Once you start considering divorce, it might feel like the first thing to do is find a lawyer — but it's better to go through the free counseling options first, in order.
1Step 1 — Get counseling first at the Korea Legal Aid Center for Family Relations
This nonprofit legal welfare organization has provided free counseling on family legal issues — divorce, child support, property division, inheritance — for over 60 years. It offers phone counseling (1644-7077) and online counseling through its website, along with foreign-language counseling for multicultural families and on-site consultations at the Seoul Family Court. If counseling determines that litigation is needed, it connects you to the legal aid process.
2Step 2 — If you want to understand the process itself
If legal provisions around divorce procedures or how child support is calculated feel hard to follow, you can first look them up on Easy-to-Find Everyday Legal Information, run by the Ministry of Government Legislation, which organizes this material at a level anyone can understand. It's free to browse, no sign-up required.
3Step 3 — If hiring a lawyer is too expensive
If you meet the income requirements, the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (132) can provide free legal counseling and even litigation representation. If there's no lawyer in your area or one is hard to reach, you can get phone, fax, or email counseling through the Village Lawyer / Legal Home Doctor program, or consult a lawyer stationed at a local support center for vulnerable groups. Which lawyer you're assigned and how the consultation is handled varies by region, so check with your local eup/myeon/dong community center.
Services mentioned in this guide
Korea Legal Aid Center for Family Relations (1644-7077)
A private legal-welfare organization with more than 60 years of history that offers free counseling on family matters such as divorce, child support, and inheritance
Phone counseling on weekdays; cyber counseling weekdays 10:00–16:00
Operated by · 한국가정법률상담소
Cost · Free
Easy-to-Find Everyday Legal Information
A Ministry of Government Legislation portal that explains everyday legal topics — leases, divorce, inheritance, and more — in plain language
24 hours
Operated by · 법제처
Cost · Free
Korea Legal Aid Corporation Free Legal Counseling (132)
A public organization offering free legal counseling and litigation support for people facing financial hardship
Weekdays 09:00–18:00 (phone); online consultation accepted anytime
Operated by · 대한법률구조공단(법무부 산하)
Cost · Free
Village Lawyer / Legal Home Doctor
A Ministry of Justice program offering free legal counseling by phone or in person for residents in areas with little access to lawyers and for vulnerable groups
Varies by region (check with your local community service center)
Operated by · 법무부
Cost · Free