South Korea Company Registration for Foreign Investors: Requirements, Costs, Process, and Compliance Guide 2026
Published: 2026-10-17 Views:
South Korea Company Registration for Foreign Investors: Requirements, Costs, Process, and Compliance Guide 2026
1. Introduction: Why International Businesses Choose South Korea
South Korea has developed into an important business destination for international companies seeking access to East Asian markets. Its advanced manufacturing industry, established digital infrastructure, sophisticated consumer market, and strong connections to global supply chains make it an attractive location for foreign businesses.
Companies considering South Korea may operate in a wide range of sectors, including electronics, industrial equipment, cosmetics, healthcare products, software, e-commerce, automotive components, and international trade.
However, entering the Korean market requires more than choosing a company name and submitting an incorporation application. Foreign investors must consider the appropriate legal structure, foreign investment notification requirements, capital arrangements, corporate registration, tax registration, banking procedures, and any industry-specific approvals.
South Korea company registration refers to the legal process of establishing a business entity in accordance with Korean law. For foreign investors, the appropriate procedure depends on the proposed ownership structure, business activities, investment method, and whether the investor intends to establish a subsidiary, branch, or liaison office.
This guide explains how international entrepreneurs and companies can establish a business in South Korea, what documents they may need, how the registration process works, which costs should be budgeted for, and how to avoid common incorporation problems.
2. What Are the Main Business Structures Available to Foreign Investors?
Choosing the right legal structure is one of the most important decisions when establishing a Korean business.
The three principal options commonly considered by overseas investors are a Korean subsidiary, a branch office, and a liaison office.
2.1 Korean Subsidiary
A Korean subsidiary is a locally incorporated legal entity established under Korean law. It may be wholly owned by a foreign parent company where the relevant business and investment rules permit.
Common corporate forms include:
Yuhan Hoesa: A limited company structure frequently considered by foreign investors seeking a relatively straightforward corporate arrangement.
Chusik Hoesa: A stock company structure that may be appropriate for businesses planning more complex shareholding arrangements, fundraising, or future investment.
The precise legal characteristics, governance requirements, and suitability of each form should be reviewed with Korean legal and accounting professionals.
A subsidiary generally provides a separate legal identity from its foreign shareholder. It can contract with Korean customers, hire employees, lease business premises, and conduct its registered business activities, subject to applicable regulations.
This structure is often considered by international businesses that intend to develop a long-term presence in South Korea.
2.2 Korean Branch Office
A branch office is an extension of an existing foreign company rather than a separate Korean-incorporated subsidiary.
It may be suitable for a foreign business that wants to conduct permitted commercial activities in Korea while maintaining its existing overseas corporate structure.
The foreign head office generally remains responsible for the branch's obligations under applicable law. Registration, tax treatment, and foreign exchange reporting requirements must be reviewed before operations begin.
2.3 Liaison Office
A liaison office is generally used for non-commercial functions such as market research, communication with prospective partners, and coordination with the overseas head office.
A liaison office normally cannot conduct profit-generating business activities in Korea.
Businesses planning to sell products, invoice customers, or enter into ordinary commercial transactions should assess whether a subsidiary or branch is more appropriate.
Practical recommendation: Businesses intending to employ a local team, sell products in Korea, sign customer contracts, or build a long-term commercial operation should evaluate a Korean subsidiary first. A branch may be more suitable when the overseas parent company wants to operate directly in Korea.
3. Can a Foreign Investor Own 100% of a Korean Company?
Foreign ownership is an important consideration for companies planning to enter South Korea.
In many ordinary business sectors, foreign investors may establish a Korean company with full foreign ownership. However, some activities are subject to foreign investment restrictions, licensing requirements, or special sector-specific rules.
Before selecting a business structure, investors should confirm:
Whether the intended business activity is open to foreign investment.
Whether any foreign ownership restrictions apply.
Whether the proposed business requires a special permit or regulatory approval.
Whether the investment qualifies for registration as a foreign-invested enterprise under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.
Whether the investor's intended management and immigration arrangements require separate review.
These questions are particularly important for businesses operating in regulated industries, including certain financial services, telecommunications, broadcasting, and other restricted or specially regulated activities.
Understanding Foreign Direct Investment in Korea
South Korea's official investment guidance generally defines qualifying foreign direct investment as an investment of at least KRW 100 million, together with the applicable ownership or management participation criteria.
