South KoreaI keep getting spam texts. How do I block them?
In South Korea, you can block spam texts using your carrier’s free blocking service or report them to the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) — no court action is needed.
What the Law Says
South Korean law strictly regulates unsolicited text messages and gives users clear rights to block and report them.
The Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (commonly called the 'Information and Communications Network Act') requires senders to obtain prior consent before sending commercial text messages. Without consent, such messages are illegal.
Under Article 50-2 of the same Act, telecommunications providers must offer free, easy-to-use spam message blocking services to all subscribers. Users may also request that their number be added to a do-not-call/do-not-text registry.
Violators face administrative fines up to 5 million KRW (approx. USD 3,700), and repeated offenses may lead to suspension of business registration.
Statutory TextTelecommunications business operators shall provide users with free services to block unsolicited advertising messages.
— Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, s. 50-2 — Obligation to Provide Blocking Services
Statutory TextNo person shall send advertising messages via information and communications networks without the prior consent of the recipient.
— Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, s. 50 — Prohibition of Unsolicited Advertising Messages
What to Do
Contact your mobile carrier (SKT, KT, or LG U+) and request activation of their free spam SMS blocking service — usually available via app, website, or dialing *111#.
Forward suspicious spam texts to 118 (KCC’s spam reporting center) — include sender number and full message text.
Register your phone number on the national Do-Not-Call/Do-Not-Text list at www.118.or.kr (available in Korean).
File a formal complaint via the KCC online portal within 30 days of receiving the spam message.
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.