The Incheon Overseas Chinese Association posted a notice on its board concerning renewal of residence cards by foreign nationals holding permanent residence status, explaining that the alien registration card must be reissued every ten years.

Permanent residence in South Korea carries no limit on the period of stay. The card itself, however, has an expiry date and must be reissued before it lapses. That is a separate matter from losing the status.

Missing the renewal can result in a fine. The association asked members concerned to check their expiry dates in advance.

Why the Reminder Recurs

A widespread impression holds that permanent residence is granted once and for all. As to status that is not wrong, but the separate validity period of the document is easy to overlook.

For older members of the community who obtained permanent residence long ago, the rules on card validity at the time of issue may have differed from today's. That is why the association's notices take the form of repeated reminders.

What the Association Does

The Incheon association's board carries a steady stream of practical information: advance notice of passport and certification fee changes, free shingles vaccination for older residents, hospital agreements and job postings.

Many ethnic Chinese families settled in South Korea have held Taiwanese passports alongside Korean permanent residence across generations. Because they must follow two administrative systems at once, the association's guidance carries real practical value.

This paper summarizes the association's notice in its own words. For procedures and deadlines, please consult immigration office guidance and the original announcement. (Source: Incheon Overseas Chinese Association notice)