Rising Stars

Shipping: local firms in South Korea

Kim & Chang

Kim & Chang‘s deep and broad maritime practice group remains a leading authority on Korean shipping law. The firm is regularly instructed by large domestic and international shipowners, shipbuilders and P&I clubs to handle transactions, wet and dry litigation and arbitration cases, marine insurance issues, and complex regulatory issues, with capabilities also encompassing the areas of international trade and offshore energy projects. ‘Leading maritime lawyers’ Chul-Won Lee and practice head Byung-Suk Chung have wide-reaching experience, ranging from shipping and shipbuilding matters to trade disputes. Former P&I club claim manager Jae-Bok Lee focuses on shipping finance and insurance cases, while Joon Hwan Park has experience covering offshore energy, shipping regulation and collisions. Attorneys Na-Rae Kim and Sang-Hyup Lee are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Byung-Suk Chung


Other key lawyers:

Chul-Won Lee; Jae Bok Lee; Joon Hwan Park; Na-Rae Kim; Sang-Hyup Lee


Testimonials

‘K&C has extensive knowledge of regulatory issues and details. In addition to its deep knowledge, K&C went further by researching the most appropriate procedures and methods for obtaining each regulation for the project. K&C also worked closely in collaboration with the client to find the best way forward to carry out the project in the most efficient and accurate manner.’

‘The individuals of K&C have not only extensive knowledge of legal issues but also a good understanding of the current status and commercial awareness of the industry as well as the project. K&C made a diverse team for the project, consisting of lawyers and other counsels and advisors from relevant authorities, who are closely working together.’

‘Whenever we face a challenging dispute involving complex local/international shipping regulations we turn to Kim & Chang for assistance. Their team’s dedication, combined with their deep understanding of local/international maritime law, results in a successful outcome that exceeds our expectations. Their strategic thinking, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to our case is truly remarkable.’

‘Kim & Chang is a proven leader in resolving local shipping disputes effectively.’

‘Byung-Suk Chung and Chul-Won Lee are known as leading maritime lawyers in Korea (no doubt). Their ability to simplify complex legal concepts and provide actionable guidance was invaluable.’

‘The teams have many talented members all of them is are capable of all typed of maritime claims with a high standard.’

‘They have a variety of experience in shipping from different angles such as owners and P&I clubs.’

Key clients

Korea Shipowners’ Association


Hyundai LNG Shipping Co., Ltd.


SFL Corp.


Korea Shipping Association


Korea P&I Club


Maersk


North of England P&I


K Line


Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering


Korean Reinsurance Company


Work highlights


  • Advising 13 Korean container shipping companies affected by the Korean government’s administrative rules and regulations on the new safe freight/fare regime for truckers to transshipment containers, subject to the intra-terminal transfers in the Busan Port.

Lee & Ko

Providing ‘an excellent all-round service’, Lee & Ko is known for advising leading financial institutions, shipping companies, and export credit agencies on a range of high-value ship finance and transaction matters. The firm is also well respected in the marine insurance, regulatory and disputes spaces, with further capacities in sanctions and international bidding. With experience spanning from disputes and insurance, to energy commodity trading, Jin-Young Jung heads the shipping and logistics team, while Yun-Jeong Seo leads the firm’s ship finance side. Yang Ho Yoon is noted for handling mandates relating to ship arrests, chemical cargo contamination and collisions.

Practice head(s):

Jin-Young Jung; Yun-Jeong Seo


Other key lawyers:

Yang Ho Yoon; Gidon Nam


Testimonials

‘The greatest strength of the firm is its ability. Of course, the additional part of having excellent communication skills, understanding the client well, and being in touch at any time is one of the elements I want to recommend to anyone. But as a client, what we need of our lawyers is their skills, and these lawyers are good at what they do.’

‘What stands out at this time is their ability to collaborate.’

‘Yang-Ho Yoon’s balanced and poised stance gives us confidence as we enter the meeting. Also, facts and issues that can be prepared in advance are presented in great detail.’

‘Experts in the field, timely answers, good communications.’

‘They provide an excellent all-round service in all areas of shipping law and practice. They also provide commercial advice in a very user-friendly way when that is required.’

‘I have worked most closely with Jin-Young Jung for several years. He is very good on the law and local practice and also provides excellent strategic advice when necessary.’

‘A strong shipping and shipbuilding team.’

