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Monday 09:00 - 18:00 Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00 Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00 Thursday 09:00 - 18:00 Friday 09:00 - 18:00

Adel Law Office, English Speaking Lawyer in Seoul, Korea

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South Korea
Yongsan District
Adel Law Office, English Speaking Lawyer in Seoul, Korea

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Please note that we are not a registered visa agency.

Adel Law Office provides legal services to foreigner clients in civil, criminal, administrative, and family (Divorce) matters under Korean law and the jurisdiction of Korean courts.

29/09/2026

Can a Foreigner File a Criminal Complaint in Korea? 🇰🇷⚖️

Yes. If you are a foreigner and have been the victim of a crime in Korea, you can file a criminal complaint under Korean law.

You can file the complaint yourself, or you can ask a Korean lawyer to represent you in the complaint process.

A lawyer can help with:

✔️ Preparing the criminal complaint
✔️ Organizing KakaoTalk, LINE, emails, recordings, CCTV and other evidence
✔️ Communicating with the police
✔️ Submitting legal opinions and additional evidence
✔️ Preparing for and attending the police investigation

If you do not speak Korean, an interpreter can participate in the investigation. However, clearly explaining the facts and legal issues is especially important in a criminal case.

If the police decide not to refer the case to the prosecutor, you may also have a right to object to the decision.

If you have been a victim of fraud, assault, threats, stalking, sexual crimes, property damage, defamation, or another crime in Korea, consider getting legal advice before filing a complaint.

📖 Read the full article here: https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/09/how-can-foreigner-file-criminal.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.

07/09/2026

Civil Lawsuits in Korea: What Foreigners Should Know

If you have a financial or contractual dispute in Korea, there are several legal procedures available.

🔹 Payment Order (지급명령)
Useful when the debt is clear and the amount is fixed. The debtor generally has 2 weeks to object after receiving the order. However, accurate information about the debtor’s address is important because the order must be properly served.

🔹 Small Claims (소액사건)
For claims of up to KRW 30 million, Korea provides a simplified procedure. The court may issue a Recommendation for Performance (이행권고결정), and if the defendant does not object within 2 weeks, it can have the same effect as a final judgment.

🔹 Civil Lawsuit (민사소송)
If the other party disputes the claim or the case is complicated, an ordinary civil lawsuit may be necessary. The defendant generally has 30 days to submit an answer after receiving the complaint.

🔹 Civil Mediation (민사조정)
If both parties are willing to negotiate, court mediation can be a faster way to resolve the dispute. A successful mediation can have the same enforceability as a judicial settlement.

🔹 Compulsory Enforcement (강제집행)
Winning a lawsuit does not automatically mean you receive your money. If the debtor does not pay, enforcement may be necessary against bank accounts, salary, real estate, or other assets.

For foreigners, additional issues may arise, including international jurisdiction, applicable law, Korean translation of foreign-language evidence, and international service of court documents.

Choosing the right procedure at the beginning can save significant time and costs.

If you are involved in a civil dispute in Korea, professional legal advice can help you determine the most appropriate procedure for your situation.

📖 Read the full article here: https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/09/civil-lawsuits-in-korea-payment-orders.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.

02/09/2026

Criminal Records in Korea: What Foreign Nationals Should Know

Being investigated by the Korean police does not automatically mean that you have a criminal record or a criminal conviction.

In Korea, a criminal case can end in several different ways:

• Police non-referral – The police decide not to refer the case to the prosecutor.
• Non-prosecution – The prosecutor decides not to bring criminal charges.
• Suspension of prosecution – The prosecutor does not prosecute the case after considering the circumstances, even though the criminal allegation may be recognized.
• Fine or imprisonment – Criminal punishment imposed through the legal process.

It is also important to distinguish between a criminal record and an investigation record. A case that does not result in criminal punishment may still leave information relating to the investigation for a legally prescribed period.

So, simply saying “I had a criminal case” does not tell the whole story. The exact outcome and the documents issued in your case matter.

If you are a foreign national involved in a criminal case in Korea, understanding exactly how your case was resolved is an important first step.

📖 Read the full article here: https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/09/criminal-records-in-korea-guide-for.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.

12/08/2026

Can You Have a Lawyer Present During a Police Interview in Korea?

If you have been contacted by the Korean police and asked to attend an interview, you may be wondering:

“Can I have a lawyer with me?”

Yes. Under Korean law, a suspect can have a defense attorney participate in a police interrogation, subject to certain exceptions.

Having a lawyer present can be especially important for foreign nationals who may be unfamiliar with the Korean criminal justice system or have difficulty communicating in Korean.

A lawyer can:

• Attend the police interview with you
• Explain your legal rights and advise you during questioning
• Help prevent misunderstandings about your statements
• Review the investigation record
• Submit a legal opinion and supporting evidence to the police
• Seek a favorable outcome, including a non-referral decision (불송치), when appropriate

Why is the first police interview important?

Even though the current Korean Criminal Procedure Act has strengthened the requirements for using police interrogation records as evidence at trial, your statements during the investigation can still affect how the police understand the case and how the investigation proceeds.

Your lawyer's role also does not end when the interview is over. Depending on the case, legal representation may include preparing a legal opinion letter, reviewing evidence, and communicating with the police or prosecution.

If you are a foreign national facing a criminal investigation in Korea, it is generally advisable to seek legal advice before your first police interview.

📖 Read the full article here:https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/2026/08/can-you-have-lawyer-present-during.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.

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.

Address

Room 814, Hannam Building, 211 Itaewon-ro
Yongsan District
04349

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 18:00
Thursday	09:00 - 18:00
Friday	09:00 - 18:00

Telephone

+821023149122

Website

https://en.adellawoffice.com/, https://adellawoffice.blogspot.com/

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