🗳️ Early Voting in Korea: 2025 General Election Date, Location, and Procedure

The 22nd National Assembly Election in South Korea is right around the corner.
If you're worried about not being able to vote on the official election day due to work or travel, don't worry—early voting is here to help!

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about early voting in Korea, including the dates, times, locations, eligibility, required documents, and different procedures for local and non-local voters.

📅 When Is Early Voting in Korea?

Early voting for the 2025 National Assembly election will be held on:

May 29 (Thursday) – May 30 (Friday), 2025
Time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day

That gives voters a 12-hour window on each of the two days to participate.
Even if you have work or school, early morning and late afternoon hours provide flexibility.

📍 Where Can You Vote?

Early voting booths will be set up across the country, in every eup, myeon, and dong (local administrative units).

✅ You can vote anywhere in Korea, regardless of your registered address.

To find your nearest early voting station:

Visit the official website of the National Election Commission (NEC): https://www.nec.go.kr
Use Naver or Kakao Maps and search for "사전투표소" (early voting station)

📍 You don’t need to go to your registered district—you can vote even while traveling!

👥 Who Is Eligible to Vote?

Any South Korean citizen who is 18 years or older as of election day
This includes individuals born on or before June 4, 2007

Whether you’re a student, office worker, or stay-at-home parent, if you meet the age requirement, you're good to go!

🪪 What Do You Need to Bring?

All voters must bring a valid form of identification to vote.
Accepted forms include:

Resident registration card
Driver’s license
Passport
Public servant ID
National technical qualification certificates
Student ID (including private schools)

📱 Mobile IDs are also accepted:

Mobile Resident Registration Card
Mobile Driver’s License
Mobile Certificates via apps like PASS, Naver Wallet, or KakaoTalk Wallet

⚠️ Screenshot images or stored ID pictures are not accepted.
You must show the actual ID app with live authentication features.

🧭 Local vs. Non-Local Voter Procedures

Depending on your residential district, your early voting process will differ slightly.

✅ Local Voters (관내선거인)

You are a local voter if your residence is within the district of the polling station.

Steps:

Present ID
Receive ballot papers
Vote using the official stamp
Insert ballots into the ballot box and exit

✅ Non-Local Voters (관외선거인)

You are a non-local voter if your residence is outside the district of the polling station.

Steps:

Present ID
Receive ballot papers + a return envelope with address label
Vote using the official stamp
Seal the ballot in the envelope
Drop the envelope in the ballot box

📮 Non-local ballots are later mailed to the NEC for counting, so secure sealing is important.

✅ Important Things to Remember

⚠️ You can vote only once—either during early voting or on election day, not both.
📸 Taking photos inside the voting booth is strictly prohibited.
✍️ Use the official stamp only. Marks made by pen, checkmarks, or circles are invalid.
⏰ Avoid crowds by going early, especially on Friday morning.

💬 Why Early Voting Matters

🕐 More flexibility for busy people
🌍 Vote even if you're traveling
📈 Increases overall voter turnout
💡 Prevents last-minute issues or conflicts on election day

Early voting gives citizens the freedom and convenience to participate in democracy on their own schedule.

One vote may feel small—but together, our votes shape the nation. 💪

📌 Quick Recap

Item	Detail
📅 Date	May 29–30, 2025 (Thu–Fri)
🕕 Time	6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location	Any early voting station across South Korea
🧍 Who Can Vote	Citizens aged 18 or older (born on/before 2007.06.04)
🪪 ID Required	Valid physical or mobile ID (no screenshots!)
🧭 Voter Type	Different process for local vs. non-local voters

Plan ahead. Vote smart. Participate with confidence.
If May 30 is too packed, beat the crowd and cast your vote early! 🗳️
Your voice matters. Make it count.

Knowledge Nexus