Overview (from entry to grant)
- When to enter: Enter the Korean national phase within 31 months from the earliest priority date. Late entry/reinstatement for missing this limit is not available.
- On entry: File in Korean (full translation of description, claims, abstract, and any text in drawings if your PCT text is not in Korean). Provide an address for service in Korea; in practice you appoint a Korean patent attorney (simple POA; no legalization).
- Examination: Substantive examination starts only when you request examination. The deadline to request examination is three years from the international filing date.
- Publication & prosecution: Publication follows the usual 18-month timeline. After the first Office Action, respond within the prescribed period using argument and/or amendment (no added matter). On allowance, complete grant formalities.
Essentials
| Topic | Korea rule (concise) |
|---|---|
| National phase deadline | 31 months from earliest priority; no reinstatement if missed |
| Filing language | Korean; submit a verified translation if the PCT text is not in Korean |
| Representation | Local Korean patent attorney required if no Korean address; POA required (simple signature; Korean translation of the POA if it’s in another language) |
| Forms at/after entry | National-phase request (Form No. 57); later Request for Examination (Form No. 22) |
| Examination window | Request examination within 3 years from the international filing date |
| Amendments | Permitted during national phase; no added matter; translation corrections allowed to fix errors |
| Publication | Default at 18 months from earliest filing/priority |
| Tracking | KIPO/KOIPA online systems provide status and file history (via KIPRIS/Patent-Net) |
Documents & information checklist
- PCT application number and publication number; earliest priority date
- Full text for translation/verification: description, claims, abstract, drawings (carry through any Art. 19/34 amendments you rely on)
- Applicant and inventor particulars; address for service; assignment status if relevant
- Claim strategy at entry (e.g., whether to convert multiple-dependent claims)
- Intended timing for the later Request for Examination; any PPH intentions
Official fees at entry (KRW)
| Fee item | Amount (KRW) | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| National fee — electronic filing | 46,000 | Pay at/ before the 31-month deadline to commence KR national stage. |
| National fee — paper filing (basic) | 66,000 | If filing on paper instead of electronic. |
| Additional fee per sheet over 20 (paper filing only) | 1,000 / extra sheet | Counts total sheets of description + drawings + abstract, for paper filings. |
Notes
- The table lists only the fees required to commence the Korean national phase. Request-for-examination fees and claim-based surcharges are due later and are intentionally excluded here.
- Korea does not charge claim/page surcharges at entry for electronic filings (only the flat national fee applies).
Korean PCT Costs (at a glance)
Professional fees on iproxima for a straightforward Korean national-phase entry typically start from USD 900–1,800 for the entry package (excludes government fees and translation). Government fees at entry are KRW 46,000 (e-filing). Translation (EN→KO) is quoted separately and scales with volume and technical field.
Process steps (practical view)
- File entry at KIPO with Korean-language documents and appoint the local representative (POA as needed).
- Cure formalities (if any) and confirm national fee payment.
- Request examination any time within 3 years from the international filing date (timed to portfolio strategy/PPH).
- Prosecute: respond to Office Actions with argument/amendment; examiner interviews can be arranged if helpful.
- Grant and post-grant: complete formalities; renewals and post-grant obligations follow Korean rules.
What to share to get exact quotes
- PCT number, publication number, earliest priority date
- Claim and page counts (and any Art. 19/34 amendments to incorporate)
- Whether translation is required and any terminology preferences
- Target entry date and urgency; any intention to pursue PPH
- Preference on timing of the later Request for Examination
References
- WIPO PCT Applicant’s Guide — Republic of Korea (national-phase time limit 31 months; no reinstatement; translation & POA requirements; national fee at entry KRW 46,000 e-filing; examination request due within 3 years from international filing date). pctlegal.wipo.int
- KIPO Fees & Payments (fee framework and payment methods). KIPO
- EPO FAQ — Korea translation timing (extension possibility for submitting the Korean translation). EPO