Extending your stay in Korea can feel intimidating, especially when the Korean suddenly becomes much more formal than the language you use in everyday life.
Maybe you’ve learned how to order food, introduce yourself, or ask for directions. Then you need to extend your 체류기간 (cheryu gigan, “period of stay”), prepare 구비서류 (gubi seoryu, “required documents”), make a 방문예약 (bangmun yeyak, “visit reservation”), or speak with an immigration officer.
The good news is that immigration procedures use a relatively small set of recurring words and expressions. Once you recognize them, forms, appointments, and instructions become much easier to follow.
This guide gives you 40 practical Korean phrases for extending your period of stay, submitting documents, asking questions, understanding instructions, and handling an immigration appointment.
One important distinction before we begin: people often say “visa renewal” in English, but if you’re already living in Korea, the procedure you’re dealing with may actually be an extension of your period of stay, or 체류기간 연장허가 (cheryu gigan yeonjang heoga).
Korea Immigration Service provides both online visit reservations and e-application services through HiKorea. The exact procedure and required documents depend on your status of stay and the application you’re making.
Table of Contents
Before You Deal with Immigration in Korea
Korea doesn’t use one identical procedure for every foreign resident.
Depending on your status and what you need to do, you may:
- File an application electronically through HiKorea
- Make an online reservation before visiting an immigration office
- Submit an application in person
- Provide additional documents later
- Report a change in your registered information
- Apply to change your status of stay
If you’re applying in person for an extension of stay, you generally need to make a visit reservation through HiKorea before going to the immigration office. There are exceptions for certain applicants and procedures, so always check the current instructions for your situation.
That means the most useful Korean isn’t one memorized script. It’s the language that lets you:
- Explain what you’re applying for
- Say that you have a reservation
- Show your documents
- Ask what is missing
- Ask for clarification
- Understand basic instructions
- Confirm what you need to do next
Quick Answer: You don’t need advanced Korean to communicate the basics at immigration. Learning common administrative vocabulary and a few polite sentence patterns can make the process much easier to follow.
What Procedures Might Foreign Residents Need?
Korea Immigration Service handles a range of applications involving foreign registration and status of stay.
The government’s integrated application form, 통합신청서(신고서) (tonghap sincheongseo (singoseo), “Integrated Application/Report Form”), is used for a range of immigration procedures.
Extension of Period of Stay
The important term is:
체류기간 연장허가
cheryu gigan yeonjang heoga
“permission to extend the period of stay”
In everyday conversation, foreign residents may call this a “visa renewal,” but 체류기간 연장 (cheryu gigan yeonjang, “extension of period of stay”) is the more useful Korean expression for the actual procedure.
A natural sentence is:
체류기간 연장 신청을 하러 왔습니다.
Cheryu gigan yeonjang sincheongeul hareo watseumnida.
“I’m here to apply for an extension of my period of stay.”
Change of Status of Stay
Another common procedure is:
체류자격 변경허가
cheryu jagyeok byeongyeong heoga
“permission to change status of stay”
You may need this when your circumstances or permitted activities change.
A useful sentence is:
체류자격을 변경하고 싶습니다.
Cheryu jagyeogeul byeongyeonghago sipseumnida.
“I’d like to change my status of stay.”
Foreign Registration and Residence Cards
The Korean term you’ll encounter is:
외국인등록
oegugin deungnok
“foreign registration”
and:
외국인등록증
oegugin deungnokjeung
“Foreign Residence Card”
Current Korea Immigration Service English materials use Foreign Residence Card. You may still see “Alien Registration Card” or “ARC” in older English-language resources.
Reporting Changes
You may also encounter:
체류지 변경신고
cheryuji byeongyeong singo
“report of change of residence”
등록사항 변경신고
deungnok sahang byeongyeong singo
“report of change to registered information”
These are separate administrative procedures from simply extending your period of stay.
Why Immigration Korean Can Feel Difficult
Administrative Korean can sound much more formal than the Korean used in beginner conversations.
You may already be comfortable saying:
다시 말해 주세요.
Dasi malhae juseyo.
“Please say it again.”
At an immigration office, you can make the same request more formally:
죄송하지만 한 번 더 말씀해 주세요.
Joesonghajiman han beon deo malsseumhae juseyo.
“Sorry, but could you say that one more time?”
The honorific verb 말씀하다 (malsseumhada, “to speak/say”) is particularly appropriate when politely addressing an official.
