Stay up to date with the latest changes in South Korea’s labor laws, including key updates effective in 2025 and important revisions from the second half of 2024. This summary highlights major changes in minimum wage, wage nonpayment penalties, work-family balance policies, and occupational safety regulations.

 

2025 Labor Law Updates

1. Minimum Wage Increase & Expanded Inclusions

• 2025 Minimum Wage: KRW 10,030/hour (+2.3%)
• Full inclusion of regular bonuses & cash benefits (meal, transport, housing)

 

2. Stronger Penalties for Wage Nonpayment

• Employers with repeated violations face credit sanctions, govt. support restrictions & public bid disadvantages
• Employees can claim up to 3x unpaid wages for willful nonpayment

 

3. Key Work-Family Balance Changes

• Childcare Leave: Extended to 1.5 years (previously 1 year)
• Paternity Leave: Increased to 20 days (previously 10 days)
• Childcare Leave Benefits: Increased to KRW 2.5M/month (previously KRW 1.5M)
• Reduced Working Hours: Now available for children up to 12 years old (previously 8 years old)
• Miscarriage & Stillbirth Leave: Increased to 10 days (previously 5 days)

 

4. Occupational Safety & Health Enhancements

• Heatwave & Cold Wave Protections: Employers must implement preventive measures
• Industrial Accident Workers’ Day: April 28 designated for awareness & welfare improvement

 

 

For full details, download the attached PDF, which includes 2025 updates and 2024 second-half revisions.

 

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