Your employment contract sets the terms of your working life in Korea, and signing one you do not fully understand can cost you money and protection. Korean labour law actually gives workers — including foreigners — strong rights, but you need to know what to look for. Read every contract carefully, and never feel rushed into signing.
Get it in writing
By law you are entitled to a written contract stating the main terms. Insist on one, read it fully, and keep a signed copy. If it is only in Korean, ask for an explanation of each clause or get help translating before you sign.
The key terms to check
Pay
- The salary amount and whether it is stated gross or net
- The pay date each month
- What is deducted (income tax, National Pension, Health Insurance, Employment Insurance)
- Whether the rate meets the legal minimum wage
Working hours and overtime
- Your standard hours (the legal standard is 40 hours a week)
- Overtime rules and pay (overtime, night and holiday work attract premium rates)
- Break entitlements
Severance pay (toijikgeum)
This is important and often misunderstood: if you work at least one year, you are generally entitled to severance of about one month average pay for each year worked, paid when you leave. Confirm it is honoured and not improperly bundled into your monthly salary.
Leave
- Annual paid leave (your legal holiday entitlement)
- Public holidays and how they are handled
- Sick leave arrangements
Contract length and notice
- Whether it is fixed-term or open-ended
- The notice period for either side to end it
- Any probation period and its terms
Extras
- Housing or a housing allowance (common for teachers)
- Flights (some contracts include arrival/return airfare)
- Bonuses, meals, transport or other allowances
- Insurances and pension enrolment
Your rights as a worker
- The right to a written contract and to be paid at least the minimum wage
- Overtime and holiday premiums for extra hours
- Severance after a qualifying period
- Enrolment in the four major insurances
- Protection from unfair dismissal and from having your passport or ARC withheld (an employer must never hold your documents)
Before you sign — a checklist
- Is every key term (pay, hours, severance, leave, length) clearly written?
- Does the pay meet the minimum wage and is it gross or net?
- Is severance properly provided after one year?
- Are the insurances and deductions correct?
- Do you have a signed copy to keep?
If something is wrong
- Do not sign under pressure — ask for time
- Seek help from the NIDO welfare team, a labour support centre, or the Ministry of Employment and Labour helpline
- Free foreign worker support centres exist to advise on disputes and unpaid wages
Korean law protects you, but only if you understand your contract. Check pay, hours, severance, leave and length in writing; make sure your documents are never withheld; keep a signed copy; and if anything feels wrong, ask the welfare team or a labour centre before you sign.