On January 1st, 2023, an amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act came into effect in Korea, whereby the Alien Registration Card holders between the ages of 7 and 16 are now able to register for the Smart Entry Service (SeS). Previously, only those aged 17 or older were elegible to register for the SeS.
The SeS is an automated border control system aimed at facilitating the entry and exit of the Korean nationals as well as foreign residents in Korea. This amendment has been implemented to improve the convenience of the long-term foreign residents in Korea who travel with minor children.
Those eligible foreign residents in Korea can visit one of the 19 designated registration centers to register in advance before using the SeS. It should be noted that children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian during the registration process.
We welcome any inquiries or comments that you may have regarding this new change.