How to renew your American passport in South Korea (using a courier service)

I recently applied for a new passport while living in Korea and the process was much easier than expected. This is how it worked for me.

Step 1) 

Visit the U.S. Citizen Services website for South Korea and fill out an application using the "passport wizard". 

Here is the link:http://seoul.usembassy.gov/acs_adult_first_passport.html

Step 2)

Print and sign the form you created using the "passport wizard".

Step 3) 

Obtain a 2"x 2" passport photograph of yourself. (This is not the typical korean passport size, you will have to request it specifically.)

Step 4)

 Get an international money order for $110 (You can use korean won/ USD/ or credit card only if you are going in person to the embassy.)

Make the money order out to: CASHIER FMC U.S. EMBASSY 

To obtain an international money order you need to go to KEB bank. (Sometimes, NonyHyup or Woori bank can do them but it is not guaranteed.) 

Here is more information about international money orders: http://seoul.usembassy.gov/acs_fees.html

Step 5) 

Call one of the courier services below and set up a pick up time. I used ILYANG and they were very good. The English level of those working at ILYANG is pretty low though so be patient. You may even have to wait until they have an English worker on hand to call you back. 

ILYANG 02-3277-9472 

HANJIN 02-728-5744

After I called, they set up a pick up time to come to my apartment and take all of my documents. It was a bit tricky as the pick up has to be between 8AM and 5PM on a weekday but my mission was successful. 

The fee is 10,000 won one-way and upon return you will have to pay another 10,000. It is a pretty good deal as it has to go to America, back to the Korean Embassy and then finally back to your apartment. 

Step 6) 

Have your documents complete and ready to mail to: 

U.S. EMBASSY

Consular Section/ American Citizen Services

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu

Seoul, Korea 110-710

Here is a check list of what you need in your envelope:

• Old passport
• 2"x 2" photo
• International money order ($110)
• Application form

Step 7) 

Wait for your passport to be delivered back. Yay, you did it! 

For me it took a little over two weeks to receive my passport back. I am very happy with the courier service, although there were some language difficulties it was a fairly quick and easy process. 

 Out with the old and in with the new! 

Once complete, you will receive your old passport back along with your new one. This way you can still look at all your cool stamps and visas.