Understanding the EPS standard contract
The standard employment contract is a document that protects you. Sign it knowing what it says.
What to check in the contract
- Workplace name and address — the same as where you will actually work?
- Sector and duties — being given different work is a problem.
- Working and rest hours — start and finish times, rest days.
- Wages — amount, calculation method, payday, payment method (bank transfer).
- Whether accommodation and meals are provided, and deductions — see dormitory-fees.
- Contract period
- Social insurance enrolment — see four-major-insurances.
Amounts and terms differ by contract. Always check the figures in your own contract.
Before signing
- Check line by line through an interpreter. Don't sign what you don't understand.
- Never sign a contract with blank spaces — they can be filled in later.
- Always take a copy and photograph it too.
- If there are Korean and native-language versions, keep both.
After arriving in Korea
- Keep the contract somewhere safe and store a photo on your phone.
- Get a payslip every month and compare it with the contract. See payslip.
- If the work or wages differ from the contract, gather records and consult 1350.
- Breach of contract can be grounds for a workplace change. See change-workplace-e9.
Where to go
- 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (with interpretation)
- Employment Permit System www.eps.go.kr
- Local migrant workers' support centres
- 1345 for residence status questions
Questions people ask
They won't give me the contract. Providing it is compulsory. Ask for it, and consult 1350 if they refuse.
They give me work different from the contract. Record photos, texts and work instructions and consult 1350 and 1577-0071.
My wages are lower than the contract. That may be unpaid wages. Gather payslips and bank records and file a complaint. See unpaid-wages.
I can't read Korean. Request a contract in your own language, and if there isn't one, check it through 1577-0071 interpretation.
Take care
Don't accept "just sign now and we'll talk later". A signed contract is hard to undo. Never sign without an interpreter. Saving five minutes can cost you years of hardship.
Related
employment-permit-system · employment-contract · payslip · dormitory-fees · change-workplace-e9
Source
Ministry of Employment and Labour, Employment Permit System www.eps.go.kr / As of 2026-08