The standard threshold generally includes foreign ownership of at least 10% of the voting shares or the relevant investment amount. Certain investments below the 10% ownership threshold may also qualify where the applicable management participation requirements are met.
Meeting these criteria is relevant to foreign-invested enterprise status. It should not be confused with a universal minimum capital requirement for every Korean company.
A company may be legally incorporated without automatically qualifying for the same foreign-investment status or immigration benefits. Investors should confirm the applicable requirements before transferring capital.
4. What Documents Are Required for South Korea Company Registration?
Document requirements depend on whether the investor is an individual, a foreign corporation, or an existing overseas parent company.
The following is a practical preparation checklist for a typical foreign-invested subsidiary.
4.1 Documents for Individual Foreign Investors
Commonly required documents may include:
A valid passport.
Investor identification and nationality information.
Proposed Korean company name and business activities.
Details of the proposed shareholders and directors.
Shareholding percentages and capital contribution information.
Corporate address or evidence of an eligible business premises arrangement.
Powers of attorney where a representative will handle the procedures.
Additional documents requested by the bank, registry, tax authority, or other relevant institution.
4.2 Documents for a Foreign Corporate Shareholder
When an overseas company invests in a Korean subsidiary, the documentation may include:
Certificate of incorporation or equivalent corporate registration document.
Business registration certificate or evidence of the foreign company's legal existence.
Corporate constitutional documents, where required.
Board resolution or other authorization approving the Korean investment.
Information identifying authorized signatories.
Passport or identification documents for relevant individuals.
Shareholder and ultimate beneficial ownership information.
Power of attorney for an appointed representative.
Documents supporting the source and remittance of investment funds, where requested.
Foreign documents may need notarization, an apostille, or consular legalization, depending on the document, issuing jurisdiction, and applicable requirements. Korean translations may also be necessary.
Investors should confirm the required form of authentication before obtaining translations or arranging international courier delivery. This helps reduce the risk of rejected documents and repeated administrative work.
4.3 Korean Corporate Documents
Depending on the selected structure and application, the Korean registration process may require:
Articles of incorporation.
Incorporation registration application.
Shareholder information.
Director and representative director details.
Corporate seal and related registration documents, where applicable.
Evidence of paid-in capital or the relevant capital payment documentation.
Business premises documentation.
Foreign investment notification documents.
Supporting documents required for business registration and banking.
The final document list should be confirmed against the investor's ownership structure, chosen legal form, and current official filing requirements.
5. Step-by-Step Process for Registering a Company in South Korea
A foreign-invested Korean subsidiary generally follows a sequence of investment notification, capital remittance, incorporation registration, tax registration, and foreign-invested company registration.
The following steps provide a practical overview.
Step 1: Define the Business Plan and Legal Structure
Before preparing applications, determine what the company will do in Korea.
Clarify the proposed business activities, expected customers, ownership structure, investment amount, management arrangements, and intended operating location.
For example, a company importing industrial components may require a different compliance review from a software company or a cosmetics distributor.
The business plan should also identify whether any sector-specific permits, product registrations, or other approvals may be necessary.
Step 2: Check the Company Name and Prepare Incorporation Documents
select a proposed Korean company name and verify its availability through the appropriate registration process.
Prepare the articles of incorporation and the information required for shareholder, director, registered address, and capital arrangements.
The legal form should be selected before the documents are finalized because different corporate forms may involve different governance and filing requirements.
Step 3: File the Foreign Investment Notification, Where Applicable
Foreign investors establishing a qualifying foreign-invested company generally need to submit a foreign investment notification through an authorized channel, such as KOTRA or an eligible foreign exchange bank.
The notification should accurately identify the investor, investment method, intended investment amount, and proposed investment target.
Investors should not assume that an ordinary international bank transfer automatically satisfies the foreign investment notification requirements.
The timing and description of the transfer should be coordinated with the receiving bank and the relevant investment procedures.
Step 4: Transfer the Investment Capital
Once the appropriate arrangements have been made, the investor transfers the investment funds through the designated banking process.
The bank may request investor identification, investment notification documents, and information about the source and purpose of the funds.
