What protections exist against workplace harassment in Korea?

Korea has real legal protections here. Since 2019 the Labor Standards Act has included a workplace harassment provision (직장 내 괴롭힘 금지) that bans anyone from using their position or relationships to cause physical or mental suffering beyond the scope of work. There are also separate laws against sexual harassment, and for foreign workers, protections against discrimination based on nationality.

If you experience bullying or harassment, the practical first step is to keep records, so save messages, emails, dates, and the names of any witnesses. Then report it internally to HR or your company's grievance channel, which employers are legally required to investigate, and retaliation against you for reporting is itself illegal. If the company ignores it or you are not comfortable going internal, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, whose counseling line is 1350 and which offers support in several languages. There are also foreign worker support centers and NGOs that provide free counseling and help with filing. If it involves assault or sexual harassment, you can go to the police as well. One piece of advice, try not to quit impulsively before getting guidance, since how you leave can affect your severance and unemployment eligibility.