Under new laws, South Korea will permit foreign law firms to open offices. In order to qualify, the law firm must be from a country that has a free trade agreement with South Korea. Foreign lawyers may act as legal consultants only and may not appear in court. Additionally, foreign consultants must have at least a three year work history in South Korea and must live there at least 180 days out of the year.

Currently, the US and South Korea do not have a qualifying trade deal. A June 2007 accord has been stalled by the legislatures in both countries.