English Speaking Divorce Lawyer
Foreigners often struggle with navigating divorce and family law matters in South Korea. Korean divorce procedures, jurisdiction rules, and court practices can be difficult to understand without professional guidance, particularly for non-Korean nationals. Pureum Law Office (PLO) provides reliable and experienced legal representation for foreigners seeking divorce in Korea.
Pureum Law Office is led by Korean Bar–certified Divorce Attorney Simon D. Lee, who has extensive experience handling international and cross-border divorce cases. Our legal team focuses on assisting foreign clients in Korea with divorce, family law disputes, and related legal issues. We ensure clear communication and practical legal advice throughout the divorce process.
Divorce Law and Family Law in Korea for Foreigners
Divorce law in Korea differs significantly from that of many other countries. For this reason, working with an English Speaking Divorce Lawyer is essential for foreign nationals who face challenges related to jurisdiction, applicable law, service of process, and enforcement of court decisions. As a trusted expert in family law, Pureum Law Office helps clients understand their legal options under Korean law.
Our English speaking legal team assists clients with:
- Divorce by trial (contested divorce)
- Divorce by mediation through the Korean Family Court
- Divorce by agreement (where legally permitted)
- Division of marital property and financial settlements
- Child custody, visitation, and child support
- International and cross-border divorce issues(i.e. Illegal Child Abduction)
It is important to note that if both spouses are non-Korean nationals, divorce by agreement is generally not available under Korean law, and court proceedings are usually required. We can help determine the appropriate procedure and legal strategy based on each client’s individual circumstances.
Divorce and F-6 Visa Issues in Korea
For foreign nationals married to Korean citizens, divorce often has serious immigration consequences. In most cases, a foreign spouse may apply for an F-6-1 (spouse of a Korean national) visa after marriage. However, once a divorce takes place, the F-6-1 visa is generally no longer renewable, creating immediate residency risks.
If the couple has a child and the foreign parent is granted custody or legally recognized visitation rights, it may be possible to change the status to an F-6-2 visa. This process is strictly reviewed by immigration authorities and requires careful legal preparation.
If there is no child, a change to an F-6-3 visa is possible only when the divorce is primarily attributable to the Korean spouse’s fault. In practice, this typically requires a court judgment in a contested divorce clearly establishing responsibility. Divorce by agreement generally does not meet this standard.
We understand that divorce matters involving foreigners cannot be handled separately from immigration law. PLO has extensive expertise in Korean immigration law and provides integrated legal services covering divorce proceedings and post-divorce visa strategy. Where maintaining F-6 status is not possible, we advise on alternative visa options tailored to each client’s situation.
Why Choose Pureum Law Office
Since 2014, PLO has handled approximately 300 divorce cases involving foreign nationals. As an established English Speaking Divorce Lawyer in Korea, PLO provides clear explanations, practical expectations, and strategic guidance throughout the entire divorce process.
PLO even has experience in international child abduction cases under the Hague Convention, including matters in which a child wrongfully removed to Korea and was successfully returned to the country of habitual residence through Korean court proceedings.
Pureum is trusted by many for their:
- Korean Bar–certified divorce attorney leadership
- Extensive experience representing foreigners in Korea
- English Speaking Divorce Lawyer team with clear and consistent communication
- Deep understanding of Korean Family Court procedures
- Practical, client-focused legal strategies
Our goal is to protect our clients’ legal rights and interests while minimizing unnecessary conflict, cost, and delay.
Request a Legal Consultation with an English Speaking Divorce Lawyer
If you would like to receive legal consultation from an experienced English Speaking Divorce Lawyer, please visit the link below and answer the provided questions or contact Pureum Law Office directly.
Our English Speaking Divorce Lawyer team will carefully review your situation and advise you on the most appropriate legal and immigration strategy.
For more helpful information surrounding divorce, family law, and other common issues for foreigners, check out Pureum’s blog and social media channels.
Divorce in Korea in 2025
Getting a divorce in South Korea for foreigners requires research and must be taken seriously. This post serves as your one-stop resource for all things divorce in Korea as compiled by one of the leading divorce lawyers here at Pureum Law Office.
Child Custody Guidance for Divorcing Parents
Pureum Law Office is here to help with child custody guidance for couples with minor children who intend to divorce in South Korea. We note that it is crucial to consider each child’s best interest.
