[Updated: 2026]
In a Korean divorce, the spouse who caused the marriage to break down may have to pay consolation money. This is money paid for the emotional pain they caused. It is separate from property division, and many foreigners divorcing in Korea have never heard of it. This guide explains what consolation money is, who can claim it, how much Korean courts usually award, and how fault affects the result.
What Is Consolation Money in a Korean Divorce?
Consolation money is a payment for the emotional distress caused by the spouse who is mainly at fault for the divorce. In short, it compensates one spouse for the harm caused by the other’s misconduct.
Do not confuse consolation money with alimony. Consolation money is not spousal support. In fact, Korean divorce law does not recognize post-divorce spousal support. After a divorce, there is no ongoing duty to support a former spouse financially. This is different from many Western countries. In Korea, a spouse’s financial claims are limited to two things: property division and, where there is fault, consolation money. There is no separate, continuing alimony.
Who Can Claim Consolation Money?
The spouse who is not at fault — or is less at fault — can claim consolation money from the other spouse. Common grounds include adultery, abandonment, and serious mistreatment.
There is one important limit. Sometimes both spouses are at fault, or it is hard to say who is more to blame. In those cases, Korean courts often dismiss the claim. So consolation money depends on a clear finding of fault. If neither side is clearly to blame, the court may award nothing.
In some cases, you can also claim consolation money from a third party who helped cause the breakup. A common example is a person who had an affair with the at-fault spouse.
How Much Consolation Money Do Korean Courts Award?
Korean courts usually award between USD 10,000 and USD 100,000. The exact amount depends on several factors:
- the length of the marriage
- the degree of fault of the responsible spouse
- the age and financial situation of each spouse
- the overall circumstances that led to the divorce
Because these factors differ in every case, the amount can vary widely. An experienced Korean divorce lawyer can help you estimate a realistic range.
A Note on Governing Law
All of the above describes consolation money under Korean law. Korean law does not apply to every divorce connected to Korea. When a foreign law governs the divorce, that foreign law decides whether such a claim is available and how it works.
Talk to a Korean Divorce Lawyer
Are you divorcing in Korea? You may want to know whether you can claim consolation money, or whether you might have to pay it. Our English-speaking Korean divorce lawyers can help you review your situation. We assist both residents and foreign clients abroad.
You can find more articles about Korean divorce law and cases here.
Because of the general nature of this article, the information provided here may not reflect the most current legal developments, may not apply to every situation, and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on your particular circumstances.