In this case, dual citizenship is not automatic. However, dual citizenship may be granted if the foreign national has been a permanent resident for at least three years, has been living in a marital union with a U.S. citizen-spouse during that time, and meets other eligibility requirements.

Individuals automatically receive South Korean nationality at birth if at least one parent is a South Korean national, whether they are born within the Republic of Korea or overseas.

As a rule, dual citizenship in Korea is not allowed. The law explicitly states that one who has acquired Korean citizenship must renounce the citizenship of another country within one year, while Korean nationals lose their Korean citizenship as soon as they acquire a foreign one.

It’s possible to obtain a dual citizenship if:

1. You’ve married a South Korean citizen.
2. Have what’s considered to be “outstanding talent”
3. Are naturalized as a citizen.
4. You were born in South Korea or abroad with one South Korean parent.
5. You were adopted from South Korea and sent overseas.

SOUTH KOREAN CITIZENSHIP It is possible to become a naturalized citizen of South Korea if you maintain an actual residence. There are three paths to citizenship through naturalization, but the most typical way for a foreigner to get South Korean citizenship is through “general naturalization.”

Military Service Duty of Second-generation South Koreans According to the Overseas Emigration Law, “second-generation South Koreans” are obligated to serve only when they have reported permanent return.

There’s no way to sugar coat it – obtaining a South Korean citizenship is pretty difficult. As such, it can seem easier to stay in the country on a permanent resident visa instead.

Unless you have a family relationship with a Korean national, you must live in Korea for at least 5 years as a permanent resident before you can apply for citizenship.

Current policy. In 2010, the South Korean government legalized dual citizenship for some South Koreans who have acquired another nationality/citizenship, as well as foreigners who lived in South Korea for five years (two years if married to a South Korean).

The United States does not encourage dual citizenship, but it allows one the right to retain dual citizenship if you have been a dual citizen from birth or childhood, or you became a citizen of another country after already having U.S. citizenship.

Under current US law however, American citizens can hold dual nationality with another country. US citizens granted citizenship in a foreign state are under no legal obligation under US law to renounce their US citizenship.