Migrant support NGOs
Where public bodies can't resolve something, a civil organisation often can.
Types of organisation
- Migrant workers' support centres — labour advice, unpaid wages, industrial accidents. See foreign-worker-support-centers.
- Migrant women's organisations — violence, shelters, legal support. See migrant-women-shelter.
- Migrant rights organisations — discrimination, rights violations, residence issues.
- Faith-based organisations — meals, shelter, Korean classes. See religious-community.
- National community organisations — advice and information in your language.
How to find them
- Ask 1577-1366 (Danuri Call Centre) about local organisations.
- Get a referral from a family centre or foreign residents' support centre.
- Ask 1345 about bodies advising on residence matters.
- Check the foreign resident support section of your local authority's website.
- Ask your national community. See immigrant-community.
When they help most
- When you can't communicate at a government office — someone to interpret and come with you
- When wages go unpaid — guidance through the complaint process, and company
- After violence or discrimination — counselling and legal referral
- When you have nowhere to go — referral to temporary shelter
- When your residence status is precarious — advice and information
Where to go
- 1577-1366 Danuri Call Centre (multilingual)
- 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
- 1345 Immigration Contact Centre
- 1366 Women's Emergency Hotline
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation
Questions people ask
Is there a charge? Most advice is free. If money is asked for, check why.
Can undocumented residents get help? Many organisations advise regardless of residence status — especially on unpaid wages, industrial accidents and violence.
Which organisations are trustworthy? Getting a referral through a public body (1577-1366, 1345, a family centre) is safest.
Can I be advised in my own language? It varies by organisation. Phone ahead and ask.
Take care
Anywhere demanding money to "get you a visa" or "make you legal" is a broker, not an organisation. Official procedures are confirmed only with the immigration office and 1345. Never hand over your passport or residence card.
Related
immigrant-community · religious-community · foreign-worker-support-centers · migrant-women-shelter · legal-aid-overview
Source
Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Danuri portal www.liveinkorea.kr / As of 2026-08