Losing your passport abroad feels like a disaster — but in Korea it’s a well-worn, fixable process. Stay calm and work through it in order.
The short path: file a police report → get a replacement at your embassy → re-register the new passport with Korean immigration within 15 days.
This guide is for foreign English teachers in Korea, from OK Recruiting, a Korea-based recruiter (since 2006). General information, current as of 2026 — always confirm details with your embassy and immigration office.
Do This, In Order
-
Report the loss to the police
Go to the nearest police station (경찰서) or substation (파출소) and report the lost passport. Ask for the report document — some embassies want it before they’ll issue a replacement.
-
Get a replacement at your embassy
Take the police report and any ID you still have to your country’s embassy or consulate in Korea. Depending on your situation they’ll issue a new passport or a faster emergency travel document. Bring passport photos and be ready to pay a fee — check your embassy’s page (directory below) for exact requirements and appointment rules.
-
Re-register with Korean immigration — within 15 days
This is the step teachers forget. Once your passport number changes, you must update your immigration record. You can do it in person at your local immigration office or online through HiKorea. Bring your ARC (Alien Registration Card).
15daysUnder Korea’s Immigration Act, a registered foreigner must report a change of passport (new number, issue date, or expiry) within 15 days. In-person applications are processed on the spot; HiKorea online applications take about three days. Miss the deadline and you risk a fine of up to ₩1,000,000. -
Tell your school and update your records
Let your employer know so your records match, and update your passport number anywhere it’s on file (bank, phone contract). Your ARC itself stays valid — only the passport it’s linked to changed.
Embassy & Consulate Directory
Passport replacement is handled by your government, not Korea’s. Find your embassy’s lost-passport page below for its exact process, photo specs, fees, and whether you need an appointment.
| Your country | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Australia | Australian Embassy Seoul — consular services |
| Canada | Embassy of Canada to Korea |
| Ireland | Embassy of Ireland — passports |
| New Zealand | NZ Passports — lost or stolen |
| South Africa | South African Embassy Seoul — consular |
| United Kingdom | British Embassy Seoul |
| United States | US Embassy — lost/stolen/damaged passport |
Prevention pays off: keep a photo of your passport’s ID page in your phone and a printed copy somewhere separate. Replacement is much faster when you can show your passport number and details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the first thing to do if I lose my passport in Korea?
File a report at the nearest police station, then contact your embassy or consulate to apply for a replacement. Keep the police report — some embassies require it before issuing a new passport or emergency travel document.
Do I have to tell Korean immigration if I get a new passport?
Yes. Under Korea’s Immigration Act, a registered foreigner must report a change of passport (new number, issue date, or expiry) within 15 days, either in person at the local immigration office or online via HiKorea. Bring your ARC. Missing the deadline risks a fine of up to ₩1,000,000.
Is my ARC still valid if my passport number changes?
Yes. Your Alien Registration Card remains valid — but you must update immigration with your new passport details within 15 days so their records match.
Can I report the passport change online?
Yes. You can file the change through HiKorea’s e-application, which is processed in about three days, or in person at your immigration office, which is handled immediately.
What documents do I need at immigration to update my passport?
The change-of-registration application form, your new passport, and your ARC. Your local immigration office can confirm anything specific to your case.
How long does a replacement passport take?
It depends on your embassy. A full replacement passport can take one to a few weeks, while an emergency travel document for urgent travel is usually much faster. Check your embassy’s page for current timelines.
Source: the 15-day reporting rule and fine are set by Korea’s Immigration Act (change of registration for a passport change); see gov.kr and Korea’s Easy Law portal. As of 2026.
Disclaimer: Embassy and immigration procedures change; this guide is general information current as of 2026. Confirm the exact steps with your embassy and your local Korean immigration office.
