
How to Say Permit or License in Korean
Understanding the terminology for permits and licenses is crucial when dealing with official procedures in Korea, whether for business, residency, or other activities. This guide covers the essential Korean word “인허가” (in-heo-ga) and related expressions needed to navigate administrative processes involving permits, licenses, and approvals.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 인허가
Pronunciation: in-heo-ga
Meaning: Permit / License (A general term covering various types of official permissions and authorizations)
Basic Terminology
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Expression: 허가
Pronunciation: heo-ga
Meaning: Permission / Permit / Authorization -
Expression: 면허
Pronunciation: myeon-heo
Meaning: License (often used for driving, professional licenses) -
Expression: 승인
Pronunciation: seung-in
Meaning: Approval / Sanction -
Expression: 신청
Pronunciation: sin-cheong
Meaning: Application -
Expression: 발급
Pronunciation: bal-geup
Meaning: Issuance -
Expression: 갱신
Pronunciation: gaeng-sin
Meaning: Renewal -
Expression: 취소
Pronunciation: chwi-so
Meaning: Cancellation / Revocation -
Expression: 조건
Pronunciation: jo-geon
Meaning: Condition / Stipulation -
Expression: 규제
Pronunciation: gyu-je
Meaning: Regulation -
Expression: 서류
Pronunciation: seo-ryu
Meaning: Documents / Papers -
Expression: 절차
Pronunciation: jeol-cha
Meaning: Procedure / Process -
Expression: 수수료
Pronunciation: su-su-ryo
Meaning: Fee / Commission
Applying for Permits/Licenses
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Expression: 인허가를 신청하다
Pronunciation: in-heo-ga-reul sin-cheong-ha-da
Meaning: To apply for a permit/license -
Expression: 필요한 서류가 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu-ga mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What documents are required? -
Expression: 신청 절차를 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: sin-cheong jeol-cha-reul al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me the application procedure. -
Expression: 수수료는 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: su-su-ryo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the fee? -
Expression: 심사 기간은 얼마나 걸리나요?
Pronunciation: sim-sa gi-gan-eun eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: How long does the review process take? -
Expression: 신청서 작성 방법을 도와주세요.
Pronunciation: sin-cheong-seo jak-seong bang-beo-beul do-wa-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please help me fill out the application form. -
Expression: 온라인으로 신청할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: on-la-in-eu-ro sin-cheong-hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I apply online? -
Expression: 신청 결과는 언제 나오나요?
Pronunciation: sin-cheong gyeol-gwa-neun eon-je na-o-na-yo?
Meaning: When will the application results be available? -
Expression: 보완 서류를 제출해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: bo-wan seo-ryu-reul je-chul-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You need to submit supplementary documents. -
Expression: 신청이 승인되었습니다.
Pronunciation: sin-cheong-i seung-in-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The application has been approved. -
Expression: 신청이 거절되었습니다.
Pronunciation: sin-cheong-i geo-jeol-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The application has been rejected. -
Expression: 담당자에게 문의하세요.
Pronunciation: dam-dang-ja-e-ge mun-ui-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Please inquire with the person in charge.
Discussing Permit/License Status
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Expression: 인허가가 아직 안 나왔어요.
Pronunciation: in-heo-ga-ga a-jik an na-wat-seo-yo.
Meaning: The permit/license hasn’t been issued yet. -
Expression: 허가를 받았습니다.
Pronunciation: heo-ga-reul bat-at-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I received the permit. -
Expression: 면허를 갱신해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: myeon-heo-reul gaeng-sin-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I need to renew the license. -
Expression: 유효 기간이 언제까지인가요?
Pronunciation: yu-hyo gi-gan-i eon-je-kka-ji-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Until when is it valid? (What is the expiration date?) -
Expression: 허가가 취소될 수도 있나요?
Pronunciation: heo-ga-ga chwi-so-doel su-do it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could the permit be cancelled? -
Expression: 조건부 승인입니다.
Pronunciation: jo-geon-bu seung-in-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a conditional approval. -
Expression: 규정을 준수해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: gyu-jeong-eul jun-su-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You must comply with the regulations. -
Expression: 이 사업은 인허가가 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: i sa-eop-eun in-heo-ga-ga pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: This business requires a permit/license. -
Expression: 관련 법규를 확인해 보세요.
Pronunciation: gwan-ryeon beop-gyu-reul hwa-gin-hae bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Please check the relevant laws and regulations. -
Expression: 담당 부서에 문의하세요.
