I bought a defective product online. Can I return it under Consumer Protection Act?

What the Law Says

South Korean law gives online shoppers strong protections when products are defective, including clear rights to refunds, replacements, or repairs.

Under the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Transactions, sellers must clearly disclose product details, warranty terms, and return policies before purchase. If a product is defective — meaning it fails to meet agreed-upon quality, safety, or performance standards — the consumer has the right to cancel the contract and receive a full refund.

The Consumer Protection Act reinforces this: if a product does not conform to the contract (e.g., is damaged, incomplete, or non-functional), the consumer may demand repair, replacement, or cancellation with full refund. The seller must bear all costs related to returning the defective item.

Importantly, consumers must request a refund within 7 days of receiving the product — unless the defect was hidden and discovered later, in which case the period starts from discovery. Sellers must process refunds within 3 business days after accepting the cancellation request.

Statutory Text

Where a consumer has purchased goods or services through electronic transactions and such goods or services do not conform to the contract, the consumer may cancel the contract and demand a refund.

— Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Transactions, s. 35 — Right to Cancellation and Refund

Statutory Text

A business operator shall bear all expenses incurred in returning nonconforming goods, including transportation costs.

— Consumer Protection Act, s. 18 — Responsibility for Return Costs

What to Do

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