Did you know GYH can help with your outbound immigration needs?  We have a vast network of local counsel around the globe and offer consultations and representation for both global and U.S. immigration matters. Stay tuned for a series of guest blogs from our international local counsel network about immigration options in their home countries. 

Summary of the Korean Nationality Act – Nationalization & Reinstatement

By Guest Contributor, Sungsik Kang, Attorney, Kwak & Choe LLC

Foreign nationals who have never previously acquired Korean nationality can obtain Korean nationality with the permission of the Minister of Justice (Nationality Act, Article 4, Paragraph 1). This blog outlines the three types of naturalization available to foreign nationals and summarizes important details of the Korean Nationality Act.

I. Naturalization and Acquisition of Nationality

Naturalization: This is the process by which a foreign national applies to become a citizen, and the state grants them nationality. There are 3 types of nationalization : General naturalization, Simplified Naturalization and Special Naturalization.

II. Acquisition of Nationality through Reinstatement

Nationality reinstatement is only permitted for those who were previously Korean nationals but lost their nationality. Those who have caused harm to the country or society, or individuals who lost or renounced Korean nationality to evade military service are disqualified from regaining Korean nationality.

A complete summary of South Korean Nationality Law is below.

Summary of Korean Nationality ActDownload

Kwak & Choe LLC was established as KNC Law Firm on February 28, 2009 by attorney Kwak Kyung-jik.

With the addition of the team of Gongjon Law Firm, including Attorney Wan-Joo Choi (former Chief Justice of Seoul High Court), Attorney Hae-Hyeon Cho (former Chief Justice of Daejeon High Court), Attorney Jong-Min Jeon, and Attorney Chang- Hwan Lee, the firm was reorganized and reborn as KNC Law Firm on April 18, 2023.

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