Rights of food service workers
The Labour Standards Act applies in food service just as anywhere else.
Common problem areas
- Rest breaks — breaks must be given according to hours worked. "Eat later, we're busy" repeated is a problem.
- Weekly holiday allowance — you have a right to it if you meet the requirements. See weekly-holiday-pay.
- Overtime and night allowances — night hours attract premium pay. See overtime-pay.
- Minimum wage — standards apply even during probation. See minimum-wage.
- Deducting broken dishes and losses from wages — not permitted in principle. See wage-deductions.
- Employment contract — always get one in writing.
Emotional labour and abuse
Customer abuse, assault and sexual harassment are not things to endure.
- The employer has a duty to protect workers from customer abuse.
- In serious cases you can call 112.
- If the company takes no protective measures, consult 1350.
- Sexual harassment has its own procedure. See sexual-harassment-work.
Safety
- Burns — hot oil and water. See burns.
- Slips — wet floors.
- Cuts — knives, slicers.
- Gas — report kitchen gas smells immediately. See gas-leak.
- Injuries are industrial accidents, including for part-time staff. See industrial-accident-basics.
Where to go
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (with interpretation)
- 1588-0075 Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service
- 112 assault and sexual harassment
- 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
- 1345 (whether your status permits the work)
Questions people ask
I work without time to eat. Rest breaks are a right. Keep work records and consult 1350.
They took money from my pay for a broken plate. Unilaterally deducting losses from wages is not permitted in principle. Gather payslips and get advice.
A customer swore at me and threw things. You can report to 112. Ask the employer for protection, and consult 1350 if nothing is done.
I'm a student doing part-time work. You need a part-time work permit. Working without one creates residence status problems. See student-part-time-rules.
Take care
"The customer is king" is no reason to endure violence. Abuse, assault and sexual harassment are crimes, and the employer has a duty to protect you. Keep evidence and ask for help.
Related
weekly-holiday-pay · overtime-pay · wage-deductions · sexual-harassment-work · student-part-time-rules
Source
Ministry of Employment and Labour www.moel.go.kr / As of 2026-08