South KoreaWhat is the statute of limitations for consumer damage?
In South Korea, the statute of limitations for consumer damage claims is generally 3 years from when the consumer knew (or should have known) of the damage and the responsible party, or 10 years from the date the damage occurred — whichever comes first.
What the Law Says
South Korean law sets strict time limits for filing consumer damage claims to ensure legal certainty and fairness.
The Framework Act on Consumers (also called the Consumer Protection Act) governs consumer damage claims. Under Article 59(1), a consumer must file a claim for damages arising from defective products or unfair trade practices within 3 years from the date they became aware—or should have become aware—of both the damage and the identity of the person responsible.
However, even if the consumer does not discover the damage right away, no claim may be brought more than 10 years after the date the damage actually occurred. This 10-year period acts as an absolute outer limit.
These deadlines apply to civil claims for compensation under the Consumer Protection Act, including those against manufacturers, sellers, advertisers, or service providers.
Statutory TextA consumer's claim for damages under this Act shall be extinguished by prescription after the lapse of three years from the time when the consumer came to know, or should have known, of the damage and the person liable therefor, or after the lapse of ten years from the time when the damage occurred.
— Framework Act on Consumers, Art. 59(1) — Limitation Period for Consumer Damage Claims
What to Do
Document the damage and when you first noticed it (e.g., photos, receipts, medical reports).
Identify the responsible party (e.g., seller, manufacturer, service provider) as soon as possible.
File a formal complaint with the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) or initiate civil litigation before the 3-year deadline — or no later than 10 years from the incident.
If nearing the deadline, consult a licensed Korean attorney to assess eligibility for suspension or interruption of prescription (e.g., through demand letters or mediation).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.