Death of an U.S. Citizen
Information In Case Of Death Of An American Citizen In Korea
Death is a time of crisis for one's family and friends no matter where it takes place. If death occurs overseas the experience can be even more traumatic, especially if the procedures involved are not clearly understood. Consequently, we in the American Citizen Services Unit of the Consular Section at the Embassy in Seoul hope that the information provided herein will be of some use to the American community in the Republic of Korea.
Deaths of Americans in hospitals and mental institutions are automatically reported to the appropriate Korean authorities. Any death of a U.S. citizen should be reported immediately to the police and to the Embassy. During working hours the appropriate Embassy office is the American Citizen Services Unit (telephone: 397-4339 or 397-4441 from commercial lines), (721-4339 or 721-4441 from U.S. military lines). After duty hours, the Embassy duty officer should be contacted as soon as possible at 397-4114.
The Embassy is required to report the death of American civilians to their next of kin and to the Department of State. Consequently, we need to know the deceased person's name, date and place of birth, passport number, date and place of death, cause of death, and location of the remains. We also need the full name and address of the next of kin and any instructions regarding funeral arrangements. Please download and fill out
For American Citizen Services (ACS) inquiries, please e-mail us at seoulinfo@state.gov.
For more information on how to contact us, please click here.
Updated: Ocotber 22, 2009