South Korea

Consensual same-sex relations are legal in South Korea at the civilian level, though they remain criminalized in the military (up to 2 years imprisonment under the Military Penal Code). No marriage or civil unions at the national level, but on July 18, 2024 the Supreme Court upheld National Health Insurance (NHIS) benefits for same-sex partners — the country's first legal acknowledgement of social benefits for queer couples. No national anti-discrimination law (15 local governments do include SO/GI). Legal gender change permitted since 2006 but with medical requirements. Seoul with Itaewon (Homo Hill) and Jongno as historic LGBTQI+ hubs; Seoul Queer Culture Festival with 100K+ attendees but city hall blocked City Hall Plaza since 2023; polarized society (56% consider homosexuality unacceptable per Pew 2025).