Pronunciation: dam-dang bu-seo-e mun-ui-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Please inquire at the relevant department. -
Expression: 변경 사항을 신고해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: byeon-gyeong sa-hang-eul sin-go-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You must report any changes. -
Expression: 인허가 절차가 복잡해요.
Pronunciation: in-heo-ga jeol-cha-ga bok-jap-hae-yo.
Meaning: The permit/license procedure is complicated.
Cultural Tips
Navigating the Korean administrative system for permits and licenses requires understanding certain cultural aspects. Bureaucratic procedures can often seem complex and require meticulous attention to detail. Ensure all required documents (서류 – seo-ryu) are prepared accurately and completely before submission, as incomplete applications are often delayed or rejected.
Different activities require specific types of permits or licenses. For example, a business permit (사업자 등록증 – sa-eop-ja deung-rok-jeung is registration, but specific activities need 영업 허가 – yeong-eop heo-ga) is distinct from a construction permit (건축 허가 – geon-chuk heo-ga). Research the exact type of 인허가 needed for your purpose.
Strict adherence to procedures (절차 – jeol-cha) and deadlines is expected. Missing a deadline or failing to follow the correct steps can cause significant issues. Politeness and patience when dealing with officials are always advisable.
For complex cases, especially involving business or residency, many foreigners and Koreans utilize the services of an administrative agent (행정사 – haeng-jeong-sa). These professionals are experts in navigating bureaucratic processes and can save considerable time and effort.
Be prepared for potential requests for supplementary documents (보완 서류 – bo-wan seo-ryu) during the review process (심사 과정 – sim-sa gwa-jeong). Responding promptly to such requests is important.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A business owner (A) visits a local government office to inquire about the status of their restaurant permit application with an official (B).
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Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 식당 영업 허가 신청 상태를 확인하고 싶어서 왔습니다.
Pronunciation: A: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, sik-dang yeong-eop heo-ga sin-cheong sang-tae-reul hwa-gin-ha-go sip-eo-seo wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Hello, I came here because I want to check the status of my restaurant business permit application. -
Expression: B: 네, 성함과 신청하신 날짜를 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: B: ne, seong-ham-gwa sin-cheong-ha-sin nal-jja-reul mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, could you please tell me your name and the date you applied? -
Expression: A: 김민수이고, 2주 전에 신청했습니다.
Pronunciation: A: gim-min-su-i-go, i-ju jeon-e sin-cheong-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: My name is Kim Min-su, and I applied two weeks ago. -
Expression: B: (확인 후) 아, 김민수 님. 서류 검토 중인데, 소방 안전 확인서가 아직 제출되지 않았습니다.
Pronunciation: B: (hwa-gin hu) a, gim-min-su nim. seo-ryu geom-to jung-in-de, so-bang an-jeon hwa-gin-seo-ga a-jik je-chul-doe-ji an-at-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: (After checking) Ah, Mr. Kim Min-su. We are reviewing the documents, but the fire safety certificate has not been submitted yet. -
Expression: A: 아, 그렇군요. 바로 준비해서 제출하겠습니다. 언제까지 제출해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: A: a, geu-reot-gun-yo. ba-ro jun-bi-hae-seo je-chul-ha-get-seum-ni-da. eon-je-kka-ji je-chul-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Oh, I see. I will prepare it and submit it right away. By when do I need to submit it? -
Expression: B: 가능한 한 빨리 제출해 주시면 심사가 계속 진행될 수 있습니다. 서류가 완료되면 보통 1주일 안에 결과가 나옵니다.
Pronunciation: B: ga-neung-han han ppal-li je-chul-hae ju-si-myeon sim-sa-ga gye-sok jin-haeng-doel su it-seum-ni-da. seo-ryu-ga wan-ryo-doe-myeon bo-tong il-ju-il an-e gyeol-gwa-ga na-om-ni-da.
Meaning: B: If you submit it as soon as possible, the review can continue. Once the documents are complete, the results usually come out within a week. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: A: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Yes, I understand. Thank you.
Practice Tips
Dealing with permits and licenses often involves formal language, so practicing these phrases is key! Try role-playing scenarios where you need to apply for something or inquire about status~ Familiarize yourself with the core vocabulary like 신청 (application), 서류 (documents), 절차 (procedure), and 승인 (approval).
If you encounter real forms or official websites related to permits in Korea, try to identify these keywords. Even understanding parts of the process can be very helpful! Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification using phrases like “다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?” (da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae ju-si-get-seo-yo? – Could you explain that again?). Good luck navigating the world of Korean permits and licenses! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)