Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
This section covers the major legal areas that affect online business, digital services, and internet activity in Seongnam-si, a major technology and business hub in Gyeonggi Province. E-commerce and internet law in South Korea combines consumer protection rules for electronic commerce, strong privacy and data protection obligations, telecommunications and platform regulation, intellectual property enforcement, and rules about online advertising and content. Seongnam-si includes technology clusters and many startups, so businesses and consumers there often face the same national regulatory framework that applies across South Korea, with local authorities and consumer centers available for on-the-ground assistance.
Legal issues in e-commerce and internet law can be technical and fast-moving. You may need a lawyer in the following common situations:
- Starting or restructuring an online business, including corporate formation and regulatory compliance.
- Drafting or reviewing terms of service, privacy policies, refund and return policies, and vendor agreements.
- Responding to a data breach, preparing required notifications, and defending regulatory enforcement under data protection law.
- Handling consumer disputes over product quality, delivery, refunds, or unfair contract terms.
- Dealing with intellectual property claims, takedown notices, or defending against infringement allegations.
- Managing platform liability issues, marketplace seller disputes, or payment and escrow arrangement problems.
- Addressing online defamation, unlawful content removal, or injunctive relief to stop misuse of content.
- Navigating cross-border transactions, export controls, customs issues, and tax compliance for online sales.
- Responding to investigations or enforcement actions from national regulators such as the Personal Information Protection Commission, Korea Communications Commission, or the Fair Trade Commission.
- Pursuing dispute resolution via mediation, arbitration, or litigation where settlement efforts fail.
Below are the key legal frameworks and practical points that apply to e-commerce and internet activity in Seongnam-si. These are national laws that local businesses and residents must follow, and local authorities or consumer centers help implement them.
- Consumer protection for electronic commerce: The Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce regulates online contract formation, required pre-contract information, cooling-off periods, refund and cancellation rights, mandatory disclosure by sellers, and remedies for consumers.
- Personal data and privacy: The Personal Information Protection Act sets strict obligations on the collection, storage, use, and cross-border transfer of personal data. The Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection also imposes obligations for online service providers, including security measures and notice requirements.
- Electronic transactions and signatures: Rules on electronic documents, electronic signatures, and the validity of digital records are governed by statutes and administrative guidance, affecting e-contracts and proof in disputes.
- Telecommunications and platform regulation: Providers of telecommunications services and certain value-added services must comply with the Telecommunications Business Act and related regulations. Platform operators may also face specific obligations related to transparency, dispute handling, and content moderation.
- Advertising and unfair trade practices: The Fair Trade Commission and related statutes regulate misleading or unfair advertising, comparative advertising, and unfair trade practices toward consumers. Specific rules apply to online reviews, influencer marketing, and affiliate promotions.
- Intellectual property: Copyright law, trademark law, and related statutes apply to digital content. Platforms must respond to takedown notices and may be liable in certain circumstances for hosting infringing content.
- Cybersecurity and incident reporting: Companies must follow security standards, adopt appropriate technical measures, and report major incidents to competent authorities. The Korea Internet & Security Agency and other bodies provide guidance and sometimes mandatory reporting channels.
- Local enforcement and dispute channels: Consumers can file complaints with local consumer centers and national agencies. For legal actions, local courts and administrative agencies manage enforcement and penalties.
Yes. Individuals or entities selling goods or services online generally need to register a business with the relevant tax and municipal authorities. Registration requirements depend on the business form, scale, and whether sales are occasional or regular. Registering properly helps with tax reporting, compliance, and building consumer trust.
Online sellers must display required information clearly before purchase, such as seller name and contact details, product or service information, total price including taxes and fees, delivery terms and timing, return and refund policy, and the existence of any cooling-off period. Your terms of service and privacy policy should be accessible and written clearly in Korean.
