What are the Working Hours and Overtime Regulations in South Korea?

In South Korea, working hours and overtime regulations are designed to balance productivity with employee well-being.

Regular Working Hours

Maximum Weekly Hours: The standard maximum working hours are 40 hours per week, with a daily limit of 8 hours.
Particular Week: In some cases, the maximum allowable working hours can be extended to 48 hours per week.

Extended Working Hours

Agreement for Extended Hours: With a written agreement between the employer and the employees’ representative, working hours can be extended up to 52 hours per week and 12 hours per day. However, this agreement is limited in scope and can only be applied to specific employees and for a maximum duration of 3 months.

Overtime Hours

Standard Overtime: Employees can work up to 12 hours of overtime per week, provided they give consent.
Compensation for Overtime:
- Financial Compensation: Overtime hours worked beyond regular hours are compensated at 150% of the employee’s regular salary.
- Paid Time Off in Lieu: Overtime may be compensated with paid time off in lieu, but this must be agreed upon in writing with the workers' representative.

Special Types of Overtime

Night Work: Employees working night shifts are entitled to at least 150% of their regular salary for those hours.
Work on Statutory Days Off:
- Up to 8 Hours: If an employee works 8 hours or less on a statutory day off, they receive an additional 50% of their regular wage for those hours.
- More Than 8 Hours: For work exceeding 8 hours on a statutory day off, employees are compensated with an additional 100% of their regular wage for the extra hours worked.

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