In this Korean Conversation lesson, follow a migrant worker learning how to speak up about unpaid wages — from the community center to a labor consultant’s office.
임금체불은 외국인 노동자들이 한국에서 겪는 가장 흔하고 힘든 문제 중 하나야.
Unpaid wages are one of the most common and difficult problems foreign workers face in Korea.
말이 서툴러서 도움을 요청하기 어려울 때, 어디로 가야 하고 무슨 말을 해야 하는지 아는 것만으로도 큰 힘이 돼.
When language makes it hard to ask for help, simply knowing where to go and what to say can make a huge difference.
동사무소부터 노무사 상담까지, 실제 상황을 통해 필요한 한국어 표현을 배워보자.
From the community center to a labor consultant’s office, let’s learn the Korean expressions you’ll need through a real-life situation.
Dialogue 1: At the 동사무소 (Community Center)
이주노동자: “저기요, 월급을 두 달째 못 받았는데 여기서 신고할 수 있나요?”
Migrant worker: “Excuse me, I haven’t been paid for two months — can I report this here?”
동사무소 직원: “여기서는 임금체불 신고는 안 받고, 고용노동부나 노무사한테 상담받으셔야 해요.”
Community center staff: “We don’t handle wage disputes here — you’ll need to consult the Ministry of Employment and Labor or a labor consultant.”
이주노동자: “노무사요? 그게 뭐 하는 사람이에요?”
Migrant worker: “A labor consultant? What do they do?”
동사무소 직원: “노무사는 근로 관련 문제를 전문적으로 상담해주는 사람이에요. 외국인 노동자 상담도 무료로 해주는 곳이 있어요.”
Staff: “A labor consultant is someone who specializes in advising on work-related issues. There are places that offer free consultations for foreign workers too.”
이주노동자: “그럼 어디로 가야 해요?”
Migrant worker: “Then where should I go?”
동사무소 직원: “이 안내문에 외국인노동자지원센터 주소랑 전화번호 있어요. 여기로 먼저 연락해보세요.”
Staff: “This flyer has the address and phone number for the Foreign Workers’ Support Center. Try contacting them first.”
이주노동자: “감사합니다. 진짜 걱정 많았는데, 어디로 가야 할지 알아서 다행이에요.”
Migrant worker: “Thank you. I was so worried, but I’m relieved to know where to go now.”
동사무소 직원: “잘 해결되길 바랄게요.”
Staff: “I hope it gets resolved well.”
Dialogue 2: Visiting the 외국인노무사 (Labor Consultant for Foreign Workers)
이주노동자: “안녕하세요, 전화로 미리 예약했는데요. 월급을 두 달째 못 받고 있어요.”
Migrant worker: “Hello, I made an appointment by phone. I haven’t been paid for two months.”
노무사: “네, 먼저 근로계약서 가지고 계신가요?”
Labor consultant: “Yes, do you have your employment contract with you?”
이주노동자: “네, 여기 있어요. 근데 사장님이 회사 사정이 어렵다고 계속 미루기만 해요.”
Migrant worker: “Yes, here it is. But my boss keeps saying the company is struggling and just keeps delaying.”
노무사: “계약서 보니까 임금 체불이 확실하네요. 고용노동부에 진정을 넣을 수 있어요.”
Labor consultant: “Looking at the contract, this is clearly unpaid wages. You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor.”
이주노동자: “그럼 저 불이익 받지 않을까요? 비자 문제도 있어서 걱정돼요.”
Migrant worker: “Will I get in trouble for that? I’m worried because of visa issues too.”
노무사: “임금체불로 진정 넣는 건 법적으로 보장된 권리라서 불이익 없어요. 비자 문제는 저희가 같이 확인해 드릴게요.”
Labor consultant: “Filing a complaint for unpaid wages is a legally protected right, so there won’t be any disadvantage. We’ll help you check on the visa issue together.”
이주노동자: “정말 다행이에요. 혼자였으면 엄두도 못 냈을 거예요.”
Migrant worker: “That’s such a relief. If I were alone, I wouldn’t have even dared to try this.”
노무사: “혼자 참지 마시고, 이런 문제 있으면 언제든지 다시 오세요.”
Labor consultant: “Don’t just endure it alone — come back anytime if you have issues like this.”
Dialogue 3: The Follow-Up Meeting
노무사: “고용노동부에서 연락 왔어요. 내일 사장님과 면담이 잡혔습니다.”
Labor consultant: “The Ministry of Employment and Labor contacted us. There’s a meeting with your boss tomorrow.”
이주노동자: “네, 알겠습니다. 그런데 제가 무슨 말을 해야 하죠?”
Migrant worker: “Okay, got it. But what should I say?”
노무사: “그냥 사실대로 말씀하시면 돼요. 제가 옆에서 도와드릴게요.”
Labor consultant: “Just tell the truth. I’ll be right there to help you.”
이주노동자: “근데 사장님이 진짜 회사에 돈이 없다고 하면 어떻게 되나요?”
Migrant worker: “But what happens if my boss really says the company has no money?”
