I experienced sexual harassment at work. How do I respond?

What the Law Says

South Korean law strictly prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace and requires employers to take preventive and responsive measures.

Under the Equal Employment Opportunity and Work-Family Balance Assistance Act (EEOWFBA), sexual harassment is defined as any unwanted sexual conduct that harms an employee’s dignity or working environment. Employers must establish internal procedures to prevent and address such conduct.

The law mandates that employers investigate complaints promptly and take appropriate corrective action. Failure to do so may result in administrative penalties or civil liability.

Employees who report harassment are legally protected from retaliation — including dismissal, demotion, or other adverse treatment — and such retaliation is itself unlawful.

Statutory Text

Any employer shall take necessary measures, such as establishing a system for handling complaints and conducting investigations, to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

— Equal Employment Opportunity and Work-Family Balance Assistance Act, s. 37-2 — Measures against Sexual Harassment

Statutory Text

No employer shall dismiss, lay off, suspend, transfer to another position, reduce wages, or take any other adverse action against an employee on the grounds that the employee has reported sexual harassment or cooperated in an investigation.

— Equal Employment Opportunity and Work-Family Balance Assistance Act, s. 37-3 — Prohibition of Retaliation

What to Do

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