The transfer should be documented as an investment in accordance with the applicable procedure. The investor should retain the bank's remittance and foreign exchange documentation for subsequent registration steps.
International transfers can take longer than expected because of compliance reviews, incomplete beneficiary information, or requests for additional supporting documents.
Step 5: Register the Incorporation
Submit the required incorporation documents to the competent corporate registry.
After the incorporation registration is completed, the company obtains evidence of its legal registration.
This is a key milestone, but it does not necessarily mean that every required business, tax, immigration, or industry-specific procedure has been completed.
Step 6: Complete Business Registration and Tax-Related Formalities
The newly incorporated company must complete the applicable business registration and tax procedures with the Korean National Tax Service.
Documents may include the incorporation registration certificate, articles of incorporation, shareholder information, representative identification, business premises documentation, and relevant investment records.
The precise requirements depend on the business and its circumstances.
Before issuing invoices or commencing taxable transactions, the company should confirm its tax registration status and understand its obligations concerning corporate income tax, value-added tax where applicable, payroll withholding, and accounting records.
Step 7: Open and Activate the Corporate Bank Account
Corporate banking is essential for receiving customer payments, paying suppliers, handling payroll, and maintaining proper financial records.
Banks may conduct their own identity, beneficial ownership, source-of-funds, business-purpose, and risk assessments.
A successful company registration does not guarantee immediate approval for every bank account or financial service.
Investors should prepare a coherent set of corporate documents and be ready to explain the company's expected transactions, counterparties, and business model.
Step 8: Register as a Foreign-Invested Company, Where Applicable
For investments covered by the relevant foreign investment framework, the investor should complete foreign-invested company registration with the appropriate reporting institution.
Official Invest KOREA guidance states that the registration should generally be completed within 60 days after payment of the investment object.
The deadline and required evidence should be confirmed for the specific transaction.
Step 9: Obtain Industry-Specific Approvals and Prepare for Operations
Some companies must obtain additional permits before commencing business.
Depending on the activity, this may involve local government approvals, product-related authorizations, import or distribution requirements, professional licensing, or other regulatory procedures.
The company should also prepare employment agreements, payroll processes, accounting systems, internal authorization rules, and a compliance calendar.
Important: Incorporation, business registration, foreign investment registration, and sector-specific licensing are distinct procedures. Completing one should not be treated as proof that all other requirements have been satisfied.
6. How Long Does It Take to Register a Company in South Korea?
The timeline depends on the corporate structure, the investor's nationality and documentation, capital remittance arrangements, bank compliance checks, and whether additional licenses are required.
Official Invest KOREA guidance indicates that the standard establishment process for a foreign-invested company can take approximately two weeks under suitable circumstances.
This should be treated as a planning reference rather than a guaranteed completion date.
A practical timeline may be affected by:
Whether overseas documents require notarization or apostille.
Whether Korean translations are needed.
Whether investment funds arrive with complete supporting records.
Whether the proposed company name and incorporation documents need revision.
Whether the bank requests additional verification.
Whether the business requires special permits.
Whether the investor also needs a visa or immigration status change.
Businesses should distinguish the time needed for legal incorporation from the time needed to become fully operational.
For planning purposes, it is sensible to prepare documents and banking arrangements before the intended launch date rather than scheduling customer transactions immediately after the incorporation application.
7. How Much Does South Korea Company Registration Cost?
There is no single all-inclusive price applicable to every foreign investor.
The total establishment budget may include the following categories.
7.1 Government and Registration Charges
Depending on the transaction, costs may include incorporation registration fees, applicable registration and local taxes, certificate issuance, and other official charges.
The amount can vary according to the capital structure, registration location, and applicable rules.
7.2 Notarization, Apostille, and Translation
Overseas corporate documents may require authentication and translation into Korean.
The cost depends on the issuing country, the number and type of documents, the authentication route, and the translation requirements.
7.3 Professional Service Fees
Investors may engage Korean lawyers, accountants, tax professionals, incorporation service providers, or other qualified advisers.
Service fees vary according to the scope of work. A basic incorporation service is not necessarily equivalent to a package covering foreign investment notification, tax registration, banking coordination, industry licensing, and ongoing compliance.
7.4 Registered Address and Office Expenses
The company may need to budget for an eligible business address, office rent, deposits, utilities, and administrative expenses.
