Marrying a Korean citizen does not automatically grant citizenship in South Korea, but it does make the individual eligible to apply for naturalization after meeting specific criteria such as residency, language proficiency, and a clean criminal record. The application process includes submitting personal information, marriage certificate, proof of financial stability, and other required documents to the local immigration office. Becoming a Korean citizen through naturalization has many benefits, including voting in elections, holding public office positions, and traveling on a Korean passport. However, renunciation of previous citizenship is required. Exceptions to the requirements for naturalization as the spouse of a Korean citizen exist for those who have a child with a Korean citizen or have made significant contributions to Korea.