The same problem keeps recurring after appliance repair.

What the Law Says

South Korean consumer law requires sellers and repairers to fix recurring defects in appliances at no cost to the consumer — or provide replacement or full refund if the defect persists.

Under the Consumer Protection Act, if a repaired product develops the same defect again within a reasonable time, the consumer has the right to demand re-repair, replacement, or a full refund. The law treats repeated failure as evidence that the original repair was ineffective or inadequate.

The Enforcement Decree of the Act on Promotion of Consumer Protection specifies timelines: the seller must complete re-repair within 7 days of receiving the request; if re-repair fails or is not possible, replacement must be provided within 30 days. If neither re-repair nor replacement is feasible, the consumer is entitled to a 100% refund.

These rights apply during the statutory warranty period — generally 2 years from delivery for durable goods like appliances — unless a longer period is promised by the seller.

Statutory Text

Where a product repaired by a business operator develops the same defect again, the business operator shall, without delay, re-repair the product free of charge.

— Consumer Protection Act, s. 54 — Repair Obligation

Statutory Text

If re-repair is impossible or fails, the business operator shall replace the product or refund the purchase price in full.

— Enforcement Decree of the Act on Promotion of Consumer Protection, s. 32 — Remedies for Repeated Defects

What to Do

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