Work & Wages

Korean procedures explained in plain language

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Requesting a labour inspection

Where breaches continue, you can ask for the workplace to be inspected.

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Korean interview culture

Neat dress, punctuality and specific answers are the basics.

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Wage problems in subcontracting chains

The main contractor sometimes shares liability. Record who you worked for.

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Maternity leave

Any employee qualifies for pre- and post-natal leave, regardless of nationality.

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How to file an industrial accident claim

The worker applies directly to the Workers' Compensation service. The employer's consent is not needed.

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Claiming damages

Separately from industrial accident cover, employer fault can support a further claim.

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Rules on deducting accommodation and meal costs

Deducting dormitory or meal costs from wages requires the worker's consent and set standards.

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Types of industrial accident benefit

Medical costs, wages for time off, and compensation for lasting disability — several benefits exist.

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Sending money overseas

Compare banks, licensed remittance operators and apps. Look at fees and exchange rates together.

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Part-time work rules for students

You must obtain a part-time work permit first. Working without one is a violation.

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How to report unpaid wages

Get advice from 1350 and file a complaint with your regional labour office. Online filing is available.

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Casualty insurance and the four social insurances

Foreign workers are covered by casualty insurance and the four social insurances. If you are hurt at work, industrial accident insurance comes first.

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What employers must do

Your rights are the mirror image of your employer's duties.

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National pension lump-sum refund on departure

A scheme returning your pension contributions when you leave Korea. Eligibility depends on your nationality.

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Reporting unpaid wages

If you were not paid for your work you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Foreign workers have the same protection, and interpretation is available.

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Protection for pregnant workers

Once you notify a pregnancy, hazardous work and night work are restricted.

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How to apply for a workplace change

Apply at an employment centre and sign with a new workplace within the job-seeking period.

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Resigning properly

Check carefully before signing a resignation letter — it is hard to undo.

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Opening a salary account

You can open one with your Alien Registration Card and proof of employment. Never lend your bankbook.

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Labour dispute mediation

The Labour Relations Commission handles dismissal and discrimination disputes.

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When the employer refuses to file an industrial accident

You can file without the employer's consent. Blocking you is itself illegal.

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Working hours and rest breaks

The law sets limits on working hours, and rest breaks must be given at set intervals.

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What counts as an industrial accident

Injury or illness caused by work. You have the right to compensation regardless of visa status.

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Wage payment guarantee insurance

Insurance the employer takes out in case they cannot pay wages. If wages go unpaid, part is covered here.

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Protection for people who report

Dismissal or disadvantage because you reported is prohibited.

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Understanding weekly holiday pay

If you work all your scheduled days in a week, you get a paid day off.

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Understanding dispatch work

The company that employs you differs from the one you work at, and responsibilities are split.

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Reporting discrimination

Discrimination on grounds of nationality, race or skin colour can be filed with the National Human Rights Commission — 1331.

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Using an employment centre

Jobseeker registration, unemployment benefit, training and workplace changes in one place.

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What must be in your labour contract

Wages, hours, holidays, duties and workplace must be stated. The employer must write the contract and give you a copy.

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The risks of unauthorised work

You still have a right to your wages, but the effect on your residence status is serious.

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Rights of construction workers

Never go up without a helmet and harness. The main contractor bears responsibility too.

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Working on public holidays

Seollal, Chuseok and national holidays are often guaranteed as paid holidays. Working them earns premium pay.

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What may lawfully be deducted from wages

Beyond what the law specifies, nothing may be deducted without the worker's consent.

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Working in extreme heat and cold

Water, shade and rest are part of the employer's safety duty.

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Sick leave and treatment leave

Injured at work means industrial accident care; otherwise company rules apply.

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Your right to a payslip

Employers must issue a payslip each payday. It is the key evidence in a wage claim.

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The four principles of wage payment

Wages must be paid to you directly, in full, in currency, and on the set date.

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First steps when injured at work

Treatment, then records, then reporting. The first hour shapes everything afterwards.

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Income tax basics

Tax is deducted from your salary first, then settled at year-end.

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The job-seeking period

After applying to change workplace you must find a new job within a set period.

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Using migrant workers' support centres

The nearest place to get labour and daily-life advice with interpretation.

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The company must provide protective equipment

Helmets, safety shoes, gloves, masks, ear protection — the employer must supply them free of charge.

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Filing a complaint with the labour office

A complaint triggers an investigation by a labour inspector. File online, attend the investigation, then check the outcome.

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Recovering wages through a small claims case

If the labour office process does not get you paid, civil proceedings remain. Look into free legal support first.

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Meal and rest break rules

A rest break is not working time, and you must be free to use it.

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Labour glossary

The terms you keep meeting on payslips and contracts.

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Charging jobseekers a placement fee is illegal

Taking money from a jobseeker for a referral is prohibited in principle.

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Parental leave

Leave taken to care for a child, regardless of nationality.

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Procedures after a workplace death

Surviving family can claim industrial accident survivor benefits and funeral costs.

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