PENALTIES FOR EMPLOYERS WHO FAIL TO PAY WAGES ARE BEING STRENGTHENED IN KOREA
2026-10-05 10:35:00 / News
From October 8, 2026, liability for employers who fail to pay employees’ wages will be strengthened in the Republic of Korea.
⚖️ Instead of the current imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 30 million won, the penalty will be imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 50 million won.
This protection also applies to foreign workers. If your wages are not paid, you may file a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor office in the area where your workplace is located.
📞 Labor-related consultation — 1350.
From within the Republic of Korea, on weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00 (calls are charged).
The Migration Agency’s Representative Office in Korea also provides assistance in protecting the labor rights of our compatriots. For assistance with recovering unpaid wages and other labor-related matters, contact the Representative Office:
📍 Address: 10th floor, Room 1003, 213 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.
📞 +82 2 2285 1341
📞 +82 2 2285 1343
📞 +82 10 3987 1661
🗺 Location
Know your labor rights and seek assistance when necessary.
The right and procedure for filing a complaint are also provided in Korea’s official legal information source.