Public Service
Definition of ”Refugee”
“Refugees” are stateless persons who cannot or do not want to receive national protection due to fear, for which sufficient grounds exist, that oppression would occur due to their status as a member of an ethnicity, religion, nationality or certain social group or due to their political opinions, or stateless persons who cannot return to the country of residence (“country of residence”) prior to entering the Republic of Korea due to fear of oppression (Article 2 (1) of the Refugee Act).
Application for recognition of refugee status
Where to apply
- Stateless persons in Korea must apply to the chief of the immigration office or branch or Immigration Processing Center.
- Stateless persons entering or landing in Korea must apply to the chief of the immigration office at the port of entry and departure or branch in the jurisdiction.
When to apply
- Foreigners who have entered or landed in the Republic of Korea can apply for recognition of refugee status regardless of their period of residence since entry or landing.
- The application form for recognition of refugee status at the port of entry and departure must be submitted during the immigration process.
Documents to be submitted
- Application Form for Recognition of Refugee Status
- Passport (provided, a “Statement of Reason” may replace the passport in the event the applicant does not have his or her passport or other documents due to unavoidable reasons, such as escaping imminent threat to life or body)
Documents that provide evidence that the applicant needs refugee status in Korea.
- One (1) color photo of applicant (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm)
