Asking About the Korean Legal System

Understanding and navigating the legal system in a foreign country can be complex. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for asking questions about Korean laws, procedures, and seeking legal assistance. Whether you’re dealing with contracts, visas, or other legal matters, these expressions will help you communicate your inquiries more effectively.

Core Expression

• Expression: 한국 법률 시스템에 대해 질문하기
  Pronunciation: han-guk beom-nyul si-seu-tem-e dae-hae jil-mun-ha-gi
  Meaning: Asking questions about the Korean legal system

Basic Legal Questions

• Expression: 이 법은 무엇을 의미하나요?
  Pronunciation: i beob-eun mu-eos-eul ui-mi-ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: What does this law mean?
• Expression: 법률 자문을 어디서 받을 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: beom-nyul ja-mun-eul eo-di-seo bad-eul su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Where can I get legal advice?
• Expression: 이 상황에 적용되는 법이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: i sang-hwang-e jeog-yong-doe-neun beob-i it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there a law that applies to this situation?
• Expression: 변호사를 선임해야 하나요?
  Pronunciation: byeon-ho-sa-reul seon-im-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: Do I need to hire a lawyer?
• Expression: 법률 용어가 너무 어려워요.
  Pronunciation: beom-nyul yong-eo-ga neo-mu eo-ryeo-wo-yo.
  Meaning: The legal terminology is too difficult.
• Expression: 이 서류는 무엇인가요?
  Pronunciation: i seo-ryu-neun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What is this document?
• Expression: 관련 법 조항을 보여주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: gwan-ryeon beob jo-hang-eul bo-yeo-ju-sil su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can you show me the relevant legal clause/article?
• Expression: 법적 절차는 어떻게 되나요?
  Pronunciation: beop-jeok jeol-cha-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: What is the legal procedure?
• Expression: 제 권리는 무엇인가요?
  Pronunciation: je gwon-ri-neun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What are my rights?
• Expression: 이 결정에 이의를 제기할 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: i gyeol-jeong-e i-ui-reul je-gi-hal su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can I appeal this decision?
• Expression: 법률 구조 공단에 연락해 보세요.
  Pronunciation: beom-nyul gu-jo gong-dan-e yeol-lak-hae bo-se-yo.
  Meaning: Try contacting the Legal Aid Corporation.
• Expression: 무료 법률 상담이 가능한가요?
  Pronunciation: mu-ryo beom-nyul sang-dam-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is free legal consultation available?

Inquiring About Specific Laws

• Expression: 계약법에 대해 질문이 있습니다.
  Pronunciation: gye-yak-beob-e dae-hae jil-mun-i it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I have a question about contract law.
• Expression: 부동산 관련 법규는 어떻게 되나요?
  Pronunciation: bu-dong-san gwan-ryeon beop-gyu-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: What are the regulations regarding real estate?
• Expression: 비자 연장 관련 법률을 알고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: bi-ja yeon-jang gwan-ryeon beom-nyur-eul al-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I want to know the laws regarding visa extensions.
• Expression: 노동법 관련해서 문의할 것이 있습니다.
  Pronunciation: no-dong-beop gwan-ryeon-hae-seo mun-ui-hal geos-i it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I have an inquiry regarding labor law.
• Expression: 상속법에 대한 정보가 필요합니다.
  Pronunciation: sang-sok-beob-e dae-han jeong-bo-ga pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: I need information about inheritance law.
• Expression: 지적 재산권 법에 대해 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: ji-jeok jae-san-gwon beob-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can you explain intellectual property law?
• Expression: 소비자 보호법은 어떤 내용을 담고 있나요?
  Pronunciation: so-bi-ja bo-ho-beob-eun eo-tteon nae-yong-eul dam-go it-na-yo?
  Meaning: What does the consumer protection law cover?
• Expression: 형법상 이 행위는 어떻게 처벌되나요?
  Pronunciation: hyeong-beop-sang i haeng-wi-neun eo-tteo-ke cheo-beol-doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: How is this act punished under criminal law?
• Expression: 가족법 관련해서 상담받고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: ga-jok-beop gwan-ryeon-hae-seo sang-dam-bat-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to receive consultation regarding family law.
• Expression: 세법 관련 규정을 확인하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: se-beop gwan-ryeon gyu-jeong-eul hwa-gin-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I want to check the regulations related to tax law.
• Expression: 이민법 전문가와 상담하고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: i-min-beop jeon-mun-ga-wa sang-dam-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to consult with an immigration law expert.
• Expression: 교통사고 관련 법적 책임은 어떻게 되나요?
  Pronunciation: gyo-tong-sa-go gwan-ryeon beop-jeok chaeg-im-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: What is the legal liability regarding traffic accidents?