Whether a particular address arrangement is suitable depends on the intended business activities and the requirements of the relevant authorities.
7.5 Accounting, Tax, and Employment Compliance
After incorporation, recurring costs may include bookkeeping, tax filings, payroll administration, annual financial statements, audit services where required, and employment-related expenses.
These costs should be considered part of the business setup budget rather than treated as optional afterthoughts.
7.6 Investment Capital Is Not the Same as a Service Fee
Investors should distinguish between paid-in capital and the cost of professional services.
Capital contributed to the company is generally intended to fund its business activities, subject to applicable legal and banking rules. It is not automatically a fee paid to the incorporation service provider.
Likewise, the minimum amount relevant to qualifying foreign direct investment should not be confused with the minimum capital required for every possible Korean company structure.
A reliable quotation should identify government charges, professional fees, translation and authentication expenses, office costs, and capital requirements separately.
8. Tax and Ongoing Compliance After Incorporation
Company registration is only the beginning of operating a business in South Korea.
Foreign-owned companies must understand the tax and reporting obligations applicable to their activities.
Corporate Income Tax
A Korean company may be subject to Korean corporate income tax on the income covered by the applicable tax rules.
The effective treatment depends on the company's taxable income, applicable tax rates, local taxes, deductions, incentives, and other circumstances.
Investors should obtain current tax advice rather than rely on a general estimate that may not reflect the company's actual position.
Value-Added Tax
VAT registration, invoicing, reporting, and payment requirements depend on the company's activities and applicable tax rules.
Businesses importing, selling, distributing, or providing services in Korea should determine how VAT applies to their transactions.
Payroll and Employment
Employers may need to handle payroll withholding, social insurance, employment contracts, workplace obligations, and other requirements.
These obligations depend on the company's workforce and employment arrangements.
Accounting and Corporate Records
The company should maintain appropriate accounting records, retain supporting documentation, and meet applicable filing deadlines.
Certain companies may also be subject to statutory audit or additional reporting obligations.
Cross-Border Transactions
Payments between a Korean company and its foreign parent or related companies require careful documentation.
Management should review intercompany service fees, royalties, financing, transfer pricing, withholding taxes, and relevant tax treaty provisions where applicable.
Proper documentation from the beginning can reduce disputes and make future tax reviews more manageable.
9. Can Company Registration Help a Foreign Investor Obtain a Korean D-8 Visa?
Some foreign investors establish a Korean company because they intend to manage or participate in the operation of a business in Korea.
However, company incorporation and immigration approval are separate matters.
The D-8 corporate investment visa has its own eligibility requirements, documentary standards, and immigration procedures.
Official Invest KOREA guidance identifies, among other relevant categories, foreign nationals who bring in qualifying investment funds of KRW 100 million or more from abroad and establish and operate a corporation under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.
Other eligible categories and specific conditions may apply.
Applicants should confirm the appropriate visa category, investment evidence, business activity, management role, and current immigration requirements before making commitments.
Registering a company, owning shares, or holding a director position does not automatically guarantee visa approval.
10. Shenzhen Ruibo actual successful case: a foreign manufacturer sets up a subsidiary in South Korea
Business Background
Consider an industrial equipment manufacturer based outside South Korea that wants to develop a local sales network and provide technical support to Korean customers.
Initially, the manufacturer sells through independent distributors. As the number of Korean customers grows, it decides that a local company would offer better control over customer relationships, inventory coordination, and after-sales service.
The company therefore evaluates establishing a wholly owned Korean subsidiary.
Main Challenges
The manufacturer identifies four major issues before proceeding.
Challenge 1: Selecting the legal structure
The company must decide whether to operate through a branch or incorporate a separate Korean subsidiary.
Because it wants a locally incorporated entity capable of entering customer contracts and developing its own operating structure, it chooses to evaluate a Korean subsidiary.
Challenge 2: Preparing foreign corporate documents
The overseas parent must provide corporate existence documents, investment authorization, ownership information, and other supporting materials.
The team prepares a document checklist and confirms the authentication and Korean translation requirements before submitting the applications.
Challenge 3: Coordinating investment funds and registration
The parent company coordinates the foreign investment notification and the capital transfer with the relevant bank.
It retains the transfer documentation and ensures that the incorporation records and investment information are consistent.
