I want to cancel an automatic subscription payment.

What the Law Says

South Korean law gives consumers strong rights to cancel automatic subscription services easily and without penalty.

Under the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Transactions, businesses must clearly disclose subscription terms—including how to cancel—before you sign up. If they fail to do so, the contract may be invalid.

You have the right to cancel an automatic subscription at any time before the next billing cycle starts. Once you cancel, the business must stop charging you and process the cancellation within 3 business days.

If you’ve paid for a period you won’t use (e.g., annual fee, but cancel after 3 months), the business must refund the unused portion—100% proportional to remaining time. No cancellation fee is allowed.

Businesses that ignore cancellation requests or charge after cancellation face penalties up to KRW 50 million under the same Act.

Statutory Text

The provider shall immediately cease the supply of goods or services upon receipt of the consumer’s notice of cancellation.

— Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Transactions, s. 18 — Cancellation of Contracts

Statutory Text

Where a consumer cancels a contract for continuous supply of goods or services, the provider shall refund the amount corresponding to the unused period.

— Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Transactions, s. 18 — Cancellation of Contracts

Statutory Text

A provider who fails to comply with the obligation to cease supply or refund… shall be subject to a fine not exceeding fifty million won.

— Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Transactions, s. 42 — Penalties

What to Do

Sources