South Korea

Secondhand Smoke Neighbor Disputes in South Korea

30 days
Statutory mediation period under the Housing Dispute Mediation Act
₩5 million
Maximum civil compensation awarded in precedent case (Seoul Central District Court, 2021)
95%
Estimated rate of successful resolution via local housing mediation committees (2022 MOHW data)
6 months
Prescriptive period for filing tort claims under Article 766 of the Civil Code
The Short Answer

Yes, you may take legal action under South Korea’s Housing Act, Civil Code, and the National Health Promotion Act if secondhand smoke unreasonably interferes with your residential enjoyment.

What the Law Says

Practical Steps

Important Deadlines

When to See a Lawyer

Sources

statuteCivil Code of the Republic of Korea (Act No. 497)statuteHousing Act (Act No. 11505)statuteNational Health Promotion Act (Act No. 11322)governmentMinistry of Health and Welfare – Guidelines on Indoor Air Quality in Multi-family Housing

Related Questions

Can I sue my landlord for failing to stop neighbor's secondhand smoke?How do I prove secondhand smoke harm in a Korean court?Is smoking banned in apartment common areas in South Korea?Mediation vs. lawsuit for neighbor disputes in South Korea?

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: 2026-10-18.