EasyLaw – Foreign Student Registration
- EasyLaw – Foreign Worker Registration