When does the Korea Consumer Agency handle medical complaints?
The Korea Consumer Agency handles medical service damage relief under the Framework Act on Consumers, and medical cases can take up to 60 extra days before going to its mediation committee.
The consumer agency and the mediation agency each exclude cases already filed with the other. Korea Patient Rights Guide sets out the rules side by side.
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On what basis does the consumer agency handle medical damage relief?
Article 55 of the Framework Act on Consumers lets consumers apply for damage relief, and Article 35 makes it one of the agency’s duties.
The decree lists medical cases first among the cases whose processing period can be extended (Enforcement Decree, Art. 44), so medical services are within its scope.
How long does consumer agency medical damage relief take?
If no agreement is reached within 30 days, the case goes to the Consumer Dispute Mediation Committee; for medical cases this can be extended by up to 60 days (Art. 58).
The extension rule is in Article 58(2), inserted in March 2026 and in force from 11 September 2026. The committee then decides within 30 days, which can be extended with reasons (Art. 66).
What is the effect of consumer committee mediation in a medical case?
If both sides accept, it has the same effect as a court settlement. Each side has 15 days to reply, and silence counts as acceptance (Art. 67).
Can you use the consumer agency and medical dispute mediation together?
No. Each body excludes cases already filed with the other, and the consumer agency suspends a case if a lawsuit is filed (Art. 59).
| Route | Run by | How it starts | Legal time frame | Effect of the result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediation | Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency | Respondent agrees within 14 days, or automatic start for death, coma or severe disability | Decision within 90 days of commencement, extendable once by 30 days | If both sides accept: same effect as a court settlement (Medical Dispute Mediation Act, Art. 36) |
| Arbitration | Same agency (mediation panel) | Both sides agree in writing to follow the panel’s final decision; can be requested during mediation | Set by the act and the Arbitration Act | Award has the same effect as a final court judgment (Art. 44) |
| Consumer damage relief | Korea Consumer Agency and its Consumer Dispute Mediation Committee | Damage relief application by the consumer | Referred to the committee if no agreement within 30 days (medical cases can be extended up to 60 days); committee decides within 30 days | If both sides accept the committee’s mediation: same effect as a court settlement (Framework Act on Consumers, Art. 67) |
| Civil lawsuit | Court | Filing a claim; mediation is not required first (Art. 40) | No time frame set by the mediation act | Final judgment |
What else do people ask about consumer agency medical damage relief?
Does the Korea Consumer Agency handle cosmetic or medical procedures?
It handles damage relief for services including medical services; its decree names medical cases among those whose processing can be extended.
How long does the consumer agency take?
30 days before referral to the committee, extendable by up to 60 days for medical cases, then 30 days for the committee.
Is a consumer committee result binding?
If both sides accept, it has the same effect as a court settlement (Art. 67).
Can I go to both bodies?
No. Each excludes cases already filed with the other.
Which body should I choose?
Korea Patient Rights Guide does not choose for you. Ask both bodies about your case.