The Republic of Korea, commonly known as South Korea, is located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. Its territory covers approximately 100,000 square kilometers, with Seoul as its capital. South Korea is surrounded on three sides by the Yellow Sea, the Korea Strait, and the East Sea (also known as the Sea of Japan). It shares its northern border with North Korea, which is a communist state, while South Korea is a republic.

As one of the former “Four Asian Tigers,” South Korea has now become a fully developed country. It ranks 11th globally in terms of GDP and is the 7th largest importer and exporter in the world, having signed numerous trade agreements with various countries.

In Taiwan’s daily life, Korean technology, finance, entertainment, and tourism exert a significant influence. Many businesses in Taiwan maintain close ties with Korean counterparts — and this is not limited to trade. The field of private investigation also sees substantial collaboration.

In Korea, over 200,000 fraud cases are reported each year, along with countless social incidents involving missing children and runaway teens. Given the limitations of police manpower, it is difficult for every single case to be fully investigated. This has given rise to the growth of the private detective industry.

Although private investigators are not officially recognized in Korea and there are concerns regarding potential privacy violations, the reality is that many private detectives have integrated themselves into the urban landscape under various guises, helping people who have nowhere else to turn.

Yitong Investigation Agency has cultivated deep experience in Korea over many years, employing several investigators who are either stationed or residing in Korea. We have also successfully handled joint cases in cooperation with Korean agencies.

Is ShinYongJoSa the Same as a Private Investigation Agency?

A "credit investigation agency" (신용조사) is a specialized service unit that conducts credit investigations, targeting both individuals and companies. It is somewhat similar to Taiwan's Joint Credit Information Center or the commercial investigation services provided by Taiwanese credit agencies. These agencies don't just handle credit investigations; they are also involved in insurance, risk analysis, foreign exchange, foreign companies, and any industries related to domestic and international business activities.

If we are looking for something more akin to Taiwan’s credit investigation agencies, it would be the Shinshinsō (興信所), a type of private organization. Initially, Shinshinsō mainly focused on matters like catching adulterers and investigating third parties. Over time, they expanded their services into fields such as "helping companies uncover industrial espionage" and "investigating the leakage of trade secrets," areas crucial for intellectual property protection — tasks that are difficult for the police to handle.

To this day, although legislation to legalize Shinshinsō has been proposed seven times, it has yet to pass. Nevertheless, a large number of Shinshinsō have already been established in the private sector, operating discreetly in cities and helping people resolve issues when they have nowhere else to turn.

Investigation Fees of Japanese Credit Investigation Agencies

With the rapid development of private detective agencies, the competition among Japanese detective and credit investigation agencies is understandably fierce. Depending on the region and type of case, the prices can vary significantly. For simple surveillance and investigation tasks, the cost can range from 4,000 to 10,000 yen per hour, depending on factors such as the number of personnel, location, and duration. Some agencies with more advanced equipment and technology may charge even higher rates. Additionally, for more complex cases such as corporate investigations or missing person searches, the fees are generally much higher due to the more involved procedures.

Investigation Fees at Korean Agencies

Just like in Taiwan, investigation fees in Korea vary depending on the type of case, its complexity, the time involved, and the personnel required.

For example:

• Missing person or lost pet cases typically start from KRW 100,000.
• Infidelity investigations usually start from KRW 800,000.

In most cases, an initial consultation and evaluation are required before a final quote is provided.

Investigation Process

• 01 / Initial Inquiry
  
  

  Our specialists are available to answer your questions, provide consultation, and explain investigation fees and procedures clearly.

• 02 / Contract & Deposit
  
  

  A fair and transparent fee structure, along with legally-binding contracts witnessed by a lawyer, ensures your rights are protected.

• 03 / Case Analysis & Discussion
  
  

  We work closely with you to analyze the case and regularly report the investigation's progress.

• 04 / Client Guidance
  
  

  We provide timely advice to help you deal with the situation effectively.

• 05 / Target Lock-On
  
  

  Daily updates on the target’s movements will be provided without the investigator making direct contact.

• 06 / Evidence Collection & Legal Coordination
  
  

  We can accompany clients for on-site verification and coordinate with legal teams for potential litigation. Our company works with experienced legal consultants, allowing you to entrust your case to us with confidence.

• 07 / Case Closure
  
  

  Upon completion, all related information will be securely destroyed to protect your privacy, and we guarantee absolute confidentiality.

• 08 / Follow-Up Support
  
  

  Our streamlined, transparent process ensures you fully understand every step of the investigation. If you still have questions, our specialists are ready to assist.

Should You Choose a Taiwanese or Korean Private Investigation Agency?

In today’s global village, cross-border marriages and international business collaborations are becoming increasingly common. When faced with a cross-border case, it is usually recommended to hire a local investigation agency from your home country.

The most obvious reason is the language barrier. Without effective communication, not only could you end up wasting money, but you might also miss critical timing or alert the target, making the investigation even harder. Choosing a Taiwanese investigation agency ensures clearer communication, allowing the investigator to leverage local connections and resources more efficiently.

Another important consideration is the legal risk. If you directly hire a Korean HeungShinSo and a dispute arises, you might have to travel to Korea for court proceedings, which can involve significant costs for transportation, legal fees, and appearances.

By choosing a Taiwanese agency like Yitong Investigation Agency, you avoid these risks. Our experienced investigators are well-versed in both local Korean laws and customs. Any potential disputes between the client and the agency can also be resolved conveniently within Taiwan, saving both time and effort.