Citizenship and civic attitude

The Nationality Act sets out how Korean nationality is acquired and lost, including the requirements and procedures for naturalization.

Naturalization is finally approved by the Minister of Justice. The interview and screening are also administered under the Ministry of Justice.

The certificate of nationality is given to those granted naturalization, certifying that they have become Korean nationals.

At the conferment ceremony, new nationals take the national oath and receive the certificate of nationality.

Before receiving the certificate, you take the national oath, pledging to observe the Constitution and laws and fulfill your duties as a Korean national.

Those allowed to keep multiple nationality make this pledge instead of renouncing their foreign nationality, promising not to use it within Korea.

The community service center of your neighborhood (eup/myeon/dong) handles resident registration and the issuance of your resident registration card.

• 주민등록증을 잃어버렸을 때 재발급을 신청하는 곳은 어디입니까?Where do you apply for reissuance when you lose your resident registration card?

Passports are issued by local governments — the passport desk at a city hall (si), county office (gun), or district office (gu).

A name change requires court permission. You apply to the family court that covers your registered address.

Under the Civil Act, adulthood begins at the full age of 19. From then on, one can make contracts independently.

Marriage is legally possible from the full age of 18. A minor needs parental consent to marry.

A birth must in principle be reported within one month. Late reporting can incur a fine for negligence.

• 사망신고는 원칙적으로 사망 사실을 안 날부터 얼마 이내에 해야 합니까?In principle, within how long from the day you learn of a death must the death be registered?

When you move, report the new address within 14 days at the community service center or online; being late can incur a fine.

On the interview day you must present the alien registration card to verify your identity. Without it, you may not be able to take the interview.

Lateness or absence is treated as a fail and uses up one of your two chances, so arrive at the venue with time to spare.

It is an official screening, so wear neat and modest clothing. A tidy appearance also shows a sincere attitude toward the interview.

If you did not catch the question, politely ask them to repeat it. Asking again is not a deduction — answering a different question is the real problem.

Answering falsely can hurt your credibility. Honestly saying you do not know and doing your best on the next question is better.

KIIP is a Ministry of Justice program teaching Korean and Korean society. Completing it gives benefits in naturalization, such as exemption from the written test.

You get two chances in total. If you fail or miss the first interview, one more chance is given; failing both can lead to denial of the application.

• 귀화 면접에서 불참이나 불합격을 포함해 주어지는 면접 기회는 몇 번입니까?Including absences and failures, how many interview chances are given in the naturalization interview?

HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) is the government's immigration portal, where notices and study materials for the naturalization interview are posted.

• 귀화 면접 문제 견본과 관련 정보를 찾을 수 있는 공식 포털은 무엇입니까?What is the official portal where you can find sample naturalization interview questions and related information?

Dokdo is Korean territory historically, geographically, and under international law. The right attitude as a national is to explain the facts calmly and correctly.

Democracy is built on the coexistence of different opinions. Respecting other views while making your own case is the citizen's attitude.

• 다수결로 결정된 뒤에도 소수의 의견을 어떻게 해야 합니까?Even after a decision is made by majority vote, how should minority opinions be treated?

Bribery is a crime. The right response is to refuse firmly and report it to the police or the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission.

The Constitution guarantees equality. Discrimination on grounds such as gender, nationality, or religion is not allowed.

Public facilities belong to everyone. Using them carefully and following the rules lets the next person use them comfortably too.

Voting is the most basic way to take part in politics. Casting your one vote is how a citizen exercises sovereignty.

Paying taxes is a constitutional duty of nationals. Taxes fund public services such as roads, schools, and welfare.

National defense is a constitutional duty. When the country is in danger, nationals should cooperate in defending it.

Keeping it can be a crime (embezzlement of lost property). Hand it in at a police station or patrol post so the owner can get it back.