Damages Compensation Through Korea Consumer Agency
Duties of Korea Consumer Agency- Korea Consumer Agency (www.kca.go.kr) is a government agency established to promote consumer rights and interests, improve the quality of consumption, and contribute to the advancement of the national economy. Consumer complaints and damages compensation are handled by the Korea Consumer Agency.
- Damages compensation provided through the Korea Consumer Agency include consultation, damages compensation (recommendation of resolution), and mediation.
Consultation- If a consumer experiences inconvenience or losses in the use of commodities provided by a business, the consumer can dial the Korea Consumer Agency at 1372 for consultation by a service representative on consumer complaint handling.
- A consumer can apply for a consultation as follows.
|
Classification |
How to apply |
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Online |
1372 Korea Consumer Agency online consultation (http://www.ccn.go.kr) |
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Phone |
Dial 1372 (no area code required) |
|
In person |
Visit the main office of the Korea Consumer Agency or the Seoul branch |
|
Foreign consumers |
☎ 043-880-5400 |
Damages compensation (recommendation of resolution)- If a consumer complaint is not resolved at the consultation stage, damages compensation or damages handling is the next step that can be taken.
- “Damage Relief" is a system that offers fair and objective consultation to the relevant parties according to laws and regulations through actual investigation and expert advice to prevent damages arising from the use of goods or services provided by businesses to consumers.
- If a consumer complaint is not resolved by a consultation, damages compensation can be applied for as follows.
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Classification |
How to apply for damage compensation |
|
Online |
Apply for damages compensation through the Korea Consumer Agency website |
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Fax |
☎ 043-877-6767 |
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Other methods |
Visit the head office or Seoul branch of Korea Consumer Agency; apply by mail |
- Based on an investigation of facts through a review of documents, tests, site investigation, and expert consulting, an agreement is recommended to both parties in accordance with the applicable legislations and regulations. A case is closed once an agreement is reached.
- If an agreement is not reached, mediation by the Consumer Dispute Mediation Committee is applied for.
Mediation- Mediation of a consumer dispute can be used to replace a civil lawsuit. Unlike a court ruling, mediation by the Consumer Dispute Mediation committee does not have legal power, but can resolve a consumer dispute without expense.
- If mediation results in a decision, each of the two parties must notify the Committee regarding their consent to the decision made within 15 days in writing. If neither party rejects the decision, mediation is finalized and the decision made takes the effect of a settlement in court.