Challenge 4: Preparing for operations
The company develops a budget covering professional services, office expenses, accounting, tax filings, and staffing.
It also reviews whether its products and planned activities require additional import, product, or industry-specific approvals.
Implementation Approach
The company follows a structured sequence:
Confirm the business model and legal structure.
Check the proposed name and prepare incorporation documents.
Complete the applicable foreign investment notification.
Arrange the capital transfer and retain supporting records.
Complete corporate incorporation and business registration.
Address applicable foreign-invested company registration requirements.
Confirm banking, tax, premises, and operational compliance before launching commercial activities.
Expected Business Benefits
This approach can help the manufacturer establish a clearer local operating structure, improve customer communication, and prepare for a more consistent approach to accounting and compliance.
The actual outcome depends on market demand, execution, regulatory approvals, and the company's operating performance. Registration alone does not guarantee revenue growth or commercial success.
Lessons for Other Foreign Investors
The case illustrates three practical principles.
First, legal structure should follow the business model rather than be selected solely on the basis of initial registration cost.
Second, document authentication, capital remittance, and banking arrangements should be coordinated early.
Third, investors should plan for post-incorporation compliance before the company begins trading.
These principles are relevant to manufacturers, trading companies, technology businesses, and other international companies evaluating entry into South Korea.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Korean Company
Mistake 1: Assuming Every Business Has the Same Foreign Investment Requirements
Different business activities and investment structures may be subject to different rules.
Investors should confirm whether their proposed activities are restricted or require additional approvals.
Mistake 2: Confusing Incorporation with Foreign-Invested Enterprise Registration
A company may complete corporate registration while still needing to address other foreign investment procedures.
The investor should maintain a checklist of every applicable filing and deadline.
Mistake 3: Transferring Capital Without Confirming the Procedure
Incorrect payment descriptions, missing investment notification records, or incomplete source-of-funds documentation can create delays.
The bank and relevant reporting institution should be consulted before funds are remitted.
Mistake 4: Underestimating Document Authentication
Overseas corporate documents may require specific forms of authentication and translation.
Preparing documents according to the receiving authority's requirements can reduce repeated submissions.
Mistake 5: Treating a Registered Address as a Minor Detail
The proposed address should be appropriate for the intended activities and satisfy applicable requirements.
Businesses should confirm suitability before signing long-term rental agreements.
Mistake 6: Assuming a Corporate Bank Account Is Guaranteed
Banks conduct independent compliance reviews. They may request additional documents or decline an application.
Investors should prepare complete ownership information and a clear explanation of the intended business.
Mistake 7: Ignoring Tax and Accounting Obligations
A registered company may have ongoing reporting and recordkeeping duties even during periods of limited commercial activity.
The company should establish its accounting and tax processes early.
Mistake 8: Assuming Company Ownership Automatically Grants a Visa
Immigration status depends on separate eligibility and application requirements.
Investors should treat corporate registration and immigration planning as related but distinct workstreams.
12. How to Choose a South Korea Company Registration Service Provider
International investors may benefit from professional assistance when dealing with Korean-language documents, corporate registration, foreign investment notification, and local compliance.
When evaluating a service provider, consider the following factors.
1. Clear scope of services
Confirm whether the engagement covers only incorporation or also includes investment notification, business registration, banking coordination, and post-registration support.
2. Knowledge of foreign-invested companies
The provider should understand the distinction between ordinary corporate incorporation, qualifying foreign investment, and foreign-invested company registration.
3. Transparent pricing
Request an itemized quotation separating government charges, professional fees, translation, authentication, address costs, and recurring compliance expenses.
4. Document and deadline management
A professional provider should explain what documents are needed, which party must prepare each item, and what can cause delays.
5. Appropriate professional qualifications
Legal, tax, accounting, immigration, and regulated advisory services may require different qualifications. Confirm that the provider or its partners are authorized to perform the specific services being offered.
6. Ongoing support
Ask how the provider handles tax filings, accounting, annual obligations, payroll, corporate changes, and future investment requirements.
7. Verifiable experience
Request relevant examples, references where available, and a written description of the provider's responsibilities. Distinguish demonstrated experience from general marketing claims.
The right provider should help the investor understand the process and its risks, rather than promise guaranteed registration, bank account approval, or visa issuance.
