SOUTH KOREA PEO & EOR
Hire in South Korea without a local entity today
As a Global PEO & EOR service provider, we pride ourselves on our global reach, in-country knowledge, and ability to swiftly and efficiently mobilize workers around the world. Our robust PEO/EOR covers everything from global HR, payroll, compliance, in-country support, immigration, visas, and more.
Get started and hire in South Korea today with Gibson Watts Global.
DID YOU KNOW
- South Korea boasts one of the highest internet user rates globally, with over 95% of its population online.
- The country is home to tech giants like Samsung and LG, leading in innovation and technology.
- South Korea’s rich cultural heritage includes traditional music, dance, and cuisine, reflecting its diverse history.
Forget software,
this is expansion
with a human touch
South Korea PEO Services
Unlocking Opportunities in East Asia
Working in South Korea
Financial Year Dates
January 1 – December 31
Minimum Wage
₩10,030 per hour (approximately ₩2,096,270 per month based on 209 hours)
Standard working hours
8 hours per day, 40 hours per week
Overtime
Overtime work (exceeding 40 hours per week) is compensated at a rate of at least 150% of the regular hourly wage. Additionally, night work (between 10 PM and 6 AM) is paid at 150% of the regular wage, and if this night work also falls under the overtime category, the premium can be higher, potentially reaching 200% or more.
Holiday Allowance
15 days of paid annual leave after one year of service; pro-rated for new employees.
Sick Leave
There is no legal requirement for employers to provide paid sick leave for non-work-related illnesses or injuries. However, it is a common practice for employers to offer some form of sick leave, either paid or unpaid, as part of their internal policies. If an employee becomes sick or injured due to work-related duties, the employer is legally obligated to provide paid time off for recovery.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Mothers are entitled to 90 days of maternity leave (120 days for multiple births), with at least 45 days postpartum. Fathers can take 20 days of paid paternity leave, which can be split into three separate periods and used within 120 days of the child’s birth.
Public Holiday
Social Contributions
Employers contribute:
- National Pension: 4.5%
- National Health Insurance (incl. Long-Term Care): 3.545%
- Unemployment Insurance: 0.9%
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: 0.6%–18.6% (industry-dependent)
Income Tax
Progressive tax rates ranging from 6% to 45%, depending on income brackets.
Health Care
National Health Insurance covers approximately 60% of medical costs; the remainder is paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance.
Visas
Various visa types available, including E-7 (Specialty Occupation), D-8 (Corporate Investment), and F-series (Family and Long-Term Residency).
13th salary?
Not mandated by law; however, some companies may provide a 13th-month bonus as part of their employment contracts.
Cultural Information
Food is central to Korean culture, with dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and Korean barbecue forming an essential part of social gatherings. Shared meals are a sign of togetherness, and dining etiquette plays an important role.
K-Pop, Korean dramas, and cinema have propelled the nation’s cultural influence worldwide, a phenomenon often called the “K-Wave” (Hallyu). From historic palaces to high-tech cities, South Korea offers a dynamic mix of the past and present.