How do I get a criminal record check or apostille for Korean paperwork?

Get the document from the issuing authority (usually in your home country) and have it authenticated in that same country: an apostille if it's an Apostille Convention member, or consular confirmation by the Korean embassy or consulate there if not. What to do 1. Ask the office handling your case (immigration, employer, school or license test site) which documents need authentication, how recent they must be and whether you need a Korean translation. 2. Request the criminal record check from your home country's official authority, following its process. 3. Have it apostilled, or consular-confirmed, in the issuing country before you submit it. 4. Keep the apostille attached as issued. KoROAD, for example, may ask for more documents or refuse one that shows signs of separation. Good to know • Translations and notarization may also be requested during a visa or status review. • Need a Korean document for use abroad? Korean public documents, including police criminal record reports, are apostilled through Korea's apostille service (link below). Official sources • Seoul Foreigner Portal FAQ (apostille example): https://global.seoul.go.kr/hmpg/sinf/cnew/faqu/bordContDetail.do?mode=W&bbs_no=13&pst_no=184BABEBE2470024E063C0A8A02372BF&lang=en • KoROAD – Exchange of Foreign Driver's License (English): https://www.safedriving.or.kr/enGuide/selectEnGuide22.do • Apostille and consular confirmation service (Korea): https://www.apostille.go.kr/index.do This is general information, not legal advice. Your case may differ, so ask 1345 or HiKorea if unsure. Checked by the Verihood team on October 3, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you act.