South KoreaThe airline damaged my belongings. What's the claims?
You must file a written claim with the airline within 7 days of receiving damaged baggage. The airline must respond within 30 days and pay compensation up to ₩1,500,000 per passenger for checked baggage damage.
What the Law Says
South Korean law sets clear deadlines and limits for baggage damage claims on domestic flights. Airlines must compensate passengers for damaged checked baggage, subject to statutory caps and procedural requirements.
Under the Aviation Business Act, if your checked baggage is damaged during a domestic flight in South Korea, you have the right to claim compensation from the airline.
You must submit your claim in writing within 7 days after receiving your baggage. The airline is then required to acknowledge and process your claim within 30 days.
The maximum compensation for damaged or lost checked baggage is capped at ₩1,500,000 per passenger. This limit applies regardless of the actual value of the items, unless you declared a higher value in advance and paid an additional fee.
The law does not cover unchecked (carry-on) baggage damage unless caused by the airline’s intentional act or gross negligence.
Statutory TextA carrier shall compensate for damage to checked baggage up to KRW 1,500,000 per passenger.
— Aviation Business Act, s. 94 — Compensation for Damage to Checked Baggage
Statutory TextA claim for damage to checked baggage shall be made in writing within seven days from the date on which the baggage was received.
— Enforcement Decree of the Aviation Business Act, s. 68 — Period for Filing Claims
Statutory TextThe carrier shall notify the claimant of the result of the investigation within thirty days from the date of receipt of the claim.
— Enforcement Decree of the Aviation Business Act, s. 69 — Notification of Claim Result
What to Do
Inspect your baggage immediately upon collection and note visible damage.
File a written claim with the airline within 7 days — include photos, baggage tag, and description of damage.
Keep copies of all correspondence and proof of submission (e.g., email receipt or registered mail tracking).
If the airline fails to respond within 30 days or denies your claim unfairly, contact the Korea Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA) for assistance.
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.