Overseas Koreans will now be able to authenticate themselves on public websites through a "Overseas Korean Certificate" without needing a domestic mobile phone. The measure aims to improve digital service accessibility for Koreans living abroad.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Overseas Koreans Agency said Thursday they have established a system allowing overseas Koreans to obtain personal authentication certificates using their overseas mobile phone numbers and electronic passports.
Approximately 2.4 million overseas Koreans worldwide have faced inconveniences because personal authentication on public websites was only possible through domestic telecom carriers, and the issuance of joint and financial certificates also required identity verification via a domestic mobile phone. As a result, they had to activate separate budget mobile plans before leaving the country or visit distant overseas missions in person.
Going forward, those registered as overseas Koreans who hold a resident registration number and a valid electronic passport will be able to receive certificates instantly through five financial apps: KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Woori, Hana, and Toss.
When logging in to public websites, users can select "simple authentication," enter their overseas mobile phone number along with the country code, and use the issued Overseas Korean Certificate to access services without additional procedures. The system can be used on any public website that supports simple authentication.
"We will continue to improve the digital service environment for overseas Koreans in cooperation with relevant ministries," said Kim Kyung-hyup, commissioner of the Overseas Koreans Agency.
"We will do our utmost to ensure that everyone can equally enjoy the convenience of digital services without anyone being left behind in the process of realizing an AI-driven democratic government," said Yoon Ho-jung, minister of the interior and safety.
