Migrant support NGOs

Where public bodies can't resolve something, a civil organisation often can.

Types of organisation

• Migrant workers' support centres — labour advice, unpaid wages, industrial accidents. See foreign-worker-support-centers.
• Migrant women's organisations — violence, shelters, legal support. See migrant-women-shelter.
• Migrant rights organisations — discrimination, rights violations, residence issues.
• Faith-based organisations — meals, shelter, Korean classes. See religious-community.
• National community organisations — advice and information in your language.

How to find them

1. Ask 1577-1366 (Danuri Call Centre) about local organisations.
2. Get a referral from a family centre or foreign residents' support centre.
3. Ask 1345 about bodies advising on residence matters.
4. Check the foreign resident support section of your local authority's website.
5. Ask your national community. See immigrant-community.

When they help most

• When you can't communicate at a government office — someone to interpret and come with you
• When wages go unpaid — guidance through the complaint process, and company
• After violence or discrimination — counselling and legal referral
• When you have nowhere to go — referral to temporary shelter
• When your residence status is precarious — advice and information

Where to go

• 1577-1366 Danuri Call Centre (multilingual)
• 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre
• 1366 Women's Emergency Hotline
• 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation

Questions people ask

Is there a charge? Most advice is free. If money is asked for, check why.

Can undocumented residents get help? Many organisations advise regardless of residence status — especially on unpaid wages, industrial accidents and violence.

Which organisations are trustworthy? Getting a referral through a public body (1577-1366, 1345, a family centre) is safest.

Can I be advised in my own language? It varies by organisation. Phone ahead and ask.

Take care

Anywhere demanding money to "get you a visa" or "make you legal" is a broker, not an organisation. Official procedures are confirmed only with the immigration office and 1345. Never hand over your passport or residence card.

Related

immigrant-community · religious-community · foreign-worker-support-centers · migrant-women-shelter · legal-aid-overview

Source

Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Danuri portal www.liveinkorea.kr / As of 2026-08