If you are a foreign worker residing in Korea and haven’t been paid your wages, what should you do? Are you entitled to the same legal protections as Korean workers?

Below, we outline the proper procedures, response methods, and available support services.

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Are foreign workers protected under Korean labor laws?

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The first thing to remember is that foreign workers are also protected under Korea’s Labor Standards Act.

This law applies regardless of nationality, and employers are legally obligated to pay wages fairly for any work performed.

Even if you are in an unstable visa situation—or even undocumented—you still have the right to claim unpaid wages if you can prove you actually worked.

🔖 Tip: In order to receive legal protection, it’s important to prove that you were employed.
The following are effective ways to establish proof:

✅ Employment contract

✅ Bank records of wage deposits

✅ Attendance records

✅ Work instructions

✅ Photos taken at the workplace

✅ Testimony from coworkers

✅ Documents or files used during work

✅ Records of workplace injuries or treatment

Of all these, the employment contract is the most powerful piece of evidence.

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How should I respond to unpaid wages?

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If you didn’t receive your salary on the scheduled date, follow these steps:

1) Try communicating with your employer or payroll manager

Start by understanding the situation. Contact your employer or HR representative to confirm when the unpaid wages will be provided.

🔖 Important: Always keep written records of your communication—use text messages, KakaoTalk, or email, not just verbal conversations.

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2) File a report to the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL)

If communication doesn’t resolve the issue or your employer keeps delaying payment, you can officially report the unpaid wages.

Foreign workers can file reports the same way as Korean citizens, with no disadvantage due to nationality.

✅Offline: Visit your local labor office and complete a short consultation before submitting a report

❗The Ministry of Employment and Labor provides an official English website,
but the online system for reporting unpaid wages is currently not available in English.

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3) MOEL will investigate and contact the employer

Once your report is submitted, the Ministry will investigate the facts. They will verify your employment status and wage delay.

A labor inspector will contact your employer and begin an inquiry. If unpaid wages are confirmed, the employer will receive an official correction order.

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Where can foreign workers get real help?

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Although the procedure may seem simple, it can be challenging if you're unfamiliar with Korean language or systems.

Fortunately, there are centers dedicated to helping foreign workers:

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1) Support Centers for Foreign Workers

✔Help with translation, document preparation, and more

✔Support in 14 languages, including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian

✔43 centers nationwide (e.g., Seoul Foreign Workers Center, Ansan Migrant Center)

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2) 1345 Immigration Contact Center

✔Assistance on employment, visa, residency, and labor issues

✔Support in 20 languages

✔Can assist in filing MOEL complaints with interpreters

✔Call 1345 (no area code needed)

🔖 If these options are not available or you need personalized help or quicker service,
contact HanGuk Visa at 02-3210-1113.

Frequently Asked Questions about Unpaid Wages

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1) Will I definitely get my wages if I report to MOEL?

Filing a complaint is a strong step, but it doesn't always guarantee payment.

🔖MOEL can investigate and issue correction orders, but they cannot forcibly collect wages.

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If this doesn't resolve the issue, you may need to:

✅Send a certified demand letter (proof of wage claim)

✅Use the Small Claims Court (for unpaid wages under KRW 30 million)

✅File a criminal complaint (if non-payment is intentional)

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2) Will I face disadvantages in terms of visa or job change after reporting?

If you are legally staying in Korea, you will not face any disadvantage in visa renewal, immigration, or job change due to reporting wage delays.

Even undocumented workers can file claims for unpaid wages.

For E-9 visa holders, unpaid wages are considered a legitimate reason for changing employers.

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3) Can I continue working at the same company after reporting?

Legally, your employer cannot retaliate or fire you for filing a wage claim.

However, disputes may arise. Therefore, changing jobs is often recommended after such incidents.

🔖To switch jobs, request a Job Change Confirmation Letter from MOEL → submit it to Immigration → apply for job change permission.

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4) What if I leave Korea without getting paid? Can I still claim my wages?

Yes, you can still file a complaint even after returning home.

❗It's important to file a report with MOEL before leaving and receive a case number. Leave your contact details and evidence for future communication.

A Korean representative (e.g., friend, labor attorney) can handle the case on your behalf.

If there is an ongoing case, you may also be eligible for a temporary visa extension by submitting a case certificate from MOEL to immigration.

Need a Custom Visa or Labor Support Service?

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HanGuk Visa offers personalized services for

: Personal and corporate visa processing, Translation support, Employment and labor-related solutions.

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We also assist with wage claims and reporting procedures to ensure your case is handled effectively, even after official reports are filed.

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📞 Tel: 02-3210-1113

✉ KakaoTalk Channel: 한국비자

📣 Instagram: @hanguk_visa

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