Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in South Korea
This guide explains what happens after a death in South Korea, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country. Facts for British nationals come from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you would like us to take over the arrangements, send us the details.
Typical timeline
18-25 days
FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
When a British National Dies in South Korea
South Korea is a medium-complexity repatriation. Incheon Airport is a well-equipped cargo hub with direct London flights. The documentation process involves multiple Korean government ministries and all documents are in Korean. There is no Strasbourg Convention and no simplified European pathway.
Call the British Embassy Seoul on their emergency line immediately.
Step 1: Reporting the Death
Deaths must be reported to the local police. For natural deaths in hospital, the attending physician issues the death certificate (Samangjindanseo). This is registered at the local government office (eup/myeon/dong) of the administrative area where the death occurred.
For sudden, unexplained, or unnatural deaths, the local police open an investigation and refer the case to the National Forensic Service (NFS).
Step 2: National Forensic Service Post-Mortem
The NFS (국립과학수사연구원) conducts post-mortems for unnatural or suspicious deaths. The main NFS facility is the National Institute of Scientific Investigation in Seoul. Regional NFS facilities are in Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon.
For deaths outside Seoul (in Busan, on Jeju Island, or in rural areas) the body goes to the nearest NFS facility. In some cases, transfer to Seoul may be required.
Post-mortem reports are issued in Korean.
Step 3: Police Investigation Closure
The Korean police must formally close their investigation before the Ministry of Health and Welfare will accept an export permit application. This closure must be documented and provided as part of the permit application.
Step 4: Ministry of Health and Welfare Export Permit
With the death certificate registered, police investigation closed, and NFS report complete, the Ministry of Health and Welfare processes the export permit. There is no single coordinating authority. The British Embassy Seoul is the most effective channel for tracking progress and making representations if the process stalls.
Step 5: Korean Document Translation
Every Korean document requires certified English translation. Korean legal and administrative language is specialised. General Korean-to-English translation is not adequate for official documents. Use a translator accredited by the British Embassy or recognised by UK courts.
Documents requiring translation:
- Samangjindanseo (death certificate)
- Police investigation closure
- NFS post-mortem report (if applicable)
- Ministry of Health and Welfare export permit
Step 6: Embalming and Preparation
Embalming is required before international air transport. Korean funeral directors in Seoul have established international repatriation experience. Funeral directors outside Seoul can handle initial preparation, but cargo is routed through Incheon.
South Korea has a very high local cremation rate. Families who choose to cremate in South Korea and bring ashes home can do so, and the process is generally faster than full body repatriation. An ashes transport permit from the Ministry of Health and Welfare is still required.
Step 7: Cargo from Incheon
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the departure point for all international repatriations from South Korea. Korean Air Cargo and Asiana Cargo have established procedures for human remains on the Incheon to London Heathrow route. Pre-booking is essential. Confirm cargo capacity before giving families a departure estimate.
Gimhae International Airport in Busan (PUS) has some international connections but human remains cargo typically routes via Incheon.
Step 8: UK Arrival Formalities
On arrival in the UK, the coroner reviews the case. Certified translations of all Korean documents must accompany the consignment notes. The local registrar then issues a UK death certificate.
Getting Help
Repatriate Service manages the full South Korea process, including British Embassy Seoul liaison, NFS tracking, certified Korean translation, and Incheon cargo booking. For deaths in Busan, Jeju Island, or regional areas, contact us directly: transfer logistics from regional NFS facilities add time that requires early planning.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the embassy or consulate
Tell the embassy or consulate of your loved one's own country as soon as possible. It can register the death, give you a list of local funeral directors and explain what the local authorities will need.
British nationals, FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in South Korea will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. Many policies cover the full cost of repatriation, subject to the limit set out in the policy schedule.
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from South Korea requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Factors that can extend the timeline
- National Forensic Service (NFS) must conduct post-mortem for unnatural or suspicious deaths; NFS has facilities in Seoul (National Institute of Scientific Investigation), Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon
- All documentation is in Korean (Hangul); certified English translation required for every document in the chain
- Ministry of Health and Welfare issues the export permit only after police investigation is closed and death certificate is registered
- Korean administrative processes involve multiple government ministries with no single coordinating authority
- Cargo booking from Incheon requires pre-arrangement; human remains cargo capacity is limited on direct UK routes
Cost guide
What affects the cost?
Nobody publishes a reliable figure for South Korea alone. Our cost page sets out the ranges repatriation firms publish, each named and dated. What you pay turns on the specifics of the case.
| Where the death happened | Distance to the departure airport, and any island or overland transfer, changes the freight arrangement |
| Whether a post-mortem is ordered | An investigation holds the release and adds mortuary time |
| Documentation required | South Korea paperwork, translation, and any legalisation step |
| Coffin and preparation | Airline and destination rules dictate what is needed |
| Flight availability | Direct services cost less to arrange than multi-leg cargo routing |
| Insurance | Whether a policy covers repatriation, and up to what limit |
Send us the details and we will give you a figure for your case, with no obligation.
Full repatriation guide for South Korea
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, what affects the cost, cultural considerations, and more.
View full guideSend us the details
If you need someone to take over the arrangements, tell us what has happened. We arrange repatriation from South Korea to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Send an enquiryTell us what has happened in South Korea
Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing your loved one home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Official lists for South Korea
Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.
- Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from South Korea · Frequently asked questions