South KoreaWhere are domestic violence victim shelters?
Domestic violence victim shelters in South Korea are operated by local governments and certified private organizations under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Crimes of Domestic Violence and Protection, etc. of Victims.
What the Law Says
South Korean law mandates the establishment and operation of shelters for domestic violence victims through national and local government cooperation.
The Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Crimes of Domestic Violence and Protection, etc. of Victims (commonly called the Domestic Violence Prevention Act) requires local governments to establish and operate shelters or contract with certified private organizations to provide emergency protection, counseling, legal aid, medical care, and housing assistance.
Shelters must provide immediate safety for victims and their dependent children, including temporary accommodation for up to 72 hours, with possible extension based on risk assessment and need.
Certified shelters must meet standards set by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, including staffing qualifications, confidentiality protocols, and accessibility requirements.
Statutory TextThe central and local governments shall establish and operate shelters for victims of domestic violence, or support certified private organizations to do so.
— Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Crimes of Domestic Violence and Protection, etc. of Victims, s. 14 — Establishment and Operation of Shelters
Statutory TextShelters shall provide emergency protection, counseling, legal aid, medical care, and other necessary support to victims and their dependent children.
— Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Crimes of Domestic Violence and Protection, etc. of Victims, s. 14(2)
What to Do
Call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Counseling Center at 1398 (free, multilingual support).
Visit or contact your local Si/Gun/Gu Office (district office) — they maintain lists of certified shelters and can arrange emergency transport.
Go directly to a certified shelter — no referral required; walk-in emergency admission is guaranteed for up to 72 hours.
Request assistance from police: officers are legally required to refer victims to shelters and assist with immediate placement under Article 15 of the Act.
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.