I keep being asked for my alien registration number everywhere in Korea -- shops, websites, apps, even cafes?
I keep being asked for my alien registration number everywhere in Korea -- shops, websites, apps, even cafes. Is this legal? What are my data privacy rights as a foreigner, and what can I do if my personal information is misused?
Note: This is an editorial persona question created from common experiences of foreign residents in Korea.
1 Answer
It bugged me too how often the number gets asked. Korea's Personal Information Protection Act does protect you, and your ARC number is 'unique identifying information' that businesses can collect only with a clear legal basis and your consent, so a cafe or ordinary shop generally shouldn't demand it. You can ask why it's needed and refuse excessive requests, and for banks, telecom, and government there's a legitimate basis. If your information is misused or leaked, report to the KISA privacy center at 118 or the Personal Information Protection Commission. Never share your ARC number or SMS verification codes casually, since they enable identity theft.