Students tour South Korea’s evolving legal landscape

Swinburne University of Technology’s law students recently undertook a two-week study tour to South Korea, focused on legal affairs, political systems and local customs. The group of 14 students, led by Dr Jacqueline Meredith, took part in an immersive educational experience designed to deepen their understanding of international legal systems.

Throughout the tour, students attended academic classes in Seoul and visited prominent law firms, courts and legal institutions. They examined the structural differences between Australia’s common law system and South Korea’s civil law approach.

The study tour explored three central legal themes relevant to South Korea’s evolving legal landscape. First, students examined labour regulations and the rights of vulnerable workers. The second focus was on South Korea’s human rights laws and policies concerning North Korean defectors. Finally, the tour delved into the intersection of technology and the law, highlighting emerging challenges such as the regulation of artificial intelligence and its implications for legal systems and society.

"Our 14 student participants were outstanding ambassadors for Swinburne Law School," says Dr Jacqueline Meredith. “They engaged meaningfully with South Korean academics and legal practitioners, with thoughtful questions and insightful discussion on key issues related to workers' rights, human rights and the regulation of emerging technologies."  

Students participated in academic sessions with Seoul National University and Hanyang University, visited human rights NGOs and took part in a guided tour of the Constitutional Court of Korea. They also attended a five-hour education and networking event hosted by DLG Law Corporation, one of South Korea’s leading law firms. These activities provided valuable context and practical insights that complemented the exploration of the central legal themes throughout the tour.

"One of the most powerful moments for me was visiting the Democracy and Human Rights Museum in Seoul and learning about the democratic movements of the 1960s-80s,” says Swinburne law student Sophia Francis.

“The story of Park Jong-chul and the courageous activism that followed his death changed my perspective deeply. I walked out with a renewed passion for human rights and a stronger understanding of my role, not only as a global citizen but also as a future legal professional committed to justice and democracy."

Other memorable moments included a visit to the Supreme Court of Korea, an in-depth education session with the Korea Hana Foundation (a human rights organisation dedicated to supporting North Korean defectors) and a formal group dinner hosted by legal professionals and academics from the Constitutional Court. These experiences allowed the students to network and create meaningful connections with professionals working at the forefront of legal and human rights issues. The students also embraced local culture through a hands-on kimchi making workshop.  

The tour concluded with student assessment presentations, in which participants reflected on the legal issues they explored and the insights they gained throughout their time in South Korea. This final component allowed students to share personal and academic learnings.  

Study tours such as this one reflect Swinburne’s commitment to delivering practical, internationally-focused legal education, preparing students for a successful career in a global legal environment.