When the employer refuses to file an industrial accident
You can file even if the company objects. The employer's consent is not a requirement.
What companies say, and the facts
| What they say | The fact |
|---|---|
| "It will hurt the company" | The company's position is separate from your rights |
| "Let's handle it privately" | You lose cover if complications appear |
| "You don't have a visa" | Industrial accident insurance applies regardless of status |
| "We're not enrolled in the insurance" | You can still be compensated |
| "We need the boss's stamp" | It is accepted with the employer section blank |
| "Report it and you're fired" | Dismissal for reporting is illegal |
Steps
- Keep records, not words. Put company conversations in messages; record calls you take part in.
- File on your own. Workers' Compensation service 1588-0075.
- Ask a support centre to accompany you. They help with interpretation and paperwork.
- Report any retaliation immediately to 1350.
- Get legal advice if needed from 132.
What you need
- Medical certificate and treatment records
- The circumstances and witnesses
- Records of conversations with the company
- Labour contract and pay records
- Site photos
Where to go
- 1588-0075 Workers' Compensation service (filing)
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labor (reporting employer violations)
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (free legal advice)
- Your local support centre for foreign workers (accompaniment, interpretation)
- 112 if there is violence or threats
Questions people ask
I was fired for reporting. Dismissal or disadvantage for reporting is illegal. Report to 1350 immediately. You can also apply for unfair dismissal relief.
They're telling me to leave the dormitory. Using accommodation as leverage is also improper. Tell 1350 and a support centre.
The company is offering a settlement. Always get advice from 132 or a support centre before signing. If a disability remains, the loss is far greater.
I'm too frightened. Don't do it alone. A support centre worker will go with you — that alone changes the situation.
Take care
Threats or violence are crimes, separate from the accident claim. Report to 112 immediately and keep evidence. If your passport or ARC has been taken, see the passport-confiscation guide.
Related
industrial-accident-report · passport-confiscation · forced-labor · unpaid-wages-report
Source
Workers' Compensation service www.comwel.or.kr / Ministry of Employment and Labor www.moel.go.kr / As of 2026-08