Adel Law Office, English Speaking Lawyer in Seoul, Korea

06/08/2026

Child Custody in Korea: Can a Foreign Parent Get Custody of a Child?

One of the biggest concerns for foreign parents in Korea after divorce is:

“Can I get custody of my child as a foreign parent?”

Many foreign spouses worry that Korean courts may automatically favor the Korean parent. However, custody decisions in Korea are not based on nationality.

The most important factor is always the best interests of the child.

Korean courts consider factors such as:

✓ Who has been the primary caregiver
✓ The emotional relationship between the child and each parent
✓ Each parent's ability to provide a stable environment
✓ The child's needs and overall welfare

Foreign parents should also understand the difference between parental authority and custody. Custody involves daily care of the child, while parental authority includes important legal decisions such as passports, medical consent, and other legal matters.

During divorce proceedings, foreign parents may also need to consider temporary custody arrangements to protect the child's stability while the case is ongoing.

Another important issue is international relocation. A parent cannot simply take a child to another country without considering the other parent's rights and applicable legal procedures. Korea is a member of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which may apply when a child is wrongfully taken or retained abroad.

If you are a foreign parent facing divorce or a child custody dispute in Korea, understanding your legal rights and preparing early can make a significant difference.

📖 Read the full article here: https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/08/child-custody-in-korea-can-foreign.html

📞 Attorney Direct Line: 010-2314-9122
💬 WhatsApp: +82-10-2314-9122
📱 Direct Chat: https://wa.me/821023149122
🟡 KakaoTalk Channel Chat: http://pf.kakao.com/_xjtixhX/chat

Consultation available in English.
Please briefly describe your situation when contacting.

24/07/2026

Need a Lawyer to Sign Your Passport Application in Korea?

Some countries require a lawyer or another qualified person to witness a passport application, declaration, or photograph.

Adel Law Office provides Passport Witness services for foreign nationals in Korea where a lawyer is permitted to act as a witness under the passport regulations of the issuing country.

Before booking, please send us:
• Your nationality
• The country issuing your passport
• Your passport application or witness instructions

📍 By appointment only

📖 Read the full article here: https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/07/need-lawyer-to-sign-your-passport.html

📞 Attorney Direct Line: 010-2314-9122
💬 WhatsApp: +82-10-2314-9122
📱 Direct Chat: https://wa.me/821023149122
🟡 KakaoTalk Channel Chat: http://pf.kakao.com/_xjtixhX/chat

Consultation available in English.
Please briefly describe your situation when contacting.

15/07/2026

📱 Can Korean Police Search Your Phone in Korea?

If you're a foreigner living or traveling in Korea, one of the most stressful moments during a police investigation is being asked to hand over or unlock your phone.

Many people assume they have no choice—but that's not always true.

Here are a few important things to know:

✔️ In most cases, Korean police need a court-issued search warrant before they can search your phone against your will.

✔️ Even if the police have a valid warrant, you are not legally required to disclose your password or unlock your phone. The warrant allows them to seize the device, but it does not require you to reveal information protected by your right against self-incrimination.

✔️ Be especially careful if an investigator asks you to "voluntarily" hand over your phone or sign a Voluntary Submission Form. Once you consent, investigators may conduct a digital forensic examination without first obtaining a warrant, and withdrawing that consent later can be very difficult.

✔️ If your phone is searched under a warrant, you or your lawyer have the right to be present during the digital forensic examination to help ensure that investigators stay within the scope of the warrant.

✔️ Never sign Korean documents that you do not fully understand. You have the right to request an interpreter and to consult with a lawyer before making important decisions.

Every case is different, and the best course of action depends on the circumstances. If the police contact you about your phone or any criminal investigation in Korea, obtaining legal advice as early as possible can help protect your rights.

📖 Read the full article here: https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/06/can-korean-police-check-your-phone.html

📞 Attorney Direct Line: 010-2314-9122
💬 WhatsApp: +82-10-2314-9122
📱 Direct Chat: https://wa.me/821023149122
🟡 KakaoTalk Channel Chat: http://pf.kakao.com/_xjtixhX/chat

Consultation available in English.
Please briefly describe your situation when contacting.

10/07/2026

Unpaid Wages or Severance Pay in Korea? Know Your Rights.

Many foreign workers in Korea experience unpaid wages, delayed salary payments, or severance pay disputes. Some hesitate to take legal action because they worry about their visa status or believe that Korean labor laws do not fully protect foreign employees.

In fact, Korean labor law generally protects foreign workers in the same way it protects Korean employees.

You may be able to claim:
✔ Unpaid wages
✔ Overtime pay
✔ Holiday pay
✔ Final wages after resignation
✔ Severance pay (if you meet the legal requirements)

As a general rule, wages and severance pay should be paid within 14 days after your employment ends. If your employer refuses to pay, you may file a complaint with the Labor Office and, in some cases, pursue a civil claim to recover the money you are owed.
If you believe your employer has not paid you properly, keep important evidence such as your employment contract, payslips, bank transfer records, attendance records, and messages with your employer.

