Top 10 Business Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in Korea

IPG Legal and I have been helping Korean entrepreneurs and businesses navigate the Korean business climate for over two decades. I have seen my share of successful businesses and my share of failed business. With the right management, a deep understanding of the Korean market, a good local guide and some street smarts the following Korean industries are ripe with opportunities. The following is my list of the top Korean businesses for Entrepreneurs in Korea for 2023. This is not

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IPG Legal’s Firm Profile on ChatGPT (Open AI)

IPG Legal is an international law firm headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, that provides a range of legal services to domestic and international clients. The firm was founded in 2007 and is composed of experienced attorneys with expertise in various areas of Korean and international law, including corporate law, intellectual property law, international trade law, labor & employment law, family law, estate law, tax law, securities law, criminal defense and dispute resolution. IPG Legal’s services include advising clients on business

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Legal Document Service in Korea via Hague Service Convention

The Hague Service Convention, also known as the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters, is an international treaty that provides for the service of judicial and extrajudicial documents between countries. South Korea is a signatory to the Hague Service Convention, which means that documents must be served between South Korea and other signatory countries according to the provisions of the Convention. For another related article please see: Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

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Attorney Lee from IPG Legal in the news!

The Korea Times recently featured Attorney Seul-ki Lee of IPG Legal in a news article, and for all the right reasons.  Attorney Lee is one of the the legal representative of Mr. Arnold Samberg at IPG Legal. Mr. Samberg is a retired US Airforce sergeant who met with an unfortunate tragedy three years ago when is was shot by a Korean police officer. He seeks justice and closure from the Korean Police, who have dragged this case on for far

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Proposed Amendments to the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Law: 2023

Proposed Amendments to the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Law: Extending Merger Notification Exemptions and Adding a Voluntary Commitment System. The Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act (MRFTA) is being revised, and the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has released an advance notice of these proposed changes, which include, among other things, (i) expanding merger notification exemptions; and (ii) introducing commitment processes for merger control. (the “Proposed Revisions”). The KFTC will solicit and compile feedback on the Proposed Revisions during

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Introduction to the History of the Korean Legal System

The legal system of the Republic of Korea developed over 1000s of years. The early years of Korean history, the legal system of Korea was based, nearly entirely, on the principles of Confucianism, which emphasized the importance of moral principles, hierarchy, the power of the king and social order. Confucianism still plays a role in Korean society and the legal system to this day. Three Kingdoms Period (57 BC to c. 668 AD) During the Three Kingdoms Period of Korean

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Korean Electronic Travel Application (K- ETA) Explained

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online electronic travel authorization for travelers without a visa to Korea that can be obtained prior to entering the Republic of Korea (ROK) for leisure, business, or to visit family (except for profit-making projects). If you are planning to visit South Korea and want to apply for the K-ETA, you can visit the official K-ETA website or its mobile application and submit an application on your own behalf or on behalf of another

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What are the Largest Exports from Korea?

South Korea is an export-focused economy with a growing local service sector. Korea is one of the Top 10 largest economies in the world. IPG Legal is a leading internationally-facing law firm in Korea assisting companies entering and doing business with Korean companies. We work with clients on matters in North America, Korea, China and throughout Southeast Asia. Korea’s Top Exports Some of the largest exports from Korea include: Korea is a country whose economy relies heavily on exports with

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Korea’s First Comprehensive Legal Code: Joseon Sijeong Uigwe

The Joseon Sijeong Uigwe, a 1,893 volume legal code, is a comprehensive set of laws, regulations and rules that were developed during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. IPG Legal shall be writing more on Korean history over the next couple of months in order to add to the body of knowledge available in the English language. Little information is available in the English language on the history of the Korean legal system. Hopefully, these articles can spark the interest of some readers

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An Introduction to IPG Legal’s Immigration Law Practice in Korea

Korean Immigration Law is an evolving area of law in South Korea that often changes with the change of governments. IPG legal many business and individual clients that run afoul or wish not to run afoul of Korea’s Immigration Laws. In worse-case scenarios, you can be deported, have an entry ban imposed, or be sent to a detention center or receive, even, a jail sentence. But, please know, for most individuals pathways exist to secure your visa status legally. IPG

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Detention of Criminal Suspects in Korea under Korea’s Criminal Procedure Law

