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4 Day Work Week in South Korea

South Korea's Gyeonggi Province piloted a 4-day work week and the government is pushing a 4.5-day week nationally

AsiaGovernment 4.5-Day PushProposed
37.9
Avg Hrs/Week
15
Vacation Days

Overview

South Korea 4-Day Workweek

South Korea has long been known for its intense work culture, with employees clocking some of the longest working hours among developed nations.

However, as the global push for a four-day workweek continues to grow, a new initiative in South Korea's Gyeonggi Province is beginning to make headway.

Starting next year, employees at over 50 organizations within the province will have the option to either work a four-day week every other week or opt for shortened working hours each week.

This shift reflects a broader effort to create more flexible and balanced work environments across the country.

Background

In recent years, various stakeholders have been exerting increasing pressure to reduce the number of working hours in South Korea. In 2022, the average South Korean worker spent 1,901 hours at work, significantly higher than the OECD average of 1,752 hours.

This has prompted the Presidential Economic, Social, and Labor Council to initiate discussions on how to improve work-life balance and add flexibility to the country’s 52-hour workweek cap, which includes 40 regular hours and up to 12 hours of overtime.

Employees Perspective

According to a survey by the South Korean job portal Saramin, 83.6% of respondents had a positive view of the four-day workweek, with many highlighting the potential for an improved quality of life and economic benefits.

Employee unions like the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions are leading the call for a four-day workweek, arguing it could enhance work-life balance as well as address broader social issues, such as South Korea's low birth rate.

Employers Perspective

On the other hand, employers are cautious about reducing working hours, stressing the need for flexibility to meet industry demands. Organizations like the Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF) advocate for a flexible system that allows intensive work during busy periods and extended breaks afterward.

The Government's Role

Under President Yoon Suk Yeol, the South Korean government attempted to introduce greater workweek flexibility in March 2023 but faced backlash from unions and the public.

Now, the government is promoting a constructive dialogue between employers and employees through the Presidential Economic, Social, and Labor Council. This platform is the only official communication channel where the three sides can negotiate and seek compromises.

The council's newly established committee on work-life balance is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of South Korea’s labor policies.

Apart from this dialogue, several South Korean companies have already adopted the four-day workweek, including:

These companies are at the forefront of this potential transformation, setting an example for the rest of the industry.

4 Day Week Trials & Pilots

Gyeonggi Province 4-Day Week Trial

Organized by Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Active
Jan 2025 - Dec 2025
50 companies

South Korea's most populous province launched a trial across 50 organisations, testing a 4-day work week for public and private sector workers.

Semafor - South Korea Trials 4-Day Work Week (opens in new tab)

Work Culture in South Korea

Vacation Policy in South Korea

South Korea's vacation policies have evolved over the years, reflecting the country’s dynamic work culture. Here’s a brief overview:

  • Annual Leave Entitlement: South Korean employees are entitled to 1 to 11 days of annual leave during their first year of employment and 15 to 25 days after completing one year of service, with the exact number depending on the length of service and company policy.

  • Maternity and Paternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 90 days of paid maternity leave, while male employees can take 10 days of paternity leave and childcare leave up to 1 year.

  • Public Holidays: South Korea has 11 national public holidays that businesses generally observe. A substitute holiday is often provided if a holiday falls on a weekend.

    • New Year (January 1)

    • Seollal - Korean New Year (February 9, 10, & 11) (Lunar New Year’s Day - The 1st day of 1st lunar month)

    • Independence Movement Day (March 1)

    • Children’s Day (May 6)

    • Buddha’s Birthday (May 15)

    • Memorial Day (June 6)

    • Liberation Day (August 15)

    • Chuseok (September 16, 17, & 18) (Korean Thanksgiving Day)

    • National Foundation Day (October 3)

    • Hangeul Day (October 9)

    • Christmas (December 25)

Overtime in South Korea

Overtime in South Korea is governed by the country's labor laws, which set strict limits on working hours to protect employees' rights. The standard workweek is capped at 52 hours, which includes 40 regular hours and up to 12 hours of overtime.

Employers must provide additional compensation for overtime work, typically at a rate of 1.5 times the regular hourly wage.

Part-time Working in South Korea

Part-time work has increased in South Korea, with approximately 12.3% of employees now engaged in temporary or part-time roles. South Korea’s labor laws ensure that part-time workers are entitled to many of the same protections as full-time employees, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and rest periods.

The standard for part-time work is typically less than 40 hours per week, and part-timers are often employed in industries such as retail, hospitality, and food services.

Below, you can see the most common employment industries for adolescents working part-time in South Korea in 2020.

South Korea part-time working

Remote Working in South Korea

Remote working, or telecommuting, has gained significant traction in South Korea, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the pandemic, remote work was relatively uncommon in South Korea due to the country's traditional work culture, which emphasizes physical presence in the office. However, the necessity of social distancing measures led to a rapid adoption of remote work practices across various industries.

As of August 2023, approximately 683,000 South Korean employees were working from home or remotely.

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