Overtime Pay and the 52-Hour Week in Korea
How overtime, night and holiday premiums work under Korean labor law, the 52-hour weekly limit, ordinary wage, inclusive wage contracts and the small-workplace exemption.
Korea limits the working week and requires premiums for extra hours. These rules apply to foreign workers in the same way as to Koreans.
The 52-hour limit
The legal working week is 40 hours (8 hours a day). With your agreement, your employer can add up to 12 hours of overtime, for a maximum of 52 hours a week. Some industries and small workplaces have exceptions.
Premium rates
| Work | Pay |
|---|---|
| Overtime beyond 8 h a day or 40 h a week | 150% |
| Night work, 10 pm – 6 am | extra 50% |
| Holiday work, up to 8 hours | 150% |
| Holiday work, over 8 hours | 200% |
Premiums add up. An hour of overtime at 11 pm is paid at 150% + 50% = 200%.
Workplaces with fewer than 5 employees do not have to pay these premiums, but you must still be paid your normal rate for every hour.
Ordinary wage
Premiums are calculated from your ordinary hourly wage: the fixed pay for your scheduled hours divided by 209 (for a 40-hour week). Since a 2024 Supreme Court ruling, regular bonuses paid on a fixed schedule are generally included in ordinary wage even if they have conditions such as being employed on the payment date.
Inclusive wage contracts
Some contracts include a fixed amount for overtime in the monthly salary (포괄임금, pogwal imgeum). These are allowed only when the fixed amount covers at least what the law requires for the overtime you actually do. If you regularly work more, keep a record of your hours and ask for the difference.
Calculate your extra pay with the overtime pay calculator.
This guide reflects Korean laws and official notices as of 2026-10-08. Rules change, so confirm with the relevant agency before making important decisions.