Key clients

HMM Corporation Limited (formerly known as Hyundai Merchant Marine Co, Ltd.)


Japan P&I Club


H-Line Shipping Co., Ltd


Pan Ocean Co., Ltd. (formerly known as STX Pan Ocean)


SK Shipping Co., Ltd.


Busan Port Terminal Co., Ltd


Heung-A Line Co., Ltd.


Heung-A Shipping Co., Ltd


DSEC Co. ,Ltd.


Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.


E1 Corporation


Korea Middle Power Corporation


SK Networks Co., Ltd.


Korea Resources Corporation (currently renamed to “KOMIR”)


Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd.


Hyundai Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd.


Lotte Global Logistics Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Hyundai Logistics)


Samsung SDS Co., Ltd.


Pantos Logistics Co., Ltd.


CJ Korex Co., Ltd.


Hyundai Glovis Co., Ltd.


Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd.


China Eastern Airline


Turkish Airlines


FINNAIR


Work highlights


  • Advised Pan Ocean, Pantos Logistics and Lotte Global on their potential exposure under the new Serious Accident Punishment Act.
  • Avising Korea Development Bank on the acquisition of HMM.
  • Representing Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) in a series of disputes initiated by Korea Gas Corporation which arose out of and in relation to a business transfer of LNG carriage contracts.

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC‘s maritime practice group covers the gamut of contentious and advisory shipping matters, including acquisitions and insurance work, shipbuilding disputes, significant collisions, and bill of lading disputes, among others. Co-heads Jaiyoung Kim and Yoon Jeong Park count a range of shipping, shipbuilding, and P&I clubs as their regular clients. Young-Joon Cho is experienced in ship financing and contract matters, while disputes expert Sung Won Park handles collisions, pollution incidents and charterparty disputes. Joon Sung (Justin) Kim is another key contact.

Practice head(s):

Jaiyoung Kim; Yoon Jeong Park


Other key lawyers:

Sung Won Park; Young Joon Cho; Joon Sung (Justin) Kim


Testimonials

‘Top firm for multi-jurisdiction cases in the commercial and maritime sphere.’

‘Yoon Jeong Park is excellent, diligent, responsive, pro-active.’

‘The Bae Kim & Lee shipping team understands the needs of the client well and provides very prompt responses. The team offers very practical advice with high-quality work.’

‘Yoon Jeong Park is such a talented attorney and very attentive to clients’ needs. She is very reliable and trustworthy.’

‘The team possesses extensive experience in ship financing, with each team member assigned distinct and clearly defined roles.’

‘They have diligently assessed our requirements and have proactively recommended essential measures. With their guidance, we were able to successfully conclude our transaction in the most efficient manner possible.’

Key clients

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Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd (now known as Hanhwa Ocean)


DNV


H-line Shipping


HMM


Hyundai Navis


Korea Line


Polaris Shipping


POSCO Flow


POSCO International


SM Line


Work highlights


  • Advised Korea Development Bank and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering on Hanwha Group’s acquisition of DSME.
  • Advised HMM on its purchase of four vessels and assisted with obtaining ship financing from several financial institutions in Hong Kong and Singapore.
  • Defending DL E&C against a damages claim filed by the owners of MV “Milano Bridge” in connection with a collision which occurred at the new port in Busan.

Kwon & Co

Praised for its consistently ‘prompt and precise advice’, boutique firm Kwon & Co is led by Tae Il Kwon, a renowned charterparty dispute, rehabilitation and bankruptcy specialist with expertise in Korean and English law. Suyeon Jung, who has considerable experience assisting with cargo claims and handling cases relating to seafarers’ injury and illness, provides valuable support. With clients comprising domestic and global shipping companies, along with P&I clubs, the firm is regularly instructed to act on vessel arrests, collisions and groundings, and cases involving criminal and maritime tribunals, all of which the team is adept at handling.

Practice head(s):

Tae Il Kwon


Other key lawyers:

Suyeon Jung


Testimonials

‘Super prompt and efficient all the way. Always available to discuss matters and able to get right to the key points of the issues.’

‘Tae Il Kwon is very efficient and his charges are reasonable. On top of that every time we are appointing him, he is 100% successful.’

‘The team is deeply knowledgeable about the shipping industry, and this makes it easier to understand the actual nature of the claims involved and to guide the customers to which direction they can move and what to expect as a result from the courts of law.’

