Renewing a US passport in Korea: processing time?

I need to renew my US passport (it expires in August) and am curious about the turnaround time.  On the website it says that it takes 4-6 weeks to process or 2-3 expedited.  However, expedited service is unavailable outside of the US.  Has anyone renewed here in Korea?  Is the time any different?  I have a hunch it may be a lot faster than back at home, hence the no need for expedited service.  Or perhaps this is wishful thinking.  

Re: Renewing a US passport in Korea: processing time?

try calling the embassy.  it can be hit and miss, but sometimes they have the correct answer no problem.  they also answer emails fairly quickly [email protected]  02-397-4040 or 721-4040.  not sure which one of those is the correct one.  alternatively, find out who is at the us consular in busan now and find their direct number.  it is probably around somewhere.  by the way, are you related to tharp41?  happy passorting to you

Re: Renewing a US passport in Korea: processing time?

Wow 4-6 weeks. For a country that fails in so many other sometimes the U.K soemtimes surprises me. When I got my passport renewed last year they promised within 28 days, but actually got it back in 2 weeks. And I had to send it to Hong Kong.

Same with our criminal background checks and apostile stamps they are super quick.

Of course this is of no help to you whatsoever Tharpy, but I thought it would be fun to show how 'great' my country is compared to yours! ㅋㅋ

Re: Renewing a US passport in Korea: processing time?

I can't guarantee you'll get the same result, but when I renewed my US passport about five years ago, it only took about a week from the time I mailed it to the embassy in Seoul (by registered courier) until the time a new passport arrived.  This was regular service, not expedited.

Re: Renewing a US passport in Korea: processing time?

The question isnt' about WHERE can I renew my passport; it was only about turnaround time.

No, I haven't tried to do it at the embassy, becasue I don't want to go all the way up to Seoul, and NO, you can't "do it online."  You can fill out the form online, THEN print it out and send it via courier to the embassy (as I am doing) along with  your old passport and fee, but that's it.

An NO, expedited service is NOT available outside of the US, which I mention in my original post, which you haven't seem to read, bizarrely enough.

I appreciate your advice, but next time perhaps you should check to see if you know what you're talking about before putting in your two cents.  Sorry if I seem snarky,  but your facts aren't straight.  At all.