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Guide to Booking an Appointment at the Immigration Office in South Korea for Foreigners

Completing administrative procedures at the Immigration Office is a mandatory requirement for foreigners living, studying, and working in South Korea. Understanding the appointment booking regulations ensures that the process of extending residence, changing visa (비자) status, or applying for a residence card goes smoothly.

1. Reasons You Must Book an Appointment in Advance

The South Korean Immigration Office implements a advance reservation system to optimize workflow and minimize waiting times.

• Avoid application rejection: Immigration offices do not process applications directly for walk-ins without a prior appointment, except in certain emergencies under special regulations.
• Save time: Booking an appointment allows residents to proactively choose a suitable time slot, avoiding hours of waiting in line.
• Protect residence rights: Booking on time helps foreigners complete legal procedures before their visa (비자) expires, preventing fines for illegal overstay.

2. Mandatory Account Creation Requirement Starting in 2026

There has been an important change in the appointment booking method that residents need to keep in mind.

• Mandatory account required: Starting in 2026, the system no longer supports non-member (비회원) bookings using passport numbers (여권) as before. All individuals must create and use an official account on the HiKorea (하이코리아) website.
• Purpose of the change: This regulation aims to strengthen identity verification and prevent fake bookings or unannounced cancellations that affect others.
• Cancellation notice: Applicants can only cancel an appointment at least 1 day before the scheduled date. If absent without notice more than 3 times, the account will be restricted from making future reservations on the system.

3. Steps to Create an Account on the HiKorea (하이코리아) Portal

To register a new account on the HiKorea (하이코리아) system, users should follow these steps:

• Step 1: Access the HiKorea (하이코리아) portal website.
• Step 2: Select member registration (회원가입) for foreigners.
• Step 3: Proceed with identity verification.
  • For those who already have an Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증): Use your Alien Registration Number and verify identity via a mobile number registered in your name.
  • For those without an Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증): Verify using your passport (여권) number, nationality, and date of birth.
• Step 4: Fill in personal details, set up a username and password to complete the account creation process.

4. Identifying the Correct Immigration Office for Your Appointment

Selecting the wrong processing office will result in your application being rejected.

• Jurisdiction based on residential address: Foreigners must select the Immigration Office in charge of the area where their official residence is registered (based on a lease contract or confirmation of residence document).
• Exceptions: For newly arrived individuals who have not completed residence registration, the receiving location may be determined based on the location of the school or sponsoring company during initial procedures.
• Select the correct appointment purpose

외국인등록 (Foreign National Registration)
등록증재발급 (Reissuance of Foreigner Registration Card)
체류기간연장 (Extension of Stay Period)
체류자격외 활동허가 (Permission for Activities Outside Status of Sojourn)
체류지 변경 (Change of Residence Location)
등록사항변경(여권정보) (Change of Registered Details (Passport Information))

• Enter your mobile phone number in “Mobile Phone Number”. If you do not have one, leave it blank.
• Enter 4 digits in “Password”.
• “방문일자 (Appointment Date)” must be selected manually

5. Solutions When the System Is Fully Booked or Urgent Processing Is Needed

During peak periods, appointment slots at Immigration Offices often fill up very quickly. For foreigners facing language barriers or unable to find a suitable time slot, the Donuri (도누리) service provides effective support solutions:

• Appointment booking according to your preferences: The support team helps you book appointments on the exact date and time period convenient for you.
• Resolving HiKorea (하이코리아) account issues: Technical support for issues such as forgotten usernames, forgotten passwords, locked accounts, or errors verifying residence information.
• Administrative procedure consultation: Detailed guidance on the checklist of documents needed for visa (비자) extension, change of status of stay, and reporting changes in personal details.