If you’ve worked hard but haven’t received your wages, it can feel extremely unfair and frustrating.
Today, I’ll guide you through how to claim unpaid wages and how to submit your application. The Ministry of Employment and Labor in Korea offers support to help workers recover unpaid wages, so be sure to apply and claim what you rightfully earned.
1. Two Main Ways to Respond to Unpaid Wages
If your wages have not been paid on time, you can try to resolve the issue through one of the following two approaches:
- Filing a complaint with the local labor office
- Taking legal action (such as filing a civil lawsuit)
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your situation, so it's important to choose the one that suits you best.
2. How to File a Complaint with the Labor Office
Submitting a complaint to the labor office is one of the fastest and most accessible ways to resolve unpaid wage issues.
Overview of the Complaint Process
- Target of complaint: Employer who failed to pay wages
- Where to file: Local branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor
- Handled by: Labor inspector
- Possible outcomes: Order to pay wages, corrective recommendations, etc.
Documents to Prepare Before Filing
It’s essential to gather and organize documents that can prove the occurrence of unpaid wages. The following are typical documents you’ll need:
- A copy of your employment contract or job posting
- Attendance records (such as timecards, clock-in/out app logs)
- Wage payment records (bank statements, pay slips)
- A detailed statement or table calculating the unpaid amount and time period
How to File a Complaint
- Visit your local labor office and submit the documents in person
- Or apply online via the Ministry of Employment and Labor or Government24 websites
Online Complaint Submission:
→ Ministry of Employment and Labor Online Services
You can find your local labor office by entering your address on the official Ministry website.
Use of the Public Labor Attorney System
If you’re having difficulty pursuing legal action on your own, you may qualify for assistance from a public labor attorney (국선노무사). If eligible, the government will appoint a certified labor attorney to represent your case free of charge.
3. Legal Action (Filing a Lawsuit)
If the labor office complaint does not result in payment or if the unpaid amount is large and the employer is deliberately refusing to pay, legal action such as a civil lawsuit may be necessary.
Free Legal Support Services
If hiring a lawyer is financially difficult, the following organizations offer free legal consultation or litigation support:
- Korea Legal Aid Corporation: https://www.klac.or.kr
- Labor Counseling Center under the Korea Workers’ Compensation & Welfare Service
Final Thoughts – Act Quickly
Unpaid wages are not just a financial issue. They affect your dignity and your livelihood. That’s why it’s critical to take action as soon as possible.
Don’t remain silent. Gather evidence, speak up, and use the legal systems in place to protect your rights. You deserve to be paid for your labor.
