Is the Korean Consulate jurisdictional?

Yes, the Korean consulate system is jurisdictional, meaning you must apply through the consulate that has authority over the region in which you legally reside. This applies to all consular services including visa applications, document authentication, and passport services.

What Does "Jurisdictional" Mean?

Each Korean consulate in the United States (and in other countries) covers a specific geographic area known as its consular jurisdiction. This jurisdiction is based on the applicant’s place of legal residence—not necessarily where you work or attend school.

You cannot apply at just any Korean consulate; your application must go through the consulate that governs your state or area of residence.

How to Determine Your Korean Consulate

You can find out which Korean consulate has jurisdiction over your location by checking:

The official website of the Korean Embassy in your country
The specific consulate websites, which list states and regions they cover
Contacting a visa service provider for help if you're unsure

Example (U.S.-Based):

If you live in California, your consulate is likely the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles or San Francisco, depending on your county.
If you live in New York, you’d fall under the New York Consulate.

What Happens If You Apply to the Wrong Consulate?

Submitting your application to the wrong consulate can lead to:

Delays
Rejection of your application
Possible requirement to reapply from scratch with the correct consulate

Best Practice

Always confirm the jurisdiction before submitting any documents. This ensures faster processing and avoids unnecessary complications.

Korean Consulates in the U.S. and Their Jurisdictions

Below is a list of Korean consulates in the United States along with the states and territories they serve:

Embassy of the Republic of Korea – Washington, D.C.

Jurisdiction: District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia

Address: 2450 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008

Phone: (202) 939-5600

Consulate website

Consulate General – San Francisco, CA

Jurisdiction: Northern California (including San Jose), Colorado, Utah, Wyoming

Address: 3500 Clay Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

Phone: (415) 921-2251

Consulate website

Consulate General – Los Angeles, CA

Jurisdiction: Southern California (counties: San Luis Obispo, Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial), Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico

Address: 3243 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010

Phone: (213) 385-9300

Consulate website