South KoreaMy flight was delayed over 3 hours. What compensation?
In South Korea, passengers on domestic flights delayed over 3 hours are entitled to compensation of up to KRW 300,000 under the Aviation Business Act, provided the delay was not due to extraordinary circumstances.
What the Law Says
South Korean law provides limited statutory compensation for flight delays—but only for domestic flights and only under specific conditions.
The Aviation Business Act governs passenger rights for flights operated by Korean airlines within South Korea. It does not apply to international flights or foreign carriers.
Compensation is triggered only if the flight is delayed by more than 3 hours at the time of arrival (not departure), and the delay was caused by the airline’s fault — not by 'extraordinary circumstances' such as severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, or security risks.
Passengers must file a claim with the airline within 7 days of the scheduled arrival time. The airline must respond within 30 days.
Statutory TextIf a domestic flight is delayed by more than three hours due to reasons attributable to the air carrier, the air carrier shall pay compensation to passengers up to three hundred thousand won.
— Aviation Business Act, s. 115-2 — Compensation for Delay of Domestic Flights
Statutory TextThe air carrier shall notify passengers of their right to claim compensation and the procedure therefor at the airport or via its website.
— Aviation Business Act, s. 115-2(3)
What to Do
Confirm the flight was domestic (origin and destination both in South Korea).
Check that the delay exceeded 3 hours at arrival — not departure — and was not due to weather, ATC, or other extraordinary causes.
Submit a written claim to the airline within 7 days of the scheduled arrival time.
Include flight number, date, boarding pass, and proof of delay (e.g., airport display photo or airline SMS).
If denied without justification, file a complaint with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT).
Sources
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European UnionNot 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.