More than half of teenage girls doing part-time jobs in Seoul have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, a poll showed Wednesday.

The survey of 544 girls aged 14-19 in the capital showed 56 percent of the respondents had someone joke about their physical appearance or specific body parts at work. The Seoul Foundation of Women & Family conducted the survey between July 24 and Aug. 1.

Almost 50 percent had heard sexual jokes, while a third had experienced light physical contact with male co-workers. Slightly over 20 percent said they had been groped.

Seventy percent of those who experienced sexual harassment at work said they continued working there without seeking any help.

Thirty percent quit their jobs, while 19 percent confronted the offenders. Only 4 percent asked their friends or acquaintances for help.

Nearly half, or 48 percent, of the respondents received less than the minimum hourly wage of 5,210 won (US$4.97).

Coffee shops paid the least with 3,917 won, followed by fast food restaurants with 4,926 won and convenience stores with 4,993 won. 

Most interviewees received unfair treatment at work but were unable to do much about it.

Delayed payment was the most common type of mistreatment with

18 percent, followed by underpayment with 17 percent and unpaid overtime pay with 15 percent. Nearly 70 percent tolerated the behavior, while 28 percent quit. No one sought legal counsel regarding the issues.

Seven percent of the respondents sustained work-related injuries, but most were uncompensated. More than half said they paid for their own treatment, according to the findings. (Yonhap)