New Passports in Korea

For the first time in 32 years, South Korea's passports are getting a facelift.

The changed passports will have new colors and new features.

Korean government officials first announced the upcoming changes in 2018.

Now, the new passports are ready and will be made available in late 2020.

Currently, the majority of Koreans have a green passport.

The upgraded passport, however, will have a navy blue cover.

On the inside, the pages will include beautiful illustrations of Korean culture and tradition.

Also, the new passport will be more convenient and secure.

It will contain an electronic chip that can be scanned.

This will make processing at airports easier.

Furthermore, the passport will no longer show the resident registration number.

The passport photo will also be laser-printed instead of glued on.

These changes will protest people's privacy better.

Along with the regular passport, Korea will also upgrade its two passports for government officials.

As for their colors, diplomatic passports will be red, while other official passports will be grey.

 

• get a facelift  새 단장을 하다   ˈfeɪslɪft   (건물 등의) 외장(外裝) 개조  resident ˈrezɪdənt (특정 지역) 거주자[주민]  glue ɡluː 접착제,  (접착제로) 붙이다 (=stick)