The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official sources from the Ministry of Justice and municipal government portals. Updated August 12, 2026.
To manage your legal status and administrative requirements in South Korea, you need to know how to use HiKorea website for foreign residents in Korea. HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) is the official e-government portal managed by the Ministry of Justice and other government bodies, designed to centralize immigration, residence, and labor services. By using this portal, you can complete several administrative tasks online—such as extending your visa or reporting changes in your employment—without needing to visit an immigration office in person for every step. For those tasks that still require a physical appearance, the website provides a mandatory reservation system to ensure organized processing.
What services are available on HiKorea?
HiKorea serves as a digital hub for various immigration and residence procedures. Rather than visiting different government offices, foreign residents can access a wide array of e-services to maintain their legal standing in the country.
Online Administrative Applications
The portal allows users to submit applications electronically, reducing the need for physical paperwork and travel. Key available services include:
- Visa Extensions: Applying to extend your current period of stay.
- Reporting Changes: Notifying the government of changes in your place of residence or your employment status.
- Re-entry Permits: Applying for permits to leave and re-enter the country without losing your residence status.
- Alien Registration: Initiating or managing your registration as a foreign resident.
Information and Verification Tools
Beyond applications, the site provides critical information and verification services. Users can find details on visa categories and use verification tools for residence cards. For specific administrative certificates, users should note that while HiKorea handles immigration, some general civil certificates may require the use of the separate Gov.kr portal.
How to register and access online services?
While some informational pages are open to the public, the core administrative functions are restricted to registered users. To utilize the full capacity of the portal, you must follow a specific registration process.
Creating a Membership Account
Access to the E-Application and the Visit Reservation features requires a registered membership. You must create an account using the website’s registration portal. This account links your digital identity to your immigration records, allowing the Ministry of Justice to track your applications and notifications.
Navigating Language Options
To make the system accessible to a global population, the HiKorea website is available in four primary languages:
- English
- Korean
- Chinese
- Japanese
Users are encouraged to select their preferred language from the top menu to ensure they understand the legal requirements and instructions for each application.
How to book an appointment at an immigration office?
Despite the increase in online services, some procedures still require a face-to-face meeting with an immigration officer. To prevent long wait times and overcrowding, the Korea Immigration Service requires residents to book their visits in advance.
The Visit Reservation System
The “Visit Reservation” feature is one of the most used tools on the site. Instead of walking into an office and waiting in a queue, you can select a specific date and time slot at your local immigration office. This system is mandatory for many types of civil petitions.
Steps for Booking a Visit
- Log in to your registered HiKorea account.
- Navigate to the Visit Reservation section.
- Select the immigration office that has jurisdiction over your current place of residence.
- Choose an available date and time from the calendar.
- Confirm the reservation and save the confirmation details for your visit.
Where to get help if you encounter problems?
Navigating government websites can be complex, especially when dealing with legal deadlines and specific document requirements. There are official support channels available to help you resolve issues.
The 1345 Immigration Contact Center
For immediate assistance, the 1345 Immigration Contact Center provides multilingual support. This service is designed to answer inquiries regarding immigration procedures, visa requirements, and general life in Korea.
It is important to note the operational constraints of this service:
- Availability: The center operates on weekday working hours.
- Hours: 09:00 to 18:00.
Comparing HiKorea and Korea Immigration Service Portal
While both are government-operated, they serve slightly different primary purposes. The following table clarifies their general roles:
| Feature | HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) | Korea Immigration Service (immigration.go.kr) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Administrative tasks and e-applications for residents. | General visa information, K-ETA, and policy updates. |
| Key Tool | Visit Reservation & E-Application. | Visa Navigator & Smart Entry Service. |
| Requirement | Membership required for most services. | Many information pages are public. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need an account to use HiKorea?
No, you can browse general information and guides without an account. However, if you intend to apply for a visa extension, report a change of address, or book an appointment at an immigration office, a membership account is required.
Can I use HiKorea for all government certificates?
HiKorea is specifically for immigration and residence-related tasks. For other general government certificates or public administration services, you may need to use the Gov.kr portal.
What should I do if 1345 is unavailable?
Since the 1345 center only operates on weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00, you should use the HiKorea website’s FAQ and information sections for urgent queries outside of these hours. For non-urgent matters, prepare your questions and call during the next business day.
Next steps for foreign residents
To ensure your stay in Korea remains legal and stress-free, take these practical steps immediately:
- Visit HiKorea and create a membership account if you have not already done so.
- Check the expiration date of your current visa or residence card and set a reminder to apply for an extension via the E-Application system well in advance.
- If you have recently moved or changed jobs, use the portal to report these changes to avoid potential fines or legal issues.
- Save the 1345 contact number in your phone for quick access to multilingual immigration support.
Digital Upgrades for Residence Card Management
The Korea Immigration Service has introduced several digital enhancements to streamline how foreign residents verify their identity and manage their legal status. One significant update is the Mobile Residence Card, which provides a digital alternative to the physical card, increasing accessibility for daily verification.
Furthermore, the Residence Card Verification Service has been expanded to include the non-banking sector. Previously limited primarily to financial institutions, this expansion allows registered residents to use their residence cards for identification across a broader range of services, simplifying the process of proving legal residency in various professional and commercial settings.
Modernizing Authentication: Personal Signature Verification
For administrative tasks that traditionally required a formal personal seal (dojang), the government now offers the Personal Signature Verification System for foreign nationals. This system is designed to modernize legal authentication by allowing residents to use a verified personal signature.
- Legal Equivalence: A verified signature now carries the same legal effect as a personal seal certificate.
- Practical Benefit: This removes the necessity for foreign residents to procure or maintain a physical seal for many official administrative procedures.
Security Alerts and Official Entry Tools
When navigating online portals, residents must remain vigilant against cybersecurity threats. The Korea Immigration Service has issued warnings regarding fake e-Arrival Card websites. These phishing sites mimic official government interfaces to steal personal information. Always ensure you are using the official hikorea.go.kr or immigration.go.kr domains to avoid fraud.
Distinguishing Entry Services
It is also practical to distinguish between the various digital entry tools provided by the government:
- K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): Used primarily for entry authorization before arriving in South Korea.
- HiKorea Portal: Used for ongoing administrative maintenance, such as visa extensions and residence reporting, once the resident is already established in the country.
Official sources
- Goesan-gun: e-Government for Foreigners Guide
- Korea Immigration Service Official Portal
- Daegu Metropolitan City: Foreigner Services