Is this your situation?
- I am offered 7,000 won per hour and it seems too low.
- I was told "you are a student, so you get less".
- I was told "the first three months are a trial, so the pay is lower".
- I worked many hours and I am not sure the amount is right.
Rights you should know
The minimum wage applies to everyone
Age, nationality and student status do not allow an employer to pay below the minimum wage.
The amount changes every year
For 2026 the minimum wage is 10,320 won per hour. The figure changes each 1 January, so always check the current amount at minimumwage.go.kr.
You may also be owed weekly holiday pay
If you work above a set number of hours per week without missing days, you may be entitled to extra paid rest. Conditions apply, so check with 1350.
Try this
- 1.
Work out your real hourly rate
Money received divided by hours worked equals your real hourly rate. If it is below this year's minimum wage, something is wrong.
- 2.
Record your hours every day
Noting the date and your start and finish times in your phone becomes strong evidence later.
- 3.
Call 1350 if you were underpaid
Explain your situation to the Ministry of Employment and Labor helpline (1350) and ask whether you can claim the difference.
Please note
The minimum wage amount and holiday pay rules change every year. Always confirm this year's figures with the Minimum Wage Commission or 1350.
Where to get help
Ministry of Employment and Labor Helpline 1350
How they can help
Advice on unpaid wages, employment contracts and how to file a wage complaint.
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
- Languages
- 한국어 · English · 中文 · Tiếng Việt · +
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 · +
Sources for this page
- 최저임금위원회 · 최저임금위원회
- 고용노동부 · 고용노동부 공식 누리집
Related information
- 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 - Work & Part-time Jobs
Do I really need a written work contract?
Yes. A written contract is the strongest proof that protects you. Always get your own copy and keep it.
Reviewed 6 September 2026 - Work & Part-time Jobs
몇 살부터 일할 수 있나요? 청소년이 지켜야 할 규칙
청소년도 일할 수 있지만, 나이에 따라 필요한 서류와 일할 수 있는 시간이 정해져 있습니다. 이것은 청소년을 보호하기 위한 규칙입니다.
Reviewed 6 September 2026 한국어
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