The Ministry of Justice on Jan. 10 launched the use of mobile resident cards for registered expats. (Ministry of Justice)

By Aisylu Akhmetzianova

Expats in Korea can now present their IDs through their smartphones.

The Ministry of Justice on Jan. 10 launched a mobile ID for registered foreign residents.

Possessing the same validity as a physical card, the mobile ID is available to all registered expats aged 14 or older who possess smartphones in their names.

The mobile ID can be issued to one smartphone only in an expat's name. It can be used instead of the plastic card in many places such as public and financial institutions, convenience stores and hospitals.

Those who wish to receive the mobile ID must install on their smartphones the mobile ID app of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's National Integrated Mobile ID Platform.

Physical ID cards issued this year have an embedded chip installed. So for expats who received their cards before this year, they can get the mobile ID only if they visit an immigration or foreign affairs office and scan the QR code with their smartphones.

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