Unpaid and stranded

Resolving a wage claim takes time. Separate support exists to carry you through it.

Three things to do today

1. A bed — ask 129 (Health and Welfare Call Centre) about emergency housing. See homeless-emergency.
2. Food — get directed to a local free meal centre or food bank. See hunger-emergency.
3. Wage complaint — file an unpaid wages complaint with 1350. See unpaid-wages-report.

The wage procedure

1. Call 1350 or file at the Ministry of Employment and Labour civil petition portal (minwon.moel.go.kr).
2. Submit evidence — contract, attendance records, bank deposits, screenshots.
3. The local labour office investigates and holds hearings — ask for interpretation.
4. If arrears are confirmed, a confirmation of unpaid wages is issued.
5. Where the employer still won't pay, a substitute payment (simplified scheme) may be available.
6. The Legal Aid Corporation (132) can support litigation.

Getting through the meantime

• Ask 129 about emergency welfare support (living costs, housing, medical). See emergency-welfare.
• Tell your local foreign residents' support centre what has happened.
• Religious facilities and migrant organisations sometimes provide temporary lodging. See ngo-support.
• Don't tough out illness — use a free clinic. See free-clinic.

Where to go

• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (wage complaints, interpretation)
• 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre (emergency living costs and housing)
• 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (free legal advice)
• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre
• 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre

Questions people ask

My stay period is about to end. Explain to immigration that a wage case is under way — handling differs by situation. Check with 1345.

Can I file while undocumented? You have a right to your wages regardless of residence status, and a complaint can be filed. If worried, go with a support organisation.

The company has cut off contact. A complaint is still possible with evidence. Secure the workplace address and business registration number.

How long does it take? Usually weeks to months. Apply for emergency support in parallel.

Take care

"Just wait a little longer" is often used to run down the clock. Wage claims expire after three years. Don't delay filing. And contact 129 before you reach the point of going hungry or sleeping rough.

Related

unpaid-wages-report · homeless-emergency · hunger-emergency · emergency-welfare · forced-labor-emergency

Source

Ministry of Employment and Labour www.moel.go.kr / As of 2026-08