Korean Job Discussion Forums

[spyro25]

i wish to marry my fiancee asap. i understand that the UK embassy has its marriage services in seoul. does this mean that i have to go to seoul to do everything, or can i fax/post certain documents to them (i live in busan and would have to take time off work to go)?

i know that you need a document claiming that you arent married in your country, which i have completed 3X and have ready to post. do i need to take this into the embassy in person? that would mean i have to do two trips to seoul to get this done. i know you need this form in order for the korean marriage to take place, then you take the marriage certificate and some other documents to the embassy to make it all legal in england.

i called the embassy to ask all this but they dont take calls about stuff until 2pm which is a little frustrating to say the least. are there any UK guys who married koreans that could talk me through the process you went through? particularly, how long did it all take?

thanks in advance

[tzechuk]

You need to go to Seoul to get it done - it's like a civil marriage- you need to swear under oath that you two are going to be legally married.. then they will give you your marriage certificate.

You can do everything all on the same day - just make sure you get there early, i.e. at 9.30 when they open.

[spyro25]

the way i saw the process was this

1) get a document proving that i am not married in korea confirmed by my embassy

2) do the marriage at the gu office

3) take the marriage certificate gained at 2) to the embassy with my spouse to fill in some other documents.

what i was wondering if whether i have to do 1) at the embassy too or can i do 1) by post? otherwise i would have to make 2 trips to seoul..... i was lead to believe from the UK embassy website that i couldn't do 2) without doing 1) first. am i correct in this?

[tzechuk]

[spyro25]

so you are saying that we could get married in seoul city hall, rather than in busan, and do it all in one day? we could do the Affidavit of Eligibility for Marriage in the morning, then to the city hall to get married, then back to the embassy to do the oath and other stuff?

[spyro25]

my apolgies for not seeing the other thread on this. lets use that one from now on....

[nobbyken]

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Congratulations^^
From the embassy website........

MARRIAGE PROCEDURES IN KOREA FOR BRITISH NATIONALS

Introduction

British nationals are able to go through a civil marriage under article 812 of the Korean Civil Code of 1960. Both parties register with the local authorities and the Embassy notarises the necessary documents. A religious ceremony does not constitute a legal marriage, unless a civil marriage has also take place.
Documentation

The following documents are required:-

� Proof of citizenship for the British party (e.g. a passport).
� If one of the parties is Korean, three copies of the full Family Census Register (Hojuk Dungbon) and one notarised English Translation. An extract of the Family Census Register (Hojuk Chobon) is not acceptable.
� Written parental consent, if the Korean national is under 20 years of age (Two copies in Korean and English). If the parents are deceased, the legal guardian must give permission. The age of consent in the United Kingdom is 18.
� If the British party has been married previously, an original or notarised copy of the Decree Absolute.
� If the non-British party is not Korean, they must seek advice from their Consular representative in Korea. If this does not exist, consult the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Consular Division.
Procedures
� Obtain three blank copies of the
Affidavit of Eligibility for Marriage (DOC)
and
Report and Certificate of Marriage (DOC, 24.0K)

From the Consular Section of the Embassy and complete up to question "Date divorce final".

"Mother's maiden name" is to be completed in full; not only surname.

Korean nationals should enter their identity card address under "present address" and their birthplace and family home from the Family Census Register as their "permanent address".

"Citizenship proven by" should be answered by "Family Census Register".

British nationals should give a "permanent address" in their country of nationality, even if they now live elsewhere (the local authorities will not accept a permanent address in any other country). The "present address" should be givien as "c/o British Embassy, 4 Chung-Dong, Chung-Ku, Seoul, Republic of Korea". "Citizenship proven by" should be entered as "Passport No..............".

The local authorities prefer typewritten forms. If manuscript is the only available option, use block capitals and black ink.

Report and Certificate of Marriage (DOC, 24.0K)

Once fully completed and endorsed, is a legally binding document. Care should be taken when completing the forms. If an error is made, complete a new form. Do not use correction fluid.

� Bring the completed forms, with the documentation to the Consular Section of the Embassy. The British party will be required to swear on oath. An appointment is necessary.

� Next, take the documents to the Korean authorities. Local regulations stipulate that these should be submitted personally to the Ward Census Office (WCO) where the Korean party's records are filed. However, some ward offices in Seoul, such as Jong Ro-Gu, will accept documents on behalf of others. If neither party is Korean, any WCO may be used, details of which can be provided by the Embassy. The WCO requires applicants to complete and sign Affidavit forms in Hangul (Korean) which are then stamped.

The Mayor's signature is then put on the form.
Report and Certificate of Marriage (DOC, 24.0K)

The regulations stipulate that two witnesses (of any nationality) must endorse both English and Hangul forms. A personal appearance by witnesses may not be necessary, e.g. if the forms have been correctly completed and witnessed prior to submission. Please confirm this with the WCO.

� Once the above is done, bring the � Report and Certificate of Marriage (DOC, 24.0K)
" back to the Embassy for notarisation of the Mayor's signature. One copy of the form will be retained by the Embassy.

After endorsement by a British Consular Officer, this certificate is valid under UK and Korean law.

For British nationals, the Embassy will forward, on request and payment of an additional fee, a copy of the " Report and Certificate of Marriage (DOC, 24.0K)
" to the General Register Office in Southport (Edinburgh or Belfast for those born in Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively) for permanent inclusion in the Public Records of the United Kingdom (Under the provisions of Article 7(1) of the Foreign Marriage Order, 1970). Certified copies of the marriage certificate may then be obtained from the General Register Office at any time in the future.

Fees
Attesting or legalising a signaure or seal: � 27 x2 (for 2 copies of the Report and Certificate of Marriage)
Administering an oath or receinving a declaration or affirmation: � 50 x 2 (for 2 copies of the Affidavit of Eligibility for Marriage)
Please click here for consular fees.

More at http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1113058825254

I never had to do an oath, as I took a eligibility form from my council in the UK.
I remember the day we went to the embassy we had to take a form to the gu office, which enabled them to print something for ny wife. We then had to return to the embassy with this doc to complete everything.

An early start to the day should see you complete everything.
There are old posts on here, and basically not much has changed.

Not really all day/afternoon weddings like the UK, all over in a few hours after make up. 1 hour to eat buffet style is normal, but don't expect much food to be left for you. Normally you get photos taken in Hanbok and traditional costumes with a funny hat for the man, and red circles on cheeks for the missus, .
_________________
"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
Acts 5:20


Location: Suwon (Scottish)
Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:44 pm Post subject:

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As far as I recall, all the paperwork is done after the ceremony (which I think is what's different from UK style).

Like I say, I never had to do the Affidavit of Eligibility for Marriage as I took one from the UK.

City Hall is only a local government place, it doesn't do weddings.
Your wife will be able to collect a piece of paper from there showing her remved of her existing family tree and on a new one with you.
This is then stamped by the embassy and then you are married.

You could also choose to get married at the embassy, depends on the locality of the bulk of your guests are from and of course wherever your wife prefers^^.

As far as I can remember, you can get married in Busan then travel to Seoul and do the embassy stuff.

Recently I sent an email to the consular at the embassy, and they got back pretty sharpish. They also answered everything perfectly, as they will be best able to direct you.
Give them a ring or an email?
_________________

[nobbyken]

Apologies, I seem to have posted in the wrong thread, lets use this one.

I was meant to copy, but ended up posting in the wrong thread.