‘Tae Il Kwon is a great attorney. He always responds to us almost immediately and keeps us updated on developments. He handles the case very efficiently and professionally.’

‘Prompt and precise advice, excellent result always. Working 24/7 with immediate responses. Reliable advice to move forward.’

‘I had the pleasure of working with Kwon & Co on a complex local shipping issue, and their expertise in maritime law was evident from the start. Their team has a deep understanding of local regulations and they are very passionate about the case. They provided quick and clear guidance, kept us informed every step of the way, and secured a favorable resolution.

‘We have been retaining Kwon & co as our company’s legal counsel, and what distinguishes them is their expertise on shipping law and profound understanding of the shipping industry. Tae Il Kwon is dedicated to meeting clients’ needs by providing comprehensive and prompt advice. As a shipping company, we often encounter unforeseen issues that require swift legal advice – their team has an impressive ability to deliver this, and it helped us a lot on many occasions.’

‘Very responsive and thorough in addressing issues, excellent legal and tactical advice, offers realistic and innovative advice, well able to assess litigation risks and methods to improve upon.’

Key clients

Campbell Johnston Clark


EUKOR Car Carriers


Gard P&I Club


Hyundai Marine & Fire


Korea Shipping Association


Korea P&I


London P&I


NorthStandard P&I


PT Limas Tunggal


Sinokor Merchant Marine


SK Shipping


Hyundai Glovis


Shinsung Shipping


T.S. Line


Cheng Lie Navigation


Skuld P&I


Britannia P&I


Pan Ocean


Japan P&I


West of England P&I


DB Insurance


Fesco Ocean Management


Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance


Korean Reinsurance Company


UK P&I Club


Work highlights


  • Represented Cheng Lie Navigation in a case relating to claimed container demurrage against the consignee and successfully overturned the case at the Korean Supreme Court.
  • Represented EUKOR Car Carriers in a case where Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, the cargo insurer, filed a lawsuit claiming $5m for cargo damages against the client, who was at the time charterer of a vessel which caught fire.
  • Successfully represented Peaceful Water in a case where auction proceedings of the vessel were commenced due to a bunker claim against an alleged charterer of the vessel.

Moon & Song

Moon & Song, a maritime boutique, expertly advises on the gamut of wet shipping matters, including oil spills, collisions and groundings. The firm is more generally versed in handling all varieties of contentious and non-contentious shipping matters for major shipowners, charterers, government bodies, insurers and P&I clubs. Kwang-Myeong Moon, Sang Hwa Lee and Hun Song are the key senior contacts.

Practice head(s):

Kwang-Myeong Moon; Sang Hwa Lee; Hun Song


Testimonials

‘This shipping law firm shows its excellent performance across all shipping fields. Relatively young partners are working with passion and knowledge of local practice for their client and their service is very competitive in comparison with other law firms in this field.’

‘Moon & Song is a leading law firm in Korea with expertise especially in shipping and corporate law.’

‘Moon & Song are highly reputable and the most reliable law firm. Well known for their expertise in shipping.’

‘Kwang-Myeong Moon provides clients with precise and insightful advice, and he has an excellent skill to resolve complicated situations that clients are faced with.’

‘Sang Hwa Lee is exceptional in all types of maritime cases and shows the professional capacity for shipping legal disputes by offering extensive and clear legal advice and solutions focused on the clients’ needs.’

‘Hun Song provides an efficient and clear solution to clients under a precise view of the situation.’

‘Hun Song provides precise and lucid legal advice to clients, attentively considering their commercial interests. As a well-balanced problem solver, he prioritises safeguarding clients’ interests.’

Key clients

North Standard P&I Club


Japan P&I Club


Korea Shipping Association


Korea P&I Club


Britannia P&I Club


UK P&I Club


Steamship Mutual P&I Club


London P&I Club


HYUNDAI GLOVIS CO., LTD


KMTC


HMM


Pan Ocean


Namsung Shipping


A&G Korea


PANDIN Insurance Co., Ltd


HS Corporation


Hill Dickinson LLP


Reed Smith LLP


Campbell Johnston Clark


KORHI Average Adjusters & Surveyors Ltd.


