Korea Embassy Legalization: A Complete Guide

The Korea embassy legalization process is essential for foreign investors, employees, students, and others who plan to study or work in Korea. Due to various documents and regulations involved, this process can often seem complex.

Why do you need Korea embassy legalization?

Korea embassy legalization is a process in which the Korean embassy or consulate verifies the authenticity of official titles, signatures, and seals on your documents. This is particularly important for countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Since Vietnam is not a member of the Apostille Convention, this legalization is required for documents used between the two countries. Consular legalization is typically required for:

1. • Vietnamese documents to be used in Korea
2. • Korean documents to be used in Vietnam

Legalization is a mandatory step for work, business, travel, and study purposes in Korea. Common documents requiring legalization include:

1. • Birth certificates
2. • Passports
3. • Marriage certificates
4. • Degrees and diplomas
5. • Academic transcripts
6. • Household registration books
7. • Police checks
8. • Import and export licenses
9. • Business registration certificates
10. • Patent certificates
11. • Certificates of origin (CO) and Certificates of quality (CQ)
12. And others.

Where to find Korea embassy legalization services?

In Vietnam, you can submit documents for Korea embassy legalization at the following addresses:

In Hanoi

The Korean embassy:

1. • Address: SQ4 Diplomatic Complex, Do Nhuan Street, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi.
2. • Application hours: Monday to Friday:
   • ◦ Morning: 9:00 AM – 1, Ho Chi Minh City.2:00 AM
   • ◦ Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

In Ho Chi Minh City

The Korean Consulate General:

1. • Address: 107 Nguyen Du Street, District 1
2. • Application hours: Monday to Friday:
   • ◦ Morning: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
   • ◦ Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 17:30 PM

In Danang City

The Korean Consulate General:

1. • Address: 3rd-4th Floor, Chuong Duong Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang.
2. Application hours: Monday to Friday:
   • ◦ Morning: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
   • ◦ Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

How to get the purple stamp from the Korean embassy?

To obtain the “purple stamp” of the Korean embassy, you’ll need to complete the consular legalization process at a diplomatic mission.

This distinctive purple consular authentication stamp is unique to Korea. That’s why it’s commonly referred to as the “purple stamp.”

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare to get the Korean consular authentication seal:

1. • Consular legalization request form
2. • The original documents for the purple stamp
3. • Identity card or passport

Additional requirements for documents from Vietnam and other countries:

1. • Notarized Korean or English translations of the documents
2. • Consular authentication from the country issuing the original documents

Note: If someone is submitting your application on your behalf, you must prepare a power of attorney (using the form provided by the Korean embassy) and a copy of the authorized person’s ID card.

If the applicant is a family member, they only need to present documents proving the family relationship.

Korean embassy legalization procedure

The legalization process differs depending on whether your documents are issued in Korea or other countries, for example, Vietnam.

For Korean documents

1. • Step 1: Prepare the consular legalization request form and all the documents to be legalized.
2. • Step 2: Get your documents legalized at either the Korean Embassy or the Korean Consulate General in Vietnam.
3. • Step 3: Get your documents translated into Vietnamese or English.
4. • Step 4: Bring the original documents and the translations, along with any other relevant documents to the Consular Department – Department of External Relations in Vietnam for consular legalization.

For Vietnamese documents

1. • Step 1: Prepare the consular legalization request form and all the documents to be legalized.
2. • Step 2: Obtain the consular authentication stamp at the Consular Department – Department of External Relations in Vietnam. You can submit your application either in person or through a courier.
3. • Step 3: Get your documents translated into Korean or English.
4. • Step 4: Bring the original documents and the translations, along with any relevant documents to the Korean Embassy – Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam.

How to get Korea embassy legalization in Korea

The process to get embassy legalization in Korea depends on whether your documents are in Korean or another language, for example, Vietnamese:

For Korean documents

1. • Step 1: Prepare the consular legalization request form and all the documents to be legalized.
2. • Step 2: Get your documents legalized at the Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. • Step 3: Get your documents translated into Vietnamese or English.
4. • Step 4: Submit the original documents, the translations, any relevant documents to the Vietnam embassy in Korea.

For Vietnamese documents

1. • Step 1: Prepare the consular legalization request form and all the documents to be legalized.
2. • Step 2: Schedule an appointment with the Vietnam embassy in Korea.
3. • Step 3: Get your documents translated into Korean or English.
4. • Step 4: Bring the original documents, the translations, along with any relevant documents to the Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Frequently asked questions about Korea embassy legalization

Got questions about getting Korea embassy legalization for your documents? Here are some common ones, answered by Thao & Co.

Do I need to legalize my Korean driver’s license for use in Vietnam?

Yes, you do. Under Vietnamese law, this process is mandatory to ensure your Korean driver’s license is legally recognized in Vietnam (with some exceptions).

In addition, you will also need to convert your foreign driver’s license to the Vietnamese equivalent, which allows you to drive in Vietnam. Here’s how to do it!

How much does Korea embassy legalization cost?

The total cost includes:

1. • Stamp fee: 500 KRW per stamp
2. • Consular authentication fee: 2,684 KRW per copy per instance
3. • Fee for consular legalization at the Vietnam embassy in Korea: 13,421 KRW per copy per instance
4. • Fee for consular legalization in Vietnamese diplomatic missions: 30,000 VND per copy per instance

Remember, you might also need to factor in the cost of notarized translation services. This cost can vary depending on the translation agency.

Is translation required for Korea embassy legalization?

Yes. All documents must be translated into Korean, English, or another language, depending on the destination country’s requirements.

The translation must be accurate, retain the original format, and be notarized by a recognized authority.

Trusted Korea embassy legalization services

If you’re short on time or unsure about the process to get Korea embassy legalization for your documents, Thao & Co. can help.

Thao & Co. offers comprehensive consular legalization services, including:

1. • Expert guidance: We assist you in completing your consular legalization application.
2. • Flawless translations: Our expert linguists deliver high-quality notarized translations.
3. • Dedicated support: We handle all the necessary paperwork.
4. • On-time delivery: We commit to delivering the final work on time, every time.

Why choose Thao & Co.?

1. • Experienced linguists with deep knowledge of Korean, English, and legal terminology
2. • Professional and dedicated staff, always up-to-date on the latest regulations
3. • A streamlined workflow to meet tight deadlines
4. • Competitive pricing with transparent quotes – no hidden fees, ever
5. • Secure storage of your confidential information
6. • Our proprietary platform for quick updates and file transfers

Thao & Co. is here to help your get Korea embassy legalization for your documents.

Got more questions? Contact Thao & Co. today through our Get A Quote form. Our consultants are ready to assist you.