Joint Certificate (formerly Public Key): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to use a Joint Certificate for secure digital signatures in banking and tax filing in South Korea.
A Joint Certificate, which was previously known as a Public Key, is a digital signature used to verify your identity for online financial and administrative tasks. It acts as your secure digital ID for navigating various banking and tax purposes.
Who it's for
This certificate is accessible to anyone who maintains a bank account. Because it relies on your existing banking relationship, having an active account is the primary requirement to qualify for this digital identity.
What you get
By obtaining this certificate, you receive a digital signature that allows you to securely complete a wide range of online activities. This includes performing essential banking transactions and handling tax filing requirements through official government portals. It serves as a vital tool for managing your digital identity across different financial services and brokerage apps.
What it costs you
While the certificate provides essential access to financial services, it is not free. You will need to pay an annual renewal fee to keep the certificate active, which is roughly ₩4,400 KRW.
The catch to know
The most common difficulty users face is not the cost, but the technical setup. The browser plugin requirements are notoriously difficult to maintain. To ensure the certificate works correctly for your banking or tax needs, you must ensure that the required software components are properly installed and updated on your device.
How to apply
- Visit the official portal to begin your application.
- Complete the identity verification steps as required by your specific bank.
- Follow the instructions to set up your digital signature.
- Ensure all necessary browser plugins are installed to avoid technical errors.