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법률칼럼Legal InsightForeigner2026. 07. 28

[How to Divorce in Korea] Legal Options for Victims of International Marriage Fraud

International marriage can create a new family across different cultures and backgrounds. However, some people unfortuna

International marriage can create a new family across different cultures and backgrounds.

However, some people unfortunately use marriage as a way to obtain money or immigration benefits without having a genuine intention to build a family.

If you experience situations such as:

Your spouse suddenly disappears after marriage registration
Your spouse repeatedly demands money
Your spouse obtained a visa and stopped communicating
There is evidence that your spouse never intended to maintain a marriage

the situation may involve more than a simple marital conflict.

It may be necessary to consider legal options related to international marriage fraud, divorce, annulment, or cancellation of marriage.

Many people searching for how to divorce in korea do not know that international divorce cases may involve additional issues such as:

Different nationalities Foreign residence Service of legal documents Immigration status Evidence from overseas

At Majung Law Firm, we assist clients with international family law matters, including divorce in South Korea involving foreign spouses.

CONTENTS
01
What Should You Do After International Marriage Fraud?
02
Is Divorce the Only Option in These Cases?
03
What Happens If Your Foreign Spouse Disappears?
04
How to Divorce in Korea With Proper Legal Preparation
01

What Should You Do After International Marriage Fraud?

Many people believe that if they were deceived by their spouse, they should immediately consider divorce.

However, international marriage fraud cases may require a different approach from ordinary divorce cases.

The key question is whether the marriage was based on a genuine relationship or whether deception existed from the beginning.

Examples that may require legal review include:

01
Your spouse requested large amounts of money immediately after marriage
02
Your spouse registered the marriage but never lived together
03
Your spouse disappeared after obtaining a residence status
04
Your spouse showed no intention of creating a marital relationship
05
Your spouse’s family members were involved in requesting money

In these situations, it may be necessary to consider not only divorce but also whether annulment or cancellation of marriage in Korea is possible.

Understanding the difference between these procedures is an important part of finding the right solution.

02

Is Divorce the Only Option in an International Marriage Fraud Case?

When people search divorce in south korea, many assume that divorce is the only available option.

However, depending on the circumstances, other legal procedures may need to be considered.

If the marriage itself was formed through deception, legal issues such as:

Marriage annulment Marriage cancellation Fraud-related claims Compensation claims

may need to be reviewed.

Courts may consider evidence such as:

CHECK POINT
Messages between spouses
Money transfer records
Immigration records
Travel history
Marriage preparation process
Evidence of actual married life

For example, if a spouse received money while having no genuine intention to maintain a marriage, these details may become important evidence.

Therefore, international marriage fraud cases require careful review of the facts rather than simply filing for divorce.

03

What Happens If Your Foreign Spouse Disappears?

One common difficulty in international divorce cases is that the foreign spouse leaves Korea or becomes unreachable.

Many people believe:

“My spouse cannot be contacted, so I cannot proceed with divorce.”

However, this is not always true.

Depending on the circumstances, a divorce case may proceed through service by publication when the other party’s address or location cannot be confirmed.

Service by publication is a legal procedure where the court announces the documents publicly when direct delivery is difficult.

Therefore, even if your foreign spouse:

1
Returned to their home country
2
Refuses communication
3
Cannot be located

it may still be possible to proceed with divorce in Korea.

This is why understanding how to divorce in korea requires considering the specific circumstances of your case.

04

How to Divorce in Korea With Proper Legal Preparation

International divorce cases often involve more complicated procedures than ordinary divorce.

Important issues may include:

Which country’s law applies
Where the divorce should be filed
How documents should be delivered
Child custody
Property division
Financial claims

If there is evidence of marriage fraud, collecting materials early is especially important.

Useful evidence may include:

Messenger conversations
Bank transfer records
Immigration documents
Travel records
Communication with family members
Evidence showing the actual marital relationship

The earlier evidence is secured, the easier it may be to explain what happened.

05

Why Legal Advice Matters in International Divorce Cases

A case involving a foreign spouse is not only about ending a marriage.

It may also involve:

Immigration issues International document procedures Overseas evidence Property located in different countries

Depending on the situation, criminal procedures related to fraud or civil claims for damages may also need to be considered.

Therefore, international marriage fraud cases should be reviewed from multiple perspectives, including:

Family law
Civil claims
Criminal issues
Immigration considerations
06

Why Choose Majung Law Firm?

Majung Law Firm provides assistance for international family law cases involving Korean and foreign spouses.

Our team helps clients with:

WHY MAJUNG?
International Family Law, Why Majung?
International divorce procedures in Korea
✔ International divorce procedures in Korea
Foreign spouse divorce cases
✔ Foreign spouse divorce cases
Marriage annulment and cancellation issues
✔ Marriage annulment and cancellation issues
Service by publication divorce procedures
✔ Service by publication divorce procedures
English and multilingual consultations
✔ English and multilingual consultations
Video consultations available from overseas
✔ Video consultations available from overseas
Attorneys experienced in foreign-related legal matters
✔ Attorneys experienced in foreign-related legal matters

We understand that international divorce cases involve not only legal procedures but also personal, family, and immigration concerns.

07

Divorce in South Korea Requires the Right Strategy

FINAL NOTE

International marriage fraud is not always a simple marital disagreement.

Depending on the circumstances, you may need to consider:

01
Divorce in Korea
02
Marriage annulment
03
Marriage cancellation
04
Compensation claims
05
Fraud-related legal action

If you are searching for how to divorce in korea or need guidance regarding divorce in south korea, understanding your legal options early is important.

The right legal approach can help you protect your rights and move forward with a clear strategy.

Multilingual consultation available in English and Chinese.  
Professional interpreters assist from the first consultation to the conclusion of the case.  
Offices in Seoul, Daejeon, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju
Don’t face the legal system alone. Let Majung fight for you!
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