Can I get a refund after purchasing digital content?

What the Law Says

South Korean consumer protection law gives buyers of digital content a statutory right to cancel and receive a full refund within a set period — even if the seller’s terms say otherwise.

Under the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Transactions, consumers who purchase digital content (e.g., e-books, music files, software, online courses) have a legal right to cancel the contract and receive a full refund within 7 days of purchase.

This right applies regardless of whether the seller offers refunds voluntarily. However, it does not apply if you explicitly agreed to waive the cooling-off period *before* purchase *and* the digital content was fully downloaded or used immediately with your consent.

Once you request cancellation, the seller must acknowledge your request within 24 hours and process the full refund within 3 business days. You do not need a receipt — transaction records held by the platform or payment provider are sufficient proof.

Statutory Text

A consumer may cancel a contract concerning digital content within seven days from the day on which the contract was concluded.

— Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Transactions, s. 36-2 — Right to Cancel Contract Concerning Digital Content

Statutory Text

Where a consumer cancels a contract pursuant to Article 36-2, the business operator shall refund the full amount paid by the consumer without delay, and in any case, within three business days from the date of receipt of the notice of cancellation.

— Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Transactions, s. 36-3 — Refund upon Cancellation

What to Do

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