<KOREA CONSUMER LAW GUIDE FOR FOREIGNERS>
Sub-topic 1: ‘Korea Customer Agency’ Site Introduction
Question: What does the Korean Consumer Agency website do?
The Korean Consumer Agency website is a place where information is collected and processed for the customer’s safety. Information is collected in a variety of ways, and consumer complaints, counseling, and damage relief regarding the goods can be addressed via contacting 1372 without an area code. In addition to the main site, the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) operates the ‘Korea Consumer Agency Smart Consumer’ and the ‘Korea Consumer Agency Consumer-Oriented Management’ which is available in English as well for foreigners to view.
Question: What educational materials can be provided?
In 2019, the Korea Consumer Agency and the Ministry of Justice together produced animations and leaflets to inform foreigners and multicultural families about consumer information. This information is easily accessible through the Multicultural Family Portal Danuri (http://liveinkorea.kr), Korea Consumer Agency homepage (www.kca.go.kr), and the Ministry of Justice Social Integration Information Network (www.socinet.go.kr).
In addition to the homepage, this is also provided in 218 multicultural family support centers of the Korean Institute for Healthy Family (KIHF) and 308 Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) operated by the Ministry of Justice. The Korea Consumer Agency’s consumer-oriented management site evaluates whether companies are continuously improving related management activities, and informs the consumers with companies that are certified with the Consumer Centered Management (CCM), and provides education. By registering on the site, it is possible to apply for training in the educational service and receive consumer education to strengthen consumer leader competency in a variety of topics.
Sources:
https://www.kca.go.kr/smartconsumer/main.do
https://www.kca.go.kr/home/main.do
https://www.kca.go.kr/ccm/
https://www.ciss.go.kr/www/index.do
Sub-topic 2: Solutions in case of damage to foreign consumers and an example
Question: What is the solution when consumer damages occur to foreigners while residing in Korea?
According to the Korea Consumer Agency Smart Consumer’s ‘Easy and Useful Consumer Education for Multicultural Society’ workbook, consumer damage refers to a case in which a consumer gets injured or loses money while using a product or service purchased from a business operator (seller). In case of consumer damage, immediately request for reparation or refund. Consumer damage can be resolved if the business operator agrees to the request, or both parties come to an agreement. According to the Consumer Consultation Center, goods or services purchased by foreigners residing in Korea are generally categorized as consumers, thus there are no special exceptions that apply in this case.
However, circumstances depend on the item or situation, and if consultation is needed regarding issues such as damage relief, please inquire through the phone number below or request a consumer consultation online.
1372 Consumer Consultation Center
- For that fluent in Korean: Call 1372/ Access 1372 Consumer Consultation Center (www.1372.go.kr) and click Internet Consultation.
- For that non-fluent in Korean: Danuri Call center(1377-1366) -> translation by Danuri call center consultant-> contact 1372 Consumer Consulting Center (Danuri call center provides translation support service in 13 languages, 24 hours operation support languages: Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog (Philippines), Khmer (Cambodian), Mongolian, Russian, Japanese, Thai, Lao, Uzbek, Nepali
2. Korea Consumer Agency Foreigner Consultation: 043-880-5400
3. Ministry of Justice Foreigner Information Center: 1345
Question: Please give us an example of a problem that foreign consumers experience.
While various problems do arise depending on the items foreign residents consume, let us talk about immigrant’s smartphone contracts as an example.
According to the smartphone damage prevention leaflets and educational materials for immigrants provided by the Korea Consumer Agency smart consumer, it is advised not to solely trust the words of the salesperson before signing the contract. Instead, they should carefully look through the contents such as the installment principal, communication fee, agreement and, contract period and keep it carefully stored.
If the contract states otherwise or was signed by force, you can request withdrawal of the phone account. Do not lend your residence card to a stranger even if it concerns smartphone contracts. This may be used in a crime if lent carelessly. Always check your smartphone on data usage and bills.
Also, do not assume that the smartphone contract would end itself once you leave the country. Request for termination of the smartphone contract before leaving the country. Be sure to take all necessary documents when canceling the smartphone contract and do a recheck on the customer service if it has been resolved.