Useful Formal Patterns
…하고 싶습니다.
…hago sipseumnida.
“I’d like to…”
…해야 합니까?
…haeya hamnikka?
“Do I need to…?”
…해 주실 수 있습니까?
…hae jusil su itseumnikka?
“Could you…?”
어디로 가야 합니까?
Eodiro gaya hamnikka?
“Where should I go?”
Pro Tip
Don’t try to understand every word.
Focus on recognizing important terms such as:
신청
sincheong
“application”
연장
yeonjang
“extension”
체류기간
cheryu gigan
“period of stay”
구비서류
gubi seoryu
“required documents”
외국인등록증
oegugin deungnokjeung
“Foreign Residence Card”
방문예약
bangmun yeyak
“visit reservation”
If you recognize those words, you’ll often understand what the conversation is about even if you miss part of the sentence.
Immigration Documents and Terms You’ll See
Administrative paperwork can be more difficult than the conversation itself.
Korea uses a standardized 통합신청서(신고서) (tonghap sincheongseo (singoseo), “Integrated Application/Report Form”) for a range of immigration procedures.
The exact supporting documents you need depend on your status and application, so don’t treat any general article as a universal document checklist. Check HiKorea or contact the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 for current requirements for your situation.
Essential Document Vocabulary
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 여권 | yeogwon | “passport” |
| 외국인등록증 | oegugin deungnokjeung | “Foreign Residence Card” |
| 신청서 | sincheongseo | “application form” |
| 통합신청서 | tonghap sincheongseo | “integrated application form” |
| 구비서류 | gubi seoryu | “required documents” |
| 추가 서류 | chuga seoryu | “additional documents” |
| 원본 | wonbon | “original” |
| 사본 | sabon | “copy” |
| 증명사진 | jeungmyeong sajin | “ID photo” |
| 접수증 | jeopsujeung | “application receipt” |
| 수수료 | susuryo | “fee” |
| 방문예약 | bangmun yeyak | “visit reservation” |
| 예약접수증 | yeyak jeopsujeung | “reservation confirmation / reservation receipt” |
| 체류지 입증서류 | cheryuji ipjeung seoryu | “proof of residence” |
Extra Vocabulary Practice
KoreanClass101 also has an Immigration lesson in its Korean Vocab Builder series.
This is a short vocabulary-builder lesson rather than an immigration-office dialogue, so it’s best used for reviewing individual immigration-related words and pronunciation alongside the situational phrases below.
40 Essential Korean Immigration Phrases
An in-person immigration interaction usually follows a fairly predictable sequence.
You arrive, confirm your reservation, explain what you need, show your documents, ask questions, receive instructions, and find out what happens next.
You don’t need to memorize all 40 phrases at once. Start with the ones that match your next appointment.
Arriving at the Immigration Office: 5 Phrases
| # | Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 접수 창구가 어디예요? | Jeopsu changguga eodiyeyo? | “Where is the reception counter?” |
| 2 | 몇 번 창구로 가야 합니까? | Myeot beon changguro gaya hamnikka? | “Which counter should I go to?” |
| 3 | 번호표를 뽑아야 합니까? | Beonhopyoreul ppobaya hamnikka? | “Do I need to take a number?” |
| 4 | 방문예약을 했습니다. | Bangmun yeyageul haetseumnida. | “I made a visit reservation.” |
| 5 | 예약접수증이 여기 있습니다. | Yeyak jeopsujeungi yeogi itseumnida. | “Here’s my reservation confirmation.” |
Good to Know: 방문예약
방문예약
bangmun yeyak
“visit reservation”
is an important term to recognize.
For an in-person extension-of-stay application, you will generally need to make a visit reservation through HiKorea in advance. After making the reservation, you can print the 예약접수증 (yeyak jeopsujeung, “reservation confirmation/receipt”) to bring with you.
