If I only apply for an extension before my expiry date passes, can I stay while I wait?

Yes. If you finish applying for an extension before your expiry date, you can stay legally until the result comes out. The law says you must apply before your period of stay ends. So if you apply on time, you are not an illegal overstayer while you wait, even if the review is slow and your expiry date passes.

You can usually apply for an extension from 4 months before expiry until the expiry date. Apply through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) e-application or at the Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청) that covers your address. After you apply, you get a receipt or an application record. This document proves you are staying legally while you wait, so be sure to save it.

⚠️ Please know this

• If your extension is denied, you get a notice with a departure deadline. The deadline is usually within 14 days from the day you receive the notice. You must leave Korea within that time.
• If you apply even one day after your expiry date, you do not get this protection. In that case, you are treated as having overstayed.
• If you want to leave Korea or change jobs while you wait, ask 1345 first.

If your expiry date has already passed or you have received a denial notice, get a K-VISA AI Administrative Agent consultation (Visa Service in the app). If not, keep your receipt safe, and check the exact details once more with HiKorea or 1345.