Sources:
https://www.kca.go.kr/odr/link/pg/pr/osPgReqCounsW.do
https://www.kca.go.kr/smartconsumer/sub.do?menukey=7101&mode=view&no=1002634621&page=2&cate=00000181
https://www.kca.go.kr/smartconsumer/sub.do?menukey=7101&mode=view&no=1002968746&cate=00000181
https://www.kca.go.kr/smartconsumer/sub.do?menukey=7101&mode=view&no=1002829261&cate=00000181
https://www.law.go.kr/engLsSc.do?menuId=1&subMenuId=21&tabMenuId=117&query=%EC%A0%84%EC%9E%90%EC%83%81%EA%B1%B0%EB%9E%98%20%EB%93%B1%EC%97%90%EC%84%9C%EC%9D%98%20%EC%86%8C%EB%B9%84%EC%9E%90%EB%B3%B4%ED%98%B8%EC%97%90%20%EA%B4%80%ED%95%9C%20%EB%B2%95%EB%A5%A0#
Sub-topic 3. Information on contents-certified mail
Question: While searching for information on consumer law, I came across contents-certified mail. Please explain what contents-certified mail is.
Contents-certified mail is a special mail guaranteed by the post office that details when, to whom, and of what content a document was sent to. It can be used as evidence of having accurately communicated the written content, as well as proof of having sent it.
For example, requests for termination of contracts such as door-to-door sales, telephone solicitation sales, telesales, and instalment transactions must be notified in writing. To prevent it from getting lost, denied, or denied of having received it, it is recommended that you use the contents-certified mail. Make 3 copies of the filled out “Contents-certification Sending Form” that can be found on the Korea Consumer Agency website (https://www.kca.go.kr/odr/link/pg/pi/soPgCtntCertW.do), and send it directly from the post office or through the internet (http://www.epost.go.kr).
Furthermore, if the payment is made through an agency, a copy must also be sent to the intermediary payment agency. The Civil Act on When Declaration of Intention Takes Effect generally takes effect from the time the content-certified mail has reached the recipient. However, in case of requests for withdrawal of mail order, door-to-door sales, or instalment transactions, the declaration of intention takes effect from the date of sending.
Source:
https://www.kca.go.kr/odr/link/pg/pi/soPgCtntCertW.do
Sub-topic 4. Illegal taxi cases targeted at foreigners
Illegal taxi cases against foreigners
Taxis in the Dongdaemun Clothing Store area charged between 30,000 to 50,000 won for basic fare distance during late night and early morning hours for the reason that there is a lot of luggage
Soliciting at airport bus stops in downtown Seoul, charging fares more than meter fares (around 15,000 per person), and taking multiple passengers simultaneously
Operation of irregular meter fees that place a surcharge in addition to the time/distance fee (a system where a Seoul taxi charges a surcharge of 20% when going to Gyeonggi-do) when moving between hotel and the airport
Duplicate payment in cash for the reason of card payment malfunction
Not using the meter and presenting a false receipt when requested by the passenger
Source
https://newsis.com/ar_detail/view.html?ar_id=NISX20160324_0013978508&cID=10801&pID=10800
Question: How can I receive compensation for such damages?
From 2016, the ‘Three Strikes Out System’ has been implemented, and taxis caught charging unfair fares three times within 2 years are subject to cancellation of taxi driver qualification.
Compensation to foreigners who are ripped off has increased from 300,000 to 500,000 won.
Where to report (indicated by phone icon, etc.): Tourist Information or Dasan Call Center
Korea Tourism Organization Tourist Information: 1330
Dasan Call Center: Seoul: 120 ~ 9 (districts other than Seoul: 02 + 120~9)
How to report
Report the exact plate number (e.g. 서울 83 바 1234), date and time, details and location of the violation
When reporting to 1330 or 120~9 (email: happyride@seoul.go.kr), submitting photos of the plate number and receipt will help facilitate the reporting process.
Foreign language support
1330: English, Chinese, Japanese
120 ~ 9: English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Mongolian
Working hours
1330: 24 hours
120 ~ 9: From 9 AM to 10 PM
Source:
https://news.seoul.go.kr/traffic/archives/9452
Basic fare system (regular taxi, Seoul standard)
Day time fare
Basic fare: 3,800 won until 2 km
Distance fare: 100 won per 132 m
Time fare: 100 won per 31 sec
Late-night fare (00:00 ~ 04:00)
Basic fare: 4,600 won until 2 km
Distance fare: 120 won per 132 m
Time fare: 120 won per 31 sec
Common matters
Simultaneous calculation of time and distance (when less than 15.33km/h)
Out-of-Seoul surcharge of 20%
Late-night surcharge of 20%
Double surcharge for out-of-Seoul and late-night of 40%
Source:
https://news.seoul.go.kr/traffic/archives/1659
<KOREA CONSUMER LAW GUIDE FOR FOREIGNERS>
Sub-topic 1: ‘Korea Customer Agency’ Site Introduction
Question: What does the Korean Consumer Agency website do?
