What Is Re-entry Permit?

Foreigners holding a valid ARC with remaining sojourn period who need to travel abroad temporarily must obtain a re-entry permit before departing. There are two types: a single re-entry permit (1 entry) and a multiple re-entry permit (multiple entries within the sojourn period). Most visa categories are eligible, but the permit is issued for the remaining duration of your current sojourn period — it cannot extend beyond it. Re-entry permits are obtained at the immigration office or via HiKorea and are relatively inexpensive (₩30,000–₩50,000). Without a re-entry permit, leaving Korea can invalidate your ARC status and require you to apply for a new visa from your home country before returning.

This is a requirement many long-term visa holders miss — especially when travel is sudden (family emergency, work trip). The consequences of leaving without a re-entry permit can be severe: you may be required to leave Korea and start the visa process from scratch. If your departure is imminent, an immigration consultant can sometimes process same-day permits. Always check whether you need a re-entry permit before any international travel.