Six Guidelines to Follow Before Signing a Korean Job Contract

One of the most dangerous Korean contract traps is that the number they tell you in the interview and the number in your contract can be different. Should you sign this contract? Let’s explore more guidelines to follow before you sign a Korean job contract.

Be Worried About Verbal Promises

On Reddit, someone actually went through a situation where basically what they were quoted during the interview was different from what was actually written in the contract. When asked about it during signing, they said that they will cover the difference during the probation period.

However, this is dangerous because, since it isn’t guaranteed in writing, it’s actually a sign that they have the potential to change their words later down the line. Nothing is guaranteed for you here.

What the Contract Must Include

Korean law is explicit about what must appear in writing. Under Article 17 of the Labor Standards Act, every employment contract must clearly state:

• Wages: the exact amount, payment method, and pay period
• Working hours: standard hours and any agreed overtime rates
• Holidays and rest days
• Annual paid leave entitlements
• Any other conditions prescribed by Presidential Decree

If any of these are missing or vague, that is a red flag. Make sure you get the proper wage value that you’re promised in writing BEFORE actually working for them.

Best Contract Practices Before You Sign

Here are some guidelines to protect yourself:

1. Don’t accept verbal confirmation of salary. If the number in the contract does not match what was offered in the interview, ask for a written contract of what was quoted in the interview, before signing.
2. Check for specifics with AI Chat. You can get the translated version of a job contract with an AI chat of your choice. Read the contract again in your own native language before signing.
3. Check salary structure. Korean compensation combines base pay, allowances, and bonuses. Ask whether the quoted figure in the contract is your base salary (기본급) or total annual compensation (연봉). You can also check out my other post on the difference between 기본급 and 연봉!
4. Get the probation clause in writing. If a probation period affects pay, the exact terms must be in the contract. "We'll cover it later" verbally is not vague and not guaranteed.
5. Verify the four social insurance contributions. Employers and employees must jointly contribute to National Pension, Health Insurance, Employment Insurance, and Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance. Confirm that the salary stated is before or after deductions so there are no surprises on your first paycheck.
6. Do not rely on company policy documents. Company Rules of Employment (취업규칙) can be revised by employers under certain conditions. Your individual contract is your primary legal protection.

If You End Up Discovering Something Wrong After Signing

If you signed a contract with a lower salary than promised and the employer refuses to honor any written supplemental agreement, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor (고용노동부). The ministry handles wage disputes, and Korea's labor courts take these cases seriously. Document every communication, including offer emails, KakaoTalk messages, and any written correspondence that references to the contract.

The rule is simple: if the salary they promised is not in the contract, don’t sign it.

Struggling to understand a Korean job contract? Ask about it in our KOVE community.