South KoreaSmall Claims Limit in South Korea
The maximum claim amount in South Korea's small claims procedure is ₩30 million, as stipulated under Article 273-2 of the Civil Procedure Act.
What the Law Says
South Korea’s small claims procedure (소액심판) is a simplified, expedited civil litigation track designed for low-value disputes. It is governed by Articles 273-2 through 273-10 of the Civil Procedure Act (민사소송법), as amended (most recently by Act No. 18435, effective June 13, 2024). The statutory ceiling ensures accessibility and efficiency for everyday citizens.
Under Article 273-2(1) of the Civil Procedure Act, a plaintiff may file a small claims petition only if the claim amount does not exceed thirty million won (₩30,000,000). This includes principal, interest, damages, and other monetary relief sought in aggregate.
The small claims procedure applies exclusively to monetary claims — non-monetary claims (e.g., injunctions, declaratory judgments) or claims exceeding the threshold must proceed via ordinary civil litigation. Courts must dismiss petitions ex officio if the claimed amount exceeds ₩30 million, unless the plaintiff voluntarily reduces it.
Statutory TextA small claims petition may be filed only where the amount claimed does not exceed thirty million won.
— Civil Procedure Act, Article 273-2(1), Act No. 18435 (2024)
What to Do
Verify your claim amount: Sum all monetary components (principal, accrued interest, documented damages); ensure total ≤ ₩30 million.
File Form No. 69 (소액심판청구서) at the competent district court (usually where defendant resides or where obligation arose); no lawyer needed — self-representation is standard and encouraged.
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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: 2026-10-03.