When a foreign national living in Korea passes away suddenly, the family, colleagues, or friends nearby often have no idea where to begin. Here is the process, step by step. Details vary with circumstances, but the overall flow is as follows.
1. OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION OF THE DEATH
If the death occurred in a hospital, the hospital issues the death certificate. If it occurred outside a hospital — at home, in a hotel, at a workplace — the police must be notified, and after a police investigation and examination a postmortem examination report is issued. In cases of accident or unclear cause, the police investigation can take several days. This document is the starting point for everything that follows.
2. CONTACT THE FAMILY AND THE EMBASSY
The family in the home country must be informed, and the deceased’s embassy in Korea should also be contacted. The embassy provides guidance on the procedures and documents required when one of its nationals passes away. Note, however, that the embassy does not carry out the repatriation itself — the actual process must be handled by the family or a representative through a specialist provider.
3. DECIDE HOW THE DECEASED WILL BE LAID TO REST
This is the biggest decision the family must make.
✓ Repatriation of the deceased — the deceased is brought home as they are; embalming and a casket meeting international standards are required
✓ Cremation in Korea and transport of the ashes — the procedures and cost burden are relatively lighter
✓ A funeral in Korea — in some cases the deceased is cremated in Korea and laid to rest here, for example in a sea burial
The choice depends on the deceased’s religion and wishes, the family’s wishes, and the home country’s regulations. Where the religion calls for particular rites — such as the Islamic washing (ghusl) and prayer — we proceed accordingly.
4. PREPARE THE DOCUMENTS
The following documents are generally required; the exact list varies somewhat by country.
✓ Death certificate or postmortem examination report (with English translation and notarization)
✓ The deceased’s passport and alien registration card
✓ Certificate of embalming (for repatriation)
✓ Non-contagious disease certificate
✓ Consular verification from the embassy in Korea
✓ Letter of authorization from the family (where the family is overseas)
Where the family is overseas, the letter of authorization is essential — and if it is delayed, the entire schedule is delayed with it.
5. EMBALMING AND PLACEMENT IN THE CASKET
Embalming is required for air transport. The certificate issued afterwards forms part of the customs documentation. The deceased is then placed with care in a casket meeting international transport standards.
6. AIR TRANSPORT AND HANDOVER
After the airline cargo booking and customs procedures, the deceased is brought home. At the destination airport, the family or a local funeral provider receives the deceased — and confirming that this handover is complete is the final step of the repatriation.
HOW LONG DOES THE WHOLE PROCESS TAKE
Once the documents are in place, generally 3 to 7 days. Detailed timelines by country can be found in our separate article and in the Country Guide.
THIS IS HARD TO MANAGE ALONE
Every step differs by country, and a single missing document can mean starting over. We handle the entire process — from immediately after the death is confirmed, through document preparation, embassy coordination, embalming, and air transport, to the handover at the destination. Whatever stage you are at, tell us your situation and we will tell you right away what to do next.
There is no charge for consultation, and you can reach us 24 hours a day. +82-10-3668-3439 | WhatsApp available