South Korea

Small Claims Timeline in South Korea

3 months
Typical duration from filing to judgment
5 million KRW
Maximum claim amount for small claims court
1 hearing
Average number of hearings held
30 days
Statute of limitations for most contract-based small claims
The Short Answer

A small claims case in South Korea typically concludes within 1–3 months from filing, with most judgments issued after one or two hearings.

What the Law Says

Practical Steps

Important Deadlines

When to See a Lawyer

Sources

statuteCivil Procedure Act (Act No. 8490)statuteCivil Code (Act No. 413)governmentSupreme Court Regulations on Small Claims ProceedingsgovernmentKorean Legal Aid Corporation (KLAC) Small Claims Guide

Related Questions

What is the maximum claim amount for small claims in South Korea?Can I file small claims online in South Korea?Do I need a lawyer for small claims in South Korea?How do I enforce a small claims judgment 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.