The Korean Consumer Agency website is a place where information is collected and processed for the customer’s safety. Information is collected in a variety of ways, and consumer complaints, counseling, and damage relief regarding the goods can be addressed via contacting 1372 without an area code. In addition to the main site, the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) operates the ‘Korea Consumer Agency Smart Consumer’ and the ‘Korea Consumer Agency Consumer-Oriented Management’ which is available in English as well for foreigners to view.
Question: What educational materials can be provided?
In 2019, the Korea Consumer Agency and the Ministry of Justice together produced animations and leaflets to inform foreigners and multicultural families about consumer information. This information is easily accessible through the Multicultural Family Portal Danuri (http://liveinkorea.kr), Korea Consumer Agency homepage (www.kca.go.kr), and the Ministry of Justice Social Integration Information Network (www.socinet.go.kr).
In addition to the homepage, this is also provided in 218 multicultural family support centers of the Korean Institute for Healthy Family (KIHF) and 308 Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) operated by the Ministry of Justice. The Korea Consumer Agency’s consumer-oriented management site evaluates whether companies are continuously improving related management activities, and informs the consumers with companies that are certified with the Consumer Centered Management (CCM), and provides education. By registering on the site, it is possible to apply for training in the educational service and receive consumer education to strengthen consumer leader competency in a variety of topics.
Sources:
https://www.kca.go.kr/smartconsumer/main.do
https://www.kca.go.kr/home/main.do
https://www.kca.go.kr/ccm/
https://www.ciss.go.kr/www/index.do
Sub-topic 2: Solutions in case of damage to foreign consumers and an example
Question: What is the solution when consumer damages occur to foreigners while residing in Korea?
According to the Korea Consumer Agency Smart Consumer’s ‘Easy and Useful Consumer Education for Multicultural Society’ workbook, consumer damage refers to a case in which a consumer gets injured or loses money while using a product or service purchased from a business operator (seller). In case of consumer damage, immediately request for reparation or refund. Consumer damage can be resolved if the business operator agrees to the request, or both parties come to an agreement. According to the Consumer Consultation Center, goods or services purchased by foreigners residing in Korea are generally categorized as consumers, thus there are no special exceptions that apply in this case.
However, circumstances depend on the item or situation, and if consultation is needed regarding issues such as damage relief, please inquire through the phone number below or request a consumer consultation online.
1372 Consumer Consultation Center
- For that fluent in Korean: Call 1372/ Access 1372 Consumer Consultation Center (www.1372.go.kr) and click Internet Consultation.
- For that non-fluent in Korean: Danuri Call center(1377-1366) -> translation by Danuri call center consultant-> contact 1372 Consumer Consulting Center (Danuri call center provides translation support service in 13 languages, 24 hours operation support languages: Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog (Philippines), Khmer (Cambodian), Mongolian, Russian, Japanese, Thai, Lao, Uzbek, Nepali
2. Korea Consumer Agency Foreigner Consultation: 043-880-5400
3. Ministry of Justice Foreigner Information Center: 1345
Question: Please give us an example of a problem that foreign consumers experience.
While various problems do arise depending on the items foreign residents consume, let us talk about immigrant’s smartphone contracts as an example.
According to the smartphone damage prevention leaflets and educational materials for immigrants provided by the Korea Consumer Agency smart consumer, it is advised not to solely trust the words of the salesperson before signing the contract. Instead, they should carefully look through the contents such as the installment principal, communication fee, agreement and, contract period and keep it carefully stored.
If the contract states otherwise or was signed by force, you can request withdrawal of the phone account. Do not lend your residence card to a stranger even if it concerns smartphone contracts. This may be used in a crime if lent carelessly. Always check your smartphone on data usage and bills.
Also, do not assume that the smartphone contract would end itself once you leave the country. Request for termination of the smartphone contract before leaving the country. Be sure to take all necessary documents when canceling the smartphone contract and do a recheck on the customer service if it has been resolved.
Sources:
https://www.kca.go.kr/odr/link/pg/pr/osPgReqCounsW.do
https://www.kca.go.kr/smartconsumer/sub.do?menukey=7101&mode=view&no=1002634621&page=2&cate=00000181
https://www.kca.go.kr/smartconsumer/sub.do?menukey=7101&mode=view&no=1002968746&cate=00000181
https://www.kca.go.kr/smartconsumer/sub.do?menukey=7101&mode=view&no=1002829261&cate=00000181
https://www.law.go.kr/engLsSc.do?menuId=1&subMenuId=21&tabMenuId=117&query=%EC%A0%84%EC%9E%90%EC%83%81%EA%B1%B0%EB%9E%98%20%EB%93%B1%EC%97%90%EC%84%9C%EC%9D%98%20%EC%86%8C%EB%B9%84%EC%9E%90%EB%B3%B4%ED%98%B8%EC%97%90%20%EA%B4%80%ED%95%9C%20%EB%B2%95%EB%A5%A0#
Sub-topic 3. Information on contents-certified mail
Question: While searching for information on consumer law, I came across contents-certified mail. Please explain what contents-certified mail is.
Contents-certified mail is a special mail guaranteed by the post office that details when, to whom, and of what content a document was sent to. It can be used as evidence of having accurately communicated the written content, as well as proof of having sent it.
For example, requests for termination of contracts such as door-to-door sales, telephone solicitation sales, telesales, and instalment transactions must be notified in writing. To prevent it from getting lost, denied, or denied of having received it, it is recommended that you use the contents-certified mail. Make 3 copies of the filled out “Contents-certification Sending Form” that can be found on the Korea Consumer Agency website (https://www.kca.go.kr/odr/link/pg/pi/soPgCtntCertW.do), and send it directly from the post office or through the internet (http://www.epost.go.kr).
Furthermore, if the payment is made through an agency, a copy must also be sent to the intermediary payment agency. The Civil Act on When Declaration of Intention Takes Effect generally takes effect from the time the content-certified mail has reached the recipient. However, in case of requests for withdrawal of mail order, door-to-door sales, or instalment transactions, the declaration of intention takes effect from the date of sending.
Source:
https://www.kca.go.kr/odr/link/pg/pi/soPgCtntCertW.do
Sub-topic 4. Illegal taxi cases targeted at foreigners
Illegal taxi cases against foreigners
Taxis in the Dongdaemun Clothing Store area charged between 30,000 to 50,000 won for basic fare distance during late night and early morning hours for the reason that there is a lot of luggage
Soliciting at airport bus stops in downtown Seoul, charging fares more than meter fares (around 15,000 per person), and taking multiple passengers simultaneously
Operation of irregular meter fees that place a surcharge in addition to the time/distance fee (a system where a Seoul taxi charges a surcharge of 20% when going to Gyeonggi-do) when moving between hotel and the airport
Duplicate payment in cash for the reason of card payment malfunction
Not using the meter and presenting a false receipt when requested by the passenger
Source
https://newsis.com/ar_detail/view.html?ar_id=NISX20160324_0013978508&cID=10801&pID=10800
Question: How can I receive compensation for such damages?
From 2016, the ‘Three Strikes Out System’ has been implemented, and taxis caught charging unfair fares three times within 2 years are subject to cancellation of taxi driver qualification.
Compensation to foreigners who are ripped off has increased from 300,000 to 500,000 won.
Where to report (indicated by phone icon, etc.): Tourist Information or Dasan Call Center
Korea Tourism Organization Tourist Information: 1330
Dasan Call Center: Seoul: 120 ~ 9 (districts other than Seoul: 02 + 120~9)
How to report
Report the exact plate number (e.g. 서울 83 바 1234), date and time, details and location of the violation
When reporting to 1330 or 120~9 (email: happyride@seoul.go.kr), submitting photos of the plate number and receipt will help facilitate the reporting process.
Foreign language support
1330: English, Chinese, Japanese
120 ~ 9: English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Mongolian
Working hours
1330: 24 hours
120 ~ 9: From 9 AM to 10 PM
Source:
https://news.seoul.go.kr/traffic/archives/9452
Basic fare system (regular taxi, Seoul standard)
Day time fare
Basic fare: 3,800 won until 2 km
Distance fare: 100 won per 132 m
Time fare: 100 won per 31 sec
Late-night fare (00:00 ~ 04:00)
Basic fare: 4,600 won until 2 km
Distance fare: 120 won per 132 m
Time fare: 120 won per 31 sec
Common matters
Simultaneous calculation of time and distance (when less than 15.33km/h)
Out-of-Seoul surcharge of 20%
Late-night surcharge of 20%
Double surcharge for out-of-Seoul and late-night of 40%
Source:
https://news.seoul.go.kr/traffic/archives/1659