Korea, by the rules

A Korean reads the official rulebook so you don't have to.

For workers

Wages, leave, severance, and social insurance rules for people who work in Korea.

For employers and HR

Hiring, payroll, contracts, and termination rules for employers with staff in Korea.

Living in Korea

Housing and deposits, residence and visa status, driving, and other everyday rules for foreign residents.

Recent articles

Maternity leave and spouse leave in Korea: days, pay, and when spouse leave can startHow Korea's Labor Standards Act sets maternity leave days and pay, how Employment Insurance benefits cover part of the cost, and how spouse (paternity) leave under the Equal Employment Opportunity Act works, including the September 18, 2026 amendment that lets spouse leave start before the birth and adds a spouse miscarriage/stillbirth leave.
Filing an industrial accident insurance claim in Korea: recognition, benefits, and the deadlineHow the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act defines an occupational accident, what the eight categories of insurance benefits are, and how long you have to claim them, article by article.
Foreign driving license in Korea: driving on it vs. exchanging itWhen you can drive in Korea on an international permit or foreign license, and when to exchange it for a Korean one, with the test-exemption rules.
Changing your workplace on an E-7 or E-9 visa: report, permission, and the E-9 change limitHow an E-7 holder reports a workplace change under the Immigration Act, how an E-9 worker applies for a sector transfer under the Act on the Employment of Foreign Workers, and the 3-times/2-times change limit that applies only to E-9.
Landlord won't return your deposit? The leasehold registration order (임차권등기명령), step by stepWhat happens legally when a lease ends but the deposit isn't repaid, and how to use a leasehold registration order to lock in your opposing power and preferential repayment right before you move out.
Lease renewal in Korea: silent renewal, your one-time renewal request, and the 5% capHow a Korean housing lease renews if nobody says anything, how to use your one-time renewal request against a landlord's refusal, and why any rent or deposit increase on renewal is capped at 5%.
National Pension lump-sum refund for foreigners: who actually qualifiesWhen a National Pension lump-sum refund is paid under Article 77, why most foreign insured persons are excluded from it under Article 126(5), and the three exceptions that restore eligibility.
Korea's required employment contract terms: what to state, what to put in writingWhat Korean law requires employers to state in an employment contract, which of those terms must be delivered in writing, the extra items required for fixed-term and part-time employees, and the penalties for getting it wrong.
Dismissal in Korea: just cause, advance notice, written notice, and how to file for remedyWhat the Labor Standards Act requires before an employer can dismiss you — justifiable cause, 30 days' notice or pay in lieu, written notice — and how the 3-month remedy request to the Labor Relations Commission works.
Severance pay in Korea (퇴직금): eligibility, formula, 14-day deadlineKorean severance pay (퇴직금): 1 year of service, 15+ hours a week, 30 days' average wages per year, paid within 14 days; DB/DC pensions change it.

Not legal advice. See the editorial policy.