Applying for relief from unfair dismissal
If you believe the dismissal was unfair, you can apply to the Labour Relations Commission. It is free.
Where to apply
The regional Labour Relations Commission for your workplace. It is faster than litigation and costs nothing.
The deadline is short — within a set period from when you learned of the dismissal. Confirm it immediately with 1350 or the commission.
The process (outline)
- File the application — on the commission's website or in person.
- Investigation — an investigator examines both sides' accounts.
- Hearing — both sides give their account before the commissioners.
- Decision — if unfair dismissal is found, the commission can order reinstatement or equivalent monetary compensation.
- If dissatisfied, there is review by the National Labour Relations Commission, then administrative litigation.
What to prepare
- Employment contract
- Written dismissal notice (its absence is itself evidence)
- Payslips and bank records
- Text and KakaoTalk records of being told you were dismissed
- Attendance records
- Colleagues' statements
Where to go
- Your regional Labour Relations Commission — find it at www.nlrc.go.kr
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (with interpretation)
- 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
- Your nearest migrant workers' support centre
- 1345 · 1577-1366 interpretation
Questions people ask
I can't write the documents in Korean. Migrant workers' support centres and certified labour attorneys can help. Free advice services exist. See free-labor-consultation.
Do I need a lawyer or labour attorney? You can apply yourself, though help often improves your position. See labor-attorney-help.
I don't want reinstatement, only money. There is a route to request a monetary compensation order. State your intention on the application and ask about it during consultation.
Does it apply to every workplace? Some provisions differ by workplace size. Check with 1350.
Take care
Get advice the same day you are dismissed. Even a few days' delay can cost you the deadline, and in the meantime you may lose evidence when access to company apps and email is cut. Photograph your contract and payslips now.
Related
termination-rules · resignation-procedure · free-labor-consultation · labor-attorney-help
Source
National Labour Relations Commission www.nlrc.go.kr / As of 2026-08