About the Korea Prison System
South Korea's correctional system is managed by the Korea Correctional Service (κ΅μ λ³ΈλΆ) under the Ministry of Justice. South Korea operates a network of correctional institutions (κ΅λμ), detention centers (ꡬμΉμ), and branch offices across the country. The system emphasizes rehabilitation and vocational training programs for inmates.
For inmate searches, use the official contacts listed below. For US citizens detained in Korea, contact the US Embassy at +82 2 397 4114 immediately or call the State Department at 1-888-407-4747 from the US.
Note: JailGuide does not currently have individual facility records loaded for Korea. The official contacts below are sourced from government sources. To locate a specific inmate, use the contacts listed on this page.
Key Korea Prison Contacts
| Agency / Facility | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korea Correctional Service HQ | Gwacheon | +82 2 2110 3000 | Visit Site |
| Seoul Detention Center | Uiwang | +82 31 460 2000 | Visit Site |
| Busan Detention Center | Busan | +82 51 330 8000 | Visit Site |
| US Embassy Seoul | Seoul | +82 2 397 4114 | Visit Site |
| Korean Bar Association | Seoul | +82 2 3476 4000 | Visit Site |
| Korea Legal Aid Corporation | Seoul | +82 2 2054 0700 | Visit Site |
Korea Prison FAQ
South Korea does not maintain a publicly accessible centralized inmate search system in English. The Korea Correctional Service website at corrections.go.kr provides facility information in Korean. To locate an inmate, contact the Korea Correctional Service headquarters at +82 2 2110 3000 or the specific facility directly. For US citizens detained in Korea, contact the US Embassy in Seoul at +82 2 397 4114.
Contact the US Embassy in Seoul immediately at +82 2 397 4114, or the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US. South Korea is required under the Vienna Convention to notify the Embassy when a US citizen is detained. The Embassy can provide lists of English-speaking Korean attorneys and visit detained Americans.
Visitation at South Korean correctional facilities is permitted but regulated. Visitors must be pre-approved and present valid government-issued ID. Visit frequency and duration vary by facility and inmate classification. Contact the specific institution directly for current visitation rules, scheduling, and any documentation requirements for foreign visitors.
Contact the Korean Bar Association at www.koreanbar.or.kr for referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys. The Korea Legal Aid Corporation (KLAC) provides free or low-cost legal assistance. The US Embassy in Seoul can provide a list of English-speaking Korean attorneys. South Korea provides court-appointed counsel for criminal defendants who cannot afford private representation.
Funds for South Korean prison inmates are deposited through the correctional facility administration. Domestic bank transfers to the designated prison account are the standard method. Contact the specific facility for current accepted payment methods, required reference information including the inmate registration number, and any applicable limits on deposits.