The proper background check for South Korea is called a Police Certificate of Character. You can obtain one for FREE (lucky you!) from the Superintendent of your district’s Garda Police Station. When you apply for a certificate, make sure to request a sex-offender registry check as well. Follow these steps to get a certificate:

1. Locate the address for the superintendent of your district.

2. Write a letter to your superintendentwith the following info:

• Your full name and maiden name (if applicable)
• Your date and place of birth
• Your current address
• All addresses in Ireland at which you have lived and when you lived there
• You require the certificate for seeking a work visa in the Republic of Korea

3. Specifically ask that a sex-offender registry check be included in your report

4. Attach a photocopy of your drivers license or passport.

5. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

The An Garda Siochana estimates about three weeks processing time. Once you’ve received it, you need to have your certificate legally authorized. These are the steps for authorization:

1. Have your document notarized by a local notary public.

2. Send off your notarized form to the Department of Foreign Affairs to be apostilled. Attach a letter with the following information:

• Name
• Return address
• Telephone number

The documents will be used in the Republic of Korea. Include cash, check (made out to “Department of Foreign Affairs”),or postal order for €20. Mail to:

Consular Section Department of Foreign Affairs
80 St. Stephen’s Green Dublin 2

OR bring your notarized form in person along with €20 to:

Consular SectionDepartment of Foreign Affairs
Hainault House 69 – 71 St. Stephen’s Green Dublin 2

And that ‘s the Ireland criminal background check!