Labor
Labor relations acts and subordinate statutes have been enacted based on the Constitution of the Republic of Korea and businesses or workplaces employing foreigners are regulated by them. Labor conditions shall be decided based on the free will of employees, with employers and employees equal footing, and conditions should at least fulfill the basic requirements stipulated in the Act.
Labor law categories and application
Individual employment-related laws
- Labor Standards Act
- Minimum Wages Act
- Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act
- Equal Employment Opportunity Act
Collective labor relations laws
Cooperative labor relations laws
Employment-related laws
Labor management
Wages
The minimum wage for 2018: KRW 7,530 per hour, KRW 60,240 per day (8 hour workday)
Working hours
Workers | Standard working hours | Extended work | Nighttime work | Holiday work | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 day | 1 week | ||||
Male workers | 8 hours | 40 hours |
12 hours per week |
《In principle》 As agreed by the involved parties |
《In principle》 As agreed by the involved parties |
Female workers | 8 hours | 40 hours |
12 hours per week |
《In principle》 As agreed by the persons concerned |
《In principle》 As agreed by the persons concerned |
Female workers less than one year after childbirth |
8 hours | 40 hours |
As agreed between the parties concerned; 2 hours per day, 6 hours per week, 150 hours per year |
《In principle》 Prohibited 《Exception》 As agreed by the persons concerned and approved by the Minister of Employment and Labor |
《In principle》 Prohibited 《Exception》 As agreed by the persons concerned and approved by the Minister of Employment and Labor |
Pregnant workers | 8 hours | 40 hours | Prohibited |
《In principle》 Prohibited 《Exception》 Upon an explicit request approved by the Minister of Employment and Labor |
《In principle》 Prohibited 《Exception》 Upon an explicit request approved by the Minister of Employment and Labor |
Minors (under the age of 18) |
7 hours | 35 hours |
As agreed between the parties concerned; 1 hour per day, 5 hours per week |
《In principle》 Prohibited 《Exception》 As agreed by the persons concerned and approved by the Minister of Employment and Labor |
《In principle》 Prohibited 《Exception》 As agreed by the persons concerned and approved by the Minister of Employment and Labor |
Holidays and leaves
“Legal” holidays and leaves
- Public holidays
- Company foundation
anniversaries - Summer leave
- Congratulatory &
condolence leave
“Agreed” holidays and leaves
- Weekly holidays
- Labor Day
- Monthly leave
- Annual leave
- Menstruation leave
- Maternity leave
Dismissal
An employer cannot dismiss, lay off, suspend or transfer a worker, reduce a worker’s wages, or take punitive measures against a worker without justifiable cause. Such punitive measures shall be taken on reasonable grounds that are generally accepted by society at large. In general, the reasons for punitive measures such as dismissal are stipulated in the employment regulations or the collective agreement, and the procedures set forth in the concerned employment regulations or collective agreement shall be followed. When dismissing a worker, the worker shall receive notice of the dismissal at least 30 days prior to actual dismissal. If not, the employer shall be obligated to pay at least 30 days’ worth of advance notice of dismissal pay. Dismissal of an employee is effective only when a written notice stating the cause and date of dismissal is sent to the employee concerned.
Retirement benefits
Retirement allowance system
The employer should pay the average wage for
30 days or more per year of continuous
service period.
Retirement pension plan
The employer shall accumulate and invest
funds for the retirement allowance into an
external financial institution during the
workers’ service period.
Social insurance policy
- Employment insurance
- Industrial accident compensation insurance
- National pension
- Health insurance
Online
consultant

- KOTRA
- LEE Sun-il Executive Consultant
- 02-3497-1740
- amorfati@kotra.or.kr
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