Flight Delayed or Cancelled in South Korea? Your Passenger Protections
South Korea protects air passengers through the Aviation Business Act, especially Article 61 on protecting air transport users, and the Air Transport User Protection Standards (항공교통이용자 보호기준) issued by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). For disputes about money, the Fair Trade Commission's Consumer Dispute Resolution Standards are used as a reference.
What airlines must have in place
Under the Aviation Business Act and MOLIT's standards, airlines serving Korea must:
- Set up and publish damage relief procedures and plans for passengers affected by delays, cancellations, and denied boarding
- Inform passengers about delays and cancellations and the reasons for them
- Respond to a passenger's request for relief within a set period (the law sets 14 days, with longer periods allowed in specified cases)
Delay compensation guidelines
The Consumer Dispute Resolution Standards suggest compensation as a percentage of the fare for the delayed segment, generally from 10% to 30%, depending on how long the delay lasted and whether the flight was domestic or international. These are standards for settling disputes, not an automatic payment. They are generally used when the delay was the airline's responsibility, and causes like weather, airport conditions, or urgent safety maintenance are treated differently. Fare refunds and rebooking follow the airline's conditions and the standards.
Delays on the tarmac
MOLIT's standards also limit long waits on board. Airlines must provide information during a tarmac delay and food and drink after a set period, and they must let passengers off within set time limits for domestic and international flights, subject to safety and security exceptions.
Main airports and airlines
Airports include Seoul Incheon (ICN), Seoul Gimpo (GMP), Busan Gimhae (PUS), Jeju (CJU), Daegu (TAE), and Cheongju (CJJ). Airlines include Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Jin Air, T'way Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul, and Air Premia.
Where to complain
Make a written request to the airline first under its damage relief procedure, and keep a copy. If you are not satisfied, you can contact the Korea Consumer Agency, which mediates consumer disputes: kca.go.kr (consumer counseling: ccn.go.kr). MOLIT's standards are published on the national law information center, law.go.kr.
FAQ
Does Korea have a fixed cash table like EU261? No. Korea's percentages come from dispute resolution standards used for settlements, not a statutory payment table.
Do these rules apply to foreign airlines at Incheon? MOLIT's user protection standards apply to airlines operating air transport to and from Korea, including foreign airlines. On flights from Europe, EU261 may also apply.
What should I ask the airline for? Ask, in writing, for the reason for the delay and for the relief set out in its published damage relief procedure.
Related guides
- Flight cancelled? What to ask for
- Missed a connection because of a delay?
- Flight delay rules around the world
Create your letter
Delay Draft writes a clear, professional letter that you send to the airline yourself. It lists your flight, the times, the cause you were given, and the rule you are relying on. We are not a law firm, we do not give legal advice, and we do not file claims for you. Questions: claims@delaydraft.com.