Understanding Legal Procedures

• Expression: 소송 절차는 어떻게 진행되나요?
  Pronunciation: so-song jeol-cha-neun eo-tteo-ke jin-haeng-doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: How does the lawsuit process proceed?
• Expression: 필요한 서류는 무엇인가요?
  Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu-neun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What documents are required?
• Expression: 서류 제출 기한이 언제까지인가요?
  Pronunciation: seo-ryu je-chul gi-han-i eon-je-kka-ji-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What is the deadline for submitting the documents?
• Expression: 법원에 언제 출석해야 하나요?
  Pronunciation: beob-won-e eon-je chul-seok-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: When do I need to appear in court?
• Expression: 증거 자료를 어떻게 제출하나요?
  Pronunciation: jeung-geo ja-ryo-reul eo-tteo-ke je-chul-ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: How do I submit evidence?
• Expression: 판결까지 얼마나 걸릴까요?
  Pronunciation: pan-gyeol-kka-ji eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?
  Meaning: How long will it take until the verdict?
• Expression: 항소 절차에 대해 설명해 주세요.
  Pronunciation: hang-so jeol-cha-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please explain the appeal process.
• Expression: 조정 절차를 거칠 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: jo-jeong jeol-cha-reul geo-chil su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can we go through mediation procedures?
• Expression: 법원 통역 서비스가 제공되나요?
  Pronunciation: beob-won tong-yeok seo-bi-seu-ga je-gong-doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is court interpretation service provided?
• Expression: 공증은 어디서 받을 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: gong-jeung-eun eo-di-seo bad-eul su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Where can I get something notarized?
• Expression: 이 절차에 드는 비용은 얼마인가요?
  Pronunciation: i jeol-cha-e deu-neun bi-yong-eun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How much does this procedure cost?
• Expression: 진술서를 작성해야 합니다.
  Pronunciation: jin-sul-seo-reul jak-seong-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: I need to write a statement/affidavit.

Seeking Legal Assistance

• Expression: 변호사님과 상담하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: byeon-ho-sa-nim-gwa sang-dam-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to consult with a lawyer.
• Expression: 상담 비용은 얼마인가요?
  Pronunciation: sang-dam bi-yong-eun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How much is the consultation fee?
• Expression: 이 분야 전문 변호사를 추천해 주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: i bun-ya jeon-mun byeon-ho-sa-reul chu-cheon-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can you recommend a lawyer specializing in this field?
• Expression: 변호사 선임 비용은 어떻게 되나요?
  Pronunciation: byeon-ho-sa seon-im bi-yong-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: What are the lawyer retainer fees?
• Expression: 영어로 상담 가능한 변호사님이 계신가요?
  Pronunciation: yeong-eo-ro sang-dam ga-neung-han byeon-ho-sa-nim-i gye-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is there a lawyer available who can consult in English?
• Expression: 제 사건을 맡아주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: je sa-geon-eul mat-a-ju-sil su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can you take my case?
• Expression: 법률 구조 공단에 어떻게 연락하나요?
  Pronunciation: beom-nyul gu-jo gong-dan-e eo-tteo-ke yeol-lak-ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: How do I contact the Legal Aid Corporation?
• Expression: 상담 예약을 하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: sang-dam ye-yak-eul ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to make a consultation appointment.
• Expression: 필요한 서류를 미리 준비해야 하나요?
  Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu-reul mi-ri jun-bi-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: Should I prepare any necessary documents in advance?
• Expression: 성공 보수는 어떻게 책정되나요?
  Pronunciation: seong-gong bo-su-neun eo-tteo-ke chaek-jeong-doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: How are contingency fees determined?
• Expression: 비밀 보장이 되나요?
  Pronunciation: bi-mil bo-jang-i doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is confidentiality guaranteed?
• Expression: 사건 진행 상황을 어떻게 알 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: sa-geon jin-haeng sang-hwang-eul eo-tteo-ke al su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: How can I know the progress of the case?

