Is this your situation?
- I am offered 7,000 won per hour and it seems too low.
- I was told "you are a student, so you get less".
- I was told "the first three months are a trial, so the pay is lower".
- I worked many hours and I am not sure the amount is right.
Rights you should know
The minimum wage applies to everyone
Age, nationality and student status do not allow an employer to pay below the minimum wage.
The amount changes every year
For 2026 the minimum wage is 10,320 won per hour. The figure changes each 1 January, so always check the current amount at minimumwage.go.kr.
You may also be owed weekly holiday pay
If you work above a set number of hours per week without missing days, you may be entitled to extra paid rest. Conditions apply, so check with 1350.
Try this
- 1.
Work out your real hourly rate
Money received divided by hours worked equals your real hourly rate. If it is below this year's minimum wage, something is wrong.
- 2.
Record your hours every day
Noting the date and your start and finish times in your phone becomes strong evidence later.
- 3.
Call 1350 if you were underpaid
Explain your situation to the Ministry of Employment and Labor helpline (1350) and ask whether you can claim the difference.
Please note
The minimum wage amount and holiday pay rules change every year. Always confirm this year's figures with the Minimum Wage Commission or 1350.
Checklists to use with this information
You might also want to know
- 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.
- 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 old do I need to be to work? Rules for young workers
Young people can work, but the documents you need and the hours you may work depend on your age. These rules exist to protect young people.
Where to get help
Ministry of Employment and Labor Helpline 1350
Area: NationwideWork & wages
How they can help
Advice on unpaid wages, employment contracts and how to file a wage complaint.
- Languages
- Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
WebsitePhone 1350
moel.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, Chinese, Vietnamese?”
- “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
Korea Legal Aid Corporation 132
Area: NationwideLegal
How they can help
Free legal advice from a public body, with free litigation support if you meet the criteria.
- Languages
- Korean
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
WebsitePhone 132
klac.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
Danuri Call Center 1577-1366
Emergency lineArea: NationwideFamilyViolence & safety
How they can help
A 24-hour multilingual call center for migrants, covering daily-life questions and violence support.
- Languages
- Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
- Opening hours
- 24 hours
WebsitePhone 1577-1366
liveinkorea.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, Chinese, Vietnamese?”
- “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
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. “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about Work & Part-time Jobs.”
- 2. “This is what happened. (Briefly say when, where and what happened.)”
- 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)
- Minimum Wage Commission · Minimum Wage Commission
- Ministry of Employment and Labor · Ministry of Employment and Labor website
Last reviewed 6 September 2026
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