Korean-American Dual CitizenshipFact Sheet
Automatic Korean Nationality by BirthIf your father or mother was a Korean National when you were born in the United States,
you have been automatically assigned Korean citizenship. This means that you are adual citizen of the United States and Korea at birth, which many Korean Americans
remain unaware of throughout their childhood and into their adult life. This can cause
numerous issues with obtaining certain jobs and traveling between the United Statesand Korea. The process for renouncing Korean citizenship is complicated and adheres
to a strict timeline that, if not met, can bar individuals from ever renouncing theircitizenship.
Applicability of the Automatic Dual Citizenship
Under the Korean nationality law, individuals will be subject to dual citizenship by birth
under the following conditions:Korean Father & Korean or Non-Korean Mother: AutomaticDOB
DOB

Male Born
On 05/25/1983 or later:
Opt-Out by March 31stof the year
you turn 18
Before 05/25/1983:
If you don’t renounce yourKorean citizenship, automatically
revokedFemale Born
On 05/05/1988 or later:
Opt-Out by age 22
Before 05/05/1988:
If you don’t renounce your Korean
citizenship, automatically revoked

Korean Mother & Non-Korean FatherDOBDOB

Male Born
On 06/14/1998 or later:
Opt-Out by March 31st of theyear you turn 18
Before 06/14/1998:
No Korean citizenship wasgranted

Female Born
On 06/14/1998 or later:
Opt-Out by age 22
Before 06/14/1998:
No Korean citizenship was granted

Nationality Renunciation Process (Males)
If you want to renounce your citizenship before March 31st of the year you turn18 yearsold, you must first register your birth with the Korean government. Once registered, you
may then begin the renunciation process. This may take over one year and requires
more than fifteen (15) pieces of documentation, which is unduly burdensome.

If you miss the deadline (March 31st of the year you turn 18), your Korean military duty
will be imposed on you. If that occurs, you cannot renounce your citizenship until you
turn 38 years old, unless you complete your military duties before then.
Exceptional Nationality Revocation Permit: As of 2022, if you miss the due date (March31st of the year you turn 18), you may apply for an exceptional nationality revocation
permit through the Ministry of Justice. To do so, you must first register your birth with
the Korean government and submit the required documentation for renunciation. In
addition, you must also show:o (1) proof of justifiable reasons for missing the due date;o (2) significant restrictions or disadvantages in obtaining employment due
to your dual citizenship; ando (3) the military duty performance would be unfair in light of yourcircumstances.
This is an even more complicated process and if you are not able to show sufficientdamage/harm, you will likely be denied. The new system is not a remedy but remains a
restriction on Korean Americans. This is why the Korean government should return tothe automatic revocation system they had in previously had in place.
Dual Citizenship FAQs
 In the United States, you must disclose your dual citizenship status during
security clearance processes (federal government, judicial positions, militaryschool, elective offices, etc.)
o Failure to disclose such information puts you at risk of denial for
misrepresentation
 When visiting Korea, you are required to use a Korean passport You are not eligible for an international visa if you apply for a job/internship orwish to study in Korea (you must use a Korean passport)
 Many scholarships offered to international students are not available for dual
citizens (e.g., Fulbright)