Rights information
Rights and practical steps, organised by situation.
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- Work & Part-time Jobs Contracts, wages, minimum wage, unpaid pay
- School & Education Enrolment, school life, further study, discrimination
- Hospital & Health Using hospitals, health insurance, medical support
- Visa & Stay Status, extension, registration, immigration
- Daily Life in Korea Housing, banking, phone, transport, admin services
- Human Rights & Discrimination Discrimination, violence, abuse, reporting
- Where to Get Help Public bodies, youth centres, counselling, migrant support
Work & Part-time Jobs
Contracts, wages, minimum wage, unpaid pay
- Work & Part-time Jobs
Do I really need a written work contract?
Yes. A written contract is the strongest proof that protects you. Always get your own copy and keep it.
- Work & Part-time Jobs
How much should I be paid per hour? (Minimum wage)
Korea sets a legal minimum hourly wage. You cannot be paid less than it because you are young or not a Korean citizen.
- Work & Part-time Jobs
I worked but was not paid
You must be paid for the work you did. This is true even if you are young, not a Korean citizen, or never signed a contract.
School & Education
Enrolment, school life, further study, discrimination
- School & Education
I faced discrimination or bullying at school
Being teased or treated worse because of your country, skin colour or accent is discrimination. You do not have to put up with it.
- School & Education
I want to enrol in a Korean school
Young people living in Korea can attend school regardless of nationality or visa status. How you enrol depends on your age and previous schooling.
Hospital & Health
Using hospitals, health insurance, medical support
- Hospital & Health
I'm sick. How do I go to a hospital?
In Korea, people usually go to a local clinic first and then to a larger hospital if needed. If you are worried about language, you can get interpretation help.
- Hospital & Health
Can foreign residents join the national health insurance?
Yes, if you meet the conditions. Health insurance greatly reduces what you pay at a hospital.
Visa & Stay
Status, extension, registration, immigration
If you plan to stay more than 90 days from the day you entered, you must register as a foreign resident within 90 days at the immigration office for the area where you live.
- Visa & Stay
How do I extend my period of stay (visa)?
Apply for an extension before your current period of stay ends. Book a visit on HiKorea and then apply at the immigration office.
To work part-time on a study (D-2) or general training (D-4) status, you must first get permission for activities outside your residence status (part-time work permission).
Daily Life in Korea
Housing, banking, phone, transport, admin services
- Daily Life in Korea
I want to open a bank account and get a mobile phone
A bank account and a phone are basics for life in Korea. With a residence card you can usually get both, but if you are a minor you may need a guardian's consent.
- Daily Life in Korea
I'm looking for a place to live, or I have a problem with my deposit
Renting a home involves a lot of money. Always sign a written contract, keep a copy, and report your move-in after you move.
Human Rights & Discrimination
Discrimination, violence, abuse, reporting
- Human Rights & Discrimination
I was discriminated against for being a foreigner
Being treated worse because of nationality, skin colour, language or religion is discrimination. You do not have to accept it, and you can file a complaint.
- Human Rights & Discrimination
I'm experiencing violence or threats
No one has the right to hit or threaten you. If you are in danger now, call 112. If it is not urgent, you can first talk to 1388 or 1366.
