Not Paid Your Salary in Korea? How to Report Unpaid Wages (Foreigners Can Too)

As of 2026-10-04

If you have not been paid, call the Ministry of Employment and Labor helpline 1350 and file an unpaid wage complaint with the regional employment and labor office (노동청) that has jurisdiction. Filing is free and can also be done online (Labor Portal), and foreigners can report exactly the same way as Koreans. The deadline to claim wages is 3 years.

How to report

Calculate the amount you are owed (wages, weekly holiday pay (주휴수당), overtime pay, severance pay (퇴직금)).
Gather evidence: employment contract, clock-in/out records and photos, pay slips, bank deposit records, and messages with your employer.
Consult 1350 (Ministry of Employment and Labor). Employment Permit System workers can get help in many languages at the Foreign Workers Counseling Center, 1577-0071.
File a complaint on the Labor Portal (labor.moel.go.kr) or at the labor office with jurisdiction over your workplace.
A labor inspector investigates both sides and orders payment. If it is not resolved, you can get a certificate of unpaid wages and continue with a civil case through the Korea Legal Aid Corporation.

Legal standards to know

Wages must be paid at least once a month, on a fixed date, in full, directly to you.
When you leave, wages and severance pay must be settled within 14 days; if late, 20% annual interest for delay is added.
An employer who fails to pay wages can face up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million KRW.

Can undocumented residents report too?

Yes. You have the right to be paid for the work you did, regardless of visa status. Since November 6, 2025, labor inspectors are not required to report undocumented foreign workers who report unpaid wages to immigration (exemption from the duty to report).

If the company went bankrupt and cannot pay

If the employer is bankrupt or unable to pay, the government pays first, up to a certain limit, through the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service substitute payment (대지급금, formerly 체당금) system.

Frequently asked questions

Can I report if I do not speak Korean?

Yes. The Foreign Workers Counseling Center (1577-0071) offers counseling in many languages, and you can request an interpreter during the labor office investigation.

Will reporting hurt my visa?

There is no rule that penalizes your visa status because you reported unpaid wages. If your employer uses your visa to stop you from reporting, report that as well.

How long do I have to report?

The statute of limitations for wage claims is 3 years. File your complaint before that period ends.

This article is general information, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult the Ministry of Employment and Labor (1350) or a lawyer.