Korea Employment Contract Checklist for Foreign Workers

Understanding Your Employment Contract

An employment contract is a legal agreement between you and your employer. It outlines your job duties, pay, and working conditions. In Korea, it is important to understand your contract, especially if it is written in Korean.

Always ask for a copy of the contract in a language you understand. If the contract is only in Korean, ask for a reliable translation. Do not sign anything you do not fully understand.

Keeping good records of your contract and any changes is important for your protection.

Key Information to Check in Your Contract

Parties Involved: Make sure your full name, your employer's full legal name, and the company's registration number are correct.

Job Title and Duties: Clearly understand what your job is and what tasks you are expected to do.

Contract Period: Note the start and end dates of your employment. Is it a fixed-term contract or indefinite?

Working Hours: Check your daily and weekly working hours, including break times. Understand if overtime is expected and how it is paid.

Wages and Payment: Confirm your monthly salary, how it is calculated, and the payment date. Look for details on bonuses, allowances, and deductions.

Place of Work: Know where you will be working.

Benefits: Check for details on national health insurance, national pension, employment insurance, industrial accident compensation insurance, severance pay, and paid leave (annual leave, sick leave).

Termination Conditions: Understand the conditions under which the contract can be ended by either you or the employer.

Dispute Resolution: See if there is a section on how disagreements will be handled.

What to Do Before and After Signing

Before Signing: Read the entire contract carefully. If you have questions, ask your employer for clarification. Consider seeking advice from a labor expert or a legal aid service if you are unsure about any terms.

After Signing: Keep a signed copy of your contract in a safe place. This is a crucial document for your records. Also keep copies of any related documents, such as job descriptions or company policies.

If any terms of your employment change later, make sure these changes are documented in writing and that you receive a copy.

What to do step by step

1. Obtain a copy of the employment contract in a language you understand.
2. Carefully read each section, paying close attention to the key terms listed above.
3. Ask your employer for clarification on any unclear points.
4. Keep a signed copy of the contract and any related documents for your personal records.
5. If you have concerns, seek advice from official labor support services before signing.

What this guide assumes

• You have received an employment contract offer in Korea.
• You are able to obtain a copy of the contract, potentially with a translation.
• You are seeking general guidance on what to look for in a contract.

Example

Maria received a job offer from a company in Seoul. The contract was in Korean. She asked for an English translation and took it home to review. She checked her job title, salary, working hours, and if severance pay was mentioned. She noticed the contract did not clearly state her annual leave days. She asked her employer for clarification before signing. After signing, she made a digital copy and kept the original in a safe folder with her other important documents.

Limits and cautions

• This guide provides general information and is not legal advice.
• It does not cover every possible contract clause or specific industry regulations.
• It cannot determine the legality or fairness of your specific contract terms.
• The information here does not replace the need to confirm current requirements with official sources like the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

Frequently asked questions