Court Reporting and Depositions in South Korea

1. With teams living in Korea, Planet Depos regularly covers depositions in Seoul, Suwon, Busan, and Pohang. Taking U.S. depositions in South Korea is straightforward using the Planet Depos checklist specific to South Korea. As with most international depositions, it is important to allow enough time (ideally, 2 to 3 weeks) for scheduling due to associated logistical challenges. However, as the only firm with teams living on the ground in Korea, we are often able to cover last-minute requests.Counsel will determine whether the witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can stipulate and begin the process of setting up the deposition. If the witness is unwilling to be deposed and must be compelled to testify, a letter rogatory is required. For more information, visit the International Judicial Assistance Website for the Bureau of Consular Affairs

1. Determine the Planet Depos services needed:
   • U.S.-trained court reporter (stenographer)
   • U.S.-trained legal videographer
   • Korean interpreter
   • Local exhibit printing, delivery, and shredding
   • Conference room
2. If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist.)
   • Do you need a location in South Korea?
   • Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite or do you need a location in the U.S.?
   • Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
3. Select your deposition date, starting time and ending time (Remember to note time zone!)
4. Make travel arrangements
5. Send protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)
6. Fill out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form to ensure we fulfill all your needs
7. Send Notice of Deposition to all counsel, the witness, and Planet Depos
8. Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s preparation:
   • Notice of deposition
   • Answer to Complaint
   • Previous transcript(s)
   • Word index
9. Provide contact information for counsel who will be attending, such as hotel or cell phone number

Travel safely to South Korea and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

State of Taking Depositions in South Korea

We routinely cover depositions throughout the Republic of Korea. Although we are not attorneys, our understanding of the current practice regarding taking depositions in South Korea is as follows:

1. In order to take the voluntary deposition of a Korean national or third country national by a “commissioner,” it appears that a request must be made to the South Korean Authority and must be taken in the context of the South Korean Court System
2. However, U.S. attorneys regularly take depositions of willing witnesses in the Republic of Korea without making a request to the Korean Central Authority
3. It is our understanding that some attorneys interpret the restriction to be limited to involuntary depositions of Republic of Korea governmental officials and for depositions before a Korean “commissioner”

Entry Requirements for South Korea

To enter Korea from the United States, it is recommended that you have an original, signed passport that is valid for 6 months beyond your stay. Make sure there at least two blank visa pages available for any necessary stamp(s).

Korea Visas

Neither a tourist visa nor a business visa is required for American visitors to enter Korea.

Flying to South Korea

When traveling to Seoul, the most convenient airports are Incheon (ICN) and Gimpo (GMP). For areas outside of Seoul, contact us.

Travel Advisories

Considering the ongoing conflict between North Korea and South Korea, it is advisable to check for travel warnings or restrictions before your trip. For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the website of the Embassy of the United States, Seoul/Korea. You can also download the SmartTravel App for your smartphone created by the U.S. Department of State.

Travel in South Korea

Staying in Seoul

There are many excellent hotels in Seoul that cater to the business traveler. Planet Depos is pleased to assist you with hotels as we offer corporate discounts at most of the top hotels in Seoul. First, determine if you will be staying north or south of the River Han (almost like going between New Jersey and New York City). It is possible to stay north of the river and travel south, or vice versa, but you must be prepared for heavy traffic and a long commute, despite the relatively short distance between the two. The best choice is to choose a hotel near the deposition venue.

Medical Information for South Korea

Generally, there are some modern medical facilities in South Korea, predominantly in Seoul, which is English-friendly. For a list of local-speaking doctors, please contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.

Money Matters

Most of Seoul accepts credit cards in taxis, restaurants, and shops. The two most widely used credit cards are Visa and MasterCard. However, it is always best to carry cash for the smaller areas and lesser-developed parts of the city (convenience stores, markets, etc.) The good news is there are plenty of ATMs in the City, and you will easily have access to any amount of won (the Korean currency). For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, visit a reputable currency converter website such as OANDA, which also provides an app for smartphones.

Weather

Temperature: Over the course of a year, the temperature typically varies from 16°F to 86°F. The warm season lasts from May 28 to September 23 with an average daily high temperature above 75°F.

Planet Depos Travel Tip: Conference rooms may be VERY warm, as the government regulates how low the air conditioning may be set. For your comfort, it is advisable to dress in layers.

The cold season lasts from December 2 to March 1 with an average daily high temperature below 44°F.

Voltage Information for South Korea

The voltage in South Korea is 220. For business travelers, the following items will require only a plug adapter, which allows the plug for your device to fit into electrical outlets in South Korea. These devices are dual voltage and are designed to automatically adjust the voltage from 110 to 220 (“dual voltage”).

• Cell phone chargers
• Laptops
• iPads
• Stenographic machines (used by court reporters / stenographers)

It is important not to confuse plug adapters with voltage. You cannot plug any 110-voltage equipment — even with a plug adapter on it – into a 220v outlet. You need either 110-220 (dual voltage) equipment or a transformer to convert from 110 to 220.

Bring Korean plug adapters with you. If you should run short, ask your hotel or one of our Planet Depos team members in Korea to provide you with some loaners.

Finally, if any of your plugs have a “ground” (a third prong on the plug), you will need a 3-2 prong adapter as well.

The above adapters are available for purchase at various electronic websites and stores.

Planet Depos Travel Tip: Buy extras adapters and keep them in your bag for backup!