Every case is different, especially if your visa is connected to your employer. Getting legal advice early can help you understand your rights and choose the best course of action.

📖 Read the full article here: https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/06/unpaid-wages-and-severance-pay-in-korea.html

📞 Attorney Direct Line: 010-2314-9122
💬 WhatsApp: +82-10-2314-9122
📱 Direct Chat: https://wa.me/821023149122
🟡 KakaoTalk Channel Chat: http://pf.kakao.com/_xjtixhX/chat

Consultation available in English.
Please briefly describe your situation when contacting.

04/07/2026

Gambling in Korea: What Foreigners Need to Know 🇰🇷

Many foreigners are surprised to learn that South Korea has strict gambling laws, and even activities that are legal in other countries can lead to criminal charges here.

✅ Legal Gambling
Foreigners may legally use licensed foreigner-only casinos, purchase Lotto tickets, and participate in other government-authorized betting systems.

❌ Illegal Gambling
The following activities can result in prosecution if done while physically in Korea:

• Online sports betting on unauthorized websites
• Offshore or overseas online casinos
• Crypto-based betting or prediction markets
• Private high-stakes gambling games
• Using VPNs to access foreign gambling platforms

Simply because a website is legal in another country does not mean it is legal to use from Korea.

⚖️ Possible Consequences
Illegal gambling may lead to:

• Criminal fines or imprisonment
• A permanent criminal record in Korea
• Confiscation of gambling proceeds
• Visa problems, deportation, and re-entry bans for foreign nationals

🔍 How Investigations Usually Start
Many cases begin through:

• Bank transaction monitoring
• Arrests of gambling site operators that expose user records
• Digital evidence such as chat messages and transfer histories

In some cases, people are contacted by police months or even years after they stopped gambling.

📌 If You Are Contacted by Police
Do not ignore official notices, avoid making rushed statements, preserve relevant records, and seek legal advice as early as possible.

Understanding Korean gambling laws is essential for anyone living in or visiting Korea. What may be considered harmless entertainment elsewhere can have serious legal and immigration consequences here.

📖 Read the full article here: https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/06/gambling-offenses-in-korea-what.html

📞 Attorney Direct Line: 010-2314-9122
💬 WhatsApp: +82-10-2314-9122
📱 Direct Chat: https://wa.me/821023149122
🟡 KakaoTalk Channel Chat: http://pf.kakao.com/_xjtixhX/chat

Consultation available in English.
Please briefly describe your situation when contacting.

01/07/2026

🚨 Top 6 Common Crimes Foreigners Commit in Korea (and Their Legal Consequences)

Many foreigners get into legal trouble in Korea simply because they are unfamiliar with Korean laws. Conduct that may seem minor or even legal in other countries can sometimes lead to criminal charges, fines, visa problems, or deportation.

The six most common issues are:
✅ Drunk Driving (DUI)
✅ Drug Offenses (including ma*****na)
✅ Assault and Physical Fights
✅ Illegal Filming and Distribution of Intimate Images
✅ Online Defamation and Insults
✅ Working Without Proper Visa Authorization

One important point to remember is that Korean laws can be very different from those in other countries. For example, ma*****na remains illegal in Korea, and even true statements posted online can sometimes result in criminal defamation claims if they seriously damage another person's reputation.

If you are contacted by the police or become involved in a criminal investigation, do not sign documents you do not fully understand, ask for an interpreter if necessary, and seek legal advice as early as possible. Criminal cases may also affect your visa status and future stay in Korea.

📖 Read the full article here: https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/06/top-6-common-crimes-foreigners-commit.html

📞 Attorney Direct Line: 010-2314-9122
💬 WhatsApp: +82-10-2314-9122
📱 Direct Chat: https://wa.me/821023149122
🟡 KakaoTalk Channel Chat: http://pf.kakao.com/_xjtixhX/chat

Consultation available in English.
Please briefly describe your situation when contacting.

29/06/2026

🚨 What Happens If You Ignore a Korean Lawsuit?

Many people believe that if they live outside Korea, they can simply ignore a Korean lawsuit and nothing will happen.

Unfortunately, that is usually not true.

Once a lawsuit is properly filed and served, Korean courts may continue the proceedings even if the defendant never responds. In some cases, the court can issue a judgment without the defendant presenting any defenses.

⚖️ Important points to know:

✅ Living outside Korea does not automatically stop a Korean lawsuit.

✅ Korean courts can use international service procedures and, in certain circumstances, service by public notice(공시송달).

✅ If the plaintiff wins, enforcement measures may include bank account seizures, wage garnishment, or enforcement against assets located in Korea.

