1,022 Jobs in South Korea

South Korean workers navigate the Chuseok shutdown, mandatory pension deductions, and the seasonal bonus system that structures annual earnings.

Questions

• What visa do foreign workers need to work in South Korea?

  Most skilled positions require an E-1 visa, while English language instruction typically uses an E-2 visa; employer sponsorship is mandatory for both. The employer files the application and the worker must have a bachelor's degree at minimum. Processing takes several weeks and the visa is tied to the sponsoring employer.

• What contract types do South Korean employers use?

  Permanent contracts (정규직) and fixed-term contracts (계약직) are the main categories, with permanent roles requiring extensive vetting. Fixed-term contracts typically run one to two years and are renewable but offer fewer benefits and lower job security. Part-time work (시간제) exists but is less common in formal employment.

• How many hours per week is standard in South Korea?

  The legal maximum is 40 hours per week, but many positions involve regular overtime that extends the actual working day significantly. Overtime is often uncompensated or compensated at a lower rate than regular hours. The distinction between scheduled hours and actual time at the workplace is important to understand.

• What documents do employers ask for during hiring?

  Employers require educational certificates, a resume with photograph, personal background information, and often police clearance and health screening results. Some positions demand military discharge papers (for men) or proof of completion of mandatory service. References and previous employment records are also standard requests.

• When do workers receive bonuses in South Korea?

  The Seollal bonus (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok bonus (autumn harvest festival) are the two major payments, typically equivalent to one month's salary each. These are structured expectations rather than discretionary payments and form a significant part of annual compensation. Summer bonuses may also be provided at employer discretion.

• How is pay delivered to workers?

  Salaries are paid monthly via bank transfer, typically on a fixed date set by the employer. Deductions for the National Pension Service, health insurance, and employment insurance are automatically withheld from each paycheck. Bonuses are paid separately during Seollal and Chuseok periods.

• What happens during Chuseok and Lunar New Year?

  These are the two major shutdown periods when most businesses close for one to two weeks, and workers return to their hometowns. Many contracts treat these closures as mandatory unpaid leave, though some employers provide paid holiday. Planning and budgeting around these weeks is essential for workers.

• Can workers switch employers easily in South Korea?

  Switching jobs typically requires breaking the current contract, which may involve penalties or loss of benefits depending on the arrangement. Permanent contracts are more restrictive than fixed-term roles; changing employers may require visa reprocessing if you're a foreign national. Advance notice periods, usually one to three months, are often contractually required.

• Is overtime mandatory in South Korea?

  While the legal maximum is 40 hours weekly, overtime is a widespread expectation in many sectors and is often difficult to refuse. Compensation for overtime varies—some is paid at standard rates, some at premium rates, and some may not be formally compensated. The actual working day frequently extends well beyond contracted hours.

• What mandatory deductions appear on South Korean paychecks?

  The National Pension Service (국민연금), health insurance, and employment insurance are automatically deducted from every salary. These deductions fund retirement, medical coverage, and unemployment protection respectively. The combined deduction rate is approximately 9% of gross salary, though this varies slightly by income level.