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Workplace Harassment & Discrimination

Workplace harassment — using position or relational power to exceed the proper scope of work and cause physical/mental suffering or worsen the work environment — is prohibited by law (Labor Standards Act Art. 76-2). Discrimination based on nationality or race is also banned, and foreign workers are protected equally. Anyone can report it to the company, and the employer is legally required to investigate without delay and protect the victim. Retaliating (dismissal/disadvantage) for reporting is a further violation. Don’t suffer alone — gather evidence and seek help.

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

What to prepare

  • A record of the harassment/discrimination (date, place, details)
  • Evidence (messages, recordings, witnesses)
  • Employment contract and proof of work

How to proceed

  1. 1Record each incident as it happens (date, place, details, evidence — messages, recordings, witnesses)
  2. 2Report to your company — once notified, the employer must investigate without delay and protect the victim during the investigation (e.g., workplace change, paid leave)
  3. 3If harassment is confirmed, the employer must take needed action such as disciplining the offender
  4. 4If the company fails to act or it’s unresolved, file/consult with MOEL ☎1350
  5. 5For nationality/race discrimination or rights violations, you can also petition the National Human Rights Commission ☎1331
  6. 6Sexual harassment or assault may require a police report (112) depending on the case

Tips

  • ⚠️ Retaliating (dismissal/disadvantage) for reporting is an additional violation — report any retaliation to ☎1350 immediately.
  • If it’s unclear whether the harassment/discrimination is unlawful, don’t judge alone — consult ☎1350, a labor attorney, or the rights commission first.
  • Migrant worker support centers and the Danuri call center (☎1577-1366) offer multilingual help.
  • Evidence kept as events happen — not afterward — is strongest in a dispute.

Key contacts

  • MOEL counseling ☎1350 (workplace harassment, multilingual)
  • National Human Rights Commission ☎1331 (discrimination/rights)
  • Danuri call center ☎1577-1366 (multilingual life support)
  • Police ☎112 for crime/assault/sexual offenses

Related guides

Unpaid WagesIndustrial Accident (Injured at Work)
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