Are you a new Korean citizen looking to adopt a Korean name? This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing your name to legally changing it. Let's dive in!
Choosing Your Korean Name: More Than Just Picking Words
Selecting
a Korean name isn't as simple as choosing words you like. Here's why:
- Korean names are derived from Chinese characters with deep meanings
- Names can influence various aspects of life in Korean culture
- Professional naming services are popular due to the complexity
Why Use a Korean Naming Service?
Many
Koreans opt for professional naming services because:
- Names should be easy to pronounce
- They must follow the law of the five elements (based on birth date, time, and "destiny")
- Names should be meaningful and suit personal preferences
- Professional services ensure all these criteria are met
Finding a Naming Service
To
locate a reputable naming service:
- Search for "작명소"
(naming service) on Google
- Use Naver Maps to find offline services
- Expect to pay up to 300,000 won per consultation
The naming service will provide:
- Your name in Chinese and Korean characters
- The name's meaning
- An assessment based on the five elements
Keep
this document for the legal name change process.
Legal Name Change Process: Step-by-Step Guide
To officially change your name to a Korean name, you must go through a legal process at your local court (지방법원). Here’s what you need:
Required Documents:
- Resident
Registration Certificate (주민등록등본): 2
copies
- Detailed
Family Relations Certificate (가족관계증명서 (상제)): 2 copies
- Detailed
Basic Certificate (기본증명서 (상제)): 2 copies
- Personal
Seal (개인도장)
The
reason for needing two copies of each document is because the surname
declaration and name change are separate processes, requiring two applications
and sets of documents.
Fees:
- Delivery
Fee (송달료):
30,600 won (2020) x 2
- Stamp
Fee (인지료): 1,000
won (2020) x 2
- Total:
Approximately 64,000 won
Additional Documents for Marriage-based Citizenship:
- Marriage
Certificate (혼인증명서): 1
copy
- Seal,
Seal Certificate, and ID Card of Korean Spouse
Steps for Name Change:
- Choose
Chinese Characters: When selecting a Korean name, write it in Chinese
characters. The court staff will provide a table of corresponding Chinese
characters for you to choose from and will paste the chosen characters
onto the form.
- Surname
and 본 Declaration: The 본 (place of origin) should be familiar to you. You
can see a list of Chinese 본 at the court.
- Fill
Out Name Change Form: Only fill in your first name (이름) on the form. For example, if your name is 도장미, only fill in 장미.
Tips:
- Address
for Document Delivery: Use an address where you will be available during
working hours, as deliveries are typically made during this time.
- Court
Appointment: The court will notify you of the processing time,
which can range from one to three months, depending on the area. Once your
new name is approved, you will receive a text message notification.
- Register
New Name: Go to the 구청 or 군청 office to declare your new name, then proceed to
the 동.읍.면 주민센터 to
apply for a new ID card.
By following this guide, you'll successfully navigate the process of adopting a Korean name after obtaining citizenship. Remember, a well-chosen Korean name can be an important part of your new identity in Korea!