English-Speaking Lawyer in Korea for Foreigners, Expats, and International Business
Work directly with an English-speaking Korean lawyer in Seoul on divorce and family matters, criminal cases, employment disputes, business issues, company setup, and cross-border disputes.
No-fee initial review · Reply within 1 business day · Confidential
Choose the entry point that fits your situation
For Foreign Workers & Expats
Unpaid wages, wrongful termination, severance, workplace disputes, visa-linked employment issues, family and criminal matters affecting your stay in Korea.
See worker-focused helpFor Foreign Businesses & Investors
Company incorporation, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) registration, English-language outside counsel for Korean subsidiaries, commercial disputes, and contract review.
See business-focused helpCommon legal problems foreigners face in Korea
The Korean legal system operates differently from common law jurisdictions. Language barriers and unfamiliar procedures can quickly escalate a minor issue into a crisis. We provide immediate clarity.
Core Practice Areas
View AllEmployment Law for Foreigners in Korea
Navigating Korean labor law as a foreign worker can be daunting, especially when facing language barriers and unfamiliar legal concepts. Korean labor standards strongly protect employees, but enforcing these rights requires precise legal steps. We provide clear, actionable representation to secure your unpaid wages, challenge unfair dismissals, and protect your visa status.
Learn moreEnglish-Speaking Divorce Lawyer in Korea — Family Law for Foreigners
Family disputes in a foreign country involve complex intersections of jurisdiction, international treaties, and local family court procedures. Whether you need a Korean divorce lawyer, are negotiating custody, or are handling an inheritance, our firm provides discreet, compassionate, and thorough legal support in English, tailored to international families.
Learn moreEnglish-Speaking Criminal Lawyer in Korea — Defense & Victim Representation
Facing a criminal investigation in Korea is terrifying. The Korean justice system operates very differently from common law jurisdictions, and early intervention is critical. Being a foreigner adds the risk of deportation or visa cancellation, even for minor offenses. Our English-speaking criminal lawyer in Korea provides aggressive, strategic defense from the first police interview to trial.
Learn moreLitigation & Dispute Resolution for Foreigners in Korea
Commercial and civil disputes require a measured, strategic approach to avoid drawn-out, expensive litigation when possible—but aggressive court action when necessary. We represent international businesses and individuals in Korean civil courts to enforce contracts, recover debts, and resolve complex disputes.
Learn moreKorean Corporate & Commercial Law — Contract Review, Distribution Agreements, and Outside Counsel for Foreign Businesses
Doing business in Korea means navigating a unique regulatory landscape and distinct business customs. We provide precise, commercial legal advice to international companies operating in or expanding to South Korea, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk.
Learn moreCompany Incorporation in Korea for Foreigners
Setting up a corporate entity in South Korea involves strict Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) regulations, capital remittance rules, and banking compliance. We provide end-to-end incorporation services, getting your Korean business operational efficiently and legally.
Learn more
Hyung-Chan Ko — Korean bar attorney representing foreigners in Korea
Admitted to the Korean Bar in 2013 with 13+ years across leading Korean law firms, an in-house head-of-legal role at a multinational insurer, and a securities regulation practice. Direct experience working alongside foreign clients and global colleagues in English.
- Korean Bar (2013) · 13+ years
- Partner-level firm + in-house leadership
- Working languages: Korean, English
- Cross-border litigation & advisory
How We Work
A streamlined process designed to provide immediate clarity and decisive action. Every initial review is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege under Korean law.
Submit Your Case
Share your situation via our secure intake form or KakaoTalk.
Initial Legal Review
We evaluate the facts within 1 business day and tell you whether you have a viable matter.
Strategy Discussion
We outline realistic options, timeline, and a transparent fee structure before any engagement.
Representation or Advisory
We execute the legal strategy — either as litigation counsel or ongoing advisory — to protect your interests.
A sample of work we handle for foreign clients
Anonymized to protect client confidentiality. These represent the categories of matters we routinely handle for foreigners, expats, and international businesses in Korea.
Defended foreign nationals in Korean criminal proceedings, including trial-level representation and appeals on financial and white-collar charges.
Acted for foreign professionals against employers refusing to pay severance or final wages, including filings with the Ministry of Employment and Labor and subsequent civil collection.
Advised on international divorces involving Korean and non-Korean spouses, including jurisdictional questions, child custody under the Hague Convention, and division of cross-border assets.
Counsel to foreign-owned subsidiaries on Foreign Direct Investment registration, Korean labor compliance, shareholder disputes, and ongoing commercial contract review.
Pursued unpaid invoices and breach of contract claims on behalf of foreign suppliers and contractors against Korean counterparties, through both demand procedures and civil litigation.
Advised expats facing visa complications arising from employment disputes or criminal investigations, in coordination with Korean immigration counsel.
Past results do not guarantee or predict similar outcomes in future matters. Each case is evaluated on its specific facts. Descriptions above are illustrative and have been anonymized.
What foreigners ask before engaging us
Q.Do you represent foreigners who do not speak Korean?
Yes. All communication, contracts, and case strategy discussions can be handled in English. Court filings are prepared in Korean by our attorneys; we translate and explain every step to you in English.
Q.How much does an initial consultation cost?
The initial case review is no-fee. We evaluate the facts of your situation and tell you whether you have a viable matter, the realistic options, and a transparent fee structure before any engagement.
Q.Where is your office located and what areas do you serve?
Our office is at 6th Fl., 209 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. We represent clients throughout South Korea including Seoul, Incheon, Pyeongtaek (USFK community), and Busan.
Q.What kinds of cases do you handle for foreigners in Korea?
Employment disputes (unpaid wages, wrongful termination), family law (international divorce, custody), criminal defense, corporate and commercial matters, FDI and company incorporation, litigation, and creditor representation.
Latest from our practice
Not Guilty Ruling Upheld on Appeal
Seoul Central District Court criminal appeal defense win.
Read moreWhat to Do If You Are Involved in a Criminal Investigation
Guidance for expats contacted by Korean police.
Read moreVisa Problems and How to Respond Safely
Overstay, visa misunderstandings, and how to respond.
Read moreTell us about your situation. We will reply within 1 business day.
The initial case review is no-fee. Submit the basic facts and we will tell you whether you have a viable matter, the realistic options, and a transparent fee structure before any engagement.
Or call 010-2885-4357 · hc.ko@suojae.com