Explaining Why You’re There: 8 Phrases
| # | Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 체류기간 연장 신청을 하러 왔습니다. | Cheryu gigan yeonjang sincheongeul hareo watseumnida. | “I’m here to apply for an extension of my period of stay.” |
| 7 | 체류자격을 변경하고 싶습니다. | Cheryu jagyeogeul byeongyeonghago sipseumnida. | “I’d like to change my status of stay.” |
| 8 | 외국인등록증을 재발급받고 싶습니다. | Oegugin deungnokjeungeul jaebalgeupbatgo sipseumnida. | “I’d like to have my Foreign Residence Card reissued.” |
| 9 | 처음 신청합니다. | Cheoeum sincheonghamnida. | “This is my first application.” |
| 10 | 체류기간이 곧 만료됩니다. | Cheryu gigani got mallyodoemnida. | “My period of stay expires soon.” |
| 11 | 연장 절차에 대해 알고 싶습니다. | Yeonjang jeolchae daehae algo sipseumnida. | “I’d like information about the extension procedure.” |
| 12 | 하이코리아에서 신청했습니다. | Haikoriaeseo sincheonghaetseumnida. | “I applied through HiKorea.” |
| 13 | 추가 서류를 제출하러 왔습니다. | Chuga seoryureul jechulhareo watseumnida. | “I’m here to submit additional documents.” |
Phrase 6 is the most useful sentence if you’re dealing specifically with what people commonly call a visa renewal.
체류기간 연장 신청
cheryu gigan yeonjang sincheong
“application for extension of period of stay”
is more precise than simply saying that you want to “renew a visa.”
Submitting Your Documents: 8 Phrases
| # | Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 여기 제 여권입니다. | Yeogi je yeogwonimnida. | “Here’s my passport.” |
| 15 | 여기 제 외국인등록증입니다. | Yeogi je oegugin deungnokjeungimnida. | “Here’s my Foreign Residence Card.” |
| 16 | 필요한 서류를 가져왔습니다. | Piryohan seoryureul gajyeowatseumnida. | “I brought the required documents.” |
| 17 | 여기 있습니다. | Yeogi itseumnida. | “Here it is. / Here they are.” |
| 18 | 사본도 있습니다. | Sabondo itseumnida. | “I also have copies.” |
| 19 | 원본도 가져왔습니다. | Wonbondo gajyeowatseumnida. | “I also brought the original.” |
| 20 | 빠진 서류가 있습니까? | Ppajin seoryuga itseumnikka? | “Are any documents missing?” |
| 21 | 필요한 서류가 다 있습니까? | Piryohan seoryuga da itseumnikka? | “Do I have all the required documents?” |
Phrase 20 is one of the most useful questions in the article:
빠진 서류가 있습니까?
Ppajin seoryuga itseumnikka?
“Are any documents missing?”
It gives you a simple way to confirm whether you need to provide anything else.
Asking Questions: 8 Phrases
| # | Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 어떤 서류가 필요합니까? | Eotteon seoryuga piryohamnikka? | “Which documents are required?” |
| 23 | 이건 무슨 서류입니까? | Igeon museun seoryuimnikka? | “What kind of document is this?” |
| 24 | 어디에 작성하면 됩니까? | Eodie jakseonghamyeon doemnikka? | “Where should I fill this in?” |
| 25 | 여기에 서명하면 됩니까? | Yeogie seomyeonghamyeon doemnikka? | “Should I sign here?” |
| 26 | 죄송하지만 한 번 더 말씀해 주세요. | Joesonghajiman han beon deo malsseumhae juseyo. | “Sorry, but could you say that one more time?” |
| 27 | 조금 천천히 말씀해 주세요. | Jogeum cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo. | “Please speak a little more slowly.” |
| 28 | 영어로 설명해 주실 수 있습니까? | Yeongeoro seolmyeonghae jusil su itseumnikka? | “Could you explain it in English?” |
| 29 | 죄송하지만 잘 이해가 안 됩니다. | Joesonghajiman jal ihaega an doemnida. | “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand very well.” |
These clarification phrases are worth practicing together.
KoreanClass101’s How to Ask for Clarification lesson is particularly useful here because it focuses specifically on this skill.
In the immigration phrases above, 말씀해 주세요 (malsseumhae juseyo) is used instead of 말해 주세요 (malhae juseyo) because the honorific form is particularly appropriate when politely addressing an official.
Instructions You May Hear: 6 Phrases
These are especially useful because they’re things an immigration employee may say to you.
| # | Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 잠시만 기다려 주세요. | Jamsiman gidaryeo juseyo. | “Please wait a moment.” |
| 31 | 이 신청서를 작성해 주세요. | I sincheongseoreul jakseonghae juseyo. | “Please fill out this application form.” |
| 32 | 이 서류가 필요합니다. | I seoryuga piryohamnida. | “This document is required.” |
| 33 | 추가 서류가 필요합니다. | Chuga seoryuga piryohamnida. | “Additional documents are required.” |
| 34 | 이 서류를 제출해 주세요. | I seoryureul jechulhae juseyo. | “Please submit this document.” |
| 35 | 이 접수증을 잘 보관해 주세요. | I jeopsujeungeul jal bogwanhae juseyo. | “Please keep this receipt safe.” |
Two patterns are particularly useful to recognize:
…필요합니다.
