Where can I get free legal help as a foreigner (scams, disputes, fines)?

Start with 1345: through the Ministry of Justice's Village Lawyers for Foreigners program, any foreign resident can get free legal counseling, whatever their visa status. What to do 1. In danger, or just lost money to a scam? Call the police at 112 first. 2. Call 1345, choose your language and ask for legal counseling. The operator connects you to a village lawyer, with an interpreter on a three-way call if needed. 3. For lawsuits, call the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (KLAC) at 132. Phone advice covers simple questions; for complex cases, KLAC asks you to visit an office. KLAC can represent foreign residents who meet its income and case conditions. 4. In Seoul, the Seoul Foreign Resident Center offers free advice from lawyers and labor attorneys after a first talk with a multilingual counselor (advice only, no representation). Good to know • Never ignore court papers: if you don't respond in time, a judgment can become final. Unsure a letter is real? Ask one of these services right away. • For an immigration fine or notice, ask 1345 first. • Marriage migrants and multicultural families can also call Danuri (1577-1366). Official sources • Ministry of Justice – Village Lawyers for Foreigners: https://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/1858/subview.do • KLAC – 132 phone line (Korean): https://www.klac.or.kr/legalstruct/telephoneConsultation.do • Seoul Foreigner Portal FAQ: https://global.seoul.go.kr/hmpg/sinf/cnew/faqu/bordContDetail.do?mode=W&bbs_no=13&pst_no=4726CBB9CDC2007CE063C0A8A023AF0A&lang=en This is general information, not legal advice. Your case may differ, so ask 1345 or HiKorea if unsure. Checked by the Verihood team on October 3, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you act.