How to report unpaid wages

If you were not paid, you can report it. Your visa status does not prevent it.

Who this covers

• Anyone not paid wages, allowances or severance on time
• Anyone paid only in part, or with deductions that have no basis
• People who already left the job can still claim

Steps

1. Gather evidence. Read the unpaid-wages-evidence guide first.
2. Call 1350 for advice. Ask for an interpreter.
3. File a complaint. Online at labor.moel.go.kr, or in person at your regional labour office.
4. Attend the labour inspector's investigation. You may request an interpreter.
5. The employer is investigated. A payment order may follow.
6. If you still are not paid, move to the wage guarantee fund or civil proceedings.

What you need

• Passport and Alien Registration Card
• Labour contract
• Attendance records
• Payslips and bank transfer records
• The workplace name and address, and the employer's name and contact

Where to go

• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labor (interpretation)
• Labour portal labor.moel.go.kr (online complaint)
• Your regional labour office
• 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (free legal advice)
• Your local support centre for foreign workers

Questions people ask

Will reporting get me deported? A wage claim and your immigration status are handled separately. If you are worried, talk to 1345 or a support centre for foreign workers first.

I don't speak Korean. You can ask 1350 for interpretation, and you have the right to request an interpreter during the investigation too.

How long do I have to report? There is a time limit for claiming. Confirm the exact period with 1350, and do not delay.

My boss says "report me and you'll regret it". Threats are a separate crime. Keep the messages or a recording and tell 112 as well.

Take care

Do not casually sign a "received everything" statement when you leave. Understand what it says, and note anything still owed.

Related

unpaid-wages-evidence · wage-claim-labor-office · wage-guarantee-fund · unpaid-wages

Source

Ministry of Employment and Labor www.moel.go.kr / As of 2026-08