The following guide selectively covers sources for South Korean law and academic research materials available at Harvard Law School, Harvard University, or through open internet sources. English-language sources are preferentially featured as this guide is aimed at U.S.-based researchers.
When writing an article for a U.S. audience, you can use either system, but should probably use Revised. You will need to become familiar with McCune-Reischauer, however, in order to use U.S.-based library collections.
Korean to English translation tools should be used with caution. ChatGPT, Microsoft Word Translation (Review menu, Translate), DeepL, and Google Translate are good options.
South Korean legal materials are shelved in the basement level of the library. The call number range is KPA 1 to KPA 4990.
The Law School Library has a good subject collection, and the Yenching Library has a large collection for South Korean materials more generally.
South Korea is a civil law system. Case law is secondary. The body of available case law translated into English is limited. For Korean nationals, it is possible to subscribe to LBox, which has a large collection of unpublished cases, as well as other important legal content. Unfortunately LBox is not available to U.S. academic institutions.
HLS Library has an extensive collection of commentaries and treatises in print format. These are in Korean and can be located in HOLLIS or by browsing shelves in the Basement level, Row 38.
The author of this guide is indebted to the generous assistance of LL.M. candidate Ha Young Kim.
Ask Us! Submit a question or search our knowledge base.
Chat with us! Chat with a librarian (HLS only)
Email: research@law.harvard.edu
Contact Historical & Special Collections at specialc@law.harvard.edu
Meet with Us Schedule an online consult with a Librarian
Hours Library Hours
Classes View Training Calendar or Request an Insta-Class