Woohyun Shipping


K-World Line


Sea Net Shipping


KOGAS


Korean Register


Sejung Shipping


Rajah & Tann


Samsung Shipping


KTS Shipping


Work highlights


  • Representing Taekyung BK in disputes arising from the engine propulsion problems encountered by the MV Darya Shanti while departing from a Canadian port.
  • Representing Samsung Shipping in criminal and civil proceedings following the accidental sinking of MV Samsung No.1 navigating from Jeju Island to Goheung.
  • Defending Hyundai Glovis against a brokerage commission claim brought for the remaining commission by the cancellation of the Time Charter Party of CT Ace and CT Confidence.

Sechang & Co.

Leveraging its ‘deep legal experience and skill’, Sechang & Co. advises major national and international clients on shipping, shipbuilding, maritime and logistics matters. In particular, the firm provides support in high-value rehabilitations and liquidations. The client base spans shipping companies, P&I clubs and insurance companies. The team is led by Hyun Kim, who specialises in transportation and maritime-related matters. Thomas Kim is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Hyun Kim


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Kim


Testimonials

‘Thomas Kim is very quick and very knowledgeable.

‘They stand out by providing prompt, thoughtful and on-point legal advice.’

‘Thomas Kim is excellent.’

‘Sechang’s team provides superior legal services as they are very client focused and responsive, are able to identify issues in advance, and are commercially minded.’

‘Thomas Kim and the international team are forward thinking and very knowledgeable, having the expertise and skill to advise on any  legal matter, in particular in the areas of corporate, commercial and maritime.’

‘Hyun Kim – an expert who has accumulated years of experience in the shipping field.’

‘Sechang’s team provides superior legal services as they are very client focused and responsive, able to identify issues in advance, commercially minded, and able to provide detailed, comprehensive and practical legal advice with an effective problem-solving approach drawing upon their demonstrated deep legal experience and skill in corporate matters, maritime and shipping.’

Key clients

Samsung SDS


Kuehne & Nagel


Pan Ocean Co., Ltd.


Heung-A Shipping


Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance


North of England


MOL (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines) Korea


KSS Line


Pan Continental Shipping Co.


Korea Shipping Association


Korea Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Fisheries


Korea Freight Forwarders Association


Kennedys


Haynes Boone


Lebuhn & Puchta


Triton


TAL


Textainer


Expeditors


Stena Holdings


Teekay Tankers


Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance


Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance


KB Insurance


Work highlights


  • Representing Samsung SDS as claimant in an arbitration against another Samsung affiliate concerning imposed demurrage/detention fees in light of port congestion caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Defending Kuehne & Nagel in a damages claim brought by the manufacturer involving the carriage of wind turbine gearboxes transported from a European nation to China, which involves three separate suits in the courts of Hong Kong, the Czech Republic and Korea.
  • Representing Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance in a recovery suit against shipowners and charters for a fire which occurred while the vehicle carriers were anchored in the port of Ulsan, Korea.

Yulchon

Yulchon combines its strong shipping background with the expertise of the firm's other practice groups to provide its clients with comprehensive support on any matter that may arise, including both contentious and non-contentious issues. The firm is well versed in wet and dry shipping law, including ship financing and shipping-related restructurings. Young Su Shin and Sung Wook Eun jointly lead the shipping group.

Practice head(s):

Young Su Shin; Sung Wook Eun


Testimonials

‘They have knowledge of not only their area but also of the entire issue, and they review and give their opinions comprehensively.’

‘Quick and appropriate responses.’

‘They deal with many case about ship finance, so I think they work very efficiently.’

‘The Yulchon team is very experienced in the field of ship finance. They are very efficient and user-friendly.’

Cho & Lee

Cho & Lee assists clients with critical shipping matters, including those relating to marine insurance, salvage, sea pollution and vessel arrest. The firm is well versed in advising foreign and domestic cargo underwriters and hull underwriters, as well as freight forwarders, shipowners and charterers. Managing partner Sung Keuk Cho heads up the practice, and mainly focuses on matters bringing together elements of insurance, shipping and international trade.

Practice head(s):

Sung Keuk Cho


Key clients

Munich RE


Korean Re


NH Property Insurance


DB Insurance


Lotte Insurance


Hanwha General Insurance


ACE American Insurance


Lotte Insurance


Heungkuk Fire & Marine Insurance


Hyndai Marine & Fire Insurance


Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance


Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, Korea


Meritz Fire Insurance


AIG Korea


MG Insurance


KB Insurance


Korean Non-Life Association


National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives


Okabe & Yamaguchi, Japan


Clyde & Co London, UK


Lexline, France


Anjie Law Firm, China


Clyde & Co Shanghai, China


Nippon Express, Korea


Samsung SDS, Korea


Maxpeed, Korea


Work highlights


  • Representing Hanwha General Insurance in Hong Kong proceedings in connection with the $200m casualty arising out of the collision between MV Sanchi and MV CF Crystal.

