Short answer: For documents issued in Korea, you apostille them through Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) — either online through the e-Apostille portal for eligible documents, or in person at the MOFA Consular Service counter in Seoul. Processing is usually fast, often 2–3 business days, sometimes same-day. Fees are small and charged per document.
This guide covers documents issued in Korea. If you’re an Indian in Korea trying to get an Indian-issued document (marriage certificate, degree, family relationship certificate) recognized in Korea, that goes through India’s MEA, not Korean MOFA — see our apostille process in India guide instead.
Step 1 — Know which authority handles your document
- Documents issued by Korean government agencies or hospitals (birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal background checks, business registration): apostilled by MOFA.
- Private documents, including private-university academic records: usually need notarization by a lawyer/notary first, then MOFA apostille confirmation — see our Korean degree apostille guide for the full walkthrough.
- Some documents go through the Ministry of Justice instead of MOFA, depending on the document type — check with the issuing office if unsure.
Step 2 — Get the underlying document ready
Before applying for the apostille:
- Obtain the original document from the issuing agency (registrar, hospital, police station, etc.).
- If it’s a private document (e.g., from a private university), get it notarized by a licensed Korean notary first.
Step 3 — Apply for the apostille — online or in person
Online (e-Apostille): Korea offers an online apostille service for certain document types — mainly ones tied to a Korean digital certificate (공동인증서), such as criminal background checks obtained through the police portal. If your document qualifies, you can request the document and the apostille in the same online session.
In person: For documents not eligible online, visit the MOFA Consular Service counter:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic Center Building, 2nd Floor
2558 Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Bring the original document, your ID, and complete the apostille request form at the counter.
By power of attorney: If you can’t go in person (including if you’re outside Korea), you can authorize someone in Korea to apply on your behalf, or use a professional apostille service that handles it for you and couriers the result internationally.
If neither online nor in-person works for you: it’s reasonable to hand the whole errand over to an apostille agency based in Seoul instead of forcing either option yourself — common if you’re out of the country, short on time, or your document type isn’t eligible for the online service. Agencies typically charge a service fee on top of the government fee, roughly around ₩10,000 per certificate, for handling the counter visit and paperwork on your behalf. Always ask upfront whether their quote already includes the government apostille fee or is only their handling fee.
Step 4 — Pay the fee
| Document type | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| Criminal background check apostille | ₩1,000 stamp fee (historical figure) |
| Other document types | Varies by type/service level |
| Agency handling fee (optional, on top of government fee) | ₩10,000 per certificate |
Because fees are periodically updated, confirm the current amount on MOFA’s official apostille portal (apostille.go.kr) before you go, rather than relying on older published figures.
Step 5 — Processing time
Standard processing is typically 2–3 business days, with same-day service sometimes available for straightforward documents at the counter. Online e-Apostille requests for eligible documents can be faster. Build in extra time if you’re mailing documents internationally afterward.
Step 6 — Receive your apostilled document
You can pick it up in person, or arrange courier delivery (DHL or similar) if you used a proxy or remote service — useful if you’re applying from outside Korea.
FAQ
Can I just hand my document to an agency in Seoul instead of doing it myself? Yes — a common and reasonable option if you can’t manage the online or in-person process yourself, especially from outside Korea. Agencies typically charge a service fee of roughly ₩10,000 per certificate on top of the government apostille fee. Confirm whether their quote includes the government fee or is separate.
Can I apostille a Korean document without visiting Korea? Yes — by giving power of attorney to someone in Korea, or by using a professional apostille service that handles the counter visit and couriers the apostilled original to you.
How much does an apostille cost in South Korea in 2026? It varies by document type and is charged per document; some categories carry only a small stamp fee. Always check the current fee on the official MOFA apostille portal (apostille.go.kr).
How long does it take to get an apostille in Korea? Most standard requests are completed in 2–3 business days, with same-day service sometimes possible.
Is an apostille the same as a translation? No. An apostille only certifies that a signature, seal, or notarization is genuine — it does not translate the document. See our certified translation guide if you need the document in another language.
Do all Korean documents need to go through MOFA? Most do, but some private documents require notarization first, and some categories are handled by the Ministry of Justice instead. See our Korean degree apostille guide for a worked example.
Next steps with VerifiedApostille
Need the reverse — an Indian document apostilled while you’re based in South Korea?
- Apostille Process in India — Meaning, Process & MEA Certificate Guide
- Personal Document Apostille — Birth, Marriage, PCC & Affidavits
- Degree Certificate Apostille
We apostille Indian documents remotely from a scan and courier the original worldwide, including to South Korea. Message us on Contact for a route, price, and ETA.
