Is this your situation?
- Classmates make fun of my country or my accent.
- I was told "that is just how it is for foreigners".
- A teacher seems to treat only me differently.
- I am being bullied and do not know who to tell.
Rights you should know
You have the right not to be discriminated against
You should not be treated worse because of nationality, skin colour, language or where you come from. This applies inside school too.
The school has a duty to protect you
Schools must act to stop bullying. If your class teacher is hard to approach, you can speak to the counsellor or the head teacher.
You can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission
You can file a discrimination complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (1331), including as a foreign national.
Speaking up is not telling tales
Asking for help is your right, and punishing you for asking for help is itself a problem.
Try this
- 1.
Write down what happened
Note the date, place, who was involved and what was said. Save any messages or photos.
- 2.
Tell a trusted adult first
Start with whoever feels easiest: your class teacher, the school counsellor, a parent, or a youth centre worker.
- 3.
Report school violence to 117
For violence or ongoing bullying you can call or text 117 to report and get advice.
- 4.
Call 1331 about discrimination
The National Human Rights Commission helpline (1331) will explain how to file a complaint.
Please note
Whether a specific incident counts as discrimination must be assessed by an official body such as the National Human Rights Commission.
Where to get help
School Violence Report 117
Emergency lineHow they can help
Report bullying or violence at school by phone or text message (#117).
- Opening hours
- 24 hours
- Languages
- 한국어
National Human Rights Commission of Korea 1331
How they can help
A national body where you can file a complaint about discrimination based on nationality, skin colour or language. Non-citizens can file too.
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
- Languages
- 한국어 · English
Youth Helpline 1388
Emergency lineHow they can help
A helpline for young people aged 9-24 about any worry: home, violence, school, or the future. Your call is confidential.
- Opening hours
- 24 hours
- Languages
- 한국어
Youth Cyber Counselling Center
How they can help
Online counselling by chat, text or message board if calling feels difficult.
- Languages
- 한국어
Rainbow Youth Center for Migrant Youth
How they can help
A specialist centre supporting migrant-background youth with study, careers, Korean language and counselling.
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
- Languages
- 한국어
Reviewed 6 September 2026
Sources for this page
- 국가인권위원회 · 국가인권위원회
- 교육부 · 교육부 공식 누리집
Related information
- Human Rights & Discrimination
I was discriminated against for being a foreigner
Being treated worse because of nationality, skin colour, language or religion is discrimination. You do not have to accept it, and you can file a complaint.
Reviewed 6 September 2026 - School & Education
I want to enrol in a Korean school
Young people living in Korea can attend school regardless of nationality or visa status. How you enrol depends on your age and previous schooling.
Reviewed 6 September 2026 - Human Rights & Discrimination
폭력이나 위협을 겪고 있어요
누구도 나를 때리거나 위협할 권리는 없습니다. 지금 위험하다면 112, 급하지 않다면 1388이나 1366에서 먼저 상담할 수 있습니다.
Reviewed 6 September 2026 한국어
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