Debt Collection Agency in South Korea

Your claim is handled in South Korea by Barun Law LLC, a licensed Korean attorneys-at-law firm. All actions occur locally; you track everything in one dashboard. No upfront fees. Prefer to learn first? Read the South Korea guide.

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Your Advantage with Debitura for Debt Collection in South Korea

Upload a debt collection case in our system is very easy

Fast, Simple & Risk-Free Debt Collection in South Korea

Debitura is a global, tech-enabled collections platform working with locally licensed agencies and law firms in 183 countries. In South Korea, your case is handled by Barun Law LLC, licensed attorneys-at-law in Seoul (established 1998 and ranked by Chambers and The Legal 500)

  • Risk-free pricing: No fees unless we succeed.
  • Quick setup: Submit invoices in a few clicks.
  • Real-time tracking: Live status, actions, and payments in one portal.
  • Compliance: Aligned with Korea’s Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Credit Information Use and Protection Act, and Personal Information Protection Act.
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Start recovering your Korean claims in 2 minutes

  1. Submit your claim: Upload your unpaid claim in minutes via the dashboard, REST API, or plug-and-play ERP integrations like Douzone WEHAGO / Smart A and YoungLimWon K-System.
  2. Local collection begins: We assign the case to Barun Law LLC, who contacts the debtor in Korean within 24 hours. If court action is needed, choose 1–3 fixed-price legal quotes (e.g., payment order or lawsuit) before anything proceeds.
  3. Get paid: Funds are remitted on recovery. If court action is needed, choose 1–3 fixed-price legal quotes before anything proceeds.
Managing cases is easy and convenient via our digital debt collection planform.
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Upfront Cost

$0

Transparent Pricing for Debt Collection in South Korea

With Debitura, you only pay when we succeed. In South Korea, fees are invoiced locally by Barun Law LLC in South Korean won (KRW), with any applicable Value-Added Tax (VAT) at 10%, per Korean VAT rules.

  • No win, no fee: Pre-legal collection in South Korea is success-based; no setup costs or subscriptions.
  • Local, transparent invoicing: Proceeds are remitted, and the success fee is deducted directly by Barun Law LLC.
  • No hidden charges: Same clear, consistent terms worldwide.
  • Legal action is optional: You approve fixed-price quotes before any legal spend.
Managing cases across the globe with one simple login

Fast, Simple & Risk-Free Debt Collection in South Korea

Debitura is a global, tech-enabled collections platform working with locally licensed agencies and law firms in 183 countries. In South Korea, your case is handled by Barun Law LLC, licensed attorneys-at-law in Seoul (established 1998 and ranked by Chambers and The Legal 500)

  • Risk-free pricing: No fees unless we succeed.
  • Quick setup: Submit invoices in a few clicks.
  • Real-time tracking: Live status, actions, and payments in one portal.
  • Compliance: Aligned with Korea’s Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Credit Information Use and Protection Act, and Personal Information Protection Act.
Free expert advise from local debt collection experts and attorneys
Our Local Debt Collection Partner
  • Company Name: 
    Barun Law LLC
  • Address: 
    Barun Law Building, 7 Teheran-ro 92-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06181, South Korea
  • Member Of:
    ALFA International
  • Phone: 
    +82 2-3476-5599
  • Trade Register:
    114-81-83764
  • License: 
    Attorney-at-Law Act/KBA
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Pay only upon success
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The ultimate guide about debt collection in South Korea

Why you can trust this guide

At Debitura, we uphold the highest standards of impartiality and precision to bring you comprehensive guides on international debt collection. Our editorial team boasts over a decade of specialized experience in this domain.

Questions or feedback? Email us at contact@debitura.com — we update this guide based on your input.

Debitura By the Numbers:

  • 10+ years focused on international debt collection
  • 100+ local attorneys in our partner network
  • $100M+ recovered for clients in the last 18 months
  • 4.97/5 average rating from 600+ client reviews

Expert-led, locally validated

Written by Robin Tam (16 years in global B2B debt recovery). Every page is reviewed by top local attorneys to ensure legal accuracy and practical steps you can use.

Contributing local experts: 


Last updated:
October 23, 2025
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Unravelling The Players in South Korean Debt Recovery

Embarking into South Korea's debt recovery labyrinth, awareness of the key players' roles and duties is imperative. This includes diverse roles like debt collection agencies, bailiffs and debt collection lawyers, each orchestrating part of the debt recovery symphony within South Korea's strict legal melodious framework.

