South KoreaI lost my passport while traveling.
If you lose your passport while traveling abroad, contact the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate immediately to apply for a replacement or emergency travel document.
What the Law Says
South Korean law governs passport loss and reissuance through the Passport Act and its enforcement decree. These statutes outline procedures, fees, and eligibility for replacement passports issued abroad.
Under South Korean law, a lost or stolen passport is automatically invalidated upon reporting. You must report the loss to both local authorities (in the host country) and the nearest South Korean diplomatic mission.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is authorized to issue emergency travel documents or temporary passports to citizens abroad who have lost their passports, provided identity can be verified.
Fees for reissuing a passport abroad are set by the Enforcement Decree of the Passport Act and vary depending on urgency and type of document issued.
Statutory TextWhen a passport is lost, damaged, or stolen, the holder shall promptly notify the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the head of a diplomatic mission or consular office.
— Passport Act, s. 12 — Reporting of Loss or Damage
Statutory TextThe Minister of Foreign Affairs may issue an emergency travel certificate to a Korean national abroad who has lost or had their passport stolen, when necessary for return to the Republic of Korea or for urgent travel.
— Enforcement Decree of the Passport Act, s. 10 — Emergency Travel Certificate
What to Do
Report the loss to local police and obtain a written report or case number.
Contact the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate as soon as possible — do not wait until returning to Korea.
Prepare required documents: completed application form, one passport photo, police report, and proof of Korean citizenship (e.g., family register copy or ID).
Pay the reissue fee (KRW 30,000 for standard reissue; emergency certificates may have different fees).
Collect your new passport or emergency travel certificate — processing typically takes 1 working day for emergencies.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
Ireland
Singapore
JapanNot 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.