Are Private Investigators Legal in South Korea?

Are Are Private Investigators Legal in South Korea? Yes, let us explain.

Forour foreign clients dealing with legal issues, business concerns, or personal matters in South Korea, the question often arises: Can I hire a private investigator (PI) in Korea, and what can they actually do?

The status of the private investigation profession in the Republic of Korea (ROK) is unique amongst OECD member nations, and saw a significant legal change in August 2025. Here is a clear guide from Pureum Law Office on the current situation.

1. The Legal Status: Yes, PIs Exist and Operate

The short answer is yes, the profession of ‘Private Investigator’ or ‘Detective’ exists and operates in South Korea.

However, it’s crucial to understand the legal framework:

Lifting of Name Ban: In August 2020, an amendment to the Credit Information Use and Protection Act (신용정보법) removed the legal prohibition on using the title ‘탐정’ (Tam-jeong), or ‘Detective’/’Private Investigator.’ This change allowed individuals and businesses to openly use the term for their services.
Business Registration: Firms operating as private investigators must be legally registered with South Korea’s Tax Office under categories such as ‘Investigative Services’ or ‘Private Survey.’

2. The Critical Distinction: No Official State License (yet)

Despite the legalization of the name, the Korean government does not currently have a formal, state-run licensing and registration system for Private Investigators similar to those in the US or Japan.

No State Authority: PIs do not possess any special investigative powers granted by the state. They are private citizens operating a private business.
Private Certifications: Many PIs hold various private certifications (e.g., Private Investigator Certification/민간조사사) issued by private educational institutions. While these indicate training, they are not state-approved licenses that grant special legal authority.

3. Strict Limitations on PI Activities in Korea

This is the most important point for international clients to grasp. Because PIs lack special state authority, their activities are heavily restricted by various Korean laws.

Any investigation that would violate the rights and privacy of others is strictly illegal, and both the PI and the client may face criminal penalties for:

Illegal Activities (Prohibited)	Legal Activities (Permitted)
Personal Tracking/Surveillance: Systematic following or monitoring a person’s private life.	Locating Missing Persons/Runaways: Using publicly available information or authorized databases.
Illegal Information Gathering: Using hidden cameras, wiretaps, or other illegal surveillance devices.	Fact-Checking & Due Diligence: Investigating business entities, public records, and corporate fraud within legal limits.
Accessing Private Information: Obtaining non-public personal information like bank records, call logs, private medical history, or tax information.	Witness/Evidence Interviews: Collecting statements and evidence legally and ethically.
Unauthorized Location Tracking: Obtaining real-time location data of a person’s mobile phone or vehicle without legal consent/warrant.	Verifying Public Information: Gathering and compiling information that is already legally available in the public domain.

4. Working with PIs and Legal Counsel

If you require investigative work in Korea, particularly for sensitive or complex cases (such as divorce, fraud, or business disputes), you should consult with a lawyer first.

At Pureum Law Office, we often advise foreign clients on:

Verifying Legality: We help ensure that any evidence gathered by an investigator is legally admissible in a Korean court and that the investigation itself does not violate any local laws.
Strategic Direction: We can provide legal direction to the PI, ensuring they focus on gathering only the legally permissible facts required to support your case.
Direct Attorney Involvement: In many cases, information gathering that crosses into legally sensitive areas must be handled directly by a licensed attorney, as the legal privileges granted to lawyers (like submitting formal requests to courts or government agencies) exceed those of PIs.

You can hire an individual who calls themselves a ‘Detective’ in Korea, but they are highly restricted in their actions. For foreign clients, relying on a Korean law firm to guide any investigative work is the safest and most effective strategy to ensure compliance with the law and admissibility of evidence.

If you are a foreign national facing a legal matter in Korea and are considering an investigation, please contact Pureum Law Office for a consultation to discuss the most effective and legal course of action.