South Korea

Sue Landlord for Deposit in Korea

₩30,000,000
Maximum claim amount in small claims court
2 years
Statute of limitations for security deposit claims
14 days
Landlord’s legal deadline to return deposit after lease ends
15%
Default interest rate per annum on overdue deposits (Civil Act Art. 398)
The Short Answer

Yes, you can sue your landlord for unpaid security deposit in South Korea’s small claims court (up to ₩30 million) within 2 years of lease termination.

What the Law Says

Practical Steps

Important Deadlines

When to See a Lawyer

Sources

statuteCivil Act (Minbeop)statuteAct on Regulation of Terms and ConditionsstatuteHousing Lease Protection ActgovernmentSmall Claims Procedure Guide (Supreme Court of Korea)

Related Questions

How is security deposit interest calculated in South Korea?What deductions can a landlord legally make from my deposit in Korea?Can I claim penalties for late security deposit return in Korea?Is my lease deposit protected by law in South Korea?How do I file a small claims case 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.