Korean Culture Notes

Formality is Key: When discussing legal matters, especially with lawyers, court officials, or authorities, using formal Korean (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) is crucial. This shows respect and seriousness appropriate for the context.

Legal Jargon Barrier: Korean legal terminology can be highly specialized and difficult even for native speakers. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification using phrases like “좀 더 쉽게 설명해 주시겠어요?” (jom deo swip-ge seol-myeong-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo? – Could you explain it more simply?).

Seeking Initial Help: For foreigners, organizations like the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (대한법률구조공단 – dae-han-beom-nyul-gu-jo-gong-dan) or support centers for foreign residents often provide initial consultations, sometimes in multiple languages. These can be good starting points before hiring a private lawyer.

Importance of Documentation: Like in many legal systems, written evidence and proper documentation are highly valued in Korea. Ensure you keep records of contracts, communications, and relevant documents.

Lawyer-Client Relationship: Building trust with your lawyer is important. Clearly communicate your situation and ask questions about the strategy, potential outcomes, and costs involved.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: A foreigner (Alex) is visiting a legal consultation center to ask about a potential issue with their employment contract.

Characters:
A: Alex (Foreigner)
B: Legal Consultant

• Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 법률 상담을 받고 싶어서 왔습니다.
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, beom-nyul sang-dam-eul bat-go sip-eo-seo wat-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Hello, I came here because I would like to receive legal consultation.
• Expression: B: 네, 어서 오세요. 어떤 문제로 오셨나요?
  Pronunciation: ne, eo-seo o-se-yo. eo-tteon mun-je-ro o-syeot-na-yo?
  Meaning: Yes, welcome. What issue brought you here?
• Expression: A: 제 고용 계약서에 문제가 있는 것 같아서요. 노동법 관련해서 질문이 있습니다.
  Pronunciation: je go-yong gye-yak-seo-e mun-je-ga it-neun geot gat-a-seo-yo. no-dong-beop gwan-ryeon-hae-seo jil-mun-i it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I think there might be an issue with my employment contract. I have questions regarding labor law.
• Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 계약서를 가지고 오셨나요? 구체적으로 어떤 부분이 궁금하신가요?
  Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. gye-yak-seo-reul ga-ji-go o-syeot-na-yo? gu-che-jeog-eu-ro eo-tteon bu-bun-i gung-geum-ha-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: I understand. Did you bring the contract? Specifically, what part are you curious about?
• Expression: A: 네, 여기 있습니다. 초과 근무 수당 지급 관련 조항이 한국 노동법에 맞는지 확인하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: ne, yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da. cho-gwa geun-mu su-dang ji-geup gwan-ryeon jo-hang-i han-guk no-dong-beob-e mat-neun-ji hwa-gin-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Yes, here it is. I want to check if the clause regarding overtime pay complies with Korean labor law.
• Expression: B: 네, 계약서와 관련 법 조항을 함께 검토해 보겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
  Pronunciation: ne, gye-yak-seo-wa gwan-ryeon beob jo-hang-eul ham-kke geom-to-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Okay, I will review the contract and the relevant legal clauses together. Please wait a moment.

Practice Tips

Navigating legal topics in Korean requires specific vocabulary and formal language~ Familiarize yourself with the key terms related to your situation. Practice pronouncing the phrases clearly, paying attention to the syllable breaks! Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. Role-playing potential conversations with a language partner can also be very helpful. Remember, seeking professional legal advice is crucial for serious matters, but knowing these basic phrases can make the process smoother! Good luck!