South Korea

What is the role of the Consumer Dispute Mediation?

KCA
Administering agency
30 days
Standard mediation period
Free
No fee for consumers
Binding if acce
Effect of agreement
The Short Answer

The Consumer Dispute Mediation Committee is a government-authorized body under the Korea Consumer Agency that mediates disputes between consumers and businesses without going to court.

What the Law Says

The Consumer Dispute Mediation Committee is established and governed by South Korea’s consumer protection laws to provide accessible, impartial dispute resolution outside litigation.

The Committee operates under the authority of the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) and is mandated by the Framework Act on Consumers and the Act on Consumer Dispute Resolution.

Its main function is to mediate disputes arising from consumer transactions — such as defective products, false advertising, or service failures — in a timely, fair, and cost-free manner for consumers.

Mediation decisions are not automatically binding, but once both parties sign the mediation agreement, it has the same legal effect as a court settlement.

Statutory Text

The State and local governments shall establish and operate consumer dispute mediation committees to mediate consumer disputes fairly and promptly.

— Framework Act on Consumers, s. 34 — Establishment of Consumer Dispute Mediation Committees
Statutory Text

The mediation committee shall endeavor to conclude mediation within thirty days from the date of acceptance of the application.

— Act on Consumer Dispute Resolution, s. 12 — Period for Mediation

What to Do

1

File a written application with the Korea Consumer Agency or online via the Consumer Protection Portal (www.ccn.go.kr).

2

Submit supporting documents (receipts, contracts, photos, correspondence).

3

Attend mediation session(s) — either in person, online, or via written submission.

4

Review and sign the mediation agreement if terms are acceptable; it becomes legally enforceable upon signature.

Sources

statuteFramework Act on Consumers, s. 34 — Establishment of Consumer Dispute Mediation CommitteesstatuteAct on Consumer Dispute Resolution, s. 12 — Period for Mediation

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.