Resigning properly

Resigning is your right, but there are things to check before you sign.

Check before signing

1. Whether this is truly what you want. If the company suggested resignation instead of dismissal, get advice first. Signing makes challenging an unfair dismissal very hard.
2. Whether outstanding wages, allowances and severance are settled.
3. Whether unused annual leave is paid out.
4. The effect on your residence status — on an employment status this raises workplace change and job-seeking issues. Check with 1345 first.
5. Unemployment benefit eligibility — voluntary resignation is restricted in principle. Ask 1350 whether an exception applies.

Steps

1. Give notice of your intention. Follow any notice period in the work rules.
2. Put it in writing, stating the date and your last working day clearly.
3. Hand over your work and return company property.
4. Check the final pay and severance settlement. It must be paid within a set period after leaving.
5. Get an employment certificate and separation certificate. You will need them later.

Where to go

• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (with interpretation)
• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (residence status)
• 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
• Your local employment centre (unemployment benefit)
• 1577-1366 interpretation

Questions people ask

The company is pressuring me to write a resignation letter. Do not sign — consult 1350 or a migrant workers' support centre first. Keep records of the pressure, such as texts.

I signed a Korean resignation letter without understanding it. Get advice immediately. There may be room to argue that you signed without understanding it.

Will I lose severance pay if I resign? Voluntary resignation still qualifies for severance if the requirements are met. See severance-pay.

Must I leave the country as soon as I resign? Depending on status there is a job-seeking period. Check with 1345 immediately. See job-search-period.

Take care

Beware of "sign the resignation letter and we'll pay your back wages". Wages are your right regardless of resignation. Always consult 1350 before signing.

Related

termination-rules · unfair-dismissal · severance-pay · job-search-period · unemployment-benefit

Source

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