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Foreign Worker Rights in Korea — Salary, Insurance, Legal Protections 2026
MyKoreaWork·
You Have Rights — Know Them
As a foreign worker in Korea, you are protected by the same labor laws as Korean workers. This applies regardless of your nationality or visa type. Understanding your rights helps you avoid exploitation and get what you deserve.
Minimum Wage & Salary
2026 Minimum Wage
- Hourly: ₩10,030
- Monthly (based on 40 hours/week): approximately ₩2,096,270
- This is the legal minimum — your employer cannot pay less
Overtime & Special Pay
| Type | Extra Pay |
|---|---|
| Overtime (after 8 hours/day) | +50% |
| Night work (10 PM – 6 AM) | +50% |
| Holiday work | +50% (first 8h), +100% (after 8h) |
Payment Rules
- Wages must be paid at least once a month on a fixed date
- Must be paid into your bank account (cash-only payment is a red flag)
- Your employer cannot deduct from your wages without legal basis
4 Major Insurances
All workers in Korea, including foreigners, are covered by 4 mandatory insurances:
1. National Health Insurance
- Covers hospital visits, medicine, surgery
- You pay about 3.5% of your salary (employer pays the other half)
- You can visit any hospital in Korea
2. Industrial Accident Insurance
- Your employer pays 100%
- Covers work-related injuries and illnesses
- Includes medical costs, lost wages during recovery, and disability benefits
- Even undocumented workers are covered (Supreme Court ruling)
3. Employment Insurance
- Provides unemployment benefits if you lose your job
- You may be eligible for job training support
4. National Pension
- Depends on your country (reciprocity principle)
- Many countries allow lump-sum refund when you leave Korea
- Check with the National Pension Service (1355)
What Your Employer Cannot Do
- Keep your passport or ID — this is a criminal offense
- Pay below minimum wage
- Force overtime without extra pay
- Fire you without proper notice (30 days notice required)
- Discriminate based on nationality
Where to Get Help
| Issue | Contact |
|---|---|
| Unpaid wages, unfair treatment | 1350 (Ministry of Labor) |
| Visa, immigration questions | 1345 (Immigration) |
| General foreign worker support | 1644-0644 |
| Emergency | 112 (Police) / 119 (Ambulance) |
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Knowing your rights is the first step. The next step is finding an employer who respects them. MyKoreaWork only works with verified employers who follow Korean labor laws. Register for free and find a workplace where you're treated fairly.
Practical Tips from the Field
- 2026 minimum wage: ₩10,030/hour. If your employer pays less, report to the Labor Board (☎1350, available in 16 languages).
- Your employer must enroll you in all 4 insurances from day one — National Health, National Pension, Employment, Industrial Accident.
- If injured at work, file an industrial accident claim immediately — your employer cannot refuse.
- Keep copies of your pay stubs every month. They are critical evidence if you need to file a wage complaint.