It's been a month since I started my part-time job, but there's still nothing in my bank account. "Could it be that I'm not going to get paid?" Worried, if you ask your boss right away, "Why haven't you paid me?" your boss might get flustered. Even if you don't mean any harm, it can sound harsh. ## Salary is usually paid in the "following month" In Korea, many workplaces have you work for a month and then pay your salary on a set day the following month. For example, if you worked from the 1st to the 30th, you get paid on the 10th or the 25th of the next month. The payday is different from shop to shop. There's a reason for this. Only after the month ends can they count the days and hours you worked. They also have to check the days you took off, the days you came in late, and any extra hours you worked. You also have to calculate the deductions for taxes and insurance. So they need time to do the calculations. This is why your first paycheck feels late. ## A good way to ask There's nothing wrong with asking about your pay. However, it's better to say gently, "I'd like to know when payday is," rather than "When do you pay me?" First, take a look at your employment contract. It usually states the payment date. If it isn't written there, ask about payday when you start working. ## If the promised date has passed If the date in the contract has passed and you've heard nothing, politely ask again. If it still isn't resolved, you can use the Ministry of Employment and Labor's helpline (1350). The number and the method may change, so please check once.