Resigning properly
Resigning is your right, but there are things to check before you sign.
Check before signing
- 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.
- Whether outstanding wages, allowances and severance are settled.
- Whether unused annual leave is paid out.
- The effect on your residence status — on an employment status this raises workplace change and job-seeking issues. Check with 1345 first.
- Unemployment benefit eligibility — voluntary resignation is restricted in principle. Ask 1350 whether an exception applies.
Steps
- Give notice of your intention. Follow any notice period in the work rules.
- Put it in writing, stating the date and your last working day clearly.
- Hand over your work and return company property.
- Check the final pay and severance settlement. It must be paid within a set period after leaving.
- 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