South Korea has implemented a new digital residence card system for foreign residents as part of its broader digital identity modernization strategy. The system introduces smartphone-based identification cards for foreigners living in the country, following the country’s successful rollout of mobile national ID cards and other digital credentials.
The Ministry of Justice will manage the digital residence card system through the “mobile id-card app,” developed by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The system builds upon South Korea’s existing digital ID infrastructure, which has already proven reliable through the nationwide deployment of mobile driver’s licenses in 2022. The application supports both iOS and Android platforms and will be accessible to foreign residents aged 14 and above who have smartphones registered in their names.
Foreign residents with plastic residence cards issued before 2025 must visit local immigration offices to obtain digital versions by scanning QR codes. For cards issued after January 1, 2025, users can download digital versions directly through smartphone chip scanning.
The digital residence cards feature multiple security measures based on South Korea’s blockchain and encryption technologies, which form the foundation of the country’s digital ID ecosystem. Each digital card is linked to a single smartphone, with automatic access suspension if the device is reported lost. The system uses advanced encryption protocols to protect personal information and prevent unauthorized use, demonstrating South Korea’s commitment to maintaining robust security standards in its digital identity initiatives.
The initiative is part of South Korea’s comprehensive digital identification strategy, which has seen rapid expansion in recent years. The country previously launched mobile driver’s licenses in 2022 and mobile veterans registration cards in 2023. A trial program for digital national ID cards for citizens is scheduled to begin January 3, 2025, marking another milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey.
The system aims to enhance administrative efficiency for both foreign residents and government agencies. It facilitates streamlined service access and status verification while reducing administrative burdens for institutions and businesses. The implementation supports South Korea’s broader efforts to integrate digital identification across various sectors, including banking and public services.
Sources: IDTechWire
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