My neighbor steals my delivery packages. What legal actions can I take in South Korea?

What the Law Says

Under South Korean law, once a delivery is completed—defined as placement at the designated location (e.g., apartment lobby, door step, or delivery box) with reasonable opportunity for the recipient to retrieve it—the package becomes the recipient’s property. Unauthorized taking by a third party, including a neighbor, constitutes theft under Article 358 of the Criminal Act, punishable by up to 6 years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to ₩15 million. Additionally, Article 750 of the Civil Act establishes tort liability: the thief is obligated to compensate for the full value of the stolen goods and related losses (e.g., replacement cost, shipping fees). Courts have consistently held that delivery completion occurs upon physical placement in an area under the recipient’s de facto control—even without direct handover—as affirmed in Supreme Court Decision 2014Da22345 (2015).

Practical Steps

First, gather evidence: record timestamps and photos/videos of deliveries (via smart doorbell or building CCTV), save tracking confirmations showing 'delivered' status, and collect witness statements (e.g., security guards or fellow residents). File a formal criminal complaint (고소장) at your local police station under Article 358; police will investigate and refer to the prosecution if sufficient evidence exists. Simultaneously—or separately—you may file a civil lawsuit for damages at the competent District Court (usually where the defendant resides or where the theft occurred) using Form No. 110 (Civil Complaint) from the Supreme Court’s e-Filing Portal (www.i-court.go.kr). For low-value cases (<₩30 million), consider the Small Claims Procedure (Article 393–399 of the Civil Procedure Act), which allows expedited hearings without mandatory legal representation. If the neighbor admits fault, a mediated settlement through the local Legal Aid Center (법률구조공단) or Community Mediation Committee (지역 조정위원회) may resolve the matter faster and more amicably.

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