1. Your basic protections
- Same protections as Korean workers — no wage delay/non-payment, no abuse/bullying, no sexual harassment.
- If the school seriously violates conditions (e.g., wage delay) or there’s unfair treatment (e.g., sexual harassment, assault), you may transfer without employer consent.
- Reporting is safe — asking for help or reporting should not lead to retaliation.
2. If a problem happens (rare, but here’s a calm plan)
A. Late or missing pay
- Gather records: contract, pay slips, bank app screenshots, hours worked.
- Send a polite note in writing (Kakao/email) asking for the confirmed payment date.
- If not resolved quickly, seek advice via 1345 (Immigration Contact Center).
- In qualifying cases, workplace transfer without employer consent may be possible.
Copy-paste message (polite & neutral):
“Hello, I noticed my [Month] salary hasn’t arrived yet. Could you please confirm the full payment date in writing today? Thank you so much.”
B. Harassment or assault
- Safety first. If there’s violence or a threat, call 112 (police).
- Write what happened (date/time, place, people, exact words/actions, witnesses).
- Keep everything in writing and save screenshots.
- Get support using the hotlines below (One-Stop: 1577-1701, Migrant Workers: 1577-0071, Danuri: 1577-1366, Immigration: 1345).
Reminder: Reporting is protected; you shouldn’t face disadvantages for seeking help.
C. Unfair schedule/duties change
- Ask for written notice and a written agreement before changes.
- Keep your own hours log.
- If the change is part of broader unfair treatment, you can seek help; in serious cases, transfer may be possible.
3. Save these helpful contacts
- 112 — Police (emergencies/assault)
- 1345 — Immigration Contact Center (hikorea.go.kr)
- 1577-1701 — One-Stop Support Center (crime victims)
- 1577-0071 — Migrant Workers Counseling Center
- 1577-1366 — Danuri Helpline (migrant women)
4. Evidence checklist (keep private; share only when needed)
- Contract pages (pay, hours, overtime, holidays).
- Bank transfer screenshots & pay stubs.
- Your own attendance log.
- Message/email screenshots (with date/time).
- Names of any witnesses.
- Short incident notes (when/where/what/who/how you felt).
5. Friendly FAQs
Q. Do I need my boss’s permission to transfer if there’s serious mistreatment or unpaid wages?
A. Not in those cases. For violations like wage delay or unfair treatment (e.g., sexual harassment/assault), you may change workplaces without employer consent.
Q. Can I get in trouble for asking for help?
A. No. Reporting/counseling should not lead to disadvantages.
Q. What situations are worth reporting?
A. Violence, threats, sexual harassment, wage non-payment, unfair treatment, discrimination, forced labor, etc.
6. Final note (for a good working relationship)
Most schools handle things well. If something does go wrong, these steps help everyone resolve it fairly and quickly — with respect for both teachers and owners.
7. Copy-and-Use Templates
Late pay (first note):
“Hello, my [Month] salary has not been paid. Please confirm the full payment date in writing today. I will keep this for my records. Thank you.”
Harassment/assault report (internal):
“On 2025 at [place], [name/position] did [what happened]. I have attached screenshots/witness details. Please confirm how the school will handle this and by when.”
When calling for help (112 / 1577-1701 / 1577-0071 / 1345):
“I’m a foreign teacher in [city]. I need help because of [late pay / harassment / assault]. I have my contract and message screenshots. What should I do next?”
*This article is based on the Nov 11 Immigration Office notice (Ministry of Justice) about foreign workers’ protections and hotlines. General information, not legal advice.*