Debt Collection Agencies in South Korea

In South Korea, debt collection agencies provide a pivotal link between creditors and debtors, primarily steering clear from the courts in the initial phases. These agencies, operating under stringent regulations such as South Korea's Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, employ a variety of techniques including but not limited to direct communication, credit status checks, and demand letters aiming for an amicable debt resolution. For creditors, involving a collection agency becomes crucial when direct contact with the debtor fails or when specialized knowledge of local laws and debtor contact strategies is needed. Despite their proactive role in debt recovery, these agencies face limitations, being barred from using abusive tactics or engaging in actions considered as privacy invasion or threats, making their approach rely heavily on negotiation and persuasion. When extrajudicial methods fall short, these agencies can guide creditors through the next steps, including potentially escalating the matter to a judicial process with the support of legal professionals.

The Role of Lawyers in Debt Recovery in South Korea

Engaging a local Korean lawyer is a critical step for foreign creditors aiming for successful debt recovery in South Korea. The legal landscape regarding debt collection can be labyrinthine, and lawyers are pivotal in guiding creditors through this complex territory. Incorporating their services typically commences with analyzing the case merits, drafting and dispatching formal demand letters under the lawyer's name, and conducting financial investigations on debtor's assets for potential attachment. Moreover, they play a central role in filing lawsuits and requests for payment orders, ensuring the accurate application of the local judicial process. In cases requiring civil litigation or pursuing compulsory execution post-judgment, having experienced legal representation is invaluable. Lawyers also facilitate the registration of defaulting debtors, enhancing creditors' chances of recovering owed sums. Their comprehensive understanding of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act in South Korea further assists in navigating the legal requirements whilst avoiding any actions that might contravene these standards. Engaging a lawyer is beneficial not only for legal representation but also for ensuring adherence to fair and lawful debt collection practices, thereby optimizing the recovery process.

The Role of Bailiffs in Debt Collection in South Korea

In South Korea, bailiffs, who are now more commonly referred to as enforcement agents, are essential figures in the later stages of the debt collection process. Their primary function kicks in after various attempts at voluntary debt repayment have failed, and a creditor has obtained a court judgment or order against the debtor. At this juncture, enforcement agents have the legal authority to carry out asset seizures, ensuring that creditors can recover owed funds by liquidating the debtor's property.

The steps leading to bailiff involvement necessitate a meticulous legal process, beginning with the issuance of a formal demand for payment and potentially culminating in a court order. This judicial endorsement is crucial, as it grants bailiffs the right to intervene directly, enabling them to visit the debtor's premises for asset evaluation and seizure, which are sold off to repay the outstanding debt. These actions are conducted within the protective framework of South Korea's Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which meticulously outlines debt collector prohibitions to safeguard debtors' rights whilst underlining the legal authority of bailiffs to enforce repayment through the procurement and sale of assets.

Understanding Amicable Debt Collection in South Korea

How does amicable, or pre-legal, debt collection work in South Korea? This concise guide delves into the efficient strategies and critical aspects of this process, sidestepping legal complications for swift debt resolution, and often undertaken by specialized agencies.

Key Takeaways
  • Initial Steps and Communication Regulations: Debt collection agencies begin with a creditor's claim, contacting debtors in Korean.
  • Escalation Procedures: If amicable methods fail, the process may escalate to judicial proceedings with client consultation.
  • Fees and Costs: Governed by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, prohibiting unreasonable expenses.
  • Statute of Limitations: Legal action is limited by a statutory period, crucial for timely debt recovery.
  • Penalties and Fines: Non-compliance with regulations can result in fines or imprisonment for offenders.
  • Collection Strategies: Includes checking prescription period, sending demand letters, and applying for provisional attachments.
  • Statutory Interest Rates: Late payments incur a 5% per annum interest rate for civil cases, and 6% for commercial cases.
  • Consumer Protection: The Act prohibits invasive and abusive collection practices, with violators facing legal penalties.
  • Transition to Judicial Debt Recovery: Key decision when amicable attempts fail requiring legal intervention.

Navigating Amicable Debt Collection in South Korea

In South Korea, amicable debt collection is a preferred initial approach for creditors, focusing on a constructive and non-confrontational method to recovering dues. This approach fosters a positive and understanding relationship between the creditor and debtor, aiming to find amenable solutions that respect the debtor’s financial situation while securing the creditor's financial interests. This non-adversarial method is especially advisable for straightforward, non-disputed claims, steering clear of the complexities and financial burdens associated with legal proceedings.

