Your Rights.
Your Refund.
Your Life in Korea.
Free guides for Cambodian EPS workers in Korea — labor law, tax refund, and survival tips in English and Khmer.
Labor Rights
Know your rights, overtime, workplace change, and injury claims.
💰Tax Refund
Step-by-step guide to claim your tax refund before leaving Korea.
🧭Survival Guide
Bank accounts, SIM cards, food, transport and daily life tips.
📞Emergency Contacts
Important phone numbers for emergencies, labor issues and legal help.
Labor Rights Guide
Everything you need to know about working legally and safely in Korea as an EPS worker.
Understanding Your EPS Contract
Your EPS contract is a legally binding document between you and your Korean employer. It outlines your salary, working hours, accommodation, and other conditions.
- You must receive your contract in a language you understand
- Minimum wage applies to all EPS workers regardless of industry
- Your employer cannot change contract terms without your agreement
Working Hours & Overtime Rules
Korean labor law limits regular working hours and guarantees extra pay for overtime. Know your limits to protect yourself.
- Standard: 40 hours/week (8 hrs/day)
- Overtime must be paid at 150% of regular wage
- Night & holiday work: 150% additional pay
- Max overtime: 12 hours/week
Changing Workplaces (사업장 변경)
As an EPS worker, you have the right to change your workplace in certain conditions. It's not easy, but it's your legal right.
- Allowed if employer violates contract terms
- Allowed if workplace closes or reduces workforce
- You must notify HRD Korea (1350) within 3 days of leaving
How to Report Wage Theft
If your employer has not paid your full salary, this is wage theft and it's illegal in Korea. You have the right to report and recover your wages.
- Call the Labor Ministry: 고용노동부 (1350)
- Visit your local Labor Office (노동청)
- Keep all pay stubs and bank records as evidence
Workplace Injury — What to Do
If you are injured at work, you are covered by industrial accident insurance (산재보험). You do NOT need to pay for treatment.
- Report the injury to your employer immediately
- Go to any hospital — treatment is free under 산재
- File a claim with Korea Workers Compensation & Welfare Service
Tax Refund Guide
Most EPS workers who leave Korea are entitled to a tax refund. Here's how to claim it.
Check If You Qualify
If you paid income tax in Korea and are leaving, you likely qualify for a refund.
Gather Your Documents
Collect your pay stubs, tax withholding certificate, and ID documents.
Submit Your Claim
File at any tax office (세무서) or online via Hometax before your departure date.
Receive Your Refund
Refund is deposited to your Korean bank account. Transfer it home before you leave.
✅ Documents You Need
- Passport + ARC card
- Withholding tax certificate (원천징수확인서)
- All pay stubs from the year
- Korean bank account details
- Departure date confirmation
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving Korea before filing your claim
- Closing your Korean bank account too early
- Missing the 5-year claim deadline
- Not keeping pay stubs during employment
Survival Guide
Practical tips to help you settle in and live comfortably in Korea.
Health & Insurance
Understanding your health coverage in Korea and what to do when you need help.
🏥 National Health Insurance (건강보험)
All EPS workers are automatically enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance. Your employer pays part of the premium and you pay the rest from your salary.
⚠️ Industrial Accident Insurance (산재보험)
If you are injured while working, all medical costs are covered by industrial accident insurance. Your employer is required to have this for all workers — including you.
🚨 Medical Emergency — What to Do
If you have a medical emergency, call 119 immediately. Tell them your location and say '외국인 응급' (foreign emergency). You will be treated regardless of your ability to pay.
Visa & EPS Guide
Everything about your E-9 visa status, rules, and how to stay legally in Korea.
🛂 EPS Visa Basics (E-9)
The E-9 visa allows Cambodian workers to work in Korea for up to 3 years, extendable to 4 years and 10 months total.
You are tied to one employer but can change under specific conditions. Contact HRD Korea 1350 for any visa questions.
🔄 Re-entry & Return Rules
If you leave Korea and want to come back under EPS, you must pass the EPS-TOPIK test again in Cambodia and apply through the standard process.
Workers with a clean record and good performance may qualify for a Loyal Worker re-entry scheme.
IMPORTANT: Overstaying your visa is a serious crime.It can result in deportation, a re-entry ban, and fines. Check your visa expiry date regularly and contact immigration well in advance to renew or depart on time.
Community
Connect with other Cambodian workers in Korea. Share experiences, get help, stay informed.
Facebook Community
Join Cambodian worker groups in Korea for advice, job tips, and peer support.
Join Group →Cambodian Embassy Seoul
For passport renewal, official documents, and emergency consular assistance while in Korea.
📞 Call EmbassySubmit Your Question
Have a question about labor rights, tax, or visa? Submit it and we'll answer in both English and Khmer.
Ask a Question →📬 Ask Us Anything
Help & Important Numbers
Save these numbers on your phone now. You may need them anytime.
Emergency
Fire & Ambulance / Police. Available 24/7 with foreign language support.
Labor Help Line
HRD Korea & Ministry of Employment. Call for EPS, contract issues, and workplace problems.
Foreign Worker Support
Korea Immigration Service support center. Available in Khmer and other languages.
Cambodian Embassy Seoul
For passport, official documents, and emergency consular help in Korea.
Medical Help Line
24-hour health consultation and guidance to the nearest hospital.
Free Legal Aid
Korea Legal Aid Corporation. Free legal consultation for workers in dispute.
News & Guides
2025 Minimum Wage Update: What EPS Workers Need to Know
Korea raised the minimum wage for 2025. Here's how it affects your monthly salary and overtime calculations.
Read More →Tax Refund Season 2025: Claim Before May 31st
The annual tax filing period has opened. If you paid taxes in Korea in 2024, this guide shows how to claim your refund.
Read More →New EPS Re-entry Rules for Cambodian Workers in 2025
HRD Korea updated the re-entry and loyal worker policy for 2025. If you plan to return to Korea, read this first.
Read More →