Unlike the American court system, the South Korean legal system is an inquisitorial system. This means that instead of the court being an impartial arbitrator and referee to legal proceedings, the court is directly and actively involved in investigating the case.
There are also key differences between American law and South Korean law regarding arrest and detention. You can be held for up to 48 hours without being initially charged, and it’s common for suspects to remain in detention throughout the investigation and trial instead of being released on bail. Because the South Korean legal system and judicial process are very different from the American system, you want to avoid getting into trouble with local authorities or breaking any Korean laws.
Here are some local laws relevant to foreign travelers in South Korea, like where you can and can’t take photos, driving regulations, and drinking restrictions, as well as advice on what to do if you get in trouble with the local authorities.