Working Hours in South Korea
In South Korea, the standard working week is 40 hours, which is usually spread over five days. The number of working hours per day should not exceed eight hours.
Overtime work is allowed in South Korea, and employees who work beyond their normal working hours are entitled to overtime pay. The rate of overtime pay is usually 1.5 times the normal hourly rate.
Employment Rights and Benefits in South Korea
South Korea has a range of employment rights and benefits in place to ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect. Some of the key employment rights and benefits in South Korea include:
Annual leave
Employees in South Korea are entitled to at least 15 days of paid annual leave per year. This entitlement increases to 20 days after three years of service.
Sick leave
Employees in South Korea are entitled to a maximum of 90 days of paid sick leave per year. During this period, the employee is entitled to full pay for the first 30 days and half pay for the remaining days.
Maternity leave
Female employees in South Korea are entitled to up to 90 days of paid maternity leave. This leave can be taken before or after the birth of the child.
End-of-service benefits
End-of-service benefits are payments made to employees at the end of their employment contract. The amount of the payment is usually based on the length of service and the employee’s salary.
Pensions
Pensions are mandatory in South Korea, and employers are required to provide their employees with a pension scheme. The schemes are usually based on a defined benefit plan, where the amount of the pension is based on the employee’s salary and length of service.
Pensions for Expats in South Korea
Expats who work in South Korea are entitled to the same pension benefits as Korean nationals. The pension system in South Korea is based on a defined benefit plan, where the amount of the pension is based on the employee’s salary and length of service.
Expats who have worked in South Korea for at least one year may be eligible for a lump-sum withdrawal of their pension contributions if they leave the country. However, if they stay in South Korea until retirement, they will be entitled to a monthly pension payment.
Retirement Age in South Korea
The retirement age in South Korea is currently 60 years for men and 55 years for women. However, the government is in the process of increasing the retirement age to 65 years for both men and women by 2026.
It is important to note that the retirement age may change in the future, depending on the economic and demographic circumstances in South Korea.
South Korea offers a range of employment terms and conditions in place to ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect. From annual leave to sick leave and pensions, South Korean law ensures that employees are provided with adequate benefits.
Expats who work in South Korea are entitled to the same pension benefits as Korean nationals, and it is important for them to understand their entitlements and obligations under South Korean employment law to ensure that they are receiving the benefits they are entitled to and complying with their legal requirements as employees or self-employed workers.
The retirement age in South Korea may change in the future, and it is important for individuals to plan for their retirement accordingly, whether through a pension scheme provided by their employer or a private pension scheme.
Overall, South Korea offers a range of employment terms and conditions that are designed to protect workers and ensure that they are treated fairly. Expats who work in South Korea can expect to receive similar benefits to Korean nationals, and it is important for them to understand their entitlements and obligations under South Korean employment law.