It is not uncommon for people to misunderstand the National Heritage Visitor Passport as being similar to an international travel passport. However, this passport is not a document used for departure or entry, but rather a commemorative booklet for collecting stamps when visiting domestic national heritage sites such as palaces, royal tombs, Confucian academies, and caves. It is a program distributed through the 'National Heritage Visit Campaign' operated by the National Heritage Administration, and because there are two types—Passport 1 and Passport 2—many people are confused about how to apply and receive them.
This article summarizes the differences between Passport 1 and Passport 2, when and how to apply, and how long it takes to receive them, in that order. You can also check the rules for family-based applications and the telephone application method for seniors.
What is the difference between Passport 1 and Passport 2?
Passport 1 is a booklet containing 10 existing courses and 76 locations, and Passport 2 is a separate booklet containing 3 new courses and 24 locations added in September 2026. In total, this amounts to 13 courses and 100 locations in operation.
The two booklets are not secondary editions but independent sets covering different travel itineraries. Since having Passport 1 does not automatically include the new itinerary in Passport 2, you must apply for Passport 1 and Passport 2 separately to enjoy both courses.
The three new courses included in Passport 2 are the Modern Heritage Trail, the Korean Peninsula Dinosaur Trail, and the Natural Cave Trail. The Modern Heritage Trail covers modern and contemporary history and lifestyle culture, the Korean Peninsula Dinosaur Trail focuses on dinosaur and pterosaur footprint fossils, and the Natural Cave Trail centers on natural cave formations. While Passport 1 was centered on traditional sites, Passport 2 differs slightly in character, leaning more toward modern cultural assets and natural heritage.
When was the application date, and why are Passport 1 and Passport 2 different?
Regular applications for Passport 1 open on the 10th of every month at 2:00 PM, and for Passport 2 on the 20th of every month at 2:00 PM. If an application date falls on a weekend or public holiday, it will be postponed to the next business day.
Taking October 2026 as an example, since the 10th fell on a Saturday, the application date for Passport 1 was postponed to Monday, the 12th. On the other hand, since October 20th fell on a weekday, the application for Passport 2 proceeded as scheduled at 2:00 PM. The next application schedule is set for November 10th for Passport 1 and November 20th for Passport 2, but dates and quantities are subject to change depending on the situation, so it is recommended to check the latest announcement on the official website before applying.
The quantity prepared per round is known to be around 5,000 copies, and the application button may disappear or close early once the quantity is exhausted. Passport 1 has a relatively smaller quantity and an earlier application period, whereas Passport 2 tends to have a more generous supply, so there may be differences in the intensity of competition for applications.
What is the application process?
Applications are processed online exclusively through the official website of the 'National Heritage Visit Campaign'. As there are many announcement posts or blog links with similar names, it is necessary to double-check the address to ensure it is the official site before actually applying.
The procedure is as follows.
Step 1. Access the official website and enter the 'Visitor Passport' menu.
Step 2. Select 'Apply for Passport' and choose either Passport 1 or Passport 2.
Step 3. Proceed with identity verification using a mobile phone registered in your name.
Step 4. Enter your name and address, and select the delivery method from courier or in-person pickup.
Applications are free. During peak application hours when traffic is high, waiting patiently rather than repeatedly refreshing the page helps reduce connection delays.
How long does it take depending on the delivery method?
There are two delivery methods: courier service and direct pickup. Courier services are sent via cash on delivery and usually take about 3 to 4 weeks; delivery is not available to accommodations such as hotels or guesthouses.
In-person pickup is available at the PR centers in Seoul or Incheon Airport, and it is much faster than courier delivery as you can receive it starting the day after applying. However, since you must visit and pick it up within two weeks, it is safer to schedule your visit in advance.
Can family members or children apply together?
Children under the age of 14 may apply using a child's passport even if they do not have a passport in their own name. If the family resides at the same address, one representative may apply for up to 4 passports per person.
However, individual duplicate applications by each family member are not permitted. Please understand this as a method where applications are consolidated and submitted as a family unit at once.
Can seniors apply by phone as well?
If you are 65 years of age or older—that is, born in 1960 or earlier—you can apply by phone for the digitally vulnerable. Call the call center at 1670-8904, connect with an agent, and then be connected to the senior dedicated call center.
When applying by phone, applicant information such as date of birth, name, contact details, and address is verified, followed by a procedure to confirm eligibility using an identification document such as a Resident Registration Card, driver's license, passport, or Resident Registration Certificate. Afterward, a counselor will proceed with the application on your behalf, and you can choose between delivery via courier or direct pickup at the promotional center.
Where do I get my stamp, and what do I receive if I complete the race?
Stamps are collected directly at the self-experience zones of the locations included in each course. The locations of the sites can be checked on the official course map, and you can begin the experience using the stamp sheet even before receiving your passport.
After collecting the stamps, you must apply separately on the souvenir application page. With Passport 1, you can apply for souvenirs starting from 5 stamps, and the types of gifts you can receive increase as the number of stamps collected grows. With Passport 2, you can receive a badge and a medal if you complete all three courses.
Applications for souvenirs are limited to one per person, and you can choose to pick them up via courier or at Incheon Airport. Checking the application timing and conditions in advance will prevent any regrets later.
In summary
The National Heritage Visitor Passport operates under a structure where Passport 1 and Passport 2 cover different routes, all within the framework of a "campaign to visit domestic heritage sites in person and collect stamps." The process itself is not difficult, provided you familiarize yourself with the application dates, quantities, and collection methods in advance. Please choose the method that best suits your situation to apply, including family-based rules and the option for seniors to apply by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a National Heritage Visitor Passport a passport that can be used for overseas travel?
No. It is a commemorative booklet for domestic use only, unrelated to passports for international travel, and is used solely for collecting stamps when visiting national heritage sites.
If I applied for Passport 1, can I automatically use the Passport 2 course as well?
That is not the case. Passport 1 and Passport 2 are separate booklets containing different courses, so if you wish to enjoy both courses, you must apply for each separately.
What is the fastest way to receive it after applying?
If you pick it up in person at the promotional center in Seoul or Incheon Airport, you can receive it starting the day after applying, which is faster than courier delivery. However, you must visit within two weeks.
Can family members each apply separately?
For families residing at the same address, one representative may apply for up to 4 passports per family, and individual duplicate applications by family members are not permitted.
Seniors aged 65 or older find it difficult to apply online. Is there another method?
Individuals aged 65 or older can apply by calling the call center at 1670-8904 and speaking with a dedicated senior counselor. After verifying your identity, the counselor will proceed with the application.