Letter of recommendation (2 or more Korean nationals)
This page is machine translated from Ieumi's guide written in Korean. If the meaning is confusing, please look at the Korean original text. View original text (Korean)
This is a document written by 2 or more Korean nationals on attached form No. 2-2. You also submit documents proving the identity of the people who recommended you.
📌 Key points
It's enough to have 2 or more Korean nationals who know you continuously, such as a coworker, neighbor, tongjang, or ijang (neighborhood/village head). They don't need to hold any special qualification. This document is mandatory for applicants applying under general naturalization. The thing most easily missed is the seal — the person recommending you must write the recommendation letter, include a document proving their identity, seal the envelope, and hand it to you as is; you must submit the envelope you received without opening it. If a coworker writes it, a certificate of employment is needed instead of an ID. A copy of the ID may be submitted with the last digits of the resident registration number covered. Ask the person to write in detail how they came to know you and why they are recommending you. Forms are available from the HiKorea (하이코리아) form library or the civil affairs office at the immigration office. This document is not required for simplified naturalization (Nationality Act Article 6) or for special naturalization where a parent is a Korean national (Article 7(1)(1)).
📍 Where to go and get it in person
The person recommending you writes it themselves. You download the form from the Hi Korea form library, or receive it at the civil service room of the immigration office with jurisdiction
⚠️ Things to watch out for
Even if you don't have an obvious person to ask, the path is not closed. If a tongjang or ijang is your neighbor, you can ask them, and someone you've known a long time at your workplace, family center, or religious facility also qualifies. Applicants applying based on meritorious service submit a confirmation letter from the head of the relevant institution instead of a recommendation letter, and applicants applying as outstanding talent also submit the Detailed Statement for Nationality Application by Outstanding Talent (Attached Form No. 1) along with a recommendation letter written by designated persons. Ask 1345 whether this document is needed for your path.
Basis
- 국적법 시행규칙 제3조(귀화허가 신청서의 서식 및 첨부서류) 제2항제4호·제5항 (법제처 국가법령정보센터 — 현행 시행 2026-10-02 판으로 2026-10-05 대조 · 이 조문은 그 개정에 안 걸림(2026-10-02 개정은 별지 서식 문구뿐))
- 현직 귀화 면접관 직접 확인 (카카오톡 문답, 2026-09-07)
This content was checked on 2026-10-03.