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법률칼럼Legal InsightForeigner2026. 07. 24

[Immigration of South Korea] What Happens After a DUI on an F-6 Visa in Korea?

Have you received a DUI charge while holding an F-6 marriage visa in Korea ? Many foreign nationals believe that paying

썸네일

Have you received a DUI charge while holding an F-6 marriage visa in Korea?

Many foreign nationals believe that paying a fine and completing the criminal process means the problem is finished.

However, for foreign residents, this is not always true.

A DUI case can lead to a separate immigration review by the immigration of South Korea, which may affect your visa status, extension of stay, or even your ability to continue living in Korea.

This is especially important for F-6 visa holders because their residence status is connected to their marriage and family life in Korea.

i
If you are facing a DUI issue while holding an F-6 visa, consulting an experienced immigration lawyer Seoul early can help you prepare the necessary response and protect your right to stay.
At Majung Law Firm, our team assists foreign nationals with criminal cases and immigration procedures based on extensive experience with Korean immigration practice.
CONTENTS

Contents

01
Does a DUI End With a Fine in Korea?
02
How Does Korean Immigration Review an F-6 Visa DUI Case?
03
Can an F-6 Visa Holder Receive a Departure Order?
04
What Evidence Can Help Protect Your Visa?
05
What Does Immigration of South Korea Consider?
06
Why Choose Majung Law Firm?
01

Does a DUI End With a Fine in Korea?

Many foreign nationals think:

"I paid my fine, so my DUI case is over."

However, for foreigners living in Korea, criminal procedures and immigration procedures are separate.

Even after a court issues a fine for DUI, the immigration of South Korea may independently review whether the person can continue maintaining their residence status.

During this process, immigration authorities may examine:

How the DUI occurred
Blood alcohol concentration
Whether an accident occurred
Whether anyone was injured
Whether it was a first or repeat offense
Your overall life circumstances in Korea

Therefore, an F-6 visa DUI case should not be viewed as only a traffic offense.

It may also become an immigration status issue.

An experienced immigration lawyer Seoul can help you understand the possible risks and prepare appropriate supporting materials.

02

How Does Korean Immigration Review an F-6 Visa DUI Case?

The immigration of South Korea does not only look at the criminal punishment.

Instead, immigration authorities may consider the entire situation.

Important factors may include:

CHECK POINT
1. Details of the DUI Incident
Blood alcohol level
Accident involvement
Property damage
Personal injury
Previous DUI history
2. Your Life and Family in Korea
Marriage relationship
Children
Length of residence
Employment history
Financial stability
3. Future Risk Assessment
Possibility of repeated violations
Level of responsibility
Evidence of rehabilitation

This means the same DUI offense may lead to different outcomes depending on the individual's circumstances.

A foreign spouse who has built a stable family life in Korea may need to present evidence showing why continued residence is necessary.

03

Can an F-6 Visa Holder Receive a Departure Order?

Not every DUI case automatically results in deportation or a departure order.

However, the possibility may increase depending on the seriousness of the case.

Factors that may create greater immigration concerns include:

✔ Repeat DUI offenses
✔ High blood alcohol concentration
✔ Accidents causing injuries
✔ Driving without a license
✔ Leaving the scene after an accident
✔ Additional criminal history

In serious cases, the immigration of south korea may consider administrative measures affecting your stay.

However, immigration decisions are not based only on the offense itself.

Your family situation, residence history, and efforts to prevent future violations may also be considered.

For this reason, consulting an immigration lawyer Seoul before an immigration decision is finalized can be extremely important.

04

What Evidence Can Help Protect an F-6 Visa?

For marriage visa holders, proving your connection to Korea can be a key part of the immigration response.

Important supporting documents may include:

✔ Evidence of maintaining your marriage relationship
✔ Family registration documents
✔ Children's documents
✔ Apology letters
✔ Alcohol rehabilitation or prevention program certificates
✔ Employment certificates
✔ Employment contracts
✔ Tax payment records
✔ Family support letters

These materials help demonstrate that:

You have established a stable life in Korea
You have family responsibilities
You understand the seriousness of the incident
You are making efforts to prevent future problems

An experienced immigration lawyer Seoul can help organize these materials and explain your circumstances effectively.

05

Can a Foreigner Be Deported From Korea After DUI?

One of the biggest concerns among foreign nationals is:

"Can I be forced to leave Korea because of DUI?"

A DUI does not automatically mean deportation.

The immigration of South Korea considers multiple factors before making a decision.

These may include:

Duration of stay in KoreaFamily relationshipsVisa typeCriminal historyPossibility of rehabilitationFuture compliance with Korean law

However, serious DUI cases, repeated offenses, or accidents involving victims may create a higher risk.

Therefore, waiting until a departure order or immigration notice is issued may put you in a more difficult position.

Early preparation is often the most important step.

06

What Does Immigration of South Korea Consider During DUI Review?

During an immigration review, authorities may examine various records, not only the final criminal judgment.

Important materials may include:

01
Criminal investigation records
02
Court decisions
03
Criminal history
04
Immigration history
05
Marriage and family documents
06
Employment information
07
Evidence of rehabilitation

The purpose is to determine whether the foreign national's continued stay in Korea is appropriate.

Because immigration review involves many factors, submitting only a simple explanation may not be enough.

A qualified immigration lawyer Seoul can help prepare a structured response based on your personal circumstances.

07

Why Choose Majung Law Firm?

F-6 visa DUI cases require an approach that considers both criminal law and immigration law.

At Majung Law Firm, we assist foreign nationals facing immigration concerns after criminal cases.

Our strengths include:

WHY MAJUNG?
Why Choose Majung Law Firm?
Attorneys with experience in the Investigation Division of the Korean Immigration Office
Korean Bar Association-certified specialists in Visa & Refugee Law
Korean Bar Association-certified specialists in Criminal, Family, and Industrial Accident Law
English-speaking legal consultations
Real-time interpretation services
Video consultations available worldwide
More than 12,000 foreign national cases handled

Our immigration lawyer Seoul team understands that a DUI case can affect not only your legal record but also your family, visa status, and future in Korea.

FINAL NOTE

Protect Your F-6 Visa and Your Life in Korea

An F-6 visa DUI case is not simply about paying a fine.

For foreign spouses living in Korea, the most important question is often:

"How can I protect my right to continue living with my family in Korea?"

The answer depends on careful preparation, accurate evidence, and understanding how the immigration of south korea evaluates these cases.

If you are facing a DUI issue while holding an F-6 visa, consulting an experienced immigration lawyer Seoul can help you understand your options and prepare the appropriate response.

Majung Law Firm provides English consultations, interpretation support, and video consultations for foreign nationals dealing with immigration and criminal issues in Korea.

Your visa and your family life may depend on how you respond after the incident. Seek professional guidance before it becomes too late.

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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