Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to South Korea
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Repatriation from the United States to South Korea: what to expect
The United States maintains one of the largest military presences outside its own territory in South Korea, with around 28,500 US military personnel based in the country under the US-Republic of Korea Mutual Defense Treaty, alongside a large civilian diplomatic and business community. Korean-Americans form a significant community in the United States, with around two million people of Korean heritage concentrated in Los Angeles, New York, and the Washington DC area. The US Embassy in Seoul is among the largest in the region. South Korea is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; the US death certificate must be authenticated through the Korean Embassy in Washington DC, then legalised by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- South Korea Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In South Korea
When the body arrives in South Korea
The Korean funeral director (jang-ye-jido-sa) takes custody at Incheon International Airport (ICN) cargo terminal, or at Gimhae International Airport (PUS) for destinations in the south of the country. The local gu office (ward office) registers the death and a jang-ui-hwakinjung (burial or cremation confirmation certificate) is required before final disposition. South Korea has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 14 July 2007, so a document issued there is authenticated with an apostille from its designated authority rather than by full consular legalisation. A certified Korean translation is required for all non-Korean documentation. Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hour emergency line: +82 2 3210 0404. (Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Gu office / ward office civil registration, South Korea, 2025.)
Consular support
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to South Korea. South Korea is not a Hague Apostille member; all foreign documents require authentication through the Korean Embassy in the origin country followed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation in Seoul. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +82 2 3210 0404.
The process
What happens after a death in the United States
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Each US state operates its own civil records system. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, with processes varying by state. The United States is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to South Korea
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 911 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
South Korea Embassy in Washington DC 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 South Korea
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
South Korea funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to South Korea
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to South Korea takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 8-16 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: 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 South Korea Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the South Korea Embassy in Washington DC as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Korean funeral director takes custody at Incheon (ICN) or Gimhae (PUS) cargo terminal. The gu office (ward office) registers the death. A jang-ui-hwakinjung (burial or cremation confirmation certificate) is required before final disposition. South Korea is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; all foreign documents require authentication through Korean embassy channels in the country of origin and then Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation in Seoul. A certified Korean translation is required. Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +82 2 3210 0404.
Cremation in the United States is widely available in all states. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in the United States, 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 South Korea.
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 the United States (gov.uk) · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions