Is electronic signature legal in South Korea?
Yes. South Korea's Electronic Signature Act, fully revised in 2020, ended the special status of government-accredited certificates, so any electronic signature can be valid if the parties agree. Some acts still need other forms, such as guarantee contracts under the Civil Act and wills.
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
E-signature law in South Korea at a glance
- Status
- Legal
- Main laws
Electronic Signature Act (wholly amended by Act No. 17354, in force 10 December 2020)
Framework Act on Electronic Documents and Transactions (2002)
- Approach
- Open: any e-signature can be valid
Types of electronic signature in South Korea
Electronic signature
Information in electronic form attached to an electronic document to identify the signer and show the signer signed. It cannot be denied legal effect only because it is electronic.
Electronic signature by agreement or as required by law
Where a law requires a signature, seal or name and seal, an electronic signature agreed by the parties or meeting the law's requirements satisfies it. Since December 2020, accredited public certificates no longer have a special legal presumption.
What you can sign electronically in South Korea
- Commercial and sales contracts
- Employment contracts
- Lease agreements
- Financial services documents
Documents that need a handwritten signature or extra formalities
- Guarantees, where Article 428-2 of the Civil Act provides that a guarantee expressed in electronic form is not effective (guarantees given by a guarantor in the course of its business can be electronic under the Framework Act on Electronic Documents and Transactions)
- Wills, which follow Civil Act formalities
- Real estate registration applications and notarized documents, which follow their own procedures
Contracts that must be “in writing”
Article 4-2 of the Framework Act on Electronic Documents and Transactions treats an electronic document as a written document if its content can be viewed and it is kept in a form that can be reproduced, unless another law provides otherwise or the nature of the matter does not allow electronic form. The Electronic Signature Act lets an electronic signature satisfy a requirement for a signature or seal where the parties have agreed or the law allows.
E-signatures in South Korea: frequently asked questions
Do I still need a public certificate to sign electronically in Korea?
No. The 2020 revision of the Electronic Signature Act removed the special legal status of public certificates, so private e-signature services can be used.
Can a personal guarantee be signed electronically in Korea?
Generally no. Article 428-2 of the Civil Act requires a guarantee to be expressed in a document bearing the guarantor's name and signature, and a guarantee in electronic form is not effective. An exception applies to guarantees given by a guarantor in the course of its business.
Are e-signed employment contracts valid in Korea?
Yes. Employment contracts can be concluded and delivered electronically.
Sources
This page is general information about e-signature law in South Korea, not legal advice. It was last reviewed in October 2026, and laws change. Check the official sources above or ask a lawyer in South Korea before you rely on an electronic signature for an important document. See also whether electronic signatures are legal.
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