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Industrial Accident (Injured at Work)

If you’re injured or fall ill because of work, industrial accident insurance can cover treatment and compensation. The employer pays the full premium, it applies even from day one, and it covers foreigners equally regardless of nationality or visa. Crucially, even if your employer says it can’t be filed or won’t cooperate, you can apply for medical-care benefit directly to the Korea Workers’ Compensation & Welfare Service (KCOMWEL). Whether it’s recognized and the scope of compensation are decided by KCOMWEL — so file first.

Based on official sources · verify before deciding· as of 2026-06-09Official site ↗

What to prepare

  • Passport and ARC (English name in capitals)
  • Medical-care benefit application + doctor’s opinion form
  • Medical certificate and treatment records
  • Accident details and witnesses (incl. photos)
  • Proof of employment (contract, slips, etc.)

How to proceed

  1. 1Get treatment first (smoother at an industrial-accident insurance hospital)
  2. 2Fill out the medical-care benefit application and get a doctor’s opinion from your treating hospital (you don’t write the opinion)
  3. 3Submit to the KCOMWEL branch for your workplace by visit/mail/fax (you can also ask the hospital to file on your behalf)
  4. 4KCOMWEL reviews and decides whether it’s a work-related injury (processing takes time)
  5. 5If approved, you receive medical-care and absence (leave) benefits, etc.
  6. 6You can file yourself even if your employer won’t cooperate — don’t hesitate

Tips

  • The premium is fully employer-paid, so filing has no downside for you — don’t hesitate.
  • Keep evidence right after the accident (scene photos, witness contacts, medical certificate) — it greatly helps recognition later.
  • ⚠️ Whether it’s recognized and the benefit types/criteria vary by case — don’t assume; check with KCOMWEL ☎1588-0075 or a labor attorney.
  • Even if the employer pushes a private settlement instead of filing, your right to file remains — consult if it disadvantages you.

Key contacts

  • KCOMWEL ☎1588-0075 (industrial-accident claims/consult)
  • Ministry of Employment and Labor counseling ☎1350 (multilingual)
  • Korea Legal Aid Corporation ☎132 (free legal advice)

Solve it with a tool

File a Work-Injury Claim
Injured at work? File with KCOMWEL yourself even if your employer won’t

Related guides

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Check the official site ↗

This is general information and has no legal force. Labor and residence rules depend on your situation and policy — always verify with experts (Ministry of Employment and Labor ☎1350, a labor attorney) and official sources.
Last updated: 2026-06-09