Is this your situation?
- A shop or gym refused me saying "no foreigners".
- I was told I failed a job interview because of my nationality.
- A landlord refused me because I am a foreigner.
- I keep seeing hateful comments about people from my country online.
Rights you should know
You have the right not to be discriminated against
Treating someone worse without reasonable grounds because of nationality, race, skin colour, language or religion may amount to discrimination.
Non-citizens can file complaints
You can file a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission regardless of nationality, and it is free.
You must not be punished for complaining
Retaliating against someone for reporting discrimination can itself be a problem.
You do not have to decide alone
You can ask for advice even when you are unsure. Asking is not the same as filing, so there is no pressure.
Try this
- 1.
Write down what happened straight away
Record the date, place, who was involved and the exact words used. Keep photos, recordings, messages or screenshots.
- 2.
Call the Human Rights Commission on 1331
Explain the situation and they will tell you whether it can be filed and how to submit it.
- 3.
You can also file online
See humanrights.go.kr for how to submit a complaint. Ask a support organisation if the form is difficult.
- 4.
Ask for interpretation if language is a barrier
The Danuri Call Center (1577-1366) offers advice in several languages.
Please note
Whether an act legally counts as discrimination is decided by official bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission.
Where to get help
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
Korea Legal Aid Corporation 132
How they can help
Free legal advice from a public body, with free litigation support if you meet the criteria.
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
- Languages
- 한국어
Danuri Call Center 1577-1366
Emergency lineHow they can help
A 24-hour multilingual call center for migrants, covering daily-life questions and violence support.
- Opening hours
- 24 hours
- Languages
- 한국어 · English · 中文 · Tiếng Việt · +
Government Complaints Hotline 110 (e-People)
How they can help
A single government window that tells you which office handles your issue, and lets you file a complaint.
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
- Languages
- 한국어 · English
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
Related information
- School & Education
I faced discrimination or bullying at school
Being teased or treated worse because of your country, skin colour or accent is discrimination. You do not have to put up with it.
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 - Work & Part-time Jobs
I worked but was not paid
You must be paid for the work you did. This is true even if you are young, not a Korean citizen, or never signed a contract.
Reviewed 6 September 2026
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