South KoreaHow do I deal with an airline refusing a refund?
In South Korea, airlines must issue full refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed flights under the Aviation Business Act. You can file a complaint with the Korea Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA) if the airline refuses.
What the Law Says
South Korean law requires airlines to provide refunds in specific situations and sets strict timelines and penalties for noncompliance.
Under the Aviation Business Act, if an airline cancels a flight or delays it by more than 2 hours, passengers are entitled to a full refund — unless the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control orders.
Airlines must process refunds within 7 days of the passenger’s request. If they fail to do so, they must pay a late refund penalty of 30% of the ticket price.
The Korea Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA) oversees enforcement and may fine airlines up to KRW 5 million for repeated or unjustified refusal to refund.
Statutory TextWhen an airline cancels a flight or delays departure by more than two hours, it shall promptly refund the full fare to the passenger.
— Aviation Business Act, s. 36 — Passenger Rights
Statutory TextAn airline that fails to refund within seven days shall pay a penalty equal to thirty percent of the fare.
— Enforcement Decree of the Aviation Business Act, s. 42-2
What to Do
Contact the airline in writing (email or certified letter) requesting a full refund and citing Aviation Business Act s. 36.
If no response or refusal within 7 days, file a formal complaint at KOCA’s online portal (koca.go.kr/complaint).
Attach proof: booking confirmation, cancellation/delay notice, and refund request record.
KOCA will review your case within 14 days and may order the airline to refund plus penalty.
If unresolved, you may pursue civil action — but claims must be filed within 2 years of the incident.
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.