Given the intricacies of South Korean regulations, beginning with an amicable approach to debt collection is highly recommended unless the claim is contested or involves intricate legal matters.

The Collection Agency's Role in Amicable Debt Recovery in South Korea

Agencies like Debitura play a crucial role in the amicable debt recovery process in South Korea, delivering specialized expertise particularly beneficial for international creditors unfamiliar with local regulations. Our services kick off with an accurate determination of the debt and debtor details, progressing to initiate communications through reminders or formal notices in Korean. Leveraging an impartial and professional mediation stance, Debitura effectively bridges the gap between creditor and debtor, often leading to successful debt recovery.

Advantages of Amicable Debt Resolution

Choosing amicable resolution in South Korea bears numerous advantages for both parties involved. Creditors not only bypass the additional costs associated with legal actions but also maintain valuable business relationships, thanks to the respectful and empathetic nature of this process. On the other side, debtors often find themselves facing more flexible repayment terms, alleviating financial stress and possibly nurturing a more positive perception of the creditor. This method emphasizes mutual respect and understanding, fostering a cooperative atmosphere conducive to resolving financial responsibilities.

Transitioning from Amicable to Legal Collection in South Korea

While amicable collection in South Korea presents many benefits, situations might arise that necessitate shifting towards legal action. Indicators suggesting this transition include lack of responsiveness, continuous failure to fulfill promises, or deliberate attempts by the debtor to evade obligations. Opting for legal action is a significant decision, considering the expenses and time commitments involved. It is generally contemplated only after all amicable avenues have been meticulously explored and exhausted.

Amicable Debt Collection Costs in South Korea

Debitura upholds a no-success, no-fee policy, ensuring value for international creditors seeking amicable debt collection in South Korea. Our process dispenses with upfront fees or subscriptions, assessing a success fee only upon successful debt recovery. This fee ranges between 7.5% to 30%, depending on the case's specifics. For a hassle-free start and a personalized quote, learn more about our pricing here.

How it Works

Amicable debt recovery in South Korea typically unfolds over 2-3 months with Debitura. Our streamlined process is outlined below:

  1. Sign Up for Free: Begin without initial costs. Create your account here.
  2. Upload Your Claim: Submit your claim, review the success fee, and confirm to initiate the recovery process.
  3. Track Progress: Stay updated on the amicable recovery process through real-time monitoring on your Debitura dashboard.
  4. Consider Legal Action: If amicable resolution remains elusive, we'll facilitate three quotes from local attorneys for potential legal action, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Understanding the Insolvency Process for Debt Recovery in South Korea

When a debtor falls into insolvency, meeting financial commitments becomes an uphill battle. Most conventional measures, such as seizing assets through court orders, often don't bear fruit due to the scarcity of retrievable assets. In such scenarios, it's essential to resort to bankruptcy proceedings - a structured legal process meant to methodically liquidate the debtor's assets. This process serves as a last-ditch effort to recover a part of the outstanding claims.

Key Takeaways
  • Initiation: Creditors can initiate bankruptcy as a strategy for debt collection in financial distress cases.
  • Court-Sponsored Rescue: A protective composition process aids in rescuing financially troubled businesses, requiring majority creditor approval.
  • Reorganisation Scheme: Insolvent entities may undergo reorganisation if deemed capable of rescue, necessitating creditor consensus.
  • Liquidation Directive: In the absence of a viable composition or reorganisation scheme, the court orders business winding up.
  • Trustee Appointment: An independent trustee is appointed to oversee the insolvency, reorganisation, or liquidation process.
  • Criminal Offense Removal: Decriminalization of bankruptcy by default removes the risk of imprisonment for failing to declare bankruptcy timely.
  • Legislative Modernisation: Although streamlining processes, the New Law doesn't diverge significantly from traditional Commercial Code practices .

Insolvency Procedures and Strategies in South Korea

In South Korea, addressing financial distress through insolvency represents a critical juncture for both debtors and creditors. The legal foundation for insolvency, rooted in the bankruptcy procedures and the proposed Consumer Credit Act, aims to provide a fair, structured process for the liquidation or rehabilitation of the debtor's finances. With cases filed at district courts encompassing both individual debtors and businesses, the process strategically allocates assets to meet creditor claims while aiming to ensure economic recovery. Notably, South Korea's judiciary system—with its complex hierarchy from district courts to the Supreme Court—plays a pivotal role in facilitating insolvency proceedings, underscoring the importance of judicial reform and the adaptation of e-courtrooms and electronic filing systems to enhance the efficiency and transparency of legal processes.

