Skip the Line: Korea’s Smart Entry Service (SES) Explained

South Korea’s Smart Entry Service (SES) is an automated immigration clearance system designed to fast-track eligible travelers through immigration using biometric kiosks. Instead of waiting in long queues to meet an immigration officer, travelers can simply scan their passport, fingerprint, and facial image at an automated gate, completing the process in around 12 seconds.

Who is Eligible?

• Marriage migrants, overseas Koreans, and permanent residents can now use the same entry lane as Korean passport holders.

• Korean nationals aged 7 and above (minors between 7 and 18 require a guardian’s consent).

• Foreign nationals aged 17 and above who:

  • Hold Korean residency status

  • Possess a Korea Priority Card

  • Are crew members with multiple landing permits

  • Come from countries with mutual SES agreements (such as the U.S., Hong Kong, and Macao)

• Foreign tourists aged 17 and above who have already submitted fingerprint and facial image data during prior inspections can use SES when departing.

Where is SES Available?

• Incheon Airport (Terminals 1 and 2)

• Gimhae Airport

• Gimpo Airport

• Jeju Airport

• Daegu Airport

• Cheongju Airport

• Busan Port

• Incheon Port

Benefits of SES:

• Skip the regular immigration lines

• Automated clearance in under 12 seconds

• A smoother, faster airport or port experience

• Expanded access: Marriage migrants traveling with Korean children can now use the Korean passport lane alongside their family

How to Register:

1. Visit one of 18 enrollment centers, including at major airports and immigration offices.

2. Bring the necessary documents:

   • Korean nationals: Passport and Resident Registration Certificate or ID card

   • Foreign nationals: Passport and Alien Registration Card or Domestic Residence Report

   • For children: A Family Relation Certificate and a parent’s ID are required

3. Provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial image)

4. Agree to data usage terms

Key Points to Remember:

• Registration is required in person and is necessary if personal details change.

• Travelers under travel bans or with poor-quality biometric data may be ineligible.

• SES is part of a larger push by Korea’s Ministry of Justice to make immigration faster and friendlier, especially during peak times like the Chuseok holidays.

Enrollment Centers:

• Incheon Airport

• Seoul

• Southern Seoul

• Busan

• Incheon

• Suwon

• Jeju

• Gimhae Airport

• Daegu

• Daejeon

• Gwangju

• Cheongju

• Gimpo Immigration Office

• Seoul Station

• City Airport Terminal

Note: The Incheon, Jeju, Cheongju, and Busan Immigration Offices operate enrollment centers at the office, airport, and seaport.

What to Bring:

• Korean nationals: Passport (multiple), Resident Registration Certificate, or Resident ID card

• Foreign nationals: Passport (multiple), Alien Registration Card, or Domestic Residence Report

• Children (7 to under 14): Family Relation Certificate and parent’s passport or ID to confirm the family relationship

Procedure:

• Visit the enrollment center in person to enroll for SES

• Re-enrollment is required for any changes to personal information, such as name or resident registration number

Note: Eligible Korean nationals aged 19 and above are no longer required to pre-register for SES as of March 2017. However, pre-registration is necessary for those aged 7 to 18, and also for individuals whose personal information (such as name or date of birth) has changed. It is also recommended for those who obtained their resident registration card over 30 years ago.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor, the SES is a smart way to make your entry and departure from Korea more convenient.