Determination of Nationality (국적판정, §20 — declaratory)
Citizenship in South Korea
- Eligibility
- DETERMINATION OF NATIONALITY (국적판정, 국적법 제20조): where a person's ACQUISITION or RETENTION of ROK nationality is UNCLEAR (취득이나 보유 여부가 분명하지 아니한), the Minister of Justice MAY, after examination (심사), DETERMINE (판정) their nationality. This is a DECLARATORY administrative determination (not an acquisition route) — the procedure/details are set by Presidential Decree. Distinct from 국적회복 (§9, for FORMER nationals) and 인지/귀화. Often used for ethnic Koreans from China/CIS (조선족·고려인) and others whose ROK-national status is contested.
- Timeline
- standard
- Renunciation
- Not required
Overview
DETERMINATION OF NATIONALITY (국적판정, 국적법 제20조): where a person's ACQUISITION or RETENTION of ROK nationality is UNCLEAR (취득이나 보유 여부가 분명하지 아니한), the Minister of Justice MAY, after examination (심사), DETERMINE (판정) their nationality. This is a DECLARATORY administrative determination (not an acquisition route) — the procedure/details are set by Presidential Decree. Distinct from 국적회복 (§9, for FORMER nationals) and 인지/귀화. Often used for ethnic Koreans from China/CIS (조선족·고려인) and others whose ROK-national status is contested.
How to apply
- DETERMINATION OF NATIONALITY (국적판정, 국적법 제20조): where a person's ACQUISITION or RETENTION of ROK nationality is UNCLEAR (취득이나 보유 여부가 분명하지 아니한), the Minister of Justice MAY, after examination (심사), DETERMINE (판정) their nationality. This is a DECLARATORY administrative determination (not an acquisition route) — the procedure/details are set by Presidential Decree. Distinct from 국적회복 (§9, for FORMER nationals) and 인지/귀화. Often used for ethnic Koreans from China/CIS (조선족·고려인) and others whose ROK-national status is contested.
Legal basis
Primary statute: 국적법 제20조. Operative 2008-03-14–present. Authority: Minister of Justice (법무부장관); Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인정책본부).
Example scenarios
May obtain a nationality DETERMINATION
Nationality Act Art.20: where acquisition or retention is unclear, the Minister may examine and determine (declaratory).
May obtain a nationality determination
국적법 제20조: the Minister examines and determines unclear acquisition/retention.
May obtain a nationality determination
국적법 제20조: the Minister examines and determines unclear acquisition/retention.
Informational summary compiled from primary legal sources — not legal advice. Citizenship law changes; verify with the competent authority before acting. Last verified 2026-06-22.
Track changes to this route
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