South KoreaCan I appeal a parking violation fine?
Yes, you can appeal a parking violation fine in South Korea within 30 days of receiving the notice by submitting a written objection to the local government authority that issued it.
What the Law Says
South Korean law allows drivers to formally object to parking violation fines under the Road Traffic Act. The process is administrative—not judicial—and must be initiated promptly with the issuing local government.
Parking violations are enforced under the Road Traffic Act, which authorizes local governments to issue fines for illegal parking. If you believe the fine was issued in error—or that mitigating circumstances apply—you may file a written objection.
The objection must be submitted within 30 days of the date the violation notice was delivered. No oral or electronic objections are accepted—only signed written submissions qualify.
If your objection is accepted, the fine is cancelled. If rejected, you may still pay the fine or, in some cases, request a hearing—but further appeals beyond the local government level are not available for standard parking violations.
Statutory TextA person who receives a notice of imposition of an administrative fine may file an objection in writing with the head of the local government that issued the notice within thirty days from the date of receipt of the notice.
— Road Traffic Act, s. 165 — Objection to Administrative Fine
Statutory TextThe amount of the administrative fine for illegal parking shall not exceed nine hundred thousand won.
— Enforcement Decree of the Road Traffic Act, s. 112-2 — Fine Amount for Illegal Parking
What to Do
Review the violation notice for date of issuance and details of the alleged offense.
Prepare a written objection in Korean, stating reasons and attaching supporting evidence (e.g., photos, receipts, or witness statements).
Submit the objection in person or by registered mail to the local government office named on the notice — no later than 30 days after receipt.
Wait for the local government’s written decision, typically issued within 15–30 days.
If the objection is denied and you still disagree, you may pay the fine or consult a legal professional—but no further statutory appeal exists for routine parking fines.
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.