South KoreaMy flight was cancelled. Can I get compensation?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation if your flight was cancelled by the airline without sufficient notice or justification, under South Korea’s Aviation Business Act and related enforcement rules.
What the Law Says
South Korean law requires airlines to compensate passengers when flights are cancelled unreasonably or without proper advance notice. The rules apply to domestic and international flights operated by Korean carriers.
Under the Aviation Business Act, airlines must notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before departure if they wish to avoid compensation liability. If notice is given less than 14 days in advance, passengers are entitled to a full refund plus additional compensation.
The Enforcement Decree of the Aviation Business Act specifies that compensation includes a full refund of the ticket price and, depending on circumstances, up to ₩200,000 in additional monetary compensation. Airlines must process refunds within 7 days of the cancellation request.
Passengers must submit a written claim to the airline within 30 days of the scheduled departure date to preserve their right to compensation.
Statutory TextIf an air carrier cancels a flight without notifying passengers at least fourteen days prior to the scheduled departure time, it shall refund the full fare and pay additional compensation as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
— Aviation Business Act, s. 38-2 — Compensation for Cancellation
Statutory TextThe amount of additional compensation shall not exceed two hundred thousand won per passenger.
— Enforcement Decree of the Aviation Business Act, s. 45-2 — Amount of Compensation
What to Do
Contact the airline in writing (email or certified letter) within 30 days of your scheduled departure.
Request both a full fare refund and additional compensation (up to ₩200,000).
Keep proof of communication and your original ticket receipt.
If the airline refuses or fails to respond within 7 days, file a complaint with the Korea Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA).
Sources
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JapanNot 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.