Can I stay in Korea after divorce
Divorce does not automatically mean you must leave. If you are found not responsible for the breakdown of the marriage, there are paths to continue staying on F-6.
Who this covers
- Marriages broken by the spouse's violence, abandonment or infidelity
- People raising a child who is a Korean national
- People with divorce proceedings underway
Steps
- Get advice first. The Danuri Helpline 1577-1366 runs 24 hours in 13 languages.
- Gather evidence. Medical certificates, police reports, counselling records, photos, messages.
- Go through the divorce process. By agreement or through the court.
- Apply to immigration to change or extend your status, submitting the evidence about responsibility.
- Check the result. If refused, find out why and seek advice again.
What you need
- Passport, Alien Registration Card
- Divorce documents (judgment, confirmation of agreed divorce)
- Evidence that you are not responsible for the breakdown
- Family relation and custody documents if you are raising a child
Where to go
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (24 hours, 13 languages)
- 1345 Immigration Contact Center
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (free legal advice)
- 112 emergency · 1366 women's emergency line
- Your local Family Center (multicultural family support)
Questions people ask
My spouse says I will be deported if we divorce. That is not true. Your stay is decided by legal requirements and a review, not by your spouse.
What if I have no evidence? Counselling records, statements from neighbours or acquaintances and hospital records all count. Start keeping records now.
Can I get advice if I don't speak Korean? 1577-1366 provides interpretation in 13 languages. Speak in your own language.
Take care
If you are being hurt, call 112 — do not endure it. Reporting will not count against your stay. It is not legitimate for your spouse to keep your passport or ARC; tell a counselling service if that is happening.
Related
f6-visa-basics · f6-extension · f6-spouse-death
Source
Ministry of Justice HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr / Danuri www.liveinkorea.kr / As of 2026-08