(1) A data subject may request access to his or her own personal information, which is processed by a personal information controller, from the personal information controller.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), where a data subject intends to request access to his or her own personal information from a public institution, the data subject may request such access directly from the said public institution, or indirectly via the Protection Commission, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(3) Upon receipt of a request for access filed under paragraphs (1) and (2), a personal information controller shall grant the data subject access to his or her own personal information within the period prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, if there is good cause for not permitting access during such period, the personal information controller may postpone access after notifying the relevant data subject of the said ground and if the said ground ceases to exist, the data subject shall be permitted to access the personal information without delay.

(4) In any of the following cases, a personal information controller may limit or deny access after it notifies a data subject of the cause:

1. Where access is prohibited or limited by statutes;
2. Where access may cause damage to the life or body of a third party, or unjustified infringement of property and other interests of any other person;
3. Where a public institution has grave difficulties in performing any of the following work:
   • (a) Imposition, collection or refund of taxes;
   • (b) Evaluation of academic achievements or admission affairs at the schools of each level established under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Higher Education Act, lifelong educational facilities established under the Lifelong Education Act, and other higher educational institutions established under other statutes;
   • (c) Testing and qualification examination regarding academic competence, technical capability and employment;
   • (d) Ongoing evaluation or decision-making in relation to compensation or grant assessment;
   • (e) Ongoing audit and examination under other statutes.

(5) Matters necessary for the methods and procedures to file access requests, to limit access, to give notification, etc. pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.