About .한국 domain
.한국 is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) representing the Republic of Korea. It is managed by the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) and was delegated in 2011 through the ICANN IDN Fast Track process. The extension is the Korean-language, Hangul-script equivalent of the .kr ccTLD.
Who can register .한국 domain
Registration for .한국 domains is restricted to individuals, companies, or organizations that have a verifiable postal address within South Korea. This geographic requirement is identical to the policy for the .kr domain. Registrants must provide this local address information during the application process to prove eligibility.
How to register .한국 domain
- First, use a registrar's search tool to check if your desired .한국 domain name is available, ensuring it meets the specific character rules for this TLD.
- Select a registrar accredited by KISA to sell .한국 names, and compare their offered registration terms, pricing, and any additional services like local address proxy services if needed.
- Complete the checkout process, where you will be required to submit your registration details, including proof of your eligible South Korean postal address.
- After purchase, verify your contact information and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, through your registrar's control panel to make the domain active.
Typical uses of .한국 domain
The .한국 domain is primarily used by entities with a presence in or a connection to South Korea who wish to present their online identity in the Korean language and Hangul script. It is a popular choice for local businesses, organizations, and individuals targeting a domestic audience, as it immediately signals a Korean context. Users often choose it over the ASCII .kr extension to create a fully localized web address that is intuitive for Korean-speaking internet users.
Tips for registering .한국 domain
- Domain names must be between 1 and 17 characters long and must include at least one Hangul (Korean) character; letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, and hyphens are also permitted.
- Registrations are only available directly at the second level (e.g.,
example.한국), not as third-level domains under categories like .co.한국.
- The registry requires a valid South Korean postal address for all registrants, which will be verified during the application process.
Frequently asked questions about .한국 domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .한국 domain?
As of today, .한국 domains start from $94.49/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $108.07/yr across 2 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .한국 domains?
NameBeta tracks 2 registrars that support .한국 domain registration, with the cheapest option at $94.49/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .한국 domain?
The registry for .한국 domains is KISA, administered by KISA (Korea Internet & Security Agency).
Who can register a .한국 domain?
Registration is open to any individual, company, or organization that can provide a verifiable postal address located within South Korea. This requirement applies universally, regardless of the registrant's nationality. If you do not have a local address, some registrars may offer proxy or residency services to fulfill this eligibility criterion, though you should confirm their compliance with registry policies.
Can I transfer a .한국 domain between registrars?
Transferring a .한국 domain between accredited registrars follows standard procedures but requires the registrant's local address information to remain valid. You will need to obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar and initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar. The process is typically completed within a few days, provided the domain is unlocked and not within a 60-day lock period following a previous registration or transfer.
What character rules apply to a .한국 domain name?
A .한국 domain name must be 1 to 17 characters in total length and is required to contain at least one Hangul character. You can also use Latin letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens, but the name cannot start or end with a hyphen. Consecutive hyphens are specifically prohibited between the third and fourth characters of the domain name.
Is there a Sunrise or Trademark Claims period for .한국?
As a ccTLD launched through the IDN Fast Track process, .한국 did not have a formal Sunrise period for trademark holders like new gTLDs often do. However, trademark-related disputes for .한국 domains are handled under the registry's dispute resolution policy, which is designed to address cases of abusive registration, such as cybersquatting on well-known marks.
What happens if I can no longer maintain a South Korean address?
Maintaining a valid South Korean postal address is an ongoing requirement for holding a .한국 domain registration. If your eligibility lapses because you no longer have a qualifying address, you risk the suspension or deletion of your domain. It is crucial to update your registration records with your registrar if your address changes, or to transfer the domain to an eligible entity before your eligibility ends.
