Rights of agricultural workers

Agriculture has some exceptions to working hour rules, but the other protections apply in full.

What applies

• Minimum wage — it applies. See minimum-wage.
• Payment of wages in full — accommodation deductions have standards too. See dormitory-fees.
• Industrial accident insurance — you are covered if hurt at work. See industrial-accident-basics.
• A written employment contract — you must receive one.
• Accommodation standards — containers and greenhouses can be a problem. See dormitory-standards.
• No assault or sexual harassment — these are criminal matters.

Where exceptions exist

Some sectors including agriculture, livestock, sericulture and fisheries can be excluded from the Labour Standards Act's working hours, rest and holiday provisions.

This does not mean unlimited work is acceptable. The hours and wages in your contract must be honoured, and minimum wage and accident cover apply regardless. Check with 1350 where your workplace falls.

Particular hazards on farms

• Machinery accidents — cultivators, tractors, combines. Never operate without safety training.
• Pesticides — always wear protective equipment; if exposed, wash immediately and go to hospital. See chemical-exposure.
• Heat and cold in outdoor work. See heatwave-emergency and cold-wave.
• High temperatures inside greenhouses
• Accommodation safety — heaters, fire, carbon monoxide. See winter-support.

If problems arise

1. Gather evidence — work records, photos, texts, bank statements.
2. Consult 1350 or 1577-0071 — interpretation is available.
3. If injured, claim through 1588-0075.
4. If accommodation falls below standard, photograph it and report.

Where to go

• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (with interpretation)
• 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
• 1588-0075 Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service
• Local migrant workers' support centres
• 119 emergency · 112 assault

Questions people ask

I work more than twelve hours a day. Working hour rules can apply differently by sector, but the contract and wages must be honoured. Consult 1350 with your contract in hand.

My accommodation is a greenhouse. It may fall below the accommodation standard. Photograph it and consult 1577-0071. See dormitory-standards.

I feel dizzy after spraying pesticide. Wash immediately and go to hospital. Take the substance name with you and file an accident claim.

I want to change workplace. There are defined grounds and procedures. Never abscond — consult 1577-0071 first. See change-workplace-e9.

Take care

Farms are far from hospitals and you often work alone. Calling for help after an accident is hard. Keep your phone with you at all times, save the site and accommodation addresses, and exchange contact details with the people you work with.

Related

dormitory-standards · chemical-exposure · industrial-accident-basics · change-workplace-e9 · seasonal-worker-rights

Source

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