Contract expiry and renewal

Contract expiry is not dismissal, but without preparation it leaves you in the same difficulty.

Check in advance

1. The contract term and end date written in your contract.
2. Whether there is a renewal clause — wording like "renewable subject to performance" can support a legitimate expectation of renewal.
3. Whether the company has stated its intention — confirm by text or email so there is a record.
4. Your residence expiry date — it can differ from the contract end date. Put both in your calendar.
5. Whether severance pay and annual leave settlement apply.

When refusing renewal can be challenged

Even on a fixed-term contract, where a legitimate expectation of renewal is recognised, refusing to renew without reasonable grounds can be disputed. The assessment is difficult, so consult 1350 or a labour adviser.

As expiry approaches

1. Ask the company in writing, more than a month ahead, whether it will renew.
2. If not, contact 1345 immediately about your residence status — job-seeking period, change of status.
3. Register as a jobseeker at an employment centre. See job-centers.
4. Check the final pay, severance and leave settlement.
5. Obtain your employment and separation certificates.

Where to go

• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (with interpretation)
• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (residence status)
• Your local employment centre — Work24 www.work24.go.kr
• 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
• 1577-1366 interpretation

Questions people ask

Must I leave as soon as the contract ends? Depending on your status there may be a job-seeking period. Check with 1345 immediately. See job-search-period.

It was renewed every year but not this year. There may be a recognisable expectation of renewal. Gather the earlier contracts and consult 1350.

I never received a contract. Issuing a written contract is the employer's duty. Ask for it, and report it if refused. See employment-contract.

The renewal came with worse terms. A unilateral change for the worse without consent can be challenged. Get advice before signing.

Take care

Don't confuse the contract end date with the residence expiry date. Your stay may run past the contract, or the reverse. Put both dates in your calendar and handle each separately.

Related

employment-contract · termination-rules · job-search-period · change-workplace-e9 · severance-pay

Source

Ministry of Employment and Labour www.moel.go.kr / As of 2026-08