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

Continue reading

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

Continue reading

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

Continue reading

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

Continue reading

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

Continue reading

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

Continue reading

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

Continue reading

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

Continue reading

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

Continue reading

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

Continue reading

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

Continue reading

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

Continue reading

Mergers & Acquisitions in The Korean E-Commerce Market: Opportunities for Foreign Niche E-Commerce Sites

First-generation Korean e-commerce enterprises are currently working to integrate recently acquired businesses and create new business prospects in the fiercely competitive E-commerce market of Korea. Last month, Korea Center, the owner of Enuri.com, the nation’s oldest online shopping mall and Danawa, another local e-commerce business, merged. In order to increase their ability to compete in the market, the two businesses intend to operate their e-commerce platforms independently while eventually building an integrated system forthe analysis of online shopping data. The

Continue reading

Enforceability of NDAs in Korea

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are legal in South Korea and enforceable. A legally enforceable agreement known as an NDA forbids the publication of sensitive information between two or more parties. In business dealings, employment contracts, and collaborations involving sensitive information, NDAs are frequently employed.NDAs may be subject to contract law or intellectual property law in South Korea. Confidential information and trade secrets are protected under the Korean Commercial Code (KCC) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). For an article on

Continue reading

Force Majeure Jurisprudence in the Republic of Korea

Korea has recently been affected by typhoons and severe flooding caused by the heaviest rainfall in centuries. These issues led to the loss of life, property, business and the livelihood of many individuals. Many alleged defaulting/breaching parties to an agreement have claimed Force Majeure as a defense to non-performance of contractual obligations. A Korean court recognized Force Majeure Event offers relief to the alleged defaulting/breaching party, in Korea, if the party fulfils the legal requirements noted below. Force Majeure Defined

Continue reading

Criminal Record Checks in Korea

We assist expats who have lived in Korea with Korean Police Clearance Certificates and Korean Criminal Record Check Certificates. The process to obtain these records, in Korea, is regrettably not so easy in many cases, because of a new Korean Law. Why is a Criminal Record Check needed? A criminal record check in Korea is typically required for some jobs, including teaching positions, as proof that the applicant did not commit any crimes while in Korea. It is also required

Continue reading

Korea’s DUI Law Explained by Defense Lawyers in Korea

As many people are already aware, driving under the influence is dangerous and can lead to serious legal consequences in Korea. Korea has one of the world’s most strict DUI Laws. In order, in part, to fight the stigma of Korean having one of the highest road fatality rates in the OECD, the present Korean DUI Law was enacted. The law is intended to warn drivers that they should not drive even if they have one drink. The, recently enacted

Continue reading

Defenses Under Korean Law for Sex-Related Crimes Perpetrated in Korea

In this post we’ll discuss the Defenses in Korea that may be used in the Korean courts against sex-related accusations. A. When the accused acknowledges the allegationsIf the defendant reaches a settlement with a victim, normally, the Defendant shall receive the least serious criminal charge if he voluntarily acknowledges the crime and settles with the alleged victim. The alleged victim of sex-related offences typically has access to a public attorney in order to facilitate a settlement and defend the interests

Continue reading

Divorce by Agreement & Divorce by Court Order in Korea

A Basic Explanation of the Types of Divorces in Korea. Under Korean law, there are two types of divorces. One is divorce by mutual agreement and the other is divorce by court order. agree to dissolve their marriage amicably. We advise, in all but the most exceptional of matters, to engage a lawyer in Korea to obtain a divorce by court order (judicial divorce) and forgo a divorce by mutual agreement to insure that the divorce is recognized in all

Continue reading

Korean Small Business Partnerships/Joint Venture Startups

Starting a small business in Korea can be enjoyable and profitable if you get the business on the right track from the start.  Too often we see those with “limited funds” (we all have limited funds -even multinationals have limited funds) choosing to forgo having the deals structured by a professional and just downloading a “partnership” agreement off the internet.  Avoid the headaches and the costs in the future and structure all right from the start. I have learned from

Continue reading