Workers & Migrants
Guidance for people working and living in Pohang on E-9, H-2, or F-6 status. It also gathers where to get help when problems arise at work.
01ESSENTIALS
Most-requested information
For work contracts, workplace changes, and wage or injury issues, preparing your documents in advance makes things go much faster.
E-9 / H-2 residence and workplace changes
E-9 holders may work only at the workplace on their employment permit; changing workplaces requires legal grounds and the Employment Center process. Apply within 1 month of leaving; the job-seeking period is valid for 3 months.
Medical support for foreign workers
If you cannot get health insurance or medical benefits, a medical-support program covering hospitalization and surgery may be available. In Pohang, first ask Pohang Medical Center whether you qualify.
Work contracts, unpaid wages, industrial accidents
Always keep a copy of your work contract. If wages go unpaid, call 1350; if you are injured at work, you can file for industrial-accident benefits directly with COMWEL, even without your employer's consent.
Labor and legal counseling
For public offices and hospitals, interpretation is available via 1345 (20 languages) and 1577-1366 (24 hours). Assault, confinement, or sexual crimes can be reported to 112 regardless of your residence status.
Interpretation and emergency support
For wages, contracts, industrial accidents, and workplace changes, consult the Labor Ministry Call Center (1350) and the Pohang Migrant Worker Center; for legal issues, the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (132). Counseling is free.
Moving lodging and reporting your address
Even when moving from a company dormitory to other lodging, or just changing rooms in the same building, you must report the change of residence within 15 days of moving in.
02LIFE GUIDE
Browse the full Life Guide
Detailed guidance by topic is available in the Life Guide.
When to ask for help
- Your employer blocks you from changing workplaces
- You are not given a resignation confirmation or work contract
- You have not been paid your wages
- You suffer verbal or physical abuse, or sexual harassment
- You are forced to do work different from your contract
- The company wants to hold your original passport or residence card
Blocking a workplace change can be a punishable act. Keep the related documents and consult 1350.
Documents worth preparing in advance
- Passport and residence card
- Work contract and pay statements
- Bankbook copy showing wage deposits
- Work schedule and clock-in/out records
- Screenshots of texts and messenger chats
- Accident-scene photos, medical certificates, and other injury records