The four social insurances at a glance
The four insurances cover risks at work and old age. Enrolling you is the employer's duty.
The four
| Insurance | What it covers | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| National pension | Retirement pension | 1355 |
| Health insurance | Medical costs | 1577-1000 |
| Employment insurance | Unemployment and parental leave benefits | 1350 |
| Industrial accident insurance | Injury or illness from work | 1588-0075 |
What to know
- Enrolment is the employer's duty. "We don't do social insurance" may be unlawful.
- Premiums are usually split between worker and employer. Industrial accident insurance is paid entirely by the employer.
- Industrial accident insurance applies regardless of visa status.
- Pension treatment can differ by nationality, depending on bilateral agreements.
- Check the deductions on your payslip.
Steps
- Look at your payslip for the four deductions.
- Check your enrolment with each agency or the social insurance information centre.
- If not enrolled, ask the employer.
- If unresolved, report it to 1350, 1577-1000 or 1355.
What you need
- Passport and Alien Registration Card
- Labour contract
- Payslips
Where to go
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labor
- 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service
- 1355 National Pension Service
- 1588-0075 Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service
- Your local support centre for foreign workers
Questions people ask
Can I opt out to save the premium? If you meet the conditions, enrolment is mandatory — and it protects you far more when you are hurt or ill.
My employer wants me to pay the whole premium. The worker's and employer's shares are set. Take your payslip to 1350.
Can I get my pension back? It depends on your country and any agreement. Check with 1355. See the pension-lump-sum-refund guide.
Does part-time work count? It depends on hours and duration. Check with each agency.
Take care
Being uninsured when you are injured costs you far more. But industrial accident compensation is possible even without enrolment — if you are hurt, don't give up; call 1588-0075.
Related
casualty-insurance · national-pension-foreigners · employment-insurance · industrial-accident-basics
Source
Ministry of Employment and Labor www.moel.go.kr / As of 2026-08