Seoul to Gangwon: Train Adventure | Travel Guide

on
0

Digital Certificates in Korea: PASS vs 공동인증서

on

🌍 Foreign Residents in Korea Series

Step-by-step guides for foreigners living in Korea — from address registration and visa to banking, taxes, and digital certificates.

I tried both PASS and the old certificate. One felt like paperwork, the other like a shortcut.

Digital Certificates in Korea: PASS vs 공동인증서
In short

Korea uses digital certificates for secure online verification and electronic signatures. The PASS certificate is a mobile, phone-based private certificate, while the 공동인증서 (Public Certificate) is a government-recognized digital ID used for financial and public portals. Both are accepted for banking, Government24, and online transactions.

What Are Digital Certificates in Korea

A digital certificate (인증서) in Korea is an official electronic ID that verifies your identity for secure logins and transactions. It replaces traditional passwords and is required for:

  • Online banking and fund transfers
  • Government websites like Government24 or Hometax
  • Insurance, pension, and other public service logins
  • Digital signatures for contracts or applications

Korea now supports two major certificate systems: 공동인증서 (Public Certificate) and 민간인증서 (Private Certificates) such as PASS, Kakao, Naver, and Toss.

💡 Tip Since 2020, Korea’s government has allowed private providers like PASS and Kakao to issue secure digital IDs, making logins faster and more user-friendly.

PASS Certificate (Private Type)

The PASS certificate is provided through the PASS app by Korea’s telecom companies (SKT, KT, and LG U+). It’s linked to your verified mobile number and ARC, making it easy for foreigners to use.

  • Registration: Create the certificate inside the PASS app using your phone number.
  • Verification: PIN or fingerprint (no password required).
  • Device: Mobile-only (cannot be used on PC browsers directly).
  • Validity: 1 year, renewable anytime through the app.
  • Accepted by: Most banks, Government24, NHIS, and Hometax.
Example: When logging into Government24, choose “PASS 인증서,” approve the push notification in your PASS app, and access the site securely in seconds.

공동인증서 (Public Certificate)

The 공동인증서 (formerly 공인인증서) is the official public certificate system managed by financial and government institutions. It remains the most widely supported type for formal and PC-based processes.

  • Issued by: Banks, financial institutions, or KFTC.
  • Verification: Password entry (set during registration).
  • Device: Works on PC, USB, and mobile apps.
  • Validity: 1 year (renewal required).
  • Accepted by: All banks, public offices, and large corporations.
⚠️ Note Foreigners must have an ARC and a registered mobile number under their name to issue a 공동인증서 through a Korean bank.

Comparison: PASS vs 공동인증서

Feature PASS Certificate 공동인증서
Type Private (Telecom) Public / Financial
Device Mobile app only PC, mobile, or USB
Verification Method PIN / Biometrics Password
Ease of Use Very easy (mobile tap) Requires installation, password
Best For Banking & mobile logins Government & corporate portals
Expiration 1 year (auto renewal) 1 year (manual renewal)
💡 Tip For most daily tasks—banking, identity checks, and Government24—the PASS certificate is faster. Keep a 공동인증서 if you use PC or older systems like Hometax.

Where and How to Use Them

  • Banking: Both certificates work for transfers and account access in major Korean banks.
  • Government24, NHIS, Hometax: PASS is supported for mobile; 공동인증서 required on desktop.
  • Telecom & utilities: Use PASS for real-name verification and contract renewals.
  • Corporate & university logins: 공동인증서 may still be required for official systems.
Example: A foreign resident can use the PASS app to log into Government24 for document requests or use 공동인증서 on PC to file taxes through Hometax.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q. Can foreigners use both PASS and 공동인증서?
    A. Yes. If you have an ARC and a registered Korean number, you can issue both certificates. Most foreigners prefer PASS for mobile and 공동인증서 for desktop services.
  2. Q. Which certificate is more secure?
    A. Both use advanced encryption. PASS adds device binding and biometric verification, while 공동인증서 relies on password and encryption keys.
  3. Q. Do I still need 공동인증서 if I have PASS?
    A. Not always. PASS works on most mobile-friendly sites, but 공동인증서 may still be required for tax filing or older PC-only systems.
  4. Q. How long are certificates valid?
    A. Both expire after one year. PASS can renew instantly in the app, while 공동인증서 renewal is done via your bank or issuing website.

Notes

Note. For daily convenience, foreign residents in Korea should set up the PASS certificate first and keep a 공동인증서 as backup for PC-based government or tax services.

Explore the Series

More step-by-step guides for foreigners in Korea. Browse them on the hub, or jump directly below.

🌏 View Full Series Hub

Comments

Post a Comment