Applying for refugee status after you enter Korea
In Korea, the Korean Immigration Service of the Ministry of Justice has the full authority in receiving, considering and deciding all refugee applications. All refugee applications are made through the local immigration office, not UNHCR.
You need to go to a local immigration office in person to apply for refugee status in Korea. You can find contact information and address of the immigration offices here.
An Application form for Refugee Status Recognition is available at a local immigration office or here.
Applying for refugee status at airports
When you express your intention to apply for refugee status at the time of immigration inspection, you will receive a written Application for Refugee Status Recognition. If you apply for refugee status at the port of entry, you must go through a pre-screening assessment. This will decide if your application will be referred to the refugee status determination procedure within 7 days.
If your application is NOT referred to the refugee status determination procedure, you may be able to file an administrative lawsuit (appeal) to a Korean court. If you have questions about the appeal procedures, please contact UNHCR or one of the legal-aid organisations for help.
