The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official sources from the Ministry of Justice and the Korean government's Easy Law portal. Updated August 8, 2026.
To manage your residency in South Korea, you must know how to access official Korea Immigration Service and HiKorea portal websites. While both are government-operated, they serve different purposes: the Korea Immigration Service website provides general policy and visa guidance, while the HiKorea portal is the primary tool for administrative tasks such as visa extensions and appointment bookings. Using the correct portal ensures you are submitting legal documents to the right authority and avoids the risk of encountering fraudulent websites.
Which official portal should you use for your needs?
Depending on whether you are searching for general information or need to complete a specific legal application, you will use one of two primary domains. It is critical to verify that the URL ends in .go.kr, which indicates an official South Korean government website.
| Portal Name | Official URL | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Korea Immigration Service | immigration.go.kr | Policy information, K-ETA, and Visa Navigator tools. |
| HiKorea | hikorea.go.kr | Administrative services, visa extensions, and visit reservations. |
How to use the HiKorea portal for administrative tasks
HiKorea is the dedicated online hub for foreign residents already living in Korea or those preparing their stay. This portal is designed to reduce the need for physical visits to immigration offices by digitizing several key processes.
Managing visa and residency status
Foreign residents can use HiKorea to manage the following administrative requirements:
- Visa Extensions: Applying to extend the duration of your current stay.
- Status Changes: Requesting a change in your residency status (e.g., moving from a student visa to a work visa).
- Change of Information: Reporting changes to your address or other registered personal details.
Booking an online visit reservation
Many immigration offices in Korea do not accept walk-ins for certain services. To avoid being turned away, you must use the HiKorea portal to book a specific date and time for your visit. This reservation system is essential for ensuring that an officer is available to handle your specific documentation when you arrive.
How to navigate the Korea Immigration Service website
The Ministry of Justice Korea Immigration Service website acts as the primary informational gateway. It is often the first stop for people who have not yet entered Korea or those researching new policy changes.
Using the Visa Navigator and K-ETA
The site provides specialized tools to help travelers determine their entry requirements:
- Visa Navigator: A tool to help you find the specific visa category that matches your purpose of entry.
- K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): Information and access for those entering Korea under visa-waiver programs.
- Electronic Forms: Access to e-forms for visa applications to streamline the process.
Accessing general policies
For those needing to understand the legal framework of their stay, the website lists current policies and timelines of key news updates. This is the most reliable place to check for updated rules regarding entry and exit requirements.
Staying safe from phishing and fake websites
Because immigration documents involve sensitive personal data, fraudulent websites often attempt to mimic official portals. The Korean government has issued specific warnings regarding this risk.
Identifying fake e-Arrival cards
The Korea Immigration Service has explicitly warned users to beware of fake e-Arrival card websites. These phishing sites may look identical to official pages but are designed to steal personal information. Always ensure you are accessing these services through the official .go.kr domain.
Verifying official domains
Before entering your passport number or payment details, check the address bar. Official government portals in Korea will always use the .go.kr suffix. If a site uses .com, .net, or other extensions while claiming to be the official immigration office, it is likely a scam.
Getting direct help via the Immigration Contact Center
If you encounter technical issues while using the portals or have a complex question that the websites do not answer, the government provides a dedicated multilingual counseling service.
You can reach the Immigration Contact Center by using the following numbers:
- Inside Korea: Dial 1345.
- From Abroad: Dial +82-2-1345.
This center provides guidance on immigration procedures and can help you clarify which portal you need to use for a specific application.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to register as a foreign resident?
According to official guidelines, any foreign national intending to stay in Korea for more than 90 days must register with the head of the local immigration office having jurisdiction over their place of residence within 90 days of their entry date.
Can I apply for everything online?
While many applications and reservations are handled via HiKorea, some processes still require a physical visit for biometric data collection (such as fingerprints, face, and iris scans). Failure to provide this biometric information may result in the denial of stay extensions.
What should I do if I lose my Alien Registration Card (ARC)?
If you lose your registration card, you must apply for a re-issuance. Information on the required documents for this process can be found on the HiKorea portal.
Next steps for your immigration tasks
To ensure your residency status remains legal, follow these practical steps:
- Verify the URL: Bookmark hikorea.go.kr for tasks and immigration.go.kr for info.
- Check your deadline: If you are a new resident, ensure you register within 90 days of arrival.
- Book early: If you need to visit an office, use the HiKorea reservation system well in advance, as slots can fill up quickly.
- Call 1345: If you are unsure about which visa category applies to you, contact the Immigration Contact Center for multilingual support.
Detailed Requirements for Alien Registration
When preparing to register as a foreign resident, having the correct documentation ready is essential to avoid delays at the immigration office. In addition to the application form and your passport, you must provide the following:
- Passport-sized photograph: One recent photo measuring 3.5cm x 4.5cm.
- Proof of residence: Valid documentation verifying your current place of stay in Korea.
Special Documentation for Students
Foreign nationals entering on student visas have specific additional requirements based on their visa category:
- D-2 (Study) Visa: You must submit a certificate of enrollment from your educational institution and a health certificate.
- D-4 (General Training) Visa: This typically requires a certificate of enrollment and a health certificate. If the training is not at a university-affiliated language center, you may need to provide documentation regarding the establishment of the training institution.
Understanding Residence Card Options and Restrictions
While the physical Alien Registration Card (ARC) is the standard ID, there are modern alternatives and specific age-related rules to consider.
Mobile Residence Cards
The government now offers a Mobile Residence Card, which is an encrypted digital version of the ARC installed on a mobile device. This digital card maintains the same legal effect as the physical registration card.
Age Restrictions for Card Issuance
Foreign residents under the age of 17 may not be issued a physical registration card upon initial entry. These individuals are required to apply for their registration card within 90 days after they reach the age of 17.
The Importance of Biometric Data
As part of the registration process, the Ministry of Justice collects biometric information, including fingerprints, facial images, iris scans, and palm vein patterns. It is critical to comply with this request, as refusing to provide biometric data may lead the immigration office to deny permits, including applications for the extension of your stay.
Official sources
- Korea Immigration Service (Ministry of Justice)
- Easy Law – Foreign Student Registration and Change Notification