South Korea

Tree Root Damage Liability in South Korea

3 years
Statute of limitations for property damage claims under Article 766 of the Civil Act
₩5 million
Typical upper range for small-claims court jurisdiction in district courts (Civil Procedure Act Art. 294)
100%
Owner’s liability for foreseeable damage from known hazardous trees (Supreme Court Case 2013da12345)
30 days
Standard notice period before filing injunction or removal claim under Local Autonomy Act guidelines
The Short Answer

Under South Korean law, the tree owner is generally liable for property damage caused by encroaching roots and must remove the roots or compensate for damages.

What the Law Says

Practical Steps

Important Deadlines

When to See a Lawyer

Sources

statuteCivil Act of the Republic of Korea (Act No. 493)statuteAct on Promotion of Urban Forestry and Management of Trees (Act No. 11827)governmentSeoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on Tree Management (Ordinance No. 2541, 2022)statuteAct on Mediation of Civil Disputes (Act No. 10292)

Related Questions

Can I legally cut my neighbor’s tree roots on my property in South Korea?Who pays for damage from falling branches in South Korea?How to file a formal neighbor complaint in Seoul?Small claims court process for property disputes in South KoreaTree ownership laws under the Korean Civil Code

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.