Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from South Korea to Vietnam
For families bringing someone home to Vietnam. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from South Korea to Vietnam: what to expect
South Korea and Vietnam maintain one of the most active bilateral relationships in Southeast Asia, with South Korean investment significant in Vietnamese manufacturing, electronics, and construction. A substantial South Korean expat community lives and works in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. South Korea maintains an Embassy in Hanoi and Consulates in Ho Chi Minh City. When a South Korean national dies in Vietnam and their family wishes to repatriate remains to South Korea, the death is registered with the local People's Committee civil status office. Vietnam is not a Hague Apostille member; the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul can advise on consular legalisation. (South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: samang jindan-seo (death certificate) (in Korean)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the local gu office (ward office) under the Act on the Registration of Family Relations promptly.
- Vietnam Embassy in Seoul can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in South Korea
Call 112 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The samang jindan-seo is registered with the local gu office (ward office) under the Act on the Registration of Family Relations. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Documentation is in Korean and requires certified translation. South Korea is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Step by step
Timeline: South Korea to Vietnam
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 (police) / 119 (fire and ambulance) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Samang jindan-seo (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local gu office (ward office) under the Act on the Registration of Family Relations. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Vietnam Embassy in Seoul notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Vietnam
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Vietnam funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Vietnam
When the body arrives in Vietnam
The Vietnamese funeral director takes custody at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. The local People's Committee civil status office handles death registration. A Ministry of Health import permit is required for all incoming remains. All foreign documents must be accompanied by certified Vietnamese translation and legalised through the Vietnamese Embassy in the country of origin. Vietnam is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular legalisation is required for all documents. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. (Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Seoul can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Vietnam. Vietnam is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; legalisation of origin country documents must go through the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from South Korea to Vietnam
In a straightforward case, repatriation from South Korea to Vietnam takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-16 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local gu office (ward office) under the Act on the Registration of Family Relations promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: samang jindan-seo (death certificate) with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Vietnam Embassy in Seoul can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Vietnam Embassy in Seoul as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Vietnamese funeral director takes custody at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. The local People's Committee civil status office handles death registration. A Ministry of Health import permit is required. All foreign documents require certified Vietnamese translation and legalisation through the Vietnamese Embassy in the origin country. Vietnam is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular legalisation is required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the People's Committee civil status office.
Cremation in South Korea is widely available at registered crematoriums across major cities including Seoul and Busan. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in South Korea, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Vietnam.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in South Korea (gov.uk) · South Korea repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions