Ask for Korean name, licence number, written scope, fee schedule and receipts. For legal disputes, prioritise licensed Korean professionals over online advice.
Language options: English service exists in Seoul, Busan, Pangyo and expat districts, but official filings are in Korean. Budget for translation.
Immigration lawyer / administrative scrivener
Initial consult 100,000-300,000 KRW; full cases much higher How to find: Korean Bar Association, Seoul Global Center referrals, expat recommendations
Korean Bar Association
💡 Use licensed professionals for E-7, F-2/F-5, overstay or status-change problems. Avoid brokers promising guaranteed visas.
Tax accountant
Simple May return 100,000-500,000 KRW; business monthly bookkeeping 150,000-500,000+ KRW How to find: Search for English-speaking semusa near your district or ask foreign chambers
Korea Tax Accountants Association
💡 Foreign-worker flat tax, 3.3% freelancer income and treaty claims are worth professional review.
Real estate agent
Brokerage cap depends on transaction value and type How to find: Licensed budongsan offices near target neighbourhood
💡 Verify licence, registration number and exact fee cap before signing. Never transfer jeonse/key money without registry and lien checks.
Labour attorney
Consult 100,000-300,000 KRW; disputes vary How to find: Certified public labor attorneys (nomusa)
Korea Certified Public Labor Attorneys Association
💡 Use for unpaid wages, dismissal, industrial accident and severance disputes.
Translator / interpreter
30,000-100,000 KRW/page depending on language and certification How to find: Embassy lists, court-certified providers, university networks
💡 Immigration and courts may require certified Korean translations.
Financial planner / insurance broker
Commission-based or fee-based How to find: Banks, insurers, foreign chambers
💡 Check surrender fees, currency risk and whether products are portable when leaving Korea.