I was hit by an uninsured vehicle. What compensation?

What the Law Says

South Korean law provides a safety net for victims of accidents involving uninsured or unidentified vehicles through the Automobile Accident Compensation Security Fund (AACSF). The Automobile Management Act establishes this fund and sets strict deadlines and compensation caps.

If you are injured or a family member dies due to a traffic accident caused by an uninsured, unregistered, or hit-and-run vehicle, you may file a claim with the AACSF — a government-administered fund operated under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Compensation is capped: up to ₩120 million for personal injury and up to ₩300 million for death. These amounts cover medical expenses, lost income, disability, and funeral costs — but only to the extent not covered by other insurance or liable parties.

You must file your claim within 30 days of the accident. Late claims are generally rejected unless exceptional circumstances apply and are approved by the fund’s review committee.

Statutory Text

Where a person suffers damage as a result of an automobile accident caused by an automobile not covered by automobile liability insurance... the Automobile Accident Compensation Security Fund shall compensate for such damage within the limits prescribed by Presidential Decree.

— Automobile Management Act, s. 78 — Compensation by Automobile Accident Compensation Security Fund

Statutory Text

The amount of compensation under Article 78 shall not exceed 120 million won in cases of injury and 300 million won in cases of death.

— Enforcement Decree of the Automobile Management Act, Art. 69-2 — Limitation on Compensation Amount

What to Do

Sources