Understanding Korean Labor Contracts

Understanding your rights and obligations under a Korean labor contract is crucial when working in South Korea. This guide introduces the essential term “근로계약” (geun-ro-gye-yak) and related vocabulary and phrases necessary for navigating employment agreements in Korea. Familiarizing yourself with these expressions will help ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings in your professional life.

Core Expression

• Expression: 근로계약
  Pronunciation: geun-ro-gye-yak
  Meaning: Labor Contract / Employment Contract (This is the standard term for a formal agreement between an employer and employee regarding work conditions.)

Key Contract Terms

This section covers essential vocabulary often found within a Korean labor contract.

• Expression: 계약 기간
  Pronunciation: gye-yak gi-gan
  Meaning: Contract Period

• Expression: 근무 장소
  Pronunciation: geun-mu jang-so
  Meaning: Place of Work

• Expression: 근무 시간
  Pronunciation: geun-mu si-gan
  Meaning: Working Hours

• Expression: 휴게 시간
  Pronunciation: hyu-ge si-gan
  Meaning: Break Time

• Expression: 임금 / 급여
  Pronunciation: im-geum / geu-byeo
  Meaning: Wages / Salary

• Expression: 지급 방법
  Pronunciation: ji-geup bang-beop
  Meaning: Payment Method

• Expression: 지급일
  Pronunciation: ji-geu-bil
  Meaning: Payday

• Expression: 휴일 / 휴가
  Pronunciation: hyu-il / hyu-ga
  Meaning: Holidays / Vacation (Leave)

• Expression: 직무 내용
  Pronunciation: jing-mu nae-yong
  Meaning: Job Description / Duties

• Expression: 수습 기간
  Pronunciation: su-seup gi-gan
  Meaning: Probationary Period

• Expression: 사회 보험
  Pronunciation: sa-hoe bo-heom
  Meaning: Social Insurance (e.g., health insurance, national pension)

• Expression: 퇴직금
  Pronunciation: toe-jik-geum
  Meaning: Severance Pay

Essential Phrases for Contract Discussion

Use these phrases when reviewing, discussing, or asking questions about your labor contract.

• Expression: 근로계약서를 검토하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: geun-ro-gye-yak-seo-reul geom-to-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to review the labor contract.

• Expression: 이 조항은 무슨 뜻인가요?
  Pronunciation: i jo-hang-eun mu-seun tteu-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What does this clause mean?

• Expression: 근무 시간은 어떻게 되나요?
  Pronunciation: geun-mu si-ga-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: What are the working hours?

• Expression: 급여는 얼마인가요?
  Pronunciation: geu-byeo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How much is the salary?

• Expression: 연차 휴가는 며칠인가요?
  Pronunciation: yeon-cha hyu-ga-neun myeo-chil-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How many days of annual paid leave are there?

• Expression: 계약 기간은 언제까지인가요?
  Pronunciation: gye-yak gi-ga-neun eon-je-kka-ji-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Until when is the contract period?

• Expression: 수습 기간이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: su-seup gi-ga-ni it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there a probationary period?

• Expression: 사회 보험은 가입되나요?
  Pronunciation: sa-hoe bo-heom-eun ga-ip-doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: Will I be enrolled in social insurance?

• Expression: 계약서 사본을 받을 수 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo sa-bo-neul ba-deul su i-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Can I get a copy of the contract?

• Expression: 질문이 있습니다.
  Pronunciation: jil-mu-ni it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I have a question.

• Expression: 이 부분에 대해 더 설명해주시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: i bu-bu-ne dae-hae deo seol-myeong-hae-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Could you explain more about this part?

• Expression: 계약서에 서명하기 전에 변호사와 상담하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo-e seo-myeong-ha-gi jeo-ne byeon-ho-sa-wa sang-dam-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I want to consult with a lawyer before signing the contract.

Phrases for Contract Issues and Changes

These phrases are useful if you encounter issues or need to discuss changes related to your employment contract.

• Expression: 계약 내용과 실제 근무 조건이 다릅니다.
  Pronunciation: gye-yak nae-yong-gwa sil-je geun-mu jo-kkeo-ni da-reum-ni-da.
  Meaning: The actual working conditions are different from the contract terms.

• Expression: 임금이 계약서에 명시된 금액보다 적게 지급되었습니다.
  Pronunciation: im-geu-mi gye-yak-seo-e myeong-si-doen geu-maek-bo-da jeok-ge ji-geup-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: The wages paid were less than the amount specified in the contract.

• Expression: 초과 근무 수당을 받고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: cho-gwa geun-mu su-dang-eul bat-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to receive overtime pay.

• Expression: 계약 갱신에 대해 이야기하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: gye-yak gaeng-si-ne dae-hae i-ya-gi-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to talk about contract renewal.

• Expression: 계약을 해지하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: gye-yak-eul hae-ji-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I want to terminate the contract.

• Expression: 퇴직 절차에 대해 문의드립니다.
  Pronunciation: toe-jik jeol-cha-e dae-hae mu-nui-deu-rim-ni-da.
  Meaning: I am inquiring about the resignation procedure.

• Expression: 부당 해고라고 생각합니다.
  Pronunciation: bu-dang hae-go-ra-go saeng-ga-kam-ni-da.
  Meaning: I believe this is an unfair dismissal.

• Expression: 휴가를 사용하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: hyu-ga-reul sa-yong-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I want to use my vacation days.

• Expression: 병가를 신청해야 합니다.
  Pronunciation: byeong-ga-reul sin-cheong-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: I need to apply for sick leave.

• Expression: 근무 조건 변경을 요청합니다.
  Pronunciation: geun-mu jo-kkeon byeon-gyeong-eul yo-cheong-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: I request a change in working conditions.

• Expression: 근로기준법에 대해 알고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: geun-ro-gi-jun-beo-be dae-hae al-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I want to know about the Labor Standards Act.

• Expression: 도움이 필요하면 어디에 연락해야 하나요?
  Pronunciation: do-u-mi pil-yo-ha-myeon eo-di-e yeol-la-kae-ya ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: Where should I contact if I need help?

Korean Culture Notes

Understanding cultural context can be as important as understanding the language itself when dealing with employment contracts in Korea.

• Written Contracts are Standard: Korean labor law mandates written contracts (근로계약서 – geun-ro-gye-yak-seo). Always ensure you receive and understand a written contract before starting work. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce.
• Labor Standards Act (근로기준법): The Labor Standards Act (근로기준법 – geun-ro-gi-jun-beop) sets minimum standards for working conditions, including hours, wages, leave, and dismissal. Contracts cannot offer terms below these legal minimums.
• Probationary Period (수습 기간): Many contracts include a probationary period (usually 3 months). During this time, dismissal procedures might be slightly different, but basic labor rights still apply. Check the terms carefully.
• Contract Types: Be aware of the difference between 정규직 (jeong-gyu-jik – permanent/regular employee) and 계약직 (gye-yak-jik – contract/temporary employee). Contract terms, benefits, and job security can differ significantly.
• Thorough Review: It’s common practice and highly advisable to carefully read every clause before signing. Don’t feel pressured to sign immediately. Ask questions if anything is unclear. Seeking advice from resources like the Ministry of Employment and Labor or legal aid centