If you are a refugee or migrant living in Korea, there will be times when you need to look up legal information, go through an administrative process, or use the courts. This guide organizes the official resources you can turn to in those moments into three categories. Because figures and deadlines can change, please always confirm the latest information with 1345 (Immigration Contact Center, 24 hours, multilingual) or your local Korea Immigration Service office before submitting any application.

For specific step-by-step online procedures on HiKorea — such as changing your registered address or reporting a passport information change — please see the dedicated guides linked there.

National Law Information Center

This is the official government website where you can look up all Korean laws and regulations free of charge.

Laws can be amended at any time, so please confirm the currently in-force version with 1345 or your local Korea Immigration Service office before submitting an application.

Administrative (Immigration) Information

HiKorea

HiKorea is an e-government service for foreign nationals, operated by the Korea Immigration Service of the Ministry of Justice.

The following information and services are available:

  • Immigration information: Entry and exit requirements, types of visas
  • Refugee status determination: Refugee application procedures, status of your application
  • Residence: Applying to change or extend your residence status, reporting a change of address, re-entry permit, replacement of alien registration card
  • Employment: Work permits for foreign nationals and related qualifications
  • Support: Information on support programs for recognized refugees and humanitarian stay permit holders
  • Appointment booking: Reserve a visit to a Korea Immigration Service office online in advance

For specific step-by-step online procedures available through HiKorea, see How to Report a Change of Address for Foreign Nationals and How to Fill Out the Integrated Application Form. For information on residence obligations and fines, please refer to Residence Obligations and Fines for Refugee Applicants.

Judicial (Court) Support

Judicial Support for Foreign Nationals and Migrants

The courts of Korea provide dedicated guidance services for foreign nationals and migrants.

The following are provided through this service:

  • Courtroom interpretation in 16 languages: Interpretation is available in English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Mongolian, Vietnamese, Spanish, Uzbek, Filipino, Thai, German, Indonesian, Khmer, French, Bengali, and Urdu.
  • Civil affairs interpreter service for foreign nationals: When you visit a court, you can receive civil affairs interpretation in English, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Arabic. Courts that do not have an on-site interpreter connect via video conference.
  • Step-by-step guidance on using judicial services: Explains how to file a lawsuit or take part in a trial, step by step.
  • Court form downloads: You can download forms for documents submitted to the court, such as complaints and written responses.
  • Court location guide: Helps you find the nearest court.

The languages supported and the scope of services may change, so please confirm with 1345 or the court you plan to visit before you go.

CategoryWebsiteAddress
LegalNational Law Information Center (Korean)law.go.kr
LegalNational Law Information Center (English)law.go.kr English
LegalRefugee Act (full text)Refugee Act
AdministrativeHiKoreahikorea.go.kr
AdministrativeKorea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justiceimmigration.go.kr
JudicialSupreme Court of Koreascourt.go.kr
JudicialCourt interpreter service for foreign nationalsElectronic Civil Service Center
InquiriesImmigration Contact Center 1345 (24 hours, multilingual)