New Digital Platforms Connect Overseas Koreans with Homeland, Streamline Official Document Access
Overseas Koreans now have access to a dedicated 24-hour broadcasting platform and a simplified process for obtaining crucial official documents, signaling a concerted effort to improve services and engagement for the global Korean diaspora.
The Office of Overseas Koreans has launched ‘Dongpo ON,’ a YouTube-based platform designed to serve the approximately 7 million overseas Koreans worldwide. Announced on November 28th, the platform – accessible at youtube.com/@OKAKOREA – represents a complete overhaul of the Office’s existing YouTube channel, transforming it into a comprehensive communication hub.
Dongpo ON aims to be an “all-in-one” resource, offering content spanning Korean news and policy updates, Korean language education, K-pop, current events, cultural programming, and documentary films. The platform is designed to move beyond one-way communication, fostering a creative environment where members of the Korean community can actively participate in content creation and dialogue. Plans include a “compatriot video corner” showcasing work by overseas Koreans, content contests, and collaborations with Korean influencers around the globe.
Alongside the launch of Dongpo ON, the Office of Overseas Koreans is also introducing an online Apostille issuance service for 42 types of official documents, including national pension and family relationship certificates. This initiative, developed in partnership with the National Pension Service, began on November 27th and will significantly ease the process for overseas Koreans needing to submit official documentation. According to officials, the online Apostille for National Pension Certificates will serve as verifiable proof of employment history and aid in applications for permanent residency.
Currently, three types of national pension certificates are eligible for online Apostille issuance: proof of subscriber subscription, proof of national pension receipt (including payment details), and confirmation of subscription details for pension calculation. An Apostille is a certification that authenticates the validity of an official document for use in foreign countries.
Overseas Koreans can access the Apostille service through the dedicated Apostille website (www.apostille.go.kr) or the 365 civil service portal (www.g4k.go.kr), requiring identity authentication and document information input. These dual initiatives demonstrate a commitment to modernizing services and strengthening ties with the Korean diaspora.
