The Structure and Key Functions of South Korea’s Correctional System

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the structure and functioning of the Correctional Service of the Republic of Korea. The authors trace the historical development of Korea's penitentiary system from ancient times to the present, focusing on key reforms and legislative changes. The paper describes in detail the modern organizational structure of the Correctional Service, including its central and regional bodies, as well as specialized units. The study highlights the main functions and tasks of various components of the system, such as the Correctional Institutions’ Headquarters, local correctional services, prisons, detention centers, and centers for juvenile offenders. Special attention is paid to work with various categories of inmates, including juveniles and foreign citizens, as well as the issues of medical care, vocational training, and social reintegration of convicts. The authors emphasize the comprehensive nature of the Korean correctional system, which combines the functions of punishment, correction, and rehabilitation. The article contains a detailed analysis of the legal framework governing the activities of the Correctional Service and provides current statistical data on the number and composition of prisoners. The study also addresses the issues of interaction between the Correctional Service and other governmental agencies and public organizations. In conclusion, the authors stress the importance of studying foreign experience in the field of the execution of punishments and the treatment of prisoners in order to improve the penitentiary systems of other countries, and outline the potential directions for further research in this area. The work is based on the current legal norms and adapted for the Russian reader, making it an important resource for studying and applying the foreign experience in this field.