No. Squatting is illegal in South Korea under the Criminal Act (Article 329) and Civil Act (Article 214), criminalizing unauthorized occupation of property. Violators face eviction orders, fines up to ₩10 million, or imprisonment for up to 3 years. The 2026 enforcement of the Special Act on Illegal Occupancy Prevention tightens penalties, requiring landlords to report squatters within 7 days or risk liability.
Key Regulations for Squatting in South Korea
- Criminal Act (Article 329): Unauthorized entry or occupation of property constitutes trespass, punishable by law.
- Civil Act (Article 214): Property owners may seek immediate eviction via court orders without prior notice to squatters.
- Special Act on Illegal Occupancy Prevention (2026): Mandates landlords to file squatter reports to local Dong offices within 7 days, or face administrative fines up to ₩5 million.
Local authorities, including Si/Gun/Gu offices, enforce evictions under the Enforcement Decree of the Building Act, prioritizing speed to mitigate property damage. Squatters may contest evictions via administrative appeals, but courts rarely uphold claims post-2023 precedent shifts favoring property rights. Foreign investors must conduct due diligence via the Korea Land & Housing Corporation to avoid inherited squatter disputes.