National Court Administration Publishes “A Story of Family Relations Registration”

Overview

Since the abolition of the hoju system (patriarchal family register system) on January 1, 2008, and the simultaneous enforcement of the Act on Registration of Family Relations, the National Court Administration (NCA) has released several reference materials aimed at court and government officials with the purpose of the Family Relations Registration System taking root. However, no publication has ever been issued to the public that guides the system.

Despite its importance in recording and certifying personal status, a significant number of citizens remain unfamiliar with the new system, and some continue to believe that the hoju system is still in force. To promote better public understanding, the NCA has published A Story of Family Relations Registration, which introduces both the current Act and the historical development of the former Hojeok Act (the Old Family Register Act) in a clear and accessible format.

Organization and Content

¡¶Contents¡· 

Chapter 1 – Overview of the Family Relations Registration System

Chapter 2 – Family Relations Register and Certificates by Registration Category

Chapter 3 – Family Relations Registration and Birth Notification

Chapter 4 – Family Relations Registration and Marriage / Divorce Notification

Chapter 5 – Family Relations Registration and Death / Adoption Notification

Chapter 6 – Correction of the Family Relations Register and Name Change

Chapter 7 – International Family Relations Registration

¡¶Key Content¡·

The publication introduces the background behind the abolition of the hoju system and the adoption of the current Family Relations Registration System, and explains the differences between the hojeok (the old family register) and the present family relations register by using examples of archived family registers and certificates by types of documents.

It also explains key considerations for filing various notifications and how to complete the required forms. Further, it presents legal principles of family law through practical examples in a reader-friendly narrative style.

Given the growing number of registration of international personal-statuses, the publication also addresses common questions and difficulties citizens may encounter in the case of international marriage or adopting a child abroad.

Additionally, it addresses common questions that may arise in life, such as whether a child can be removed from a family register merely due to parents’ dislike, how many additional characters may be added to a person’s name, and whether records of a marriage made null and void may be terminated.

Distribution

Copies will be distributed to courts, the Family Relations Registration Office, and public and university libraries nationwide. Starting mid-November 2025, it will also be available at major bookstores and online bookstores across the country. Bulk purchase is available through the Judicial Development Foundation. See Supreme Court Website under the Public Services section. 

Expected Outcome

The publication is anticipated to serve as an introductory guide that helps both the general public and beginners in family relations registration work to gain a comprehensive understanding of the system.