International Trade
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : South Korea
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+ 82 2 3703 1114About
Provided by Kim & Chang
For over 40 years, Kim & Chang’s International Trade & Customs Practice has acquired an unparalleled level of experience in Korea.
The scope of our experience ranges from legal issues arising under the World Trade Organization (“WTO”) Agreement, free trade agreements (“FTA”), the Korean Customs Duties Law, the FTA Implementation Act, and the Foreign Exchange Transactions Law, to other customs- and trade-related treaties, laws and regulations.
Our International Trade & Customs Practice has earned a reputation as the leading Korean law firm assisting companies in developing and executing strategies to ensure market access, and to minimize international trade-related risks. We represent companies in a wide variety of industries on customs and trade matters. In bilateral and multilateral settings, we also provide legal advice to the Korean government in negotiations and dispute resolution proceedings.
Key Services:
Audit Defense
- Customs Valuation
- The Advance Customs Valuation Arrangement
- Customs Classification
- Duty Drawback
FTA Origin Verification
Customs Appeals
Investigations
- Customs Criminal Defense
- F/X Criminal Defense
- Individual Export/Import Compliance
Other Customs Compliance Matters
- Free Trade Zones
- Bonded Area Compliance
International Trade Issues
- Trade Remedies
- Unfair Trade Practices
- WTO Compliance
- FTA Compliance
Chambers Review
Kim & Chang's leading international trade law team in South Korea is known for handling a large volume of matters including customs, trade remedies, verification of origin and free trade agreements. The firm has a particular strength in anti-dumping matters. It works on behalf of both government entities and private companies, including metals producers, pharmaceutical companies, and oil and gas corporates. The practice is retained by local and international clients on inbound and outbound trade matters and is active advising on trade sanctions and export control issues. The team is well placed to advise on WTO dispute strategy.
Work Highlights
- Kim & Chang assisted an automotive parts company in complying with export restrictions and obtaining an export licence.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Kim & Chang excel in their expertise, professionalism and integrity."
"Kim & Chang have a global presence and a deep understanding of international legal standards, which is advantageous in cross-border cases and transactions."
"Kim & Chang excel in their expertise, professionalism and integrity."
"Kim & Chang have a global presence and a deep understanding of international legal standards, which is advantageous in cross-border cases and transactions."
Notable Practitioners
Kim Juhong maintains a noteworthy practice in the international trade sphere. His practice is mainly focused on advice to high-profile international corporations on customs matters in South Korea, including customs audits and disputes.
"He is always well prepared and updated, and has a very strong knowledge of the Korean litigation process."
"Attorney Kim Juhong was very good at coordinating the team and communicating with the client on the issue, and he was able to sort out complex issues with ease."
Kim Seong Joong draws on his prior experience as a government official at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in South Korea. He is well placed to handle international trade dispute settlement mandates and represents clients in enforcement actions and investigations.
"Based on his experience working at the Ministry of Industry and the National Assembly of Korea, he has excellent expertise and experience in the ESG field and in corporate advisory."
"He is knowledgeable, analytical, full of experience, ethical, responsible and professional. On top of that, his performance in the court is just breathtaking."