Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea

The Korea Correctional Service(KCS) under Ministry of Justice directs and supervises the administration and operation of correctional facilities. The Commissioner of Korea Correctional Service is assisted by the Director-General for Correctional Policy and the Director-General for security policy. The Director-General for Correctional Policy assists the Commissioner with issues related to General Affairs & Planing Division, Vocational Training Division, Social Reintegration Division and Welfare Division. The Director-General for security policy assists the Commissioner with matters concerning Security Division, Classification & Examination Division and Health Care Division. The duties of each Division are as follows:

General Affairs & Planning Division makes overall plans on correctional administration, Personnel management and inspections; examines correctional facilities; and deals with staff training. The Division also drafts laws and regulations regarding correctional administration, Public relations and international cooperation.

Vocational Training Division draws up and implements plan on the prison industry and vocational training. The Division also handle matters related to remuneration and reparation for accidental deaths or injuries during work hours

Social Reintegration Division creates and executes policies regarding education, protection and overall support for inmates scheduled to be released; deals with matters related to the appointment or discharge of correctional volunteers; and issues authorizations and permissions to the corporation that provides rehabilitation programs and support for social reintegration. The Division also makes plans for the field trip and furlough for inmates and operates employment service centers.

Welfare Division makes Budget plans, administers facilities and handles the provision of food and clothing.

Security Division is in charge of the admission, accommodation, daily living care and the release of inmates. It also conducts inspections on facilities and handles classification and parole preparation and manages auxiliary correctional officers and security apparatuses.

Classification & Examination Division develops treatment programs for inmates, creates and operates scientific classification methods, supervises the Classification&Treatment Board and the Parole Board, and reviews inmates to be paroled

Health Care Division takes care of inmate's health and hygiene, and provides medical treatment, including prescription and dispensation. The Division also formulates and implements policies for health screening, disease prevention and human rights protection of inmates.

Parole Committee, headed by the Vice Minister, is under the direct supervision of the Minister of Justice. Article 72 of the Criminal Act of Korea stipulates that parole eligibility shall be examined by a committee consisting of 5 to 9 members, including the chairman. The Minister of Justice can either name or recommend Parole Committee members, who are highly knowledgable and experienced in correctional affairs. Members are comprised of judges, prosecutors, lawyers and public officials working in the Ministry.

Central Dietary Administration Committee offers advice to the Minister of Justice on caloric intake and dietary standards of inmates' meals. Six members of the Committee have profound knowledge and experience of nutrition and cooking.