Under the Personal Information Protection Act and related laws, businesses must collect only necessary personal data, obtain lawful consent where required, implement technical and organizational security measures, provide rights of access and correction to individuals, and follow rules for retention and deletion. Cross-border transfers of personal data require safeguards or approval in some cases.
First, contain the breach and preserve logs and evidence. Assess the scope and categories of compromised data. You may be required to notify affected individuals and the relevant authorities, including the Personal Information Protection Commission or other designated bodies, depending on severity. Engage legal counsel and cybersecurity professionals to manage regulatory obligations and communications.
Liability depends on the facts and the platform operator's role. Platforms that merely provide hosting may have limited liability if they promptly act on notices and follow takedown procedures. However, active involvement in content creation, selection, or promotion can increase liability. Prompt takedown and clear terms for user content reduce risk.
Consumers can file complaints with local consumer centers and the national Korea Consumer Agency. Many disputes are resolved through mediation or administrative action. If mediation fails, parties can pursue litigation in courts. For smaller claims, simplified court procedures may apply.
Yes. Documents should be available in Korean for consumers in South Korea. If you serve non-Korean speaking customers, providing additional language versions can help, but the Korean version is the legally relevant one within Korea.
Cross-border sales may trigger customs duties, value-added tax, and reporting obligations. The threshold and specific treatment depend on goods versus services, delivery methods, and value. You should consult a tax professional and ensure correct invoicing, customs documentation, and VAT reporting.
Conduct a compliance review that covers consumer disclosure, data protection, payment and escrow arrangements, advertising practices, intellectual property clearance, and platform terms. Implement privacy by design, maintain clear records, and prepare incident response and dispute resolution procedures.
Look for lawyers or firms with experience in IT law, data protection, consumer law, and online dispute resolution. Ask about prior cases, client references, language capabilities, and fee structures. Local bar associations and business associations in Seongnam-si or Gyeonggi Province can help with referrals. Consider a preliminary consultation to evaluate fit and scope.
Below are public bodies and organizations that provide guidance, support, or enforcement related to e-commerce and internet law in South Korea. Contact these organizations for official guidance, complaint filing, or technical assistance.
- Personal Information Protection Commission - oversight and enforcement for personal data protection.
- Korea Internet & Security Agency - cybersecurity guidance and incident response support.
- Korea Consumer Agency and local consumer centers - consumer complaint handling and mediation.
- Korea Communications Commission - regulation of telecommunications and certain internet services.
- Fair Trade Commission - oversight of unfair trade practices and online advertising rules.
- Ministry of Science and ICT - policy and support for digital business and startups.
- Local government offices in Seongnam-si - municipal business registration and local consumer support.
- Local bar associations and professional legal directories - for referrals to e-commerce and internet law specialists.
If you need legal assistance in Seongnam-si for an e-commerce or internet law issue, follow these practical steps:
- Gather documents and evidence - transaction records, contracts, logs, screenshots, correspondence, privacy policies, and any notifications or enforcement letters.
- Identify the core issue - consumer dispute, privacy incident, IP claim, platform liability, regulatory inquiry, or business setup question.
- Arrange an initial consultation - prepare a concise summary of facts and specific questions. Ask about the lawyer's experience with similar matters, likely outcomes, timeline, and fee structure.
- Preserve data and avoid public statements - do not delete logs, alter evidence, or post public responses that could harm your position. Coordinate communications through counsel when appropriate.
- Consider alternate dispute resolution - mediation and administrative complaint channels can be faster and lower cost than litigation.
- Plan for compliance improvements - adopt clear terms and privacy policies in Korean, implement technical security measures, and train staff on incident response and customer service.
- If you are a foreign business or non-Korean speaker, confirm language support and consider working with counsel experienced in cross-border e-commerce and Korean law.
Seeking an early legal review can reduce risk, limit liability, and help you resolve disputes more efficiently. A qualified lawyer in Seongnam-si can advise on specific obligations and represent you in negotiations, administrative procedures, or court if needed.
