Working in Korea as a foreigner: Must-know laws and tips
Foreign workers in South Korea are, in principle, entitled to the same rights as local employees under the country’s labor laws, particularly the Labor Standards Act and the Act on the Employment of Foreign Workers. However, the actual enforcement of these rights can vary based on the size of the business, the worker’s visa status, and the employer's willingness to comply with regulations. While legitimate workers are entitled to severance pay, workplace insurance, and other protections, some employers exploit legal loopholes or workers' lack of knowledge. Even undocumented workers may be eligible for protections such as accident compensation or unpaid wages, as Korean law does not nullify a contract solely due to illegal status. However, they risk deportation after making a claim.
Despite the legal framework, exceptions remain. Workers in businesses with fewer than five permanent employees, domestic workers, freelancers, and those in agriculture or maritime sectors may not be fully covered by labor laws. Recent high-profile cases have also highlighted gaps in worker classification and protection. The Ministry of Employment and Labor offers channels to report wage issues, and penalties for non-compliant employers can be severe. However, understanding the scope of rights and limitations requires careful review of applicable laws, which are available in English via Korea’s official legal database.
- Source: The Korea Herald, Yoon Min-sik (June 10, 2025 - 17:53:14)
The refering article belongs to a Series called "Rise & Thrive" -
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Working in Korea as a foreigner: Must-know laws and tips
Foreign workers in South Korea are, in principle, entitled to the same rights as local employees under the country’s labor laws, particularly the Labor Standards Act and the Act on the Employment of Foreign Workers. However, the actual enforcement of these rights can vary based on the size of the business, the worker’s visa status, and the employer's willingness to comply with regulations. While legitimate workers are entitled to severance pay, workplace insurance, and other protections, some employers exploit legal loopholes or workers' lack of knowledge. Even undocumented workers may be eligible for protections such as accident compensation or unpaid wages, as Korean law does not nullify a contract solely due to illegal status. However, they risk deportation after making a claim.
Despite the legal framework, exceptions remain. Workers in businesses with fewer than five permanent employees, domestic workers, freelancers, and those in agriculture or maritime sectors may not be fully covered by labor laws. Recent high-profile cases have also highlighted gaps in worker classification and protection. The Ministry of Employment and Labor offers channels to report wage issues, and penalties for non-compliant employers can be severe. However, understanding the scope of rights and limitations requires careful review of applicable laws, which are available in English via Korea’s official legal database.
- Source: The Korea Herald, Yoon Min-sik (June 10, 2025 - 17:53:14)
The refering article belongs to a Series called "Rise & Thrive" -
check out this article and other related topics via the link below!
read the full article