South Korean nationality law

Nationality Act
국적법
Gukjeokbeop
National Assembly
CitationAct No. 16
Territorial extentRepublic of Korea (includes South Korea and North Korea)
Enacted byConstituent National Assembly
Enacted20 December 1948
Effective20 December 1948
Administered byMinistry of Justice
Amended by
3 December 1997 (amending the whole law)
18 September 2018 (last amended)
Status: Amended
Nationality Act
Hangul
Hanja
Revised RomanizationGukjeokbeop
McCune–ReischauerKukchŏkpŏp

South Korean nationality law (Korean국적법) details the conditions in which an individual is a national of the Republic of Korea (ROK), commonly known as South Korea. Foreign nationals may naturalize after living in the country for at least five years and showing proficiency in the Korean language. All male citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 who are able-bodied and mentally competent are required to perform at least 18 months of compulsory military service or alternative civilian service.