Work & Wages

Korean procedures explained in plain language

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Departure guarantee insurance (E-9 severance)

The insurance that serves as severance pay for E-9 workers. The employer pays in monthly and you receive it on departure.

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Unemployment benefit requirements

A benefit paid for a period after losing your job. Enrolment length and the reason for leaving are key.

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Reporting workplace harassment

Using position or relationship power to torment someone is prohibited by law.

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Sick leave and treatment leave

Injured at work means industrial accident care; otherwise company rules apply.

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Income tax basics

Tax is deducted from your salary first, then settled at year-end.

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What may lawfully be deducted from wages

Beyond what the law specifies, nothing may be deducted without the worker's consent.

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Parental leave

Leave taken to care for a child, regardless of nationality.

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Rules on deducting accommodation and meal costs

Deducting dormitory or meal costs from wages requires the worker's consent and set standards.

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Wage payment guarantee insurance

Insurance the employer takes out in case they cannot pay wages. If wages go unpaid, part is covered here.

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Contract expiry and renewal

Confirm renewal before expiry, and keep track of your residence expiry date too.

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Maternity leave

Any employee qualifies for pre- and post-natal leave, regardless of nationality.

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Working in extreme heat and cold

Water, shade and rest are part of the employer's safety duty.

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Labour glossary

The terms you keep meeting on payslips and contracts.

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Disputing how your pay was calculated

Lay the payslip and your attendance records side by side.

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Opening a salary account

You can open one with your Alien Registration Card and proof of employment. Never lend your bankbook.

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Korean interview culture

Neat dress, punctuality and specific answers are the basics.

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Part-time work rules for students

You must obtain a part-time work permit first. Working without one is a violation.

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Claiming industrial accident insurance

If you were hurt at work, industrial accident insurance covers treatment and lost wages. You can apply yourself even if your employer disagrees.

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Using migrant workers' support centres

The nearest place to get labour and daily-life advice with interpretation.

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Using an employment centre

Jobseeker registration, unemployment benefit, training and workplace changes in one place.

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Meal and rest break rules

A rest break is not working time, and you must be free to use it.

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Your right to join a trade union

You have the right to join and take part in a union regardless of nationality.

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The job-seeking period

After applying to change workplace you must find a new job within a set period.

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Resigning properly

Check carefully before signing a resignation letter — it is hard to undo.

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Wage problems in subcontracting chains

The main contractor sometimes shares liability. Record who you worked for.

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What employers must do

Your rights are the mirror image of your employer's duties.

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Rights of daily workers

Even one day's work makes you a worker, with wage, accident and safety protection.

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Work checklist before leaving Korea

Collect everything you are owed before you go — afterwards is far harder.

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Procedures after a workplace death

Surviving family can claim industrial accident survivor benefits and funeral costs.

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Protection for people who report

Dismissal or disadvantage because you reported is prohibited.

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Beware remittance scams

"Cheap transfers" through personal accounts are illegal and dangerous.

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Rights of agricultural workers

Working hour rules have exceptions, but minimum wage, accident cover and accommodation standards apply.

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Using Hometax

Check income and tax records and obtain certificates online.

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Charging jobseekers a placement fee is illegal

Taking money from a jobseeker for a referral is prohibited in principle.

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Sending money overseas

Compare banks, licensed remittance operators and apps. Look at fees and exchange rates together.

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Understanding dispatch work

The company that employs you differs from the one you work at, and responsibilities are split.

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Protection for pregnant workers

Once you notify a pregnancy, hazardous work and night work are restricted.

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Finding work on Work24 (WorkNet)

The official government job site, where fraudulent listings are filtered out.

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Claiming damages

Separately from industrial accident cover, employer fault can support a further claim.

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Year-end tax settlement

A year's tax is reconciled and overpayment refunded. Submit the documents to your employer.

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Rights of construction workers

Never go up without a helmet and harness. The main contractor bears responsibility too.

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Tax settlement on departure

Complete year-end settlement before you leave, and keep your bank account open.

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Your right to a payslip

Employers must issue a payslip each payday. It is the key evidence in a wage claim.

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Negotiating pay

Know the baseline, confirm in writing, and put the agreement in the contract.

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Limits on dismissal

Dismissal needs a just cause, written notice and the proper advance-notice procedure.

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Rights of seasonal workers

Short contracts still carry minimum wage, accident cover and accommodation standards.

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Understanding collective agreements

An agreement between the union and the company, applying terms better than your contract.

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Rights of fishery workers

At sea, safety comes first. Check your life jacket and means of communication.

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Domestic and care workers

Working through a certified agency brings legal protection. Check your contract type.

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Your right to refuse dangerous work

When there is imminent danger you may stop work and evacuate. You cannot be penalised for it.

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