In Korea, most people don't use their signature on official documents, but instead, they make a seal or stamp with their own name. Until recently foreigners couldn't register one, however, now everyone can!
If you have your ID card available with a visa on it you can register it at the local community center.
What do you need to register for it?
A stamp with your full name
ID card with a valid visa
Passport
How can you register it?
Order a stamp online, or just go to a certain shop and make one. Due to the fact that our names are longer than Korean ones, ask before if they can make one with a western name. (http://naver.me/GeWA9tYS This is where we made ours). Remember the name should be exactly as it is on your ID card or passport. Sometimes, they accept only one name, but it is not 100% confirmed, so make one containing your full name.
After receiving it, go to the closest community center (주민 센터), near your home.
Take a number and wait for your turn.
Tell them you want to register your seal/stamp (인감 등록).
It will take around 20 minutes or less, then you will receive the seal/stamp certificate (인감 증명서). You will have to pay around 1,200 KRW for each copy. We took three because some places will keep the original.
How to use it?
For most places, the certificate may be required, to make it official, such as banks, immigration, tax office, etc. depending on the situation and where it is necessary.
Go to the bank with the certificate and change your signature with the stamp.
Sign contracts with your stamp.
Where can you use it?
1. At the bank, you can register for it instead of your signature, for easy use. (Some banks will ask for a fee when registering your stamp as a signature)
2. For any contract that you will need to sign later on while living in Korea.
3. For any official paper.
Having a stamp is more professional and also easier since in Korea you have to sign so many times on certain documents.
If you have any questions, send us a message or write a comment!
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