노무사: “그런 경우엔 지급이 좀 늦어질 수는 있어요. 그래도 체불된 임금 자체가 없어지는 건 아니니까 걱정 안 하셔도 돼요.”
Labor consultant: “In that case, payment might be delayed a bit. But the unpaid wages themselves don’t just disappear, so you don’t need to worry.”
이주노동자: “그리고 사실 제 비자도 곧 만료돼서… 이 문제 때문에 출국해야 하는 거 아닐까 걱정돼요.”
Migrant worker: “And actually, my visa is expiring soon too… I’m worried I might have to leave the country because of this.”
노무사: “그 부분도 저희가 같이 확인해 드릴게요. 임금체불 문제로 체류기간 연장이나 특별 조치를 받을 수 있는 경우도 있어요.”
Labor consultant: “We’ll help check on that too. There are cases where you can get a stay extension or special measures because of an unpaid wage issue.”
이주노동자: “다행이네요. 근데 한국어로 설명 듣는 게 아직 좀 어려워서 걱정이에요.”
Migrant worker: “That’s a relief. But I’m still worried because it’s hard for me to follow explanations in Korean.”
노무사: “그러시면 외국인노동자지원센터에 통역 서비스를 요청할 수 있어요. 저희가 연결해 드릴게요.”
Labor consultant: “In that case, you can request interpretation services through the Foreign Workers’ Support Center. We’ll connect you.”
이주노동자: “감사합니다. 근데 상담료는 어느 정도 드려야 하나요? 부담될까 봐 걱정했거든요.”
Migrant worker: “Thank you. But how much should I pay for the consultation? I was worried it might be too expensive.”
노무사: “월평균 임금이 400만원 미만이시면 대한법률구조공단을 통해 무료로 지원받으실 수 있어요. 선생님은 그 조건에 해당하니까 비용 걱정은 안 하셔도 돼요.”
Labor consultant: “If your average monthly wage is under 4 million won, you can get free support through the Korea Legal Aid Corporation. You qualify for that, so you don’t need to worry about the cost.”
이주노동자: “정말요? 진짜 다행이에요. 마음이 훨씬 편해졌어요.”
Migrant worker: “Really? That’s such a relief. I feel so much better now.”
노무사: “네, 내일 면담 잘 될 거예요. 저 믿고 편하게 오세요.”
Labor consultant: “Yes, tomorrow’s meeting will go well. Trust me and come in with an easy mind.”
Key Korean Expressions from the Dialogue
| 한국어 | 영어 뜻 |
|---|---|
| 임금체불 | Unpaid wages / wage arrears |
| 노무사 | Certified labor consultant |
| 근로계약서 | Employment contract |
| 진정을 넣다 | To file a formal complaint (with an agency) |
| 불이익 | Disadvantage / unfavorable treatment |
| 권리 | Right (legal entitlement) |
| 참지 말고 | Don’t endure it in silence |
| 체류기간 연장 | Extension of stay (visa) |
| 통역 서비스 | Interpretation service |
| 법률구조 | Legal aid |
Detailed Breakdown: 신고하다 vs. 진정을 넣다 vs. 고소하다
신고하다 (알리다/보고하다): / 가장 폭넓게 쓰이는 단어야. / 범죄, 사고, 부정행위 등 뭐든 관계 당국에 알릴 때 쓸 수 있어.
신고하다 (to report): This is the most broadly used word. / It can describe reporting anything — a crime, an accident, wrongdoing — to the relevant authorities.
예문: “임금체불을 신고했어요.”
Example: “I reported the unpaid wages.”
진정을 넣다 (행정기관에 공식적으로 문제를 제기하다): / 고용노동부 같은 행정기관에 공식적인 절차로 문제를 제기하는 걸 말해. / 고소보다 절차가 간단하고, 우선 해결을 시도하는 방법이야.
진정을 넣다 (to file a formal complaint): This refers to formally raising an issue with an administrative agency like the Ministry of Employment and Labor. / It’s a simpler process than a lawsuit, and is usually the first step toward resolving the issue.
예문: “고용노동부에 진정을 넣었어요.”
Example: “I filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor.”
고소하다 (형사처벌을 요청하다): / 법적으로 더 심각한 단계야. / 상대방이 형사처벌을 받게 하기 위해 정식으로 법적 절차를 밟는 거야.
고소하다 (to press charges / sue): This is a more serious legal step. / It involves formally pursuing legal action so the other party faces criminal or civil consequences.
예문: “사장님을 고소했어요.”
Example: “I pressed charges against my boss.”
학습자를 위한 팁: Tip for Learners:
노무사나 동사무소 직원과 상담할 때 이 세 단어를 정확히 구분해서 써야 해. When consulting with a labor consultant or community center staff, it’s important to use these three words precisely.
아직 공식 절차 전이면 ‘신고하다’, 행정기관에 정식으로 문제를 제기하는 단계면 ‘진정을 넣다’, 법적 조치까지 가는 단계면 ‘고소하다’를 써. Use “신고하다” if you haven’t taken formal action yet, “진정을 넣다” once you’re formally raising the issue with an agency, and “고소하다” if it’s escalated to legal action.
