South Korea is implementing a nationwide expansion of mobile resident registration cards, with a phased rollout scheduled between February 14 and March 14, 2025. The initiative follows successful pilot operations in nine regions across the country, including Sejong and eight basic local governments, building on the country’s broader digital identity modernization efforts that began with the introduction of mobile driver’s licenses in previous years.
The expansion will proceed in three phases, beginning with regions where pilot programs were conducted, including Daegu, Daejeon, Ulsan, Gangwon Province, North and South Jeolla Province, North and South Gyeongsang Province, and Jeju Island. The second phase, launching February 28, will incorporate Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, and remaining areas of North and South Chungcheong Province. The final phase, concluding March 14, will integrate major metropolitan areas including Seoul, Busan, and Gwangju.
Citizens aged 17 and above who possess physical resident registration cards are eligible to apply for the mobile version through the Korea Mobile ID app on their registered mobile devices. The digital cards can be issued or reissued by tapping the physical card to their phones, eliminating the need for in-person visits to community service centers. The system uses NFC technology, similar to the approach used in the country’s banking sector’s digital identification initiatives.
The mobile resident registration cards will maintain functional parity with physical cards, receiving acceptance at administrative offices, financial institutions, and hospitals. Security measures include automatic suspension of both physical and mobile versions if a physical card is reported lost, while lost mobile cards result in suspension of only the digital version. The system features advanced security measures, including facial recognition technology for authentication, demonstrating South Korea’s commitment to robust digital identity verification.
“The mobile resident registration card will greatly enhance convenience for citizens in the digital era by enabling access to a wide range of online services,” said Ko Ki-dong, acting minister of the interior and safety. The initiative is part of South Korea’s broader digital transformation strategy, which includes the recent implementation of digital residence cards for foreign residents and enhanced remote identity verification services.
Sources: Korea Times, Gibson Dunn, Biometric Update
Follow Us