Korean Job Discussion Forums

[napoleon8]

If I wait until my passport expires, and apply for a replacement passport, does the passport number change?

If I "lose" my passport now, and apply for a replacement passport, does the passport number change?

[crazylemongirl]

Why do you ask? If you're looking at way to 'wipe' your immigration records in Korea it won't happen. They still have all the other details which will come up with a match. Also 'losing' your passport is a very big deal these days.

[BigBlackEquus]

You will be red-flagged by the immigration computer as you are trying to fly out, and have to get the visa stamp from the immigration person. You will be sent to the little room on the side, and asked about why you changed passports, etc. Even if it's a totally legtimate change, you will be asked about it. Standard procedure. And yes, the computers pull up all of your old information, too. I know people that have gone through this very thing. So anticipate at least a 10 to 15 minute delay, so you won't be late for your flight.

[hogwonguy1979]

when you get a new passport no matter what reason, you will get a new passport number and you will have to report it to immigration since your re-entry permit will become invalid when the new passport is issued.

[the_beaver]

Back in '98 immigration didn't want to give me a visa because of all the entry/exit stamps. I went back home, got a new passport, and didn't have a problem with the next visa. Not sure what that indicates, and I'm sure that they still have my old passport information, but it worked for me.

[canukteacher]

I had to have my passport renewed last year just weeks for before my contract expired. In fact when I originally got my Visa it was only for the number of months that my passport was valid. Once I had the new passport I went to immigration and had my Visa extended. It was no big deal.

CT