South KoreaWhere do I resolve apartment management fee disputes?
Apartment management fee disputes in South Korea are resolved through the Apartment Management Dispute Mediation Committee at the local city/county/gu office, or via civil litigation if mediation fails.
What the Law Says
South Korean law requires mandatory mediation before filing a lawsuit over apartment management fees. The process is governed by the Act on Promotion of Private Rental Housing and Related Special Measures and the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Management of Multi-Unit Residential Buildings.
If you disagree with your apartment’s management fee amount, billing method, or collection practices, you must first file a dispute with the Apartment Management Dispute Mediation Committee (AMD-MC) operated by your local city, county, or gu (district) office.
The committee must hold a mediation session within 30 days of receiving your application, and the entire mediation process must conclude within 60 days. Either party may withdraw from mediation at any time.
The filing fee for mediation is capped at ₩50,000. If mediation fails or one party refuses to participate, you may then file a civil lawsuit in the competent district court.
Statutory TextA person who has a dispute regarding the management of a multi-unit residential building may apply for mediation to the Apartment Management Dispute Mediation Committee established under Article 42-2.
— Act on Management of Multi-Unit Residential Buildings, s. 42-3 — Application for Mediation
Statutory TextThe Committee shall hold a mediation session within thirty days from the date of receipt of the application for mediation, and shall complete the mediation proceedings within sixty days.
— Enforcement Decree of the Act on Management of Multi-Unit Residential Buildings, s. 37-2 — Period for Mediation
What to Do
Gather evidence: management fee notices, meeting minutes, bylaws, and payment records.
File a written mediation application with your local gu office within 30 days of the disputed fee notice.
Attend the mediation session; bring supporting documents and be prepared to negotiate.
If mediation fails or is refused, file a civil lawsuit at the district court where the apartment is located.
Consider consulting a licensed attorney or legal aid center (e.g., Korea Legal Aid Corporation) for assistance.
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.