If I am an F-6 marriage immigrant and go back to my home country for a few months, will it cause problems with my extension?

Yes, usually it is fine. If you have registered as a foreigner with a marriage immigrant (F-6) visa, you can come back without a re-entry permit if you return within 1 year of the day you left. A trip of a few months alone will not cause your extension to be rejected.

But if your remaining stay period is shorter than 1 year, you must return before that stay period ends. If you will be away for more than 1 year, get a multiple re-entry permit (fee: 50,000 KRW) before you leave. You can get one for up to 2 years.

⚠️ Things to check before you extend

• Apply for the extension before your expiry date: You can apply from 4 months before the expiry date until the expiry date. Plan your schedule so your stay does not expire while you are abroad.
• Be ready to show you really live together: For an extension as the spouse of a Korean national (F-6-1), the office checks your real married life with the marriage relation certificate (detailed) and the resident registration certificate. If you stay abroad for a very long time without your spouse, you may be asked about your married life. It is good to keep documents that show why you left (for example, caring for a sick family member or giving birth).
• If your address changed while you were abroad, report the change of residence within 15 days of the day you moved to the new address after you return.

Before you leave, check the expiry date on the back of your Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증). For exact answers, ask again at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.