상황에 맞는 단어를 써야 상대방이 내가 지금 어느 단계에 있는지 정확히 알아들을 수 있어. Using the right word for your situation helps the other person understand exactly where things stand.
FAQ: Common Questions About Wage Disputes
Q: 노무사 상담은 항상 무료인가요?
Q: Is consulting a labor consultant always free?
A: 월평균 임금이 400만원 미만이면 대한법률구조공단을 통해 무료로 지원받을 수 있어. 그 기준을 넘는 경우엔 사설 노무사에게 착수금을 내야 하는데, 임금체불 사건은 보통 20만원에서 100만원 사이에서 정해지는 경우가 많아.
A: If your average monthly wage is under 4 million won, you can get free support through the Korea Legal Aid Corporation. If you’re above that threshold, you’ll need to pay a private labor consultant’s retainer fee, which for wage disputes is usually somewhere between 200,000 and 1,000,000 won.
Q: 미등록(불법체류) 상태인데 임금체불 신고하면 추방당하나요?
Q: If I’m undocumented, will filing a wage complaint get me deported?
A: 법적으로 체류자격 문제랑 임금청구권은 별개야. 미등록 상태여도 일한 만큼의 임금을 청구할 권리는 있어. 다만 실제로 사업주가 보복성으로 체류자격을 신고한 사례도 있어서, 완전히 위험이 없다고는 할 수 없어. 그래서 혼자 진행하기보다는 노무사나 외국인노동자지원센터를 통해 진행하는 게 훨씬 안전해.
A: Legally, immigration status and the right to claim wages are separate issues. Even if you’re undocumented, you have the right to claim wages for work you’ve done. That said, there have been real cases of employers reporting a worker’s status out of retaliation, so it’s not entirely risk-free. That’s why it’s much safer to go through a labor consultant or the Foreign Workers’ Support Center rather than handling it alone.
Q: 노무사랑 변호사는 뭐가 달라요?
Q: What’s the difference between a labor consultant and a lawyer?
A: 노무사는 임금체불, 부당해고 같은 노동 관련 행정 절차(진정, 상담 등)를 전문으로 다뤄. 변호사는 형사 고소나 민사 소송처럼 법정에서 다루는 사건을 맡아. 임금체불은 보통 노무사 선에서 해결되는 경우가 많아.
A: A labor consultant specializes in administrative labor procedures — like filing complaints or giving advice — for issues like unpaid wages or unfair dismissal. A lawyer handles court matters like criminal charges or civil lawsuits. Wage disputes are usually resolved at the labor consultant level.
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Review Quiz: When the Boss Isn’t Fair
(Answers are at the bottom.)
Part 1: Multiple Choice
1. What does 임금체불 mean?
A) Overtime pay B) Unpaid wages C) Bonus pay D) Tax deduction
2. What did the 동사무소 직원 tell the migrant worker to do?
A) File a lawsuit immediately B) Contact a labor consultant or the Foreign Workers’ Support Center C) Quit the job D) Call the police
3. Which word would you use if you’re just raising an issue with an agency, not yet in court?
A) 고소하다 B) 진정을 넣다 C) 신고하다 D) 사과하다
4. What does 참지 말고 mean, as used by the labor consultant?
A) Don’t give up B) Don’t wait too long C) Don’t endure it in silence D) Don’t be afraid
5. In Dialogue 3, what does the labor consultant say if the meeting doesn’t resolve things quickly?
A) The worker should give up B) Payment might be delayed, but the debt doesn’t disappear C) The worker must sue immediately D) Nothing can be done
6. What does 체류기간 연장 refer to?
A) A new job offer B) An extension of one’s stay/visa period C) A pay raise D) A change of workplace
Part 2: Short Answer (Answer in English)
7. Why did the migrant worker go to the 동사무소 first, and what did they learn there?
8. What worry does the migrant worker share with the labor consultant in Dialogue 2, and how does the consultant respond?
9. In Dialogue 3, what three concerns does the migrant worker bring up, and how does the labor consultant address each one?
10. If you were explaining your situation to a 노무사 for the first time, what’s one Korean expression from this lesson you’d use to describe your problem?
Answer Key
Part 1
- B
- B
- B
- C
- B
- B
Part 2 (sample answers)
- They wanted to report unpaid wages, but learned the community center doesn’t handle wage disputes — they were directed to a labor consultant or the Foreign Workers’ Support Center instead.
- They worry that filing a complaint could hurt them, especially given visa concerns. The consultant reassures them that filing a wage complaint is a legally protected right with no disadvantage.
- (1) The employer’s financial situation — the consultant says payment may be delayed, but the debt doesn’t disappear. (2) Visa expiration — the consultant says a stay extension or special measures may be possible. (3) The language barrier — the consultant offers to connect them with interpretation services.
- Open-ended — check your own answer against the expressions above (e.g., “임금체불” or “진정을 넣다”).