Rights of Creditors and Prioritization of Claims

In the realm of insolvency in South Korea, creditors stand within an organized hierarchy of claim prioritization, which significantly influences recovery outcomes. As defined by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, this categorization distinguishes between secured and unsecured claims, underscoring the necessity for creditors to proactively register and validate their claims. Engaging in negotiations, participating in creditor committees, and understanding the legislative nuances, like prohibitions against violent collection methods and the significance of ethical debt collection practices, can be decisive in enhancing recovery prospects.

Navigating Costs and Timelines in Insolvency Proceedings

The insolvency journey in South Korea is marked by variability in costs and duration, incorporating court fees, administrative expenses, and legal representation costs—which are initially borne by the debtor's estate. Factors such as the case's complexity, claim volume, and legal intricacies contribute to the fluctuating timelines, urging creditors to brace for extended periods of legal proceedings. This variability highlights the crucial impact of recent legal reforms, such as the adoption of the Electronic Case Filing System (ECFS) and e-courtrooms, designed to streamline processes and improve the overall efficiency and accessibility of the judiciary system for stakeholders involved in insolvency cases.

Find a Local Debt Collection Lawyer

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Ahnse Law Offices
5th Floor, 115 Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 04517
Ahnse Law Offices

Ahnse Law Offices is a premier law firm in Seoul offering effective Debt Collection services in South Korea, established in 2003, recognized for its strategic solutions and a member of MSI Global Alliance and IR Global.

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Lawsuits
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Legal collection
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Debt enforcement
15
2002
Law firm
Lawfirm, Law-Win
269 Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06596, Republic of Korea
Lawfirm, Law-Win

Law-Win is a premier law firm in Seocho-gu offering effective Debt Collection services in South Korea, positioning itself as the go-to partner for debt recovery since 2016, with accolades as a top 50 domestic law firm and international client services.

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Lawsuits
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Legal collection
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Debt enforcement
150
2016
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Suojae - Kwon, Park & Rhee
Suojae - Kwon, Park & Rhee

Suojae - Kwon, Park & Rhee is a premier law firm in Seoul offering effective Debt Collection services in South Korea, positioning itself as the go-to partner for debt recovery with a global reach in 183 countries and SCG Legal network membership since 2018.

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Lawsuits
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Legal collection
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Debt enforcement
25
2018
Law firm
Rhee's Law Office
Rhee's Law Office

Rhee's Law Office is a premier law firm in Paengseong-eup Pyongtaek-si offering effective Debt Collection services in South Korea, renowned for its 15 years of experience, serving numerous international clients, and proudly affiliated with the Korean Bar Association since 2010.

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Lawsuits
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Legal collection
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Debt enforcement
3
2010
Law firm
SM Credit Information
8th Floor, 53, Chungjeong-ro Seodaemun-gu, Korea
SM Credit Information

SM Credit Information is a premier debt recovery agency in Seodaemun-gu offering effective Debt Collection services in Korea, established in 1999, serving clients like Hyundai and SK, with a network in 90+ countries, and memberships in ACA International and IACC.

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Lawsuits
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Legal collection
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Debt enforcement
1174
1999
Debt collection agency
Barun Law LLC
Barun Law Building, 7 Teheranro 92 gil, Gangnam-gu Seoul, South Korea
Barun Law LLC

Barun Law LLC is a premier law firm in South Korea offering effective risk-free debt collection services, positioning the firm as the go-to partner for debt recovery in the country; established in 1998, it is an exclusive Debitura partner offering No Cure No Pay debt collection based on Debitura's risk-free standard terms and pricing, with accolades from Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, and serving multiple countries including the USA, Japan, and China.

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Lawsuits
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Legal collection
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Debt enforcement
512
1998
Law firm
NICE Credit Information Service Co., Ltd.
22 Kyonggidae-ro, Seodaemun-gu Seoul, South Korea
NICE Credit Information Service Co., Ltd.

NICE Credit Information Service Co., Ltd. is a premier debt recovery agency in Seoul offering effective Debt Collection services in South Korea, established in 1986, recognized with the Million Award for Export Performance, and serving additional markets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

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Lawsuits
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Legal collection
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Debt enforcement
1477
1986
Debt collection agency