How to Report Unpaid Wages in Korea

Preparing Your Report

Before you report unpaid wages, it is very important to gather all relevant documents. This evidence will support your claim.

Key documents include: Your employment contract, payslips (if you received any), bank statements showing payments or lack of payments, work schedules, time sheets, and any messages or emails with your employer about your work or wages.

Make copies of everything. Keep the originals safe. Organize your documents so they are easy to present.

Reporting Online: Labor Portal

The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) provides an online Labor Portal where you can file a complaint. This can be a convenient way to start the process.

Open the current official wage-complaint form and check its authentication options, required fields, and accepted attachments before starting. Do not rely on screenshots of an older form.

Enter only facts you can support and keep a copy of what you submit. The exact steps and forms can change, so follow the live Labor Portal instructions.

Reporting In Person: Labor Office

You can also visit a local Labor Office (지방고용노동청) in person to report unpaid wages. This can be helpful if you prefer face-to-face assistance or have questions.

Bring the prepared records and ask the responsible office which form and evidence route fits the issue.

Confirm operating hours, appointment procedures, and interpretation availability before visiting.

What Happens After You Report

After filing, preserve the receipt or case reference and follow instructions from the responsible labor office. The office may request more records or statements and may contact the employer.

The responsible office determines the investigation steps from the complaint and evidence. The process can include requests for statements or records; this site cannot predict a finding or payment.

The process can take time. It is important to cooperate with the labor inspector and provide any additional information they request. Korea Life Tools cannot predict the outcome of your specific case.

What to do step by step

1. Gather all necessary evidence before reporting.
2. Choose to report online via the MOEL Labor Portal or in person at a local Labor Office.
3. Follow official instructions for submitting your complaint and evidence.
4. Cooperate with the assigned labor inspector during the investigation process.

What this guide assumes

• The worker has access to the internet or can visit a Labor Office.
• The worker has gathered some form of evidence to support their claim.
• The worker is willing to engage with the official reporting process.

Example

David, a foreign worker, has not received his last month's salary. He has collected his contract, bank statements, and emails with his employer. He decides to report the issue online. He visits the Ministry of Employment and Labor's official Labor Portal, finds the complaint section, and carefully fills out the forms. He uploads scanned copies of all his evidence. After submitting, he receives a confirmation and waits for a labor inspector to contact him.

Limits and cautions

• This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. The specific process and requirements can vary.
• Korea Life Tools cannot guarantee the success or outcome of any complaint.
• Official procedures, forms, and contact information can change. Always verify the latest details directly with the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL).
• This information does not cover potential legal actions outside of MOEL's administrative process.

Frequently asked questions