The Korean Criminal Justice System works, in many aspects, very differently from the American, Australian, Canadian, Irish, UK and other Criminal Justice Systems based on the common law. One, notable, difference is in regard to the detention of a suspect prior and during to a trial/hearing in Korea. One aspect of the system that leaves many of our clients puzzled is the pre-trial detention system in Korea. Korea’s Criminal Procedure Act, Article 92 details the maximum detention periods while the

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Sean Hayes was Rated a Top 100 Attorney

Heartiest congratulations to Attorney Sean Hayes for being recognized as one of the top 100 lawyers in South Korea by the Asia Business Law Journal. It’s a great achievement to be listed twice in their Top 100 lawyers report and it’s a testament to his excellent work for clients in the country. The A-List report is available online for those interested. Attorney Sean Hayes has a broad range of experience. He is the head of a highly regarded dispute resolution

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Appointment of a Guardian in Korea

Those abroad or in Korea frequently struggle to comprehend how to safeguard their elderly parents, or family members who are residing in Korea. Don’t fret, a system is in place in Korea to assist families in need. Korean Guardianship Law was revised to meet the growing need for guardians in Korea. For a list of the type of Guardians in Korea please see: The Formalities under the Guardian Law of Korea The need for adult guardianship among seniors residing in

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The Formalities under the Guardian Law in Korea

Often we assist clients with family member or friends in Korea that are better off under the care of a trustworthy person who can manage their personal and property related responsibilities. Under Korean law, it is possible for a court to appoint a guardian to take care of the best interest of a ward. A “ward” is a person who lacks the capacity, either physically or mentally, to take care of themselves. Thus, courts in Korea can appoint a guardian

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IPG Legal’s Korean Commercial Law Practice

IPG Legal is a prominent client-focused law firm with its Korean Office based in Seoul, South Korea. IPG Legal’s Commercial Law Practice provides legal services to individuals and businesses. IPG Legal’s Commercial Law Practice is widely recognized as a leading law practice in South Korea based on its numerous ratings in legal rating services and its reputation in the legal community. A U.S. lawyer working for IPG Legal, Sean Hayes, was rated in Asia Business Law Journal’s Top 100. IPG

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Length of Sentences for Korean Crimes Perpetrated in Korea

The length of sentences for crimes in Korea varies depending on the severity of the offense, capabilities of your Korean lawyer and the discretion of the judge. The most important aspect of defending against a crime in Korea is the choice of your Korean criminal criminal defense attorneys. Also, make sure your lawyer in Korea has handled issues concerning Immigration if you are an expat. Sentences for Major Crimes in Korea It is important to note that these are general

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What are the Administrative Hurdles for Foreign Entrepreneurs to Start a Business in Korea?

Starting a business is rarely simple, and doing so as an expat in Korea involves not just financial challenges, but also the complex and constantly-changing Korean Immigration regulations that foreigners must follow in order to remain and legally launch a business in Korea. This law blog post is intended as a basic guide to Immigration challenges for entrepreneurs. Although the Korean government has launched a number of initiatives, recently, to draw in international expertise. The K-Startup Grand Challenge and the

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What are the Main Imports into Korea? (Exporting to Korea)

Korea is one of the world’s largest importers of goods and services in the world. Opportunities for exporters to Korea abound. IPG Legal, a top-rated international law firm, assists companies exporting to and doing business with Korean companies. IPG Legal works on projects in North America, Korea, China and throughout Southeast Asia. Contact Us. To learn about Korea’s largest exports please see: Largest Exports from Korea to the World Top 20 Exports to Korea Korea is ranked as one the

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IPG Legal’s Korean Family & Divorce Law Practice in Korea

IPG Legal is one of the only law firms in Korea that caters to foreigners, the expat community and multinational businesses in Korea. IPG Legal is a well-known and highly-ranked law firm with a leading family law practice in South Korea. The firm’s family law practice is known for providing high-quality legal services to clients facing a wide range of family law issues in Korea. With a team of experienced attorneys in Korea who are committed to providing compassionate and effective

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Beware of these Common cams in Korea

In South Korea like in many other countries, there are countless scams intended to trick people into giving away their cash or personal information. People in Korea have to stay alert and aware of the most typical tricks played by scammers or con artists because these scams occur in a variety of forms and are continually growing. If you are a victim of a scam, you are not alone. Please read this article: Are you a Victim of a Scam

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