South KoreaHow do you resolve a land boundary dispute?
In South Korea, land boundary disputes are resolved through mutual agreement, mediation by the municipal boundary dispute mediation committee, or litigation in district court.
What the Law Says
South Korean law provides a structured process for resolving land boundary disputes, prioritizing mediation before litigation. The Boundary Dispute Mediation Act establishes mandatory administrative mediation as the first step.
Under the Boundary Dispute Mediation Act, parties must first apply for mediation with the municipal-level Boundary Dispute Mediation Committee before filing a lawsuit over land boundaries.
The committee must hold a mediation meeting within 30 days of receiving the application and issue a decision or report within 60 days. If mediation fails or is not completed within the statutory period, either party may file a civil suit in the competent District Court.
The Act grants the committee authority to inspect land, request documents from public agencies, and hear testimony — all to determine the factual boundary based on survey records, title deeds, and long-standing possession.
Statutory TextA person who has a dispute concerning the boundary of land may apply for mediation to the municipal boundary dispute mediation committee.
— Boundary Dispute Mediation Act, Art. 5 — Application for Mediation
Statutory TextThe municipal boundary dispute mediation committee shall hold a mediation meeting within thirty days from the date of receipt of the application for mediation.
— Boundary Dispute Mediation Act, Art. 12 — Period for Mediation Meeting
Statutory TextIf mediation fails or no mediation decision is rendered within sixty days from the date of receipt of the application, the applicant may bring an action before the district court having jurisdiction over the land.
— Boundary Dispute Mediation Act, Art. 14 — Effect of Failure of Mediation
What to Do
Confirm exact parcel numbers and review land registry (Bulmok) and cadastral maps at the local Legal Affairs Office.
Submit a written mediation application to the municipal Boundary Dispute Mediation Committee (attached with evidence: survey reports, title deeds, photos).
Attend the mediation meeting; if unresolved after 60 days or if mediation fails, file a civil lawsuit for boundary determination at the District Court where the land is located.
In litigation, submit certified surveyor’s report and historical possession evidence — courts rely heavily on official land surveys and registration records.
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.