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Question

I'm being harassed or mistreated at work — what should I do?

As of · sources retrieved from official Korean authorities

You can file an e‑petition for harassment with your local Employment and Labor Office through the e‑people portal; attach evidence and the case will be investigated by the regional Labor Consultation Center — full details below.

The rule this rests on

[3]Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment ActArticle 20

Article 20 of the Criminal Act shall apply to justifiable activities which are conducted to achieve the purpose of Article 1 as collective bargaining, industrial action and other activities by trade unions: Provided , That acts of violence or destruction shall not be construed as justifiable for any ground. CHAPTER II TRADE UNION Section 1 Common Provisions | Article 5 (Establishment and Admission of Trade Union) | Workers shall be free to establish a trade union or to join it: Provided , Th

[5]근로기준법Article 1

Article 1 (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation: Provided , That the amended provisions of Article 16 (24) of the Addenda shall take effect on April 12, 2007; the amended provisions of Articles 12, 13, 17, 21, 23 (1), 24 (3), 25 (1), 27 through 33, 37 (1), 38, 43, 45, 64 (3), 77 and 107, subparagraph 1 of Article 110, Articles 111, 112, 114 and 116, and Article 16 (9) of the Addenda shall take effect on July 1, 2007; and the amended provisions of Arti

  • Right to a harassment‑free workplace – Korean labor law protects employees from mistreatment, including verbal abuse and sexual harassment, and allows filing a petition with the competent Employment and Labor Office.
  • How to start the claim
  1. Download the petition form from the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) website.
  2. Fill in all required blanks (details of the harassment, dates, parties involved).
  3. Submit electronically via the e‑people service (https://www.epeople.go.kr/petition/pps/pps.npaid).
  4. Processing flow: e‑people → National Labor Consultation Center → your local Employment and Labor Office.
  • What to attach – any evidence (messages, emails, witness statements) that supports your claim.
  • Help completing the form – call the Labor Office call centre (1350) for guidance.
  • Additional support
  • Legal advice hotline: 132 (from abroad +82‑54‑132) for a brief consultation on rights and next steps.
  • Labor‑related queries: 1350 (overseas +82‑52‑702‑5089) for questions about unemployment benefits or other employment issues.
  • Urgent situations (e.g., threat of violence, immediate danger) – consider also contacting local police (112) and the immigration office if your visa status might be affected.
  • Follow‑up – after submission, the regional Labor Relations Commission will review the case; you may be asked to attend a hearing or provide additional evidence.

Hotlines for quick assistance

  • 132 – legal counseling for foreigners (weekday 9 am‑5 pm).
  • 1350 – Ministry of Employment and Labor (employment‑related questions).
  • 112 – police (immediate danger).
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Sources fetched 2026-09-19 · Korean laws change — verify with the issuing authority before acting.

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