How to register a marriage

Why register at all

Holding a wedding ceremony does not make you legally married. Korea's Civil Act states that a marriage takes effect by being reported as the law prescribes, so in Korea a marriage exists in law only once it is registered. Living together without registering is commonly called a de facto marriage; it receives some protection, but certain effects, such as inheriting as a spouse, apply only to a registered marriage. Registration is effectively the only legally required step in getting married, so treat it with as much care as the ceremony.

Requirements for registration

The marriage registration form must be signed not only by the two of you but also by two adult witnesses, because the Civil Act requires the report to be made in writing jointly signed by both parties and two adult witnesses. Any adult can be a witness, such as a parent or friend. The minimum age to marry is 18, and a minor needs parental consent. Marriages the law prohibits, such as between close relatives or where one person already has a spouse, cannot be registered.

• Both partners' intention to marry
• Signatures of two adult witnesses
• Minimum age to marry: 18
• Parental consent for minors
• Not falling under a marriage the law prohibits

Where to file

You can register at offices that handle family relations registration, such as a city hall, district office or town office. You do not have to go to the office for your registered base or home address; the office where you are can accept it, so choose whichever is convenient. There is also an electronic filing route through the courts' online family registration system, which has conditions such as identity verification, so check the official guidance. If you live abroad, you can file through a Korean embassy or consulate in that country. Whichever route you choose, confirming the process and documents with the office beforehand is the surest approach.

What to bring

Basically you need the registration form and ID. The form is available at the office and can also be downloaded from the Supreme Court's family registration website. Witnesses must sign in advance, so get the form before you go and ask your witnesses to sign it. Additional documents may be needed depending on your situation, for example marrying a foreign national, being an overseas Korean, or having already married abroad. Required documents and any fees can change, so check official guidance from the Supreme Court or the office before filing.

• Registration form: at the office or downloadable
• ID for both partners
• Signatures of two adult witnesses
• Extra documents by situation: check official guidance

Agreeing on children's surname

The registration form includes a section on children's surname and family origin. Under the Civil Act, a child takes the father's surname and origin by default, but if the parents agree at the time of marriage registration that children will take the mother's, that agreement applies. This agreement has to be made at registration with a written agreement submitted, so it is best to talk it over before filing. Even if you have no plans for children yet, knowing the section is there means you will not be caught off guard. Check the official guidance for the details.

When to register

Unlike a birth report, marriage registration has no deadline, so you can file whenever you like. Some couples register before the ceremony, others after the wedding or honeymoon. Some things do depend on the timing, though, so think it through. Newlywed housing loans and subscription schemes often look at the length of marriage or whether it is registered, and workplace family allowances or adding a spouse as a health insurance dependant are processed after registration. Conditions for each scheme can change from year to year, so check official guidance before settling on a date.

What to check after registering

Once processed, the marriage is recorded on your family relations certificate and marriage relations certificate. It is worth pulling a certificate afterward to check that names and dates are recorded correctly. You may need it later for employer records, family details at banks or insurers, and housing scheme applications. If you have moved to a new home together, do not forget to register your move-in as well. How you set up your household registration can affect eligibility for some schemes, so ask the relevant agency if needed.

Points of caution

Registration requires the genuine intention of both partners; filing without one partner's consent is void and can be a criminal offence. Witnesses must sign in person too. If even one character is wrong in names, resident registration numbers or registered base, processing can be delayed, so check carefully. This guide is general information, not legal advice. If your situation is complicated, such as marrying a foreign national, remarrying or marrying abroad, check with the competent office or a legal professional.