Free legal support

Please find below some legal aid organisations in Korea, which may offer free legal advice and consultation for asylum-seekers and refugees.

If individuals need legal advice, UNHCR Korea advises individuals to contact the below organisations on their own, fully explain their situations and ask for assistance. 

Advocates for Public Interest Law (APIL)

APIL provides legal assistance and advocacy for vulnerable migrants, including refugees, stateless persons, and victims of human trafficking. Based on legal expertise, they support individuals through litigation, legislative movements, and human rights monitoring. They work to protect the rights of those deprived of their freedom and utilize international human rights mechanisms to ensure legal protection for all.

Tel: 02-3478-0529 

Email: [email protected] 

Website: www.apil.or.kr  

Please kindly note that APIL does NOT help people who are submitting their first application. Please contact APIL if you need help with your appeal and court procedures. 

The First Contact for Refugees (TFC)

TFC specializes in providing legal assistance during the initial steps of the refugee status determination process, such as the first interview and basic counseling. Their primary goal is to increase the refugee recognition rate by ensuring a fair and professional screening process from the very first contact. TFC operates in strong solidarity with other legal refugee rights organizations.

Tel: 010-5125-0217 

Email: [email protected]  

Please kindly note that TFC focuses on helping people who are submitting their first application at the Immigration Office, rather than those who are going through court appeals. Please contact TFC if you need help with your refugee application at the Immigration office. 

NANCEN Refugee Rights Center

Since 2009, NANCEN has worked to ensure that refugees in the Republic of Korea are recognized as subjects of rights rather than objects of charity. They monitor government policies, analyze refugee-related budgets, and advocate for improved systems through public campaigns. NANCEN also provides direct support, including rights-based counseling, legal assistance via a pro bono lawyer network, and response to human rights violations.

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://nancen.org 

Related information

Services in Korea