All teachers in Korea are required to register their employment with the local Office of Education within 15 days of starting work. This registration ensures that your employment is officially recognized by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and helps maintain compliance with Korean education and labor regulations.
A key part of this process is obtaining a Criminal Record Check conducted in Korea. This certificate must show no history of international sex offenses or child abuse and is mandatory for teachers working with minors.
How to Apply for a Korean Criminal Record Check
The school will handle most of the criminal record check process. Please do not prepare your apostilled degree or background check again. If asked, you can request copies from your local immigration office in Korea by submitting a “Request for Information Disclosure.
| Document(s) | Details |
| (1) Notarized & Apostilled Copy of Degree |
• You DO NOT need to prepare apostilled documents again. • Instead, request copies from your local Korean Immigration Office by submitting a “Request for Information Disclosure.” |
| (1) Apostilled Nationwide Criminal Background |
• You DO NOT need to prepare apostilled documents again. • Instead, request copies from your local Korean Immigration Office by submitting a “Request for Information Disclosure.” |
|
(1) Application Form
|
• This form will be prepared by the school
|
|
(1) Agreement/Consent Form |
• This form will be prepared by the school
|
| (1) Original Residence Card (RC) |
• Hand the Residence Card to your school
|
| Original Passport | • Valid for at least 6 months (recommend 13 months) |
| (1) Standard ID Photo |
• Photo size (3 x 4cm). • Must be taken within the last 6 months • White background • No computer scans or color copies |
Korean Criminal Record Check Procedure
| Note: Normally, the school will handle this on its own, but in rare cases, you may be asked to accompany a staff member. |
1. Visit in Person / Apply Online
Go to the local Korean police station in person to apply. The school could also apply online through the Criminal Records Information System website.
2. Document Submission
Submit your application and all required documents.
3. Certificate Issuance
Once the police complete the check, the certificate is sent back to the requesting party. It is issued immediately upon receipt. Processing can take an hour to a day.
How to Report to the Employment to the Office of Education
Teachers must register with the local Office of Education within 15 days of their start date. Please reach out to your school or local Office of Education with any questions.
| Note: Normally, the school will handle this on its own, but in rare cases, you may be asked to accompany a staff member. |
General Required Documents for Reporting to the Office of Education
| Document(s) | Details |
| (1) Notarized & Apostilled Copy of Degree |
• You DO NOT need to prepare apostilled documents again. • Instead, request copies from your local Korean Immigration Office by submitting a “Request for Information Disclosure.” |
| (1) Apostilled Nationwide Criminal Background |
• You DO NOT need to prepare apostilled documents again. • Instead, request copies from your local Korean Immigration Office by submitting a “Request for Information Disclosure.” |
|
(1) Teacher Employment Registration Form |
•This form will be prepared by the school
|
|
(1) Criminal Record Check |
•This form will be prepared by the school |
| (1) Medical Examination Report |
• Must include drug test results (cocaine, opiates, cannabinoids, methoxyphenamine) • Completed within 1 month of application • Must be in a SEALED envelope |
| (1) Original Residence Card or Photocopy | • Print Visa Grant Notice on “Korea Visa Portal.” |
| (1) Original Passport or Photocopy | • Valid for at least 6 months (recommend 13 months) |
| (1) Standard ID Photo |
• Photo size (3 x 4cm). • Must be taken within the last 6 months • White background • No computer scans or color copies |
Related Blog: How to Check if Your Job is Registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE)
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As former native English teachers in Korea, we know exactly what it’s like to navigate teaching abroad. That’s why we’re committed to increasing transparency in schools and improving Korea’s ESL teaching industry. At Embark Recruiting, we provide full support to help you succeed. Our blogs offer guidance, tips, and insider knowledge for teaching in Korea.