South Korea

How do I apply for workers' comp after getting injured at?

30 days
Report to employer
2 years
File claim deadline
KCOMWELFARE
Claims agency
100%
Medical cost coverage
The Short Answer

You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days and submit a workers' compensation claim to the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (KCOMWELFARE) within 2 years of the injury.

What the Law Says

South Korean law requires prompt reporting and formal application to receive workers’ compensation benefits. The Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act sets strict deadlines and defines covered injuries.

Under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act, any worker injured on the job is entitled to medical treatment, disability benefits, and wage replacement — provided they follow statutory procedures.

You must notify your employer of the injury within 30 days. Failure to do so may delay or jeopardize your claim unless you prove justifiable cause for the delay.

You (or your representative) must file a formal claim with KCOMWELFARE within 2 years from the date of the accident or onset of occupational disease.

Benefits include full coverage of necessary medical expenses, disability payments at 70% of average wage (for temporary or permanent disability), and survivor benefits if applicable.

Statutory Text

The worker shall report the occurrence of an industrial accident to the employer without delay, and in any case, within thirty days from the date of the accident.

Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act, s. 34 — Reporting of Industrial Accidents
Statutory Text

A claim for benefits under this Act shall be filed with the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service within two years from the date of the industrial accident or the date on which an occupational disease is diagnosed.

Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act, s. 35 — Filing of Claims

What to Do

1

Notify your employer in writing within 30 days of the injury.

2

Seek medical treatment and keep all records (diagnosis, treatment dates, receipts).

3

Download and complete Form KCOMWELFARE-IA1 (Industrial Accident Claim Application) from the official website.

4

Submit the form, medical documents, and employer’s confirmation to your nearest KCOMWELFARE branch or online via the Integrated Welfare Portal (www.iwel.or.kr).

5

Follow up within 30 days — KCOMWELFARE must decide on eligibility within 30 days of receiving a complete application.

Sources

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.