Claiming from the wage guarantee fund
When a company fails or the employer will not pay, the state pays part of your wages. This is the wage guarantee (substitute payment).
Who this covers
- People unpaid because the company became insolvent
- People whose unpaid wages are confirmed and who meet the conditions, even without insolvency
- Foreign workers can claim too
Steps
- File a complaint with the labour office and get the non-payment confirmed. This is the starting point.
- Obtain the confirmation of unpaid wages.
- Apply to the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service. Online or in person.
- After review, payment is made into your own account.
What you need
- The confirmation of unpaid wages (or a court judgment)
- Passport and Alien Registration Card
- A bank account in your own name
- Contract and pay records
Where to go
- Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service www.comwel.or.kr · 1588-0075
- Your regional labour office · 1350
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation
- Your local support centre for foreign workers
Questions people ask
Do I get the full amount? There is a cap, so it may not be the full amount. You can keep claiming the remainder from the employer. Limits change, so check with 1588-0075.
Can I receive it after leaving the country? Your own account must remain active. Before departure, sort out the account and contact details and tell the labour office and the service.
What if I have no valid status? If the work is confirmed, you can apply. Speak to 1350 and a support centre first.
How long does it take? Review takes time. Ask the service about progress after applying.
Take care
Never lend your bankbook or your name to someone else. The payment could go to the wrong person, and lending your identity is itself punishable.
Related
unpaid-wages-report · wage-claim-labor-office · wage-claim-small-claims
Source
Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service www.comwel.or.kr / As of 2026-08