en한국in
← All finance guides

Identity Verification

Many Korean apps, financial, and public services require “identity verification.” As a foreigner, you usually need a phone registered in your own name (opened with your ARC) to pass. A phone in someone else’s name may not work. The below is general information. 🚨 Verification data is highly sensitive — if someone offers to “verify on your behalf,” treat it as a warning sign.

Based on official sources · verify before deciding· as of 2026-06-09

What you need

  • A phone in your own name (opened with your ARC)
  • ARC

How to

  1. 1Open a phone in your own name (someone else’s name may block verification).
  2. 2Register a method like the PASS app with your own details.
  3. 3Choose phone verification when a service asks for identity verification.
  4. 4Check that your name, birth date, and ARC number match the carrier’s records.
  5. 5If it fails, ask your carrier or the service’s support about “foreigner identity verification.”

Tips

  • If verification fails, ask your carrier or the service’s support about “foreigner identity verification.”
  • 🚨 Never share verification codes (SMS/OTP) with anyone — one code can let someone transfer money, take out a loan, or sign you up.
  • 🚨 “I’ll pay you if you help me verify” — asking to borrow your verification, account, or ID is voice-phishing/“burner account” recruiting; complying risks punishment and deportation.
  • 🚨 Banks, government, police, and prosecutors never ask for codes or passwords by phone or text — if they do, it is 100% a scam.
  • 🚨 Never install suspicious links or apps (including remote-control apps) — they can drain your verification and financial data entirely.
  • Using a “burner phone” not in your name or lending your identity is illegal, and you can be punished if it’s abused for fraud.

Key contacts

  • Report voice-phishing/verification fraud: Police ☎112 (counseling + payment stop in one)
  • FSS ☎1332 — financial-fraud counseling and personal-data exposure prevention
  • Report personal-data violations: KISA ☎118

Related guides

Getting a Credit/Debit Card

This is general information, not an ad or referral. Rates, fees, and conditions change often — always verify with each service or financial institution before use. ⚠️ Never use illegal high-interest lenders.
Last updated: 2026-06-09