What to Do If I Lose My Passport in Korea
A Local Korean’s Calm, Practical Guide
Losing your passport abroad is one of those travel nightmares people dread talking about before a trip — until it happens. As someone who lives in Korea and often helps foreign friends and visitors figure things out here, I want you to feel prepared rather than panicked. If your passport goes missing while you’re in South Korea, take a deep breath. It’s solvable — and this step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly what to do.
Stay Calm and Think Clearly
First, know this: losing your passport is inconvenient, not catastrophic. Thousands of travelers lose passports every year in Korea, and the process for getting a replacement is well-established.
Your next moves matter more than the panic you might feel right now — and we’re going to tackle this logically.
Step 1: Confirm It’s Really Lost
Before assuming the worst:
- Check your bags and clothing pockets
- Retrace your steps from the last time you remember having it
- Look in hotel safes, lockers, and luggage
- Check with venue lost-and-found where you were
Sometimes passports are simply misplaced — not lost. If you find it, you’re back on track. If not, it’s time to begin the official process.
Step 2: Report the Loss to the Local Police
In Korea, you’ll need an official police report (신고, “sin-go”) — this document is essential for applying for a replacement passport at your embassy or consulate.
Here’s how it typically works:
Go to a local police station
Tell them:
“I lost my passport” or “여권을 잃어버렸어요” (yeogwoneul ilheobeoryeoss-eo-yo)
They will take your information and issue a lost passport report. This report may be in Korean, but it’s formal and accepted by embassies.
Tips for the police step:
- Bring any photo ID you have (driver’s license, photocopy, photo on phone)
- If language is a barrier, ask if an English-speaking officer is available or bring a bilingual friend
- Some stations now have translation support
At the end, you’ll receive a document confirming your report — keep this very safe.
Step 3: Contact Your Embassy or Consulate
Once you have your police report, your next stop is your home country’s embassy or consulate in Korea.
Every country has a diplomatic mission in Seoul (and some have branch offices in Busan or Jeju), and they handle passport replacement for their citizens.
Here’s what typically happens:
1.Make an appointment (many embassies require this)
- Visit the embassy’s website to book a time
- Some allow walk-ins in emergency cases
2.Bring required documents
- Police lost passport report
- Identification (driver’s license, copy of your passport picture page, or other ID)
- Passport photos (some embassies take them on site; others require you bring them)
- Proof of travel plans (flight tickets, itinerary)
3.Fill out the application form for an emergency travel document or replacement passport.
4.Pay the fee. Costs vary by nationality and whether you want a full passport or an emergency travel certificate.
Your embassy will explain whether you receive a full replacement passport or a temporary travel document that lets you travel home but must be replaced later in your home country.
Step 4: Get a Temporary or Emergency Passport (If Needed)
In many cases, especially if you have immediate travel plans, your embassy may issue:
- A temporary passport (valid for a limited time)
- An emergency travel document (usually only valid for return travel)
These documents allow you to continue your journey or return home, and once you’re back in your country, you can apply for a standard passport.
Step 5: Update Your Airline/Travel Plans
If losing your passport affects your flight reservation (name changes or documentation checks), contact your airline as soon as possible.
Airlines are used to handling document issues with international travelers. They may require:
- A copy of your police report
- Temporary passport details
- Embassy confirmation
The sooner you contact them, the easier it will be to avoid extra fees or confusion.
Step 6: Cancel or Replace Other Stolen/Damaged Documents
If your passport was with other items (credit cards, ID cards, traveler’s checks), you’ll want to:
- Call your bank or credit card company
- Report and cancel lost cards
- Get replacements sent or pick them up when you return home
Many travelers find that losing a passport also means reviewing their travel insurance — which can often cover the cost of replacements, photos, and travel changes.
Step 7: Stay Aware of Local Resources
In Korea, public services are relatively efficient if you know where to go:
- Tourist Information Centers at airports and major stations can assist with directions to police stations and embassies
- Many embassies have English-speaking staff or translation support
- Korea has an emergency number (112) if you feel unsafe or need immediate help
Having a police report and embassy appointment ensures you’re doing everything by the book.
Extra Tips from a Local Traveler
Keep a Copy of Your Passport
Before your trip, take photos or scans of:
- Main passport page
- Visa or entry stamps
Email these to yourself or store them in cloud storage — this makes identification easier if the original is lost.
Learn Key Phrases
If you want to explain your situation in Korean, helpful phrases include:
- “I lost my passport” — 여권을 잃어버렸어요
- “Where is the police station?” — 경찰서 어디예요?
- “I need help with my embassy” — 대사관 도움 필요해요
Locals are usually very willing to help tourists who try to communicate, even with a few basic phrases.
What About Travel Insurance?
If you purchased travel insurance before your trip, check your policy — many plans include:
- Passport replacement assistance
- Emergency document fees
- Travel change coverage
Your insurer can help guide you through embassy procedures and may cover related costs.
Final Reassurance
Losing your passport in Korea can feel like a crisis at first, but the process here is clear and handled professionally. With a police report and an embassy visit, you will be back on track soon. Many travelers even describe the process as an unexpected adventure with a surprisingly smooth resolution.
Remember: you are not alone, and Korea is well set up to help visitors through situations like this.
Safe travels, and may your passport stay firmly in your pocket until you fly home.