1. Introduction
Korea has a unique legal profession called Administrative Attorney, or Haengjeongsa (행정사) in Korean.
This article introduces what administrative attorneys do, how they can help foreigners, and why their role matters in immigration, civil, and legal matters.

2. What Is an Administrative Attorney?
An administrative attorney is a certified legal professional in Korea who is authorized to:

• Prepare and submit legal documents to government offices
• Represent clients in administrative appeals
• Provide consultation on immigration, visas, civil petitions, and more

Administrative attorneys are especially helpful for those who need to deal with Korean government procedures but do not speak Korean or understand the legal system.
If you’re living or working in Korea and have encountered issues related to immigration, maritime affairs, or general legal paperwork, you may have heard of Haengjeongsa — also known as Administrative Attorneys. But did you know there are three types of licensed Administrative Attorneys in Korea?

Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the differences:

2-1. General Administrative Attorney (일반행정사)

This type of administrative attorney handles a wide range of paperwork and legal representation for individuals and businesses. Their services include:

Drafting legal documents (contracts, petitions, applications)

Representing clients in administrative appeals

Consulting on civil and government procedures

2-2. Maritime Administrative Attorney (해사행정사)

Specialized in maritime affairs, they offer services related to:

Legal consultation for foreign seafarers

Visa applications and status changes

Marine accident documentation and claims

Maritime labor disputes

2-3. Foreign Language Translation Administrative Attorney (외국어번역행정사)

These attorneys specialize in translating and interpreting legal and administrative documents between Korean and foreign languages. Their expertise includes:

Certified legal translations

Immigration paperwork for foreigners

Interpretation for legal investigations or court hearings

3. How Can an Administrative Attorney Help Foreigners?
Examples of services for foreigners include:

• Visa and immigration assistance (change of status, extension, F-2/F-5 etc.)
• Preparation of legal documents (e.g. petitions, contracts, declarations)
• Help with labor issues, housing disputes, or business registration
• Interpretation and certified translation of official documents

As an active Korea Coast Guard Academy Professor(Drug Enforcement and Foreign Affairs) with experience in interpreting, immigration consultation, and international cooperation, I understand the real-world challenges that foreigners face in Korea.

4. Why Choose a Haengjeongsa Instead of a Lawyer?

• More affordable for administrative matters
• More accessible for routine immigration or documentation services
• No need to go through the court system for many tasks
• Quick and personalized consultation

5. My Commitment

I am a certified Administrative Attorney with over 16 years of experience in maritime law enforcement, foreign crew consultation, and international legal interpreting.
My goal is to help foreign residents and workers in Korea navigate the system with clarity and trust.

6. Contact / Next Steps

• Need help with a visa issue or a legal document? I can provide you my within knowledge.
• I will connect you with active administrative attorneys now.