The airline denied boarding due to overbooking.

What the Law Says

South Korean law requires airlines to compensate passengers denied boarding due to overbooking and provide immediate care and re-routing options.

Under the Aviation Business Act, airlines operating in South Korea must offer compensation when they deny boarding to confirmed passengers because of overbooking — even if the passenger arrived on time and met all check-in requirements.

The amount depends on flight distance: ₩200,000 for domestic flights and ₩400,000 for international flights. Airlines must also provide meals, refreshments, accommodation (if overnight delay), transport, and two free phone calls or emails — starting when the expected departure is delayed by more than 2 hours.

Compensation is payable if the delay in reaching your final destination exceeds 4 hours. You must file a claim within 7 days of the incident.

Statutory Text

When an air carrier denies boarding to a passenger who has checked in on time and holds a confirmed reservation, the air carrier shall pay compensation to the passenger in accordance with the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree.

— Aviation Business Act, s. 105 — Compensation for Denied Boarding

Statutory Text

The air carrier shall provide care, including meals, refreshments, accommodation, transportation, and means of communication, to passengers whose departure is delayed by more than two hours.

— Enforcement Decree of the Aviation Business Act, s. 93-2 — Provision of Care

What to Do

Sources