…piryohamnida.
“…is required.”
and:
…해 주세요.
…hae juseyo.
“Please do…”
If you hear either one, focus on the noun or action that comes before it.
Receiving Your Residence Card & Next Steps: 5 Phrases
| # | Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 외국인등록증을 받으러 왔습니다. | Oegugin deungnokjeungeul badeureo watseumnida. | “I’m here to collect my Foreign Residence Card.” |
| 37 | 외국인등록증이 발급됐습니까? | Oegugin deungnokjeungi balgeupdoetseumnikka? | “Has my Foreign Residence Card been issued?” |
| 38 | 결과를 확인할 수 있습니까? | Gyeolgwaleul hwaginhal su itseumnikka? | “Can I check the result?” |
| 39 | 다음에는 어떻게 해야 합니까? | Daeumeneun eotteoke haeya hamnikka? | “What should I do next?” |
| 40 | 도와주셔서 감사합니다. | Dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida. | “Thank you for your help.” |
A useful word here is:
발급
balgeup
“issuance”
You’ll encounter it in administrative contexts whenever an official document or card is issued.
Practice Tip: Learn the Situation, Not Just the List
Reading all 40 phrases once isn’t the same as being able to recognize them when you’re nervous at a counter.
Learn them as small conversations.
For example:
체류기간 연장 신청을 하러 왔습니다.
Cheryu gigan yeonjang sincheongeul hareo watseumnida.
“I’m here to apply for an extension of my period of stay.”
필요한 서류를 가져왔습니다.
Piryohan seoryureul gajyeowatseumnida.
“I brought the required documents.”
빠진 서류가 있습니까?
Ppajin seoryuga itseumnikka?
“Are any documents missing?”
다음에는 어떻게 해야 합니까?
Daeumeneun eotteoke haeya hamnikka?
“What should I do next?”
Those four sentences already give you the framework of a useful immigration conversation.
Example Dialogue: Extending Your Period of Stay
Imagine you’ve made a visit reservation and arrived at the immigration office for an extension-of-stay application.
Resident:
안녕하세요. 체류기간 연장 신청을 하러 왔습니다.
Annyeonghaseyo. Cheryu gigan yeonjang sincheongeul hareo watseumnida.
“Hello. I’m here to apply for an extension of my period of stay.”
Employee:
방문예약을 하셨습니까?
Bangmun yeyageul hasyeotseumnikka?
“Did you make a visit reservation?”
Resident:
네, 예약했습니다. 여기 예약접수증이 있습니다.
Ne, yeyakhaetseumnida. Yeogi yeyak jeopsujeungi itseumnida.
“Yes, I did. Here’s my reservation confirmation.”
Employee:
여권과 외국인등록증을 보여 주세요.
Yeogwongwa oegugin deungnokjeungeul boyeo juseyo.
“Please show me your passport and Foreign Residence Card.”
Resident:
네, 여기 있습니다.
Ne, yeogi itseumnida.
“Yes, here they are.”
Employee:
필요한 서류도 제출해 주세요.
Piryohan seoryudo jechulhae juseyo.
“Please submit the required documents too.”
Resident:
네. 빠진 서류가 있습니까?
Ne. Ppajin seoryuga itseumnikka?
“Okay. Are any documents missing?”
Employee:
확인해 보겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Hwaginhae bogetseumnida. Jamsiman gidaryeo juseyo.
“I’ll check. Please wait a moment.”
This interaction uses formal but straightforward Korean. You don’t need complicated grammar to explain what you need.
Example Dialogue: Additional Documents Are Needed
The exact documents required depend on your status and application. This example simply shows the language you can use if an officer asks for something additional.
Employee:
추가 서류가 필요합니다.
Chuga seoryuga piryohamnida.
“Additional documents are required.”
Resident:
어떤 서류가 필요합니까?
Eotteon seoryuga piryohamnikka?
“Which document is required?”
