Repatriation from Singapore to South Korea

The Embassy of Korea does not require documents from families sending remains or ashes to Korea. The embassy of the deceased's own nationality must still be told. Death registration is usually done after returning to Korea, though it can also be done at the embassy. Whichever embassy covers the deceased's own nationality must also be told.

• Death registration is usually completed after the family returns to Korea. It can also be done through the embassy in Singapore, during office hours only. • To register: the death registration form, the printed Singapore digital death certificate, a translation of it, the deceased's passport, and the submitter's passport or Korean ID.

The embassy knows of no extra steps for a deceased who is not Korean. Check with the burial place or columbarium that it accepts foreigners.

Sending remains: • Death certificate, with the name matching the passport • Embalming certificate • Coffin sealing certificate • NEA coffin export permit (your funeral director applies for it) • Passport or travel document of the deceased

Sending ashes: • Death certificate • Cremation certificate • Urn sealing certificate • Passport or travel document of the deceased

Kenneth coordinates the Singapore side: the funeral director, embalming and sealing (for remains), the NEA coffin export permit (for remains), the booking with the airline cargo, and the paperwork above. Delivery is to Seoul Incheon (ICN) airport cargo.

Not included: the journey from the airport to the home town, and any prayers or wake held in Singapore before departure. Those are separate and are paid for by the family. For a Work Permit holder or a domestic helper, Singapore's Ministry of Manpower puts the cost of returning the body on the employer, so the employer arranges it. See Sending a Body or Ashes Overseas for the Singapore side in detail.