[The Chosun Ilbo, April 1 2008] Foreign Affairs Ministry Begins Issuing E-Passports

The Foreign Ministry began issuing Korea's first-ever electronic passports on this Monday. The so-called e-passport contains a microchip that holds the passport holder's personal information.

Officials say that embedding the chip in the passport will prevent forgeries and satisfy a key reirement for joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.