I worked but was not paid

Is this your situation?

You must be paid for work you did

An employer must pay wages on the agreed date. Not paying is against the law.
You can claim pay even without a written contract

If you can show that you actually worked, you can claim your wages. Shift photos, messages and bank records all count as evidence.
Protection does not depend on your nationality

Anyone who works in Korea is protected regarding wages, regardless of nationality.
You can still claim after you have left the job

Unpaid wages can be claimed for a limited period after you stop working, so get advice early.

1.
Collect evidence first

Write down the dates and hours you worked. Save text messages, shift schedules and bank statements. Take screenshots and keep them somewhere safe.
2.
Call 1350 for advice

The Ministry of Employment and Labor helpline (1350) will explain what to do. If Korean is difficult, ask for an interpreter or call the Danuri Call Center (1577-1366).
3.
File a complaint with the labour office

You can file online at labor.moel.go.kr or at the local labour office where the workplace is. You can do this yourself even if you are under 18.
4.
Get help if it feels too hard alone

Korea Legal Aid Corporation (132) gives free legal advice, and the Youth Helpline (1388) can support you through the process.

Please note

For an exact decision about amounts or procedures, check with the Ministry of Employment and Labor or a legal advice service.

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.
Reviewed 6 September 2026
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.
Reviewed 6 September 2026
Work & Part-time Jobs
몇 살부터 일할 수 있나요? 청소년이 지켜야 할 규칙
청소년도 일할 수 있지만, 나이에 따라 필요한 서류와 일할 수 있는 시간이 정해져 있습니다. 이것은 청소년을 보호하기 위한 규칙입니다.
Reviewed 6 September 2026 한국어

Before you call, try saying this

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.

Describe your situation in your own words. Write in any language and the answer comes back in that language.