Employee:
재직증명서를 제출해 주세요.
Jaejik jeungmyeongseoreul jechulhae juseyo.
“Please submit a certificate of employment.”
Resident:
사본도 괜찮습니까?
Sabondo gwaenchanseumnikka?
“Is a copy okay?”
Employee:
네, 괜찮습니다.
Ne, gwaenchanseumnida.
“Yes, that’s fine.”
Resident:
언제까지 제출해야 합니까?
Eonjekkaji jechulhaeya hamnikka?
“By when do I need to submit it?”
Knowing how to ask that final question is much more useful than trying to predict every possible document request.
Korean Immigration Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
| Korean | Romanization | English | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 체류기간 | cheryu gigan | “period of stay” | Status |
| 체류자격 | cheryu jagyeok | “status of stay” | Status |
| 체류기간 연장 | cheryu gigan yeonjang | “extension of period of stay” | Procedures |
| 체류자격 변경 | cheryu jagyeok byeongyeong | “change of status of stay” | Procedures |
| 신청 | sincheong | “application” | Procedures |
| 신청서 | sincheongseo | “application form” | Documents |
| 통합신청서 | tonghap sincheongseo | “integrated application form” | Documents |
| 제출 | jechul | “submission” | Procedures |
| 접수 | jeopsu | “application intake / filing” | Procedures |
| 접수증 | jeopsujeung | “application receipt” | Documents |
| 구비서류 | gubi seoryu | “required documents” | Documents |
| 추가 서류 | chuga seoryu | “additional documents” | Documents |
| 원본 | wonbon | “original” | Documents |
| 사본 | sabon | “copy” | Documents |
| 여권 | yeogwon | “passport” | Documents |
| 외국인등록 | oegugin deungnok | “foreign registration” | Procedures |
| 외국인등록증 | oegugin deungnokjeung | “Foreign Residence Card” | Documents |
| 체류지 | cheryuji | “place of residence” | Personal Information |
| 체류지 변경신고 | cheryuji byeongyeong singo | “report of change of residence” | Procedures |
| 등록사항 변경신고 | deungnok sahang byeongyeong singo | “report of change to registered information” | Procedures |
| 방문예약 | bangmun yeyak | “visit reservation” | Procedures |
| 예약접수증 | yeyak jeopsujeung | “reservation confirmation / reservation receipt” | Documents |
| 창구 | changgu | “service counter” | Office |
| 번호표 | beonhopyo | “number ticket” | Office |
| 수수료 | susuryo | “fee” | Payment |
| 발급 | balgeup | “issuance” | Procedures |
| 재발급 | jaebalgeup | “reissuance” | Procedures |
| 허가 | heoga | “permission / approval” | Procedures |
| 결과 | gyeolgwa | “result” | Procedures |
| 재직증명서 | jaejik jeungmyeongseo | “certificate of employment” | Documents |
Common Words and Signs You May See
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 출입국·외국인청 | churipguk oegugincheong | “immigration office” |
| 출입국·외국인사무소 | churipguk oegugin samuso | “immigration office” |
| 접수 | jeopsu | “Reception / Applications” |
| 창구 | changgu | “Service Counter” |
| 대기 | daegi | “Waiting” |
| 방문예약 | bangmun yeyak | “Visit Reservation” |
| 신청 | sincheong | “Application” |
| 체류 | cheryu | “Stay / Residence” |
| 연장 | yeonjang | “Extension” |
| 변경 | byeongyeong | “Change” |
| 외국인등록 | oegugin deungnok | “Foreign Registration” |
| 발급 | balgeup | “Issuance” |
| 서류 | seoryu | “Documents” |
| 출입구 | churipgu | “Entrance / Exit” |
Recognize Before You Translate
You don’t need to translate every sign or sentence word by word.
If you recognize:
체류기간
cheryu gigan
연장
yeonjang
서류
seoryu
and:
신청
sincheong
you already know that the message is probably related to your stay, extension, documents, or application.
That recognition skill can make administrative Korean feel much less overwhelming.
Common Mistakes Learners Make with Korean Immigration Language
Mistake 1: Calling Everything a Visa Renewal
A 비자 (bija, “visa”) and your authorized 체류기간 (cheryu gigan, “period of stay”) aren’t simply two words for the same thing.
For an extension-of-stay application, learn:
체류기간 연장 신청을 하러 왔습니다.
