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Is spanking illegal in South Korea?

Yes. Spanking is banned in South Korea. In 2021 parents lost a 'right to discipline' they had since 1958.

National Assembly repealed Civil Act art. 915 ('right to take disciplinary action', since 1958) on 8 Jan 2021; Child Welfare Act art. 5(2) bans corporal punishment. ECP list (2025).

Source: Civil Act art. 915 repeal

• South Korea is one of 69 countries where spanking is banned.
• Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 1.
• In Asia: banned in 11 of 46 countries.

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Other countries that ban spanking

SwedenFinlandNorwayAustriaCyprusDenmarkLatviaCroatiaGermanyIsraelBulgariaTurkmenistanIcelandRomaniaAll 69 on the map ›

What else is banned in South Korea