Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA Reporter | South Korea introduces a newly designed Residence Card with imp-
roved usability for foreigners that will be applicable from April 1, 2023 said the ministry of Justice on Tuesday.
A new version includes all three types of cards such as 1) Alien Registration card, 2)Permanent residence card and 3) overseas Korean resident card.
A newly introduced residence card will hold a full-size color photo of the holder resized with 35% zoom
facility to make identification easier, while moving the photo to the left to the right that will omit gender “F” or “M”, can be distinguished by the alien registration number, to ensure consistency with the 7th digit "5" or "7"
for men, and "6" or "8" for women among the foreigner’s resident card.
In addition, the usability of the alien registration card has been increased by the *QR code* at the bottom
right of the card readable through a digital scanner. It will record the detailed information of the person such
as Alien registration number, name, gender, country/region, status of residence, date of issuance, etc.
A new alien registration card will be issued from April 1, 2023, while the previously issued alien registration
cards are valid until their expiration date. Therefore, there is no need to separately apply for a new alien
registration card. However, if someone wish to replace his/her alien registration card can pay 30,000 won to
get the new one.
The resident card exchange decision is made after the conversation with Ministers, National Newspaper
Report, Institutional improvement system, and open communication forum that expresses the necessity to
apply more secure and convenient technology. It is because the current Alien registration card since May 1,
2011 is holding black & white small size photo that creates difficulty to confirm the identity of the card holder.
“We will do our best to provide better quality immigration administrative services and will continue to discover and improve inconveniences of foreigners staying in South Korea.” said the Ministry of Justice.
