Getting help from a certified labour attorney
A certified labour attorney (공인노무사) represents you in labour procedures.
When it helps
- Unfair dismissal applications — preparing documents and the hearing
- Industrial accident claims — cases that are hard to get recognised
- Wage claims and litigation — where the amount is large or the dispute complex
- Workplace harassment and sexual harassment cases
- When negotiation with the company is needed
Free routes first
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour — free advice.
- Migrant workers' support centres — free advice and accompaniment.
- Public interest labour advice run by local governments and public bodies.
- Korea Legal Aid Corporation 132 — free legal support if you qualify.
- The Labour Relations Commission's appointed attorney scheme — free representation under certain conditions. Ask the commission.
Exhaust the free channels first, and only then consider paying for representation.
Before engaging someone
- Confirm the fee and payment terms in writing.
- Define the scope of what they will handle.
- Check they are a qualified certified labour attorney — you can verify with the Korean Association of Certified Public Labour Attorneys.
Where to go
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (with interpretation)
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation
- Your regional Labour Relations Commission (appointed attorney enquiries)
- Korean Association of Certified Public Labour Attorneys www.kcplaa.or.kr
- 1577-0071 and local migrant workers' support centres
Questions people ask
I don't think I can afford it. Several free channels exist. Call 1350 and 132 first, and ask the Labour Relations Commission about its appointed attorney scheme.
How do labour attorneys and lawyers differ? Labour attorneys mainly handle labour administrative procedures; lawyers handle litigation. It varies by case, so ask during your consultation.
Can I be advised without Korean? Start with channels that provide interpretation — 1350, 1577-0071, migrant workers' support centres.
They want an upfront fee. That can be normal for a formal engagement. But verify their credentials and sign a written contract. Anyone unqualified offering to represent you is dangerous.
Take care
Beware of brokers who ask for money saying "I know someone who can fix it". Unqualified representation is illegal and only makes the case worse. Always check the public channels first.
Related
free-labor-consultation · foreign-worker-support-centers · unfair-dismissal · industrial-accident-report
Source
Korean Association of Certified Public Labour Attorneys www.kcplaa.or.kr / As of 2026-08