South KoreaHow do I file a complaint with the Korea Consumer Agency?
You can file a complaint with the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) online via its official website, by phone, or in person — no fee is required, and you must do so within 3 years of the consumer dispute arising.
What the Law Says
The Framework Act on Consumers and the Consumer Dispute Resolution Act establish the Korea Consumer Agency’s authority to receive and mediate consumer complaints. These laws define who may file, time limits, and procedural rights.
Under the Framework Act on Consumers, the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) is the central government agency responsible for protecting consumer rights and resolving disputes. It operates the national consumer consultation and complaint system.
The Consumer Dispute Resolution Act mandates that consumer complaints be processed promptly: the KCA must acknowledge receipt within 3 business days and issue an initial response within 15 days. Mediation must be completed within 60 days unless extended for just cause.
Consumers must file complaints within 3 years from the date the dispute arose — this is the statutory limitation period for seeking administrative resolution through the KCA.
Statutory TextA consumer may file a complaint with the Korea Consumer Agency regarding damage caused by a product or service.
— Consumer Dispute Resolution Act, s. 12 — Filing of Complaints
Statutory TextThe Agency shall respond to a complaint without delay, and in any case within fifteen days from the date of receipt.
— Consumer Dispute Resolution Act, s. 14 — Handling Periods
Statutory TextNo fee shall be charged for filing a complaint or receiving mediation services from the Agency.
— Framework Act on Consumers, s. 32 — Exemption from Fees
What to Do
Visit the official KCA website at kca.go.kr or call the consumer hotline 1372 (available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Vietnamese).
Prepare documentation: receipts, contracts, photos/videos of defects, and written description of the issue.
Submit your complaint online (via 'Consumer Mediation Application'), by mail, or in person at a local KCA branch or affiliated consumer center.
Track your case using the assigned complaint number; expect an initial reply within 15 days.
If mediation fails, you may request referral to the Consumer Dispute Mediation Committee or pursue civil litigation.
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.