Seoul to Gangwon: Train Adventure | Travel Guide

on
0

How to Use the PASS App for Verification in Korea

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.

 Simple guide to use the PASS app for verification in Korea: setup steps for foreigners, link your phone, create a PASS certificate, and pass ID checks smoothly.

How to Use the PASS App for Verification in Korea

In short

PASS is the official identity verification app from Korea’s mobile carriers (SKT, KT, LG U+). Foreigners in Korea can use it for phone-based real-name checks, logins, and simple e-signature. You need a Korean number under your name and basic ID to register and create a PASS certificate.

What Is PASS & When You Need It

PASS is a carrier-operated identity service used across Korea for phone-based real-name verification (본인인증), quick logins (QR/push), and private certificates (민간인증서). It appears on checkout pages, government and public platforms, banking, fintech, delivery, and subscription sign-ups.

  • Who runs it: SK Telecom (SKT), KT, and LG U+ operate PASS for their subscribers.
  • What it replaces: Old SMS-only checks and complex certificates. PASS reduces friction with in-app approval and a reusable certificate.
  • Typical uses: Opening bank/fintech accounts, activating cards, logging into portals, age verification, signing small agreements.
💡 Tip If a site offers several options (PASS, Kakao, KB, 공동인증서), choose PASS for the fastest phone-based flow.

Requirements for Foreigners in Korea

  • Korean mobile number under your name (postpaid or real-name prepaid). The SIM must be registered to you at the telecom shop or authorized reseller.
  • Valid ID in Korea: Alien Registration Card (ARC) is standard. Some carriers accept passport during initial phone registration, but PASS setup usually requires ARC info.
  • Smartphone (iOS/Android) with the PASS app installed and push notifications enabled.
  • Accurate personal data (name spelling, birth date, ARC number) must match the telecom records.
⚠️ Note If your phone is not in your name (company, friend, landlord), PASS verification will fail. Visit the carrier store to switch to real-name registration.

Install & Set Up (Step-by-Step)

1) Download PASS

  • Open the App Store/Google Play and search “PASS”. Choose the app for your carrier (SKT, KT, LG U+).
  • Allow notifications; PASS uses push alerts for approvals.

2) Register Your Identity

  1. Enter your name, date of birth, mobile number.
  2. Complete real-name check via SMS code and telecom information match.
  3. If prompted, submit ARC details and in-app ID scan/selfie to prevent fraud.

3) Create PIN/Biometrics

  • Set a 6-digit PIN and enable Face/Touch ID for quick approvals.
  • Do not share your PIN; approvals are legally binding for many services.

4) Issue the PASS Certificate (민간인증서)

  • Inside PASS, open Certificate / 인증서 and tap Issue.
  • Agree to terms, verify again (PIN/biometric), and the certificate is stored in the app.
  • Certificates typically renew annually; set a reminder to reissue before expiry.
💡 Tip If the certificate option is hidden, update the app or check the carrier-specific PASS app page; menus differ by carrier.

How to Verify on Websites & Apps

A) Phone Identity Verification (본인인증)

  1. At checkout or sign-up, select PASS (or Mobile Phone Verification).
  2. Enter your mobile number and carrier; agree to the terms.
  3. Open the PASS push notification and Approve with PIN/biometric.
  4. Return to the site; it will proceed automatically after approval.

B) QR/Push Login

  • Click Login with PASS, scan the QR or receive a push, then confirm in-app.
  • Useful for banking and large portals that support passwordless access.

C) Simple E-Signature & Forms

  • Some services request a PASS-based signature; you’ll review content and tap Sign/Approve.
  • Signed records are stored in your app history for reference.

D) Government & Banks

  • Many public services and banks in Korea accept the PASS certificate as a private certificate option.
  • If PASS is not shown, choose another available method (e.g., 공동인증서 or another private certificate) for that site.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q. Can I use PASS without an ARC?
    A. You need a Korean number under your name. For most users, the number was created with ARC details, which PASS will reference. If your line was opened with a passport only, visit your carrier to update to ARC-based real-name registration.
  2. Q. My name spelling doesn’t match—what should I do?
    A. PASS must match the carrier’s record exactly. Ask the telecom shop to correct your English/Korean name format to match your ARC and try again.
  3. Q. I changed phones. Do I need to reissue the certificate?
    A. Yes. New devices require re-registration and a fresh PASS certificate. Delete old devices in the app for security.
  4. Q. The website shows PASS but I never get a push.
    A. Check notifications, data/Wi-Fi, and that the number/carrier you entered matches your SIM. If still failing, use the SMS code fallback or try another certificate method.
  5. Q. Is PASS safe for payments and banking?
    A. PASS uses device binding, PIN/biometrics, and time-limited approvals. Keep your phone locked, do not share your PIN, and review request details before approving.

Notes

Note. PASS menus differ by carrier and app version. Some government or bank services may not support PASS for all tasks; if PASS is unavailable, choose another listed method (e.g., 공동인증서). Reissue your certificate before expiry to avoid login failures.

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