DR & AJU LLC

DR & AJU LLC has expertise in resolving legal disputes related to bills of lading and air waybills, letter of credit transactions, traditional and international maritime accidents, and charter contracts. Practice head Sang Bong Lee continues to support domestic and international shipping clients and provide ESG-related services.

Practice head(s):

Sang Bong Lee


Other key lawyers:

Woo Run Sung; Hee Kyung Jeong; Young Ho Oh


Key clients

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Government of the Republic of Korea


Employee of Korea Water Resources Corporation


Ulsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)


Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority


Daesan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)


Incheon Port Authority


Administrator of Busan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)


JF Hillebrand Korea


Namhae Chemical Corp.


HYUNDAI GLOVIS CO., Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Represented the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in a case where the 150,000-ton container ship Milano Bridge contacted gantry crane 85 and the berthed container ship Seaspan Ganges before colliding with cranes 81 and 84 while entering the Busan New Port Terminal.
  • Represented employees of the Korea Water Resources Corporation in a case where a ship owned by the Korea Water Resources Corporation which was carrying ten people sank at Daegok Dam in Ulsan, causing one fatality.
  • Represented the Ulsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries in a case where a vessel sanctioned by the UN Security Council was denied entry at a Korean port.

Jipyong LLC

Jipyong LLC‘s team is ‘very knowledgeable’ across the shipping, insurance, shipbuilding and ship finance areas. The team has extensive experience representing clients in collision disputes and shipping company bankruptcies, as well as assisting with offshore matters. Team head Choon Won Lee ‘provides excellent strategic advice’ on shipping, aviation, insurance and international trade matters, supported by Dahee Kim and Sarah Kwon.

Practice head(s):

Choon Won Lee


Other key lawyers:

Dahee Kim; Sarah Kwon


Testimonials

‘The team knows what the client wants and acts as though they are the client’s own team. There were several times they already researched what I had in mind, which made me trust the team’s capability and dedication.’

‘Choon Won Lee has been known for his expertise in shipping matters in South Korea for a long time. In particular, he has very extensive knowledge and experience not only of Korean laws but also common laws.’

Choon Won Lee is the main contact, and we have worked with Dahee Kim and Sarah Kwon. All are very responsive (particularly at short notice) and produce good results.’

‘Super responsive.’

‘They are a very knowledgeable team who provide quick and very good advice both on a legal and commercial level when that is required.’

‘Choon Won Lee provides excellent strategic advice as well as advice on the law itself.’

Yoon & Yang LLC

Yoon & Yang LLC‘s practice group provides a full range of legal advisory and dispute settlement services relating to all types of maritime disputes and transactions for domestic and foreign clients. Shipping dispute resolutions specialist Sang-Pil Lee leads the team, while Hae-Wang Jeong has a special focus on maritime insurance matters.

Practice head(s):

Sang-Pil Lee


Other key lawyers:

Hae-Wang Jeong


Testimonials

‘The team’s responses are prompt, effective, and accurate.’

‘Sang-Pil Lee puts clients’ needs as a top priority. He notifies us of procedural updates in a timely way and never misses the reporting obligations. He has a clear grasp of our needs and what the underlying issues are, and carefully considers the most optimal solution for the company. His client-oriented one-stop service is based on his in-depth knowledge and wealth of experience.’

Key clients

Pan Ocean


H-Line Shipping


Korea P&I


SK Shipping


Heung Kuk Fire & Marine Insurance


STX Corporation


Hferry


Korea Trade Insurance Corporation


Intergis Co. Ltd


Posco Plantec Co. Ltd


INTOPS Co. Ltd


Royce Cruise Co. Ltd


K Shipbuilding Co., Ltd


Work highlights


  • Represented Posco Plantec in a case relating to payment of insurance and damages against Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance (insurer) and Dongbang (carrier).
  • Advised Posco on the interpretation of the Consecutive Voyage Charter, as well as assisting with the settlement of disputes regarding demurrage.
  • Represented Posco in its dispute with Cargill International (counterparty) relating to the damage caused by suspension due to the mismanaged hold on Posco.