Mobile ID cards to be accepted at airports over Chuseok holiday

Travelers heading to airports over the Chuseok holiday will be able to verify their identity using a mobile ID card on their smartphone instead of a physical document.

Korea Minting and Security Printing Corp. said Wednesday that mobile ID cards can be used wherever identity verification is required, including airports, financial services, and public and private sector services. They are also accepted for adult age verification at convenience stores and other retail outlets.

Mobile ID cards carry the same legal validity as their physical counterparts. Currently available in mobile form are the national resident registration card, driver's license, national merit card and disability registration card. Users can obtain them through the official "Mobile ID of the Republic of Korea" app or through participating private apps that offer the mobile ID service.

Personal identity information is stored in a secure area of the user's smartphone. When only age verification is needed, users can share just that information without disclosing other personal details.

The corporation plans to expand acceptance across the public, financial and private sectors and to develop everyday lifestyle services such as applying the mobile ID to senior discount transit passes on urban rail systems.