South Korea's Local Elections 2026: A Guide for Foreign Residents and Visitors

June 3, 2026, is Election Day in South Korea's 9th Nationwide Local Elections. Citizens across the country vote for governors, mayors, district heads, local council members, and education superintendents. The election is held every four years and plays an important role in shaping local communities and public services.

Unlike presidential elections, local elections focus on regional and municipal governments that directly affect residents' daily lives, including transportation, education, urban planning, welfare, and environmental policies.

Is Election Day a Public Holiday?

Yes.

Election Day in South Korea is designated as a temporary public holiday to encourage voter participation. Most schools, government offices, and many businesses either close or operate on reduced schedules, allowing citizens sufficient time to vote.

Polling stations generally operate from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Election Day.

What Types of Elections Exist in South Korea?

South Korea holds several types of elections:

1. Presidential Election

Elects the President of South Korea every five years.

2. National Assembly Election

Elects members of the National Assembly (parliament) every four years.

3. Local Elections

Elect local government leaders and council members every four years.

4. By-Elections

Held when vacancies occur between regular elections.

The June 3, 2026 election is a Local Election, with some districts also holding parliamentary by-elections simultaneously.

Who Can Vote?

Korean Citizens

Any Korean citizen aged 18 or older on Election Day may vote.

Foreign Residents

Many foreigners are surprised to learn that South Korea is one of the few Asian countries that grants voting rights to certain foreign residents in local elections.

To vote, a foreign resident must:

Be at least 18 years old
Hold an F-5 Permanent Residency Visa
Have maintained permanent resident status for at least three years
Be registered in the local foreign resident registry

Eligible foreign residents may vote in local government elections but cannot vote in presidential or National Assembly elections.

Record Number of Foreign Voters in 2026

The number of foreign residents eligible to vote reached a record high in 2026.

According to government data:

Total eligible voters: approximately 44.65 million
Eligible foreign voters: 151,532

This represents an increase of nearly 19% compared with the 2022 local elections.

What Positions Are Being Elected?

Voters may receive up to seven ballots depending on where they live.

They vote for:

Metropolitan Mayor or Provincial Governor
Superintendent of Education
City Mayor, County Head, or District Chief
Metropolitan/Provincial Council Member
Metropolitan/Provincial Proportional Representative
City/County/District Council Member
City/County/District Proportional Representative

Some districts also receive an eighth ballot for parliamentary by-elections.

What Is Early Voting?

South Korea offers convenient early voting.

For the 2026 local elections:

Early Voting Dates: May 29–30, 2026
Time: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

One of the most convenient features is that voters can cast their ballots at any early voting station nationwide, regardless of their registered address.

How Does Voting Work?

The voting process is simple:

Step 1

Bring valid identification.

Examples include:

Korean Resident Registration Card
Driver's License
Passport
Foreign Registration Card (for eligible foreign voters)

Step 2

Election officials verify voter eligibility.

Step 3

Receive ballot papers.

Step 4

Enter a private voting booth.

Step 5

Stamp the preferred candidate using the official election stamp.

Step 6

Insert the completed ballot into the ballot box.

South Korea's election system emphasizes secrecy, transparency, and accuracy. Electronic counting systems are used after polling stations close.

Why Are Local Elections Important?

Local governments in Korea manage many services that directly impact everyday life:

Public transportation
Education
Housing policies
Local taxes
Parks and recreation
Environmental protection
Community welfare programs

For this reason, local elections often have a direct effect on residents' quality of life.

Interesting Facts About Korean Elections

🗳 High Voter Participation

South Korea is known for strong voter engagement and efficient election administration.

🌏 Foreign Resident Voting Rights

South Korea was among the first Asian countries to allow certain foreign permanent residents to vote in local elections.

📈 Growing Foreign Voter Population

The number of eligible foreign voters has more than tripled since 2014.

⚡ Fast Election Results

Exit polls are usually released immediately after voting ends, and official results are often available the same evening or early the next day.

Final Thoughts

South Korea's local elections demonstrate the country's strong democratic system and active civic participation. For foreign residents, understanding the election process provides valuable insight into Korean society and governance.

Whether you are a long-term resident, international student, expatriate, or traveler interested in Korean culture, the June 3, 2026 Local Elections offer an excellent opportunity to learn how democracy operates at the local level in one of Asia's most technologically advanced countries.

Korea's democracy is not only about choosing national leaders—it also empowers local communities to shape their own future. 🇰🇷🗳️

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