✅ Challenging a judgment after it has already been entered is often much more difficult and expensive than responding from the beginning.

If you receive court documents from Korea, it is important to understand your legal rights and response deadlines as early as possible.

📖 Read the full article here: https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/06/what-happens-if-you-ignore-police.html

📞 Attorney Direct Line: 010-2314-9122
💬 WhatsApp: +82-10-2314-9122
📱 Direct Chat: https://wa.me/821023149122
🟡 KakaoTalk Channel Chat: http://pf.kakao.com/_xjtixhX/chat

Consultation available in English.
Please briefly describe your situation when contacting.

23/06/2026

Can You Sue Your Spouse’s Affair Partner in Korea?

Many foreigners are surprised to learn that while adultery is no longer a crime in Korea, an affair partner can still be held civilly liable for interfering with a marriage.

If someone knowingly engages in a relationship with a married person and causes emotional harm to the innocent spouse, Korean courts may order that person to pay damages.

Some key points:

✔ Adultery was decriminalized in 2015, but civil claims remain available.

✔ The affair partner generally must have known (or should have known) that the other person was married.

✔ Divorce is not required to bring a claim.

✔ Text messages, KakaoTalk chats, photos, travel records, and other evidence may be used to prove the relationship.

✔ Compensation varies depending on the circumstances, including the length of the marriage, the existence of children, and the impact of the affair.

✔ Claims may still be possible after divorce, but strict limitation periods apply.

✔ Foreign nationals may also pursue these claims if Korean courts have jurisdiction.

If you have discovered your spouse's affair and are wondering whether legal action is possible in Korea, understanding your rights early is important.

Read the full article: https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/06/can-you-sue-your-spouses-affair-partner.html

📞 Attorney Direct Line: 010-2314-9122
💬 WhatsApp: +82-10-2314-9122
📱 Direct Chat: https://wa.me/821023149122
🟡 KakaoTalk Channel Chat: http://pf.kakao.com/_xjtixhX/chat

Consultation available in English.
Please briefly describe your situation when contacting.

20/06/2026

🚔 Korean Police Investigation Process Explained for Foreigners

If the Korean police contact you, don't panic—but don't ignore it either.

Many foreigners are unsure whether they are being contacted as a witness or as a criminal suspect. This distinction is important because statements made during a police interview can become evidence in court.

✅ Key things to remember:

• Ask whether you are a witness (참고인) or a suspect (피의자).
• If you are not fluent in Korean, you have the right to an interpreter.
• Never sign a statement unless you fully understand its contents.
• Police generally need a court-issued warrant to force access to your phone.
• Even if a criminal case ends with a fine or a relatively light outcome, it can still affect your visa status, visa renewal, or immigration review.
• If you are a suspect or your visa may be affected, obtaining legal advice early can make a significant difference.

For foreign residents in Korea, a small criminal issue can sometimes become a serious immigration problem if handled incorrectly.

📖 Read the full article:
https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/05/korean-police-investigation-process.html

📞 Attorney Direct Line: 010-2314-9122
💬 WhatsApp: +82-10-2314-9122
📱 Direct Chat: https://wa.me/821023149122
🟡 KakaoTalk Channel Chat: http://pf.kakao.com/_xjtixhX/chat
Consultation available in English.
Please briefly describe your situation when contacting.

15/06/2026

Foreigners Accused of S*x Crimes in Korea? Read This First

Being investigated for a s*x crime in Korea can be frightening, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Korean legal system.

Here are 5 important things every foreigner should know:

✅ A police call does not mean you are guilty.
Even a single accusation can trigger an investigation.

✅ Do not sign documents you do not fully understand.
Always review police statements carefully and request an interpreter if necessary.

✅ Preserve all digital evidence.
Messages, photos, CCTV, and location records can be crucial. Deleting evidence may seriously harm your case.

✅ Do not try to leave Korea to avoid the investigation.
Authorities may impose a departure ban, and leaving can create additional legal and immigration problems.

✅ A settlement does not automatically end the case.
Many s*x offenses in Korea can still be prosecuted even if the complainant agrees to a settlement.

For foreign nationals, immigration consequences can be just as serious as the criminal case itself. Fines, suspended sentences, or convictions may lead to visa problems or deportation.

If you have received a police summons or are under investigation, obtaining legal advice as early as possible is critical.

📖 Read the full article here : https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/05/foreigners-accused-of-s*x-crimes-in.html

📞 Attorney Direct Line: 010-2314-9122
💬 WhatsApp: +82-10-2314-9122
📱 Direct Chat: https://wa.me/821023149122
🟡 KakaoTalk Channel Chat: http://pf.kakao.com/_xjtixhX/chat

Consultation available in English.
Please briefly describe your situation when contacting.

Foreigners Accused of S*x Crimes in Korea: What You Should Know Immediately Being investigated for a s*x crime in Korea can be overwhelmin...