Can you keep your South Korea citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Not allowed
No, in general
South Korean citizens who voluntarily acquire a foreign nationality, such as U.S. citizenship, automatically lose their South Korean citizenship.
What the law says
- South Koreans residing abroad who voluntarily acquire a foreign nationality automatically have their ROK citizenship revoked.
- They are obligated to report this change of status to the Ministry of Justice.
- Those who obtain foreign nationality indirectly or involuntarily through marriage, adoption, or legal recognition of parentage have a six-month period to declare their intention to retain South Korean nationality.
- ROK citizenship can also be relinquished by application to the Ministry of Justice.
“South Koreans residing abroad who voluntarily acquire a foreign nationality automatically have their ROK citizenship revoked”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether South Korea lets you keep yours.
Source: South Korean nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the South Korea embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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