Seals and signatures
In Korea a registered seal (인감) carries the same legal weight as a signature.
Two options
- Registered seal — have a seal made, register it at the community centre, and obtain a seal certificate to submit when needed.
- Certified signature — register a signature instead of a seal and obtain a certificate of signature verification. No seal needs to be made.
You only need one of the two.
When it is needed
- Property contracts and registration
- Buying, selling and transferring a car
- Some financial transactions
- Powers of attorney
- Other important contracts
How to register
- Visit your local community service centre.
- Present your Alien Registration Card.
- To register a seal, bring the seal — they are made at seal shops.
- For certified signatures, register your signature.
- Obtain the certificate when needed. Identity verification is required.
Where to go
- Your local community service centre
- Gov24 www.gov.kr
- 1345 · 1577-1366 interpretation
Questions people ask
Can foreigners register a seal? Yes, with alien registration. Ask your community centre.
I lost my seal. Report a change or cancellation at the community centre immediately. Misuse by someone else causes serious harm.
Can I give my seal certificate to someone? Never hand it over lightly. With the certificate and the seal, contracts can be made without your knowledge. Give it only where genuinely needed, after confirming the purpose.
Is a signature alone enough? A certificate of signature verification serves the same purposes as a seal certificate.
Take care
Never leave your seal and seal certificate with anyone. Beware in particular of people who ask for your seal and certificate "to handle it for you". Loan guarantees or transfers of title can be arranged without your knowledge. If necessary, provide only a power of attorney stating the scope precisely.
Related
id-verification · certificate-issue · lease-contract · car-purchase
Source
Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Gov24 www.gov.kr / As of 2026-08