The National Human Rights Commission of Korea was established by the National Human Rights Commission Act 2001. The Commission commenced operations on 25 November 2001.

The Act mandates the Commission to protect and promote the human rights of individuals residing in the Republic of Korea.

The Commission is responsible for investigating and settling complaints of human rights violations as outlined in the Act. It is also required to conduct research and make recommendations with respect to the law, institutions, policies and practices as they relate to human rights.

Along with promoting cooperation between domestic and international human rights organisations and bodies, the Commission conducts educational campaigns to raise human rights awareness in the broader community.