Our Story
LAW OFFICE FOR FOREIGNERS
Pureum Law Office (PLO) has been dedicated to delivering comprehensive legal services to international clients since its founding in 2014.
Founded as “Lee & Hong Law Office” in the foreigner enclave of Itaewon, Seoul by Simon Lee and KB Hong, the firm quickly earned a stellar reputation for its personalized and effective legal approach.
In early 2015, the firm expanded its capabilities by bringing in a new partner, Austin Hong, and then relocated to a larger, more modern office in Seoul’s Mapo District in 2022.
More recently, PLO opened a branch office in Pyeongtaek in 2025, in order to better serve the substantial English-speaking population near the U.S. military base. Additional new office locations are being anticipated to support and reach the foreign community in Korea.
The firm also relocated its headquarters (previously Mapo District) to Yongsan in May 2026. The new office introduced improved workspaces, better accessibility and networking, and an expanded team to provide more efficient, refined legal services to our clients.
OUR PRINCIPLES: The "5Ps" of PLO
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Over 10 Years of Expertise
Over the past decade, Pureum Law Office has succeeded in over 3,000 cases, becoming a trusted partner for clients navigating South Korea’s legal landscape.
Major achievements of PLO over the past decade include the following:
Selected as a Recommended Lawyer by the U.S. and U.K. Embassies
Awarded Certificate of Appreciation by the U.S. Embassy
Awarded Certificate of Appreciation by the U.S. Embassy (2)
Selection among The A List: Korea’s Top 100 Lawyers by Asia Business Law Journal
Registered Criminal Law Specialist by the Korean Bar Association
Selected for the Top 50 Legal Companies by the Litigation & The IPR Gorilla Conference
Registered Divorce Law Specialist by the Korean Bar Association
Registered Immigration Agency by the Ministry of Justice
Awarded Certificate of Appreciation by the Philippine Embassy
Designated by Global Law Experts as the Criminal Law Firm of the Year
Recognized by Lexology as South Korea’s Expert in Corporate Immigration
Designated by The Lawyer Network as the Criminal Law Firm of the Year
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
PRO BONO WORK
Since its founding in 2014, PLO’s founding partner Simon Lee has offered pro bono legal advice to foreigners as a specialist consultant at Seoul Global Center, which is affiliated with Seoul City Hall.
Foreigners and expats who face difficulties and are unable to hire a lawyer are encouraged to contact the Seoul Global Center to schedule a consultation with Attorney Lee.
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
At PLO, we believe each individual has a responsibility to the environment. In honor of our 12th anniversary in March 2026, our firm launched two programs to reflect our commitment to sustainability. Read about the new initiatives as well as Pureum’s eco-friendly missions and practices here.
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