Basics of the Statute of Limitation in Korea

In General, for civil claims such as breach of contract, the statute of limitation is ten years. The statute of limitation starts from the event date. However, claims based on ownership are not subject to any statute of limitation.

Tort claims must either be brought, whichever is earlier, within ten (10) years from the date the tort was committed, and within three (3) years from the date the claimant became aware of the damage and the identity of the tortfeasor.

Claims based on special statutes are subject to the specific time bars specified in the statutes. These statutes of limitations are often set for shorter periods.