South Korea passport for people born in South Korea?

Question

Hi. I know someone who was adopted from South Korea (so born there), can he get a South Korean passport, since he is born there?

Thanks! Great answer.

Answer 1

When a baby is born to parents who are Korean nationals (or if any one of them is Korean), he is automatically given Korean citizenship regardless of where he is born. I was personally born in Wyoming, USA but I got my Korean citizenship because my parents are Korean.

Also, if a baby is found within the borders of South Korea, he is assumed to be a child of Korean nationals and is also awarded Korean citizenship.

However in either cases (reported by Korean parents or found without parents) if they go through official adoption process, their Korean citizenship is no longer allowed because as you may know, Korean government does not allow dual citizenship. Instead, the baby receives the citizenship of the country he is adopted by. After he is adopted, he is no longer officially considered a national of South Korea. Therefore, I do not believe he can get a South Korean passport.

I hope this helps =)

Answer 2

And if he DOES get Korean citizenship (thus a Korean passport) be sure that he's aware that he will have to serve 2 years of mandatory military service!!!