Recovering wages through a small claims case
If the complaint does not resolve it, a civil case remains. Don't do it alone — find free legal support first.
Who this covers
- People whose unpaid wages were confirmed but the employer still will not pay
- Cases where the employer has disappeared or the company has closed
Steps
- Get the confirmation of unpaid wages. The labour office issues it. It is used for both the lawsuit and the wage guarantee fund.
- Get free legal advice. Call 132, the Korea Legal Aid Corporation. If you qualify, they can represent you.
- File a small claims case. If the amount claimed is under a set threshold the procedure is simple. The threshold can change, so check with 132 or the court.
- You can file electronically. Supreme Court e-litigation ecfs.scourt.go.kr
- Get the judgment, and apply for enforcement if it is not honoured.
What you need
- The confirmation of unpaid wages
- Contract, attendance and pay records
- The employer's (or company's) name and address
- Passport and Alien Registration Card
Where to go
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation www.klac.or.kr (free advice and representation)
- Supreme Court e-litigation ecfs.scourt.go.kr
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labor
- Your local support centre for foreign workers
Questions people ask
I can't afford a lawyer. The Legal Aid Corporation supports qualifying cases free of charge. Call 132 first.
Can I sue without Korean? You can request an interpreter at court. Get help from a support centre as well.
The boss says he has no assets. A judgment can be enforced later and is also used for the wage guarantee fund claim. Don't give up.
I have to leave the country. There are ways to continue a case after departure. Speak to 132 and 1350 before you go.
Take care
Be wary of anyone pushing a cheap settlement by saying "suing will cost you more". Check with 132 whether the amount is fair before settling.
Related
wage-claim-labor-office · wage-guarantee-fund · unpaid-wages-evidence
Source
Korea Legal Aid Corporation www.klac.or.kr / Ministry of Employment and Labor www.moel.go.kr / As of 2026-08