Cheryu gigan yeonjang sincheongeul hareo watseumnida.
“I’m here to apply for an extension of my period of stay.”
That’s much more useful at immigration than relying only on:
비자를 연장하고 싶습니다.
Bijareul yeonjanghago sipseumnida.
“I’d like to extend my visa.”
Mistake 2: Showing Up Without Checking the Reservation Procedure
If you’re applying for an extension of stay in person, you generally need to make a visit reservation through HiKorea before going to the immigration office. Certain applicants and procedures are exempt, and some eligible applications can be submitted online instead.
Useful vocabulary includes:
방문예약
bangmun yeyak
“visit reservation”
and:
예약접수증
yeyak jeopsujeung
“reservation confirmation / reservation receipt”
Check the current procedure for your particular immigration service before visiting.
Mistake 3: Assuming Everyone Needs the Same Documents
The required supporting documents depend on your status of stay and the procedure you’re applying for.
Instead of memorizing a universal checklist, remember:
어떤 서류가 필요합니까?
Eotteon seoryuga piryohamnikka?
“Which documents are required?”
and:
빠진 서류가 있습니까?
Ppajin seoryuga itseumnikka?
“Are any documents missing?”
Check HiKorea or contact 1345 for the requirements that apply to your situation.
Mistake 4: Using Only Casual Korean
You don’t need to sound like a legal expert, but immigration isn’t the place for casual speech.
Compare:
다시 말해 줘.
Dasi malhae jwo.
“Say it again.”
with:
죄송하지만 한 번 더 말씀해 주세요.
Joesonghajiman han beon deo malsseumhae juseyo.
“Sorry, but could you say that one more time?”
The second is much more appropriate for an official interaction.
Mistake 5: Being Afraid to Ask for Clarification
Don’t pretend you’ve understood an important instruction when you haven’t.
Say:
죄송하지만 잘 이해가 안 됩니다.
Joesonghajiman jal ihaega an doemnida.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand very well.”
Then:
한 번 더 말씀해 주세요.
Han beon deo malsseumhae juseyo.
“Please say it one more time.”
or:
조금 천천히 말씀해 주세요.
Jogeum cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo.
“Please speak a little more slowly.”
These are practical communication tools, not signs that you’ve failed at Korean.
Quick Checklist Before Your Immigration Appointment
For the language side of the appointment, make sure you can:
- Say 체류기간 연장 (cheryu gigan yeonjang, “extension of period of stay”)
- Explain why you’re there
- Say that you have a reservation
- Ask which documents are required
- Ask whether something is missing
- Ask where to write or sign
- Ask someone to repeat themselves
- Ask someone to speak more slowly
- Ask what you need to do next
For the administrative side, check the current HiKorea instructions for your specific status and application. The Immigration Contact Center at 1345 also provides immigration-related information.
Practice Immigration Conversations with KoreanClass101
Learning the vocabulary is useful, but the real challenge is recognizing those words when someone says them naturally.
KoreanClass101 can help you build the listening and communication skills behind the phrases in this guide through dialogues, vocabulary lessons, pronunciation practice, and structured learning materials.
Learn Korean You’ll Actually Use
Practical Korean isn’t limited to immigration.
Living in Korea can also mean communicating about:
- Housing
- Banking
- Healthcare
- Government paperwork
- Appointments
- Deliveries
- Work
- Everyday problems
Many of the same sentence patterns appear again and again.
…하고 싶습니다.
…hago sipseumnida.
“I’d like to…”
…해야 합니까?
…haeya hamnikka?
“Do I need to…?”
…해 주세요.
…hae juseyo.
“Please…”
어디로 가야 합니까?
Eodiro gaya hamnikka?
“Where should I go?”
Once these structures become familiar, you can adapt them to dozens of real-life situations.
Build Confidence Through Listening
Don’t only memorize:
신청
sincheong
“application”
Practice recognizing it inside a complete sentence:
체류기간 연장 신청을 하러 왔습니다.
Cheryu gigan yeonjang sincheongeul hareo watseumnida.
“I’m here to apply for an extension of my period of stay.”
The more often you hear words in complete sentences, the less likely you are to freeze when someone uses them in real life.
Study Smarter, Not Harder
You don’t need to memorize all 40 expressions at once.
Try this:
- Choose five phrases relevant to your next appointment.
- Read them aloud.
- Practice asking for clarification.
- Listen to Korean at a natural speed.
