South KoreaHow do you write a holographic will?
South Korea does not recognize holographic wills. A valid will must be either a notarized will (with two witnesses and a notary) or a sealed will (signed and sealed by the testator and witnessed).
What the Law Says
South Korean law does not permit holographic (handwritten, unwitnessed, unnotarized) wills. Only two formal types of wills are recognized: notarized wills and sealed wills — both require strict procedural compliance.
Under the South Korean Civil Act, a will must meet specific formal requirements to be valid. A holographic will — written entirely in the testator’s handwriting, signed, but lacking witnesses or notarization — has no legal effect.
A notarized will requires the testator to declare the will before a notary public and two or more witnesses, all present at the same time. The notary records the will and certifies it.
A sealed will is written and signed by the testator, placed in a sealed envelope, and presented to a notary with two witnesses. The testator declares it is their will, and the notary records the date and identities of those present. The sealed will must be filed with the family court within 7 days of opening.
Statutory TextA will shall be made in one of the forms prescribed in this Section.
— Civil Act, Art. 1069 — Form of Wills
Statutory TextA notarized will shall be made in the presence of a notary public and at least two witnesses.
— Civil Act, Art. 1070 — Notarized Will
Statutory TextA sealed will shall be filed with the family court within seven days from the date on which it is opened.
— Civil Act, Art. 1075 — Filing of Sealed Will
What to Do
Consult a licensed notary public in South Korea to draft and execute a notarized will with two witnesses.
Alternatively, prepare a sealed will: write and sign it yourself, seal it, then present it before a notary and two witnesses who attest to your declaration.
File the sealed will with the competent family court within 7 days after it is opened.
Keep original documents secure and inform a trusted person of their location.
Consider seeking advice from a Korean-licensed attorney specializing in inheritance law.
Sources
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US-New YorkNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.