LINKRIGHTS

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.

Source
National Human Rights Commission of Korea · Ministry of Education See sources
Last reviewed
6 September 2026

Is this your situation?

  • Classmates make fun of my country or my accent.
  • I was told "that is just how it is for foreigners".
  • A teacher seems to treat only me differently.
  • I am being bullied and do not know who to tell.

Rights you should know

  • You have the right not to be discriminated against

    You should not be treated worse because of nationality, skin colour, language or where you come from. This applies inside school too.

  • The school has a duty to protect you

    Schools must act to stop bullying. If your class teacher is hard to approach, you can speak to the counsellor or the head teacher.

  • You can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission

    You can file a discrimination complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (1331), including as a foreign national.

  • Speaking up is not telling tales

    Asking for help is your right, and punishing you for asking for help is itself a problem.

Try this

  1. 1.

    Write down what happened

    Note the date, place, who was involved and what was said. Save any messages or photos.

  2. 2.

    Tell a trusted adult first

    Start with whoever feels easiest: your class teacher, the school counsellor, a parent, or a youth centre worker.

  3. 3.

    Report school violence to 117

    For violence or ongoing bullying you can call or text 117 to report and get advice.

  4. 4.

    Call 1331 about discrimination

    The National Human Rights Commission helpline (1331) will explain how to file a complaint.

Please note

Whether a specific incident counts as discrimination must be assessed by an official body such as the National Human Rights Commission.

You might also want to know

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Where to get help

  • School Violence Report 117

    Emergency line

    Area: NationwideViolence & safetyEducation & school

    How they can help

    Report bullying or violence at school by phone or text message (#117).

    Languages
    Korean
    Opening hours
    24 hours
    117 Website

    safe182.go.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 27 September 2026

  • National Human Rights Commission of Korea 1331

    Area: NationwideDiscrimination & rights

    How they can help

    A national body where you can file a complaint about discrimination based on nationality, skin colour or language. Non-citizens can file too.

    Languages
    Korean · English
    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    1331 Website

    humanrights.go.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “Can I get advice in English?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Youth Helpline 1388

    Emergency line

    Area: NationwideMental healthViolence & safety

    How they can help

    A helpline for young people aged 9-24 about any worry: home, violence, school, or the future. Your call is confidential.

    Languages
    Korean
    Opening hours
    24 hours
    1388 Website

    kyci.or.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 24 September 2026

  • Youth Cyber Counselling Center

    Area: NationwideMental health

    How they can help

    Online counselling by chat, text or message board if calling feels difficult.

    Languages
    Korean
    1388 Website

    1388.go.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 24 September 2026

  • Rainbow Youth Center for Migrant Youth

    Area: NationwideEducation & schoolMental health

    How they can help

    A specialist centre supporting migrant-background youth with study, careers, Korean language and counselling.

    Languages
    Korean
    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    02-733-7587 Website

    rainbowyouth.or.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

Choose your area
What to say once the call connects

If you are not sure how to start the call, use these sentences as a guide. They are only examples and do not replace advice from the organisation.

  1. 1. “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about School & Education.”
  2. 2. “This is what happened. (Briefly say when, where and what happened.)”
  3. 3. “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

Tips for the call

  • If Korean is hard for you, ask: "Can I get advice in another language?"
  • Keep dates, places and things like text messages or contracts next to you so it is easier to explain.
  • You only need to give your name or contact details if the counsellor asks for them.

Follow the organisation's own guidance on how advice works. If you are in danger now, call 112 (police) or 119 (ambulance) straight away.

Sources for this page

Official sources (organisation websites, open in a new window)

Last reviewed 6 September 2026

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