If you have received a decision not to recognize you as a refugee, you can request a new review through a process called an “appeal” (이의신청). This article covers the deadlines and procedures for filing an appeal, the multilingual guidance materials provided by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), and the notification services that keep you updated on your case status. Because the rules and services can change, please check the latest information with the Immigration Contact Center (1345), HiKorea, or your local Korea Immigration Service (KIS) office before you apply. For the full picture of every stage — from initial application through appeal and administrative litigation — please see Refugee Application Procedures and How to File an Appeal or Administrative Lawsuit After a Non-Recognition Decision.

Deadlines and Procedures for Filing an Appeal

  • Deadline: You must file your appeal within 30 days of receiving the notice of non-recognition. If you miss this deadline, your appeal may not be accepted, so please keep close track of the date.
  • Review process: Appeals go through deliberation by the MOJ Refugee Committee. In principle, the Minister of Justice issues a decision within six months; if necessary, this period may be extended by up to another six months.
  • If your appeal is dismissed: You may challenge the decision by filing an administrative lawsuit in court within the applicable time limit — generally within 90 days of the date you learned of the disposition. Because these deadlines and procedures are strict, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a lawyer or a refugee support organization wherever possible.

Multilingual Resources and Notification Services

The MOJ Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters has provided guidance materials explaining the refugee appeal procedure in multiple languages, as well as notification services that send case-status updates by KakaoTalk or SMS.

Whether these materials and services are currently available, and how to access them, may vary over time. Please check the HiKorea announcements page or call 1345 to find out what is currently offered.

Using these services lets you check the progress of your appeal without having to visit a government office in person, which can be very convenient.

Contact Information

  • Immigration Contact Center: dial 1345 (no area code needed) — Korean and multilingual support available
  • HiKorea: www.hikorea.go.kr — online services including residence status and appeal-status inquiries