Working Hours and Overtime in South Korea

What Are the Standard Working Hours In South Korea?

In South Korea, the standard working hours are regulated under the Labor Standards Act (LSA). Employees aged 18 and older are allowed to work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. For employees under 18, the maximum is 7 hours per day and 35 hours per week. A minimum meal interval of 30 minutes is required for employees working more than 4 hours in a day. Typical working hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Maximum Working Hours in South Korea

The legal cap on working hours in South Korea is 52 hours per week, consisting of 40 regular hours and up to 12 hours of overtime. Overtime can be performed with mutual consent between the employer and employee. However, some industries such as healthcare and transportation have different regulations that may allow for extended working hours.

Industry Specific Exceptions

Certain industries in South Korea have specific working hour regulations:

 
• Healthcare: Medical professionals may be required to work beyond the standard limits due to the nature of their jobs.
 
• Transportation: Employees in the transportation sector may also have extended hours to meet operational demands.

These industry-specific regulations differ from the standard working hours and are subject to specific labor agreements and regulations.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Managerial and exempt employees, often referred to as "executives," are typically not subject to the standard working hour regulations under the Labor Standards Act. These employees tend to have more flexible working hours and may not receive overtime compensation, though this can vary based on the specific duties and responsibilities outlined in their employment contracts.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in South Korea

Full-time employment in South Korea is legally defined as working up to 40 hours per week. This standard applies across various industries and roles to ensure consistency in employment practices.

Overtime Regulations in South Korea

What Counts As Overtime in South Korea?

Overtime refers to any work performed beyond the standard 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. This includes work on weekends or public holidays, provided it is agreed upon by both the employer and employee.

Maximum Overtime in South Korea

The maximum allowable overtime in South Korea is 12 hours per week, bringing the total possible working hours to 52 hours per week. Exceeding this limit is generally not permitted unless specific exceptions apply.

Overtime Payout Rates in South Korea

Hours worked beyond the standard 40 hours per week are categorized as overtime and compensated at 150% of the regular pay rate, increasing to 200% for night work post 10 pm. Night work (between 10 pm and 6 am).

Rest Periods and Breaks In South Korea

South Korean labor law mandates the following rest periods to ensure employee well-being:

 
• During Workday: Employees are entitled to a rest break of at least 30 minutes if working more than 4 hours, and at least 1 hour if working more than 8 hours.
 
• Between Shifts: A minimum rest period of 11 hours is required between the end of one workday and the start of the next.

These regulations apply across industries, with additional rules for specific age groups, such as minors, who face stricter limitations on working hours and rest periods.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Night shifts and weekend work are subject to specific regulations:

 
• Night Shifts: Work performed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM is considered night work and may require additional compensation.
 
• Weekend Work: Weekend work is permitted and may be compensated at a higher rate, depending on the employment contract and industry standards.

How Playroll Simplifies Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That’s the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:

• ‍Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
• Stay compliant: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for working hours, overtime regulations, and more.
• ‍Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.