A "mobile ID card" allowing residents to store and use their national identification card on their smartphones will be issued on a trial basis in nine regions across the country. 

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on Thursday that the mobile IDs will be available starting Friday in Sejong City, Hongcheon County in Gangwon Province, Goyang City in Gyeonggi Province, Geochang County in South Gyeongsang Province, Seo District in Daejeon, Gunwi County in Daegu, Ulju County in Ulsan, Yeosu City and Yeongam County in South Jeolla Province.

This marks the fourth type of government-issued mobile identification card, following the mobile driver's license, the national veterans' registration card, and the overseas Korean identification card, which were all introduced in 2021.

The interior ministry said that the new IDs use blockchain and encryption technologies to prevent personal information leaks or fraudulent use.

The ministry plans to expand the mobile IDs to all regions nationwide by the first quarter of 2025.

Meanwhile, the Korean Immigration Service said a mobile version of the Foreign Residence Card is set to be rolled out next year.