Useful Info

If you, as foreigners, have successfully landed a part-time job or employment after much effort, you may be excited, but before starting work in earnest, there is a 'right' you must secure. That is the preparation of the employment contract. The employment contract is the most powerful tool to prevent potential disputes between labor and management and to protect the legitimate rights of workers.

According to Article 17, Paragraph 2 of the Labor Standards Act, there are key items that must be explicitly included in the employment contract. As shown in the image, there are four major essential items to check.

Four Key Essential Items That Must Be Included in the Employment Contract

• Wage Components, Calculation, and Payment Method: Not only the base salary but also various allowances, bonuses, etc., must be clearly recorded, including how they are composed, how they are calculated, and when they are paid each month.
• Designated Working Hours: It must state how many hours per day and total hours per week you have agreed to work.
• Days Off: It must include provisions for paid days off guaranteed per week (weekly holiday), etc.
• Annual Paid Leave: This covers the standards for annual leave as per the Labor Standards Act and details on its usage.

Providing a Copy After Preparation Is Mandatory… Violation Results in Fines

One fact that many overlook is that not only must the employment contract be prepared, but you must 'receive one copy directly.' Legally, the employer has an obligation to provide one copy of the employment contract to the worker after preparation. If this is violated or essential items are omitted, the employer may face a fine of up to 5 million won. As this is a legal safeguard to protect workers' rights, workers should confidently request their own copy of the contract.

A labor relations expert stated, 'The employment contract is a precious promise between the worker and the employer,' advising, 'Before starting work, carefully check that the above four items are accurately stated, and be sure to keep your own copy of the contract.'