South KoreaCan I appeal a deportation order?
Yes, you can appeal a deportation order in South Korea within 30 days of receiving the decision by filing an administrative lawsuit at the Administrative Court.
What the Law Says
South Korean law permits individuals subject to a deportation order to challenge it through administrative litigation. The Immigration Act sets out the right to appeal and the procedural framework.
Under the Immigration Act, a foreign national ordered deported may file an administrative lawsuit to contest the decision. This is not an internal appeal within the Ministry of Justice but a formal legal action before the court.
The law requires that the lawsuit be filed within 30 days from the date the deportation order is served or otherwise officially notified to the individual.
The competent court is the Administrative Court — a specialized division of the District Court with jurisdiction over immigration-related administrative disputes.
Statutory TextA foreign national who has been issued a deportation order pursuant to Article 91 may file an administrative lawsuit against such disposition within thirty days from the date of service thereof.
— Immigration Act, s. 92 — Right to File Administrative Lawsuit
What to Do
Receive written notice of the deportation order (ensure you know the exact service date).
Consult a licensed Korean attorney specializing in immigration law within 10 days.
Prepare and file an administrative lawsuit at the competent Administrative Court within 30 days.
Submit supporting evidence (e.g., residency history, family ties, humanitarian grounds, procedural errors).
Attend court hearings and respond to written submissions from the Ministry of Justice.
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.