- Review the phrases again shortly before your appointment.
A small group of phrases you can actually recognize and use is much more valuable than a long list you’ve only read once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “extension of stay” in Korean?
The important expression is:
체류기간 연장
cheryu gigan yeonjang
“extension of period of stay”
The full administrative term is:
체류기간 연장허가
cheryu gigan yeonjang heoga
“permission to extend the period of stay”
How do I say “I’d like to extend my period of stay”?
A natural sentence is:
체류기간 연장 신청을 하러 왔습니다.
Cheryu gigan yeonjang sincheongeul hareo watseumnida.
“I’m here to apply for an extension of my period of stay.”
You can also say:
체류기간을 연장하고 싶습니다.
Cheryu giganeul yeonjanghago sipseumnida.
“I’d like to extend my period of stay.”
Is extending my period of stay the same as renewing my visa?
Not exactly.
“Visa renewal” is convenient everyday English, but Korean immigration terminology distinguishes a visa from your authorized 체류기간 (cheryu gigan, “period of stay”).
For an extension application, the key phrase is:
체류기간 연장
cheryu gigan yeonjang
“extension of period of stay”
What is 외국인등록증?
외국인등록증
oegugin deungnokjeung
is the Korean name for the identification card issued to registered foreign residents. Current Korea Immigration Service English materials use Foreign Residence Card, while “Alien Registration Card” or “ARC” may still appear in older English-language resources.
Do I need an appointment to visit an immigration office?
If you’re applying for an extension of stay in person, you generally need to make a visit reservation through HiKorea before going to the immigration office. Certain applicants and procedures are exempt, so check the current instructions for your situation.
A useful phrase is:
방문예약을 했습니다.
Bangmun yeyageul haetseumnida.
“I made a visit reservation.”
Can immigration applications be done online?
HiKorea provides e-application services for some immigration procedures, including eligible extension-of-stay applications. Whether your particular application can be completed online depends on the procedure and your status of stay.
A useful sentence is:
하이코리아에서 신청했습니다.
Haikoriaeseo sincheonghaetseumnida.
“I applied through HiKorea.”
What documents do I need?
There isn’t one universal list.
Required documents vary according to your status of stay and application. Check HiKorea or contact the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 for current requirements.
The Korean question to remember is:
어떤 서류가 필요합니까?
Eotteon seoryuga piryohamnikka?
“Which documents are required?”
What should I say if I don’t understand?
Say:
죄송하지만 잘 이해가 안 됩니다.
Joesonghajiman jal ihaega an doemnida.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand very well.”
Then:
한 번 더 말씀해 주세요.
Han beon deo malsseumhae juseyo.
“Please say it one more time.”
or:
조금 천천히 말씀해 주세요.
Jogeum cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo.
“Please speak a little more slowly.”
What’s the most important Korean immigration vocabulary to learn?
If you only learn ten expressions, start with:
체류기간
cheryu gigan
“period of stay”
체류자격
cheryu jagyeok
“status of stay”
연장
yeonjang
“extension”
신청
sincheong
“application”
서류
seoryu
“documents”
여권
yeogwon
“passport”
외국인등록증
oegugin deungnokjeung
“Foreign Residence Card”
방문예약
bangmun yeyak
“visit reservation”
접수
jeopsu
“application intake / filing”
발급
balgeup
“issuance”
Final Thoughts
Korean immigration vocabulary can look intimidating because it’s formal, administrative, and different from the Korean used in everyday conversations.
But you don’t need perfect Korean.
Start with:
체류기간 연장 신청을 하러 왔습니다.
Cheryu gigan yeonjang sincheongeul hareo watseumnida.
“I’m here to apply for an extension of my period of stay.”
Then learn:
어떤 서류가 필요합니까?
Eotteon seoryuga piryohamnikka?
“Which documents are required?”
빠진 서류가 있습니까?
Ppajin seoryuga itseumnikka?
“Are any documents missing?”
죄송하지만 한 번 더 말씀해 주세요.
Joesonghajiman han beon deo malsseumhae juseyo.
“Sorry, but could you say that one more time?”
다음에는 어떻게 해야 합니까?
Daeumeneun eotteoke haeya hamnikka?
“What should I do next?”
Those few patterns will take you a long way.
When you’re ready to keep building practical Korean through dialogues, vocabulary, and listening practice, start learning real-life Korean with KoreanClass101.
