An example of the “Resident Registration Card Application Form for Foreigners and Others” explained in English (Image provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety)
SEOUL, Jan. 5 (Korea Bizwire) — In a move to enhance accessibility for its growing foreign resident population, South Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on Sunday that 235 frequently used civil service forms have been translated into 10 languages.
The initiative aims to help foreign residents navigate administrative processes more accurately and efficiently.
Multilingual Support
The forms are now available in Russian, Mongolian, Vietnamese, English, Uzbek, Japanese, Chinese, Tagalog, Thai, and Khmer. These translations will be distributed to local governments, central administrative bodies, public institutions, and multicultural centers, where they can be accessed by individuals managing foreign resident services.
The translated forms can also be downloaded online through the “Easy Civil Forms for Foreigners” section on the Naver Band platform. However, the ministry clarified that the translated forms are for reference only; official submissions must still be completed in Korean on standard forms.
Breaking Language Barriers (Image courtesy of Pixabay/CCL)
Breaking Language Barriers
Hwang Myung-seok, head of the ministry’s Civil and Administrative System Improvement Division, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in public services.
“This initiative breaks down language barriers in administrative services, ensuring all residents can access services equitably,” he said. “We will continue improving services to enhance communication and convenience in our multicultural society.”
The project reflects South Korea’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and easing the integration of foreign residents as the country adapts to its increasingly diverse population.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
