Fingerprint and facial data registration
Fingerprints and facial data are registered during alien registration and immigration inspection.
When it happens
- At alien registration — at an immigration office.
- At immigration inspection — depending on age and residence status.
- When registering for automated immigration gates.
Who is covered and who is exempt depends on the rules. Check with 1345 or an immigration office.
What it is used for
- Identity verification, preventing impersonation.
- Simplified immigration inspection through automated gates.
- Residence-related administrative procedures.
Steps
- Fingerprints and facial data are captured on the spot when you apply for alien registration.
- To use automated immigration gates you may register separately — at airports or immigration offices.
- A new passport may require the data to be updated.
Where to go
- Your local immigration office
- HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr
- 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (20 languages)
- Airport automated immigration registration desks
Questions people ask
Can I refuse? Where you fall within the statutory scope, registration is needed for alien registration and entry to proceed. Ask 1345 about anything unclear.
My fingerprints won't scan. Dry hands or cuts can make recognition difficult. Tell the officer and they will retry or explain an alternative.
Do children register too? There are age thresholds. Give your child's age to 1345 and confirm.
How do I register for automated gates? Apply at a registration desk in an airport or immigration office. Confirm eligibility with 1345.
Take care
Attempting a procedure with someone else's ID or fingerprints is a serious crime. Never accept such an offer from a broker. It leads to cancellation of status and criminal prosecution.
Related
alien-registration-card · arc-for-children · immigration-1345
Source
Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08