13. Frequently Asked Questions About South Korea Company Registration
Q1. Can a foreigner register a company in South Korea?
Yes. Foreign individuals and overseas companies can establish businesses in South Korea, subject to applicable investment restrictions, corporate rules, and industry-specific requirements.
Q2. Can a foreign company own 100% of a Korean subsidiary?
Full foreign ownership is generally possible in many ordinary business sectors, but the proposed activities must be checked for foreign investment restrictions and licensing requirements.
Q3. What is the minimum investment for a foreign-invested company in Korea?
Qualifying foreign direct investment generally involves at least KRW 100 million and applicable ownership or management participation criteria. This threshold is distinct from the minimum capital rules that may apply to a particular corporate form.
Q4. How long does Korean company registration take?
Official investment guidance indicates approximately two weeks for a standard foreign-invested company establishment process under suitable circumstances. Document preparation, banking, permits, and other factors may extend the timeline.
Q5. Do foreign investors need to visit South Korea in person?
Not every administrative step necessarily requires the investor's physical presence. However, document execution, identity verification, banking, and other procedures may require specific arrangements. Confirm the requirements with the relevant institutions before planning a fully remote setup.
Q6. Is a Korean business address required?
A suitable registered address is generally needed for incorporation and business registration. The acceptable address arrangement depends on the legal and operational circumstances.
Q7. Can a foreign investor open a Korean corporate bank account immediately after incorporation?
Not necessarily. Banks conduct independent compliance and identity checks and may request additional documentation. Incorporation does not guarantee account approval.
Q8. Does a Korean subsidiary automatically qualify as a foreign-invested company?
No. The company must meet the relevant criteria and complete the applicable foreign investment procedures to obtain the corresponding status.
Q9. Can registering a Korean company guarantee a D-8 visa?
No. A visa application is assessed under separate immigration requirements. Corporate ownership or incorporation alone does not guarantee approval.
Q10. What taxes may a Korean company need to pay?
Depending on its activities and circumstances, a company may have corporate income tax, value-added tax, payroll withholding, and other tax or reporting obligations. The applicable treatment should be confirmed with a qualified Korean tax professional.
Q11. Can an overseas company open a Korean branch instead of incorporating a subsidiary?
In many circumstances, a foreign company can consider registering a branch. The choice depends on its commercial objectives, legal responsibilities, tax position, and intended activities.
Q12. Is a liaison office suitable for selling products in Korea?
A liaison office is generally intended for non-commercial activities. A business intending to conduct sales or other profit-generating operations should assess whether a subsidiary or branch is required.
Q13. What documents are needed when a foreign company is the shareholder?
Common documents include evidence of the parent company's legal existence, corporate authorization for the investment, shareholder information, authorized signatory details, and any required authenticated or translated documents. The final list depends on the transaction.
Q14. Are there ongoing compliance costs after registration?
Yes. Potential expenses include accounting, tax filings, office costs, payroll administration, professional services, and other statutory obligations.
Q15. What is the biggest mistake foreign investors should avoid?
The most important mistake is treating incorporation as the entire market-entry process. Investors should coordinate legal registration, investment procedures, banking, tax compliance, industry approvals, and immigration planning where relevant.
14. Conclusion: Building a Compliant Business Presence in South Korea
South Korea offers international companies opportunities across manufacturing, technology, trade, consumer products, and other industries. Establishing a local business can support market development, customer service, supplier relationships, and long-term regional expansion.
However, successful market entry requires a structured approach.
Investors should select the right legal form, confirm foreign ownership eligibility, prepare authenticated documents, coordinate investment remittance, complete incorporation and tax registration, and address applicable foreign-investment and industry-specific requirements.
They should also budget for recurring accounting, tax, employment, and operational obligations rather than focusing exclusively on the initial registration fee.
For businesses planning South Korea company registration in 2026, the most practical first step is to confirm the proposed business activities, ownership structure, investment amount, registered address, and operational objectives. These details provide the foundation for identifying the appropriate registration route and preparing an accurate setup plan.
A well-prepared incorporation process can reduce avoidable delays and create a stronger foundation for sustainable business operations in the Korean market.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, or investment advice. Korean laws, fees, filing requirements, and administrative practices may change. Confirm the requirements applicable to your circumstances with the relevant Korean authorities and qualified professionals before taking action.
