Hi Korea Immigration Portal Guide (2026): Complete Guide for Foreigners
Hi Korea (hikorea.go.kr) is the official online portal operated by the Korea Immigration Service (Ministry of Justice). Foreigners can use it to apply for alien registration, extend their stay, change visa status, and handle many other immigration matters — often without visiting an immigration office in person.
Table of Contents
- 1. Creating an Account and Logging In
- 2. Available Online Services
- 3. How to Apply for Alien Registration
- 4. How to Extend Your Stay
- 5. How to Change Your Visa Status
- 6. How to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit
- 7. Immigration Office Locations Nationwide
- 8. Tips for Using Hi Korea Effectively
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- 10. Consultation
1. Creating an Account and Logging In {#section-1}
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | hikorea.go.kr |
| Languages | Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and more |
| Account eligibility | Foreign nationals with an alien registration number or passport/ARC verification |
| Login options | ID/password or Korean digital certificate (공동인증서) |
| Mobile access | Mobile web supported (no separate app) |
Registration steps:
- Go to hikorea.go.kr → click [Sign Up]
- Enter your alien registration number or passport information
- Complete identity verification (SMS or digital certificate)
- Set your ID and password to complete registration
2. Available Online Services {#section-2}
| Service | Online Available? |
|---|---|
| Alien registration (first time) | ✅ Yes (within 90 days of arrival) |
| Sojourn period extension | ✅ Yes |
| Visa status change | ✅ Yes (select categories) |
| Re-entry permit | ✅ Yes |
| Workplace change/addition report | ✅ Yes |
| ARC reissuance (lost/damaged) | ✅ Yes |
| Entry/exit record inquiry | ✅ Yes |
| Visa status verification | ✅ Yes |
| Certificate of visa issuance (for sponsors) | ✅ Yes |
| Naturalization / permanent residency | ❌ Office visit required |
| First-time ARC pickup | ⚠️ In-person visit required after online application |
3. How to Apply for Alien Registration {#section-3}
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to Hi Korea → [Apply] → [Alien Registration] |
| 2 | Enter personal details, passport info, and visa category |
| 3 | Upload required documents |
| 4 | Pay the application fee (credit card or bank transfer) |
| 5 | Check your application status |
| 6 | Pick up your ARC at the immigration office when notified |
Required documents:
- Passport original
- 1 photo (3.5×4.5 cm)
- Proof of stay reason (employment certificate, student ID, business registration, etc.)
- Fee: KRW 30,000
Alien registration must be completed within 90 days of arrival. Late applications may result in a fine.
4. How to Extend Your Stay {#section-4}
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log in → [Apply] → [Sojourn Period Extension] |
| 2 | Confirm your current visa category and expiry date |
| 3 | Upload extension documents |
| 4 | Pay the fee |
| 5 | Receive notification by SMS or email |
When to apply: Up to 4 months before your expiry date, and no later than the expiry date itself.
Fee: KRW 60,000–120,000 depending on visa category.
Staying beyond your expiry date without an extension constitutes illegal stay. Apply well before the deadline.
5. How to Change Your Visa Status {#section-5}
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log in → [Apply] → [Status Change] |
| 2 | Select your current category and desired new category |
| 3 | Attach required documents |
| 4 | Pay the fee |
| 5 | Wait for the review result (average 2–4 weeks) |
Notes:
- Not all status changes are available online — some require an in-person visit
- You may stay in Korea under your current status while the change is under review
- If denied, you can appeal or reapply with additional documentation
6. How to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit {#section-6}
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Foreigners who plan to travel abroad and return to Korea |
| Single re-entry | One departure and return |
| Multiple re-entry | Multiple trips within the validity period |
| Application method | Hi Korea online or immigration office in person |
| Fee | Single: KRW 30,000 / Multiple: KRW 50,000 |
F-5 (permanent resident) holders and certain F-4 holders may re-enter without a re-entry permit. Check the rules for your specific visa category.
7. Immigration Office Locations Nationwide {#section-7}
| Region | Office | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul | Seoul Immigration Office | 151 Mokdongdong-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul |
| Incheon | Incheon Immigration Office | 152-gil Yesul-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon |
| Suwon | Suwon Immigration Office | 241-gil Hyowon-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon |
| Busan | Busan Immigration Office | 60-gil Gahaksandan 1-ro, Gangseo-gu, Busan |
| Daegu | Daegu Immigration Office | 2310 Dalgubeol-daero, Suseong-gu, Daegu |
| Gwangju | Gwangju Immigration Office | 208-gil Cheomdan-gwagiro, Buk-gu, Gwangju |
| Daejeon | Daejeon Immigration Office | 78-gil Dunsan-jung-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon |
You can track your application status in real time via the [My Applications] section of Hi Korea.
8. Tips for Using Hi Korea Effectively {#section-8}
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-book appointments | Before visiting an immigration office, book online via Hi Korea |
| English interface | Select [English] in the top-right corner of the website |
| Register a digital certificate | ARC holders with a 공동인증서 (digital certificate) unlock more services |
| Enable SMS notifications | Enter your phone number when applying to receive status updates by text |
| Processing times | Average 5–15 business days after online application (varies by category) |
| Check your expiry date | After logging in, your current sojourn period appears on the main dashboard |
9. Frequently Asked Questions {#section-9}
Q. Can alien registration be fully completed online through Hi Korea? A. You can submit your application online, but you must visit an immigration office in person to pick up your ARC when it's ready.
Q. When can I start applying for a sojourn period extension? A. You can apply up to 4 months before your expiry date. Applying at least 1 month in advance is strongly recommended to avoid any gap in your legal status.
Q. Do I need an ARC to create a Hi Korea account? A. In some cases, passport verification is possible without an ARC. However, the range of available services will be more limited.
Q. Can I switch the Hi Korea portal to English? A. Yes — select your language from the dropdown in the top-right corner of the site. English, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese are available.
Q. What if my online application is rejected? A. Check the rejection reason in [My Applications], correct or supplement your documents, and reapply. For complex cases, consult an administrative specialist (행정사) for professional guidance.
10. Consultation {#section-10}
If you need expert help using Hi Korea, filing visa applications, or handling status changes, Vision Administrative Office is here to help.
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