Overstayed in Korea: penalties, and the closed voluntary departure program
Overstaying without extension permission can bring up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to KRW 30 million. The Ministry of Justice has run time-limited voluntary departure programs. The most recent one found ran from December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026 and has closed. No 2026 program was found.
Moving to South Korea
Practical facts for newcomers, from official sources Finance Living
Finance
3
Currency
South Korean Won
KRW
South Korean Won
Cost of living
62
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
6–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 10%
Plus local income tax of 10% of national income tax (top combined 49.5%); 45% applies above KRW 1 billion.
Living
1
Happiness
#65 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Eligibility
Who it’s for: People in Korea without valid status of stay.
Penalties
Sign in to check this route against your profileOverstaying without extension permission can lead to prison or a fine under Article 94 of the Immigration Act.
Maximum penalties
- Prisonup to
- 3 years
- Fineup to
- KRW 30 million
Official wording
Overstaying without extension permission can bring up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to KRW 30 million (Immigration Act, Article 94).
Closed program
Sign in to check this route against your profileThe 2025 program offered an exemption from fines and a suspension of entry restrictions. It is closed and is described here for reference only.
Who that program left out
Sign in to check this route against your profilePeople who entered by crossing the border unlawfully, used a forged or altered passport, did not follow an earlier departure order, or lost status after December 1, 2025.
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