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Office: #204, 2F Dongmyeong Building, 73 Jisan-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju 61445 (동구 지산로 73, 동명빌딩 2층 204호)
Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00 · Consultation by appointment
You can write to us in any language. If you need an interpreter, please tell us when you book.
No. In Korea, a lawyer (변호사, byeonhosa) and an administrative agent (행정사, haengjeongsa) are different professions with different licenses. Some haengjeongsa use English titles such as "administrative attorney" or "immigration attorney" on their business cards, but they are not lawyers.
A haengjeongsa prepares and submits documents to government offices, translates documents, applies for permits on your behalf, and answers questions about administrative procedures (Administrative Agents Act, Article 2).
Only a lawyer can represent you in court (for example, a lawsuit to cancel a deportation order or a visa refusal), act as your defense counsel in police and prosecution investigations and criminal trials (Criminal Procedure Act, Article 31), and handle legal disputes such as lawsuits for unpaid wages or damages. A person who is not a lawyer and handles legal cases for money commits a crime (Attorney-at-Law Act, Article 109).
Koreans hire lawyers when they are questioned by the police or taken to court, even though they speak Korean and know the system. As a foreign resident, you go through the same process in a foreign language, and the result can also affect your visa. That is why it is even more important for you to have a lawyer from the beginning.
You have the right to remain silent and the right to have a lawyer present during questioning (Criminal Procedure Act, Articles 243-2 and 244-3). Do not sign a statement you do not fully understand. If you are not comfortable in Korean, ask for an interpreter. Contact a lawyer before you go.
It can. A foreigner who is sentenced to imprisonment and released can be deported (Immigration Act, Article 46(1)(13)). Even a fine can be considered when you apply to extend or change your visa. Your visa should be considered from the first day of the case.
Yes. You can file an objection with the Minister of Justice within 7 days from the day you received the deportation order (Immigration Act, Article 60). You can also file a lawsuit to cancel the order, generally within 90 days from the day you learned of it (Administrative Litigation Act, Article 20). These deadlines are strict, so contact us right away.
A departure order lets a person who falls under the grounds for deportation leave Korea voluntarily, at their own expense, by a set deadline (Immigration Act, Article 68). A deportation order removes you from Korea by force and can make it harder to return later. Which one you receive, and whether you can stay, depends on your situation.
You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor or file a lawsuit. Wage claims expire after 3 years (Labor Standards Act, Article 49). In general, you can claim wages for work you actually did even if your visa has a problem. Keep your pay slips, bank records, messages and records of your working hours.
Only for reasons set by law, such as the employer ending or not renewing the contract, business closure, violation of working conditions, or unfair treatment (Act on the Employment of Foreign Workers, Article 25). The number of changes is limited, and if you do not get permission to change workplaces within 3 months of applying, you must leave Korea. Get advice before you leave your job.
Industrial accident compensation insurance generally covers foreign workers as well. Report the accident, keep your medical records, and contact us about your claim.
Yes. You can message us in any language by KakaoTalk open chat or email. If you need an interpreter for a meeting, tell us when you book.
Fees depend on the type and difficulty of the case. Before you decide, we explain the fee and the scope of work, and we put them in a written agreement.
Yes. Lawyers have a legal duty to keep client secrets (Attorney-at-Law Act, Article 26). We do not share your information with your employer or anyone else without your consent.
Your residence card, passport, employment contract, pay slips, any notices or orders you received, and messages related to your problem.
This FAQ provides general information and is not legal advice for your specific case. Attorney Munseok Kim, Dongmyeong Partners Law Firm.