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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from foreign clients about legal matters in Korea.

How do I request a consultation?
Call (+82-10-8785-9989), KakaoTalk (jamie_000), or leave a summary through the consultation form on this site. The attorney sends the first reply directly, on average within 24 hours.
Is the first consultation paid?
Reviewing the structure of your matter and proposing a direction is free. A retainer is discussed only after you decide to engage us.
Do you handle every kind of case?
No. We focus on areas we can handle in depth — corporate and FDI work, commercial advisory, and civil litigation. For other areas we refer you to trusted colleagues.
Can you work in English?
Yes. You work directly with the attorney in English, with no translation gap on the issues that decide your matter.
Roughly what does it cost?
It depends on the type and stage of the matter. A simple written opinion starts in the low hundreds of thousands of won; litigation is quoted per matter. A precise estimate follows the first consultation, in writing.
I'm not sure which area my matter falls under.
We sort that out in the first consultation. Many matters start as a contract question and grow into litigation, and a single matter often mixes several issues.
Can you handle matters outside these three areas?
For general civil, family, or administrative matters we refer you to trusted colleagues. We think it is more honest not to take work we cannot handle well.
We already have Korean counsel — can we still consult you?
Yes. A second-opinion review can run independently of your existing engagement.
Are evening or weekend consultations possible?
Urgent matters (an imminent filing deadline, a regulatory action) are answered outside hours. General matters are answered within business hours.
How long does it take to set up a company?
A straightforward FDI subsidiary typically takes a few weeks once funds and documents are ready. Licensing-heavy industries take longer; we map the timeline at the start.
What is the minimum FDI investment?
To qualify as foreign direct investment with its protections and visa eligibility, there is a statutory minimum. We confirm the current threshold for your situation in the first review.
Can I open the company before I move to Korea?
Often yes. Much of the process can be handled by power of attorney, with your in-person attendance only where the bank or registry requires it.
Do you handle the bank account, which banks often refuse?
Yes. Account opening for foreign-invested companies is a common bottleneck; we prepare the documentation banks expect and coordinate directly.
Can you review a contract written in English?
Yes. We review English contracts for how they will actually be treated under Korean law and flag the clauses that need to change.
Do we need a Korean-language version of our contracts?
Not always, but for enforceability and for dealing with Korean counterparties and courts, a Korean version — or a bilingual contract — is often worth it. We advise per document.
We're a crypto/fintech firm. Can you advise on VASP rules?
Yes. The attorney holds international blockchain certifications and advises on VASP registration and foreign-exchange obligations for the Korean market.
Is advisory available on a retainer?
Yes. For ongoing operations a monthly retainer is usually more practical than per-matter billing. We agree the scope in writing.
Can a foreign company sue in a Korean court?
Yes. A foreign company can bring and defend claims in Korean courts. We handle the procedure and represent you throughout.
Can I enforce a foreign judgment in Korea?
Often yes, if it meets the recognition requirements. We assess whether your foreign judgment or arbitral award can be enforced here and handle the process.
Why is provisional attachment so important?
Because a judgment only has value if the assets are still there. Attachment freezes them early, which is frequently what decides whether you actually recover.
How long does litigation take in Korea?
A first-instance civil matter commonly runs several months to over a year depending on complexity. We give a realistic timeline after the first review.
Can I just call right now?
Yes. If the call can't be taken immediately, you'll get a callback within 30 minutes. Sending a summary by KakaoTalk (jamie_000) speeds up the reply.
Can I consult anonymously?
The first factual review can be anonymous. A formal engagement requires a power of attorney and identity verification.
Might your view differ from another lawyer's?
It can. The same matter invites different approaches. We explain why, so you can compare and decide.
Is there any risk my consultation is disclosed?
Attorney confidentiality applies. We do not share your matter externally without consent, even after it closes.
Can you work with our overseas headquarters?
Yes. We routinely coordinate with foreign head offices and their counsel, in English, across time zones.

Documents to prepare

Bringing these to your first consultation speeds things up — but don't worry if you don't have all of them.

  • Passport and Alien Registration Card (ARC)
  • Any summons, charge sheet, or official notice you received
  • Employment contract and pay/transfer records (for labor matters)
  • Lease or contract and messages with the other party (for civil matters)
  • Any visa, status, or immigration notices (for immigration matters)
  • A short timeline of what happened, in your own words

Useful official resources

Free public bodies and helplines for foreigners in Korea. We are independent of these organizations.

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