A Guide for Foreign Defendants in Korea – Ensuring Smooth Departure After Verdict

In the intricate world of Korean legal proceedings, foreign defendants face unique challenges, particularly concerning travel restrictions and deportation orders. Crafted by Virtual Lawyer Korea's (VLK) content team, in collaboration with VLK's attorney, this article demystifies the process. In this guide, we'll explore why a visit to immigration offices is a crucial step for foreigners entangled in the Korean legal system.

Understanding Your Status:

Legal decisions in Korea, such as travel bans or deportation orders, rest with authorities' discretion. To stay accurately informed about your current status, a personal visit to the immigration office is crucial.

Why Visit Immigration Offices?

Simply stated, immigration offices do not disclose status information regarding your ability to leave Korea over phone calls; they exclusively provide this information during in-person visits. Discovering your updated status, including the ability to leave Korea, necessitates a direct visit.

What to Bring:

Ensure a smooth visit by bringing your passport for identification and a copy of your verdict to expedite the process.

Seoul Immigration Offices:

For those in Seoul, two key immigration offices are essential to know:

1. Seoul Immigration Office - Yangcheon-gu:

- Address: 151 Mokdongdong-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul

- Contact: T. 02-2650-6214 | F. 02-2650-6295

2. Seoul Immigration Office - Jongno-gu (Seojongno Branch):

- Address: 2~3F Seoul Global Center, Jong-ro 38, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea

- Contact: T. 02-731-1799 | F. 02-731-1791

Why This Matters:

Understanding your immigration status is pivotal for planning your next steps. If you happen to overstay in Korea after receiving your verdict without knowing about a deportation order, there's a possibility of facing fines, not to mention potential violation of orders by Korean authorities. Moreover, booking flights without awareness of a travel ban might result in the need to cancel or change your tickets, leading to additional inconveniences and financial implications.

In conclusion, a visit to immigration offices is more than a formality; it's your tool for understanding and managing your legal standing in Korea. At Virtual Lawyer Korea, our content team, with thorough review by VLK's attorney, is dedicated to providing the trustworthy insights you need for a smooth legal journey. Stay empowered, stay informed, and let us be your trusted ally in navigating Korean legal complexities.