Visiting a police station

At a police station, interpretation and records matter most.

When you go

• To make a formal complaint
• To give a victim statement
• When summoned as a witness or suspect
• For lost property reports and certificates

Prepare before going

• Alien Registration Card and passport
• Evidence — photos, video, texts, contracts, medical certificates
• Notes in chronological order
• Tell them in advance that you need interpretation

The two things that matter most

1. Request an interpreter. You have the right to interpretation in criminal proceedings. If your Korean isn't perfect, always ask. Never have family or children interpret for you. See interpreter-right-police.
2. Never sign a statement you haven't read. Have the content confirmed through an interpreter, and demand corrections where it differs from the facts. A signed statement is hard to change later.

If you are questioned as a suspect

• You have the right to a lawyer. See lawyer-right.
• You have the right to remain silent.
• You can ask for your embassy to be notified. See embassy-help-arrest.
• Don't decide alone — consult a lawyer and your consulate. See arrest-rights.

Where to go

• 112 emergencies · 182 police civil affairs call centre
• Your local police station
• 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (free legal advice)
• 1345 · 1577-1366 interpretation
• Your embassy — see embassy-contacts

Questions people ask

They won't call an interpreter. State clearly that you have the right to interpretation. If that fails, call 1345 or 1577-1366 for three-way interpretation and inform your embassy.

I don't understand the statement. Don't sign it. You can say you will sign after confirming it through an interpreter.

I received a summons. Don't ignore it. But it is wise to consult 132 or a lawyer before going.

Can I go without residence status? That is a separate matter from reporting as a victim. If you are worried, consult 1345 or a migrant support organisation first.

Take care

Signing without understanding is the most dangerous thing you can do. Statements become important evidence at trial. Check them line by line through an interpreter and insist that errors be corrected. Do not let yourself be rushed.

Related

police-report · interpreter-right-police · lawyer-right · arrest-rights · embassy-help-arrest

Source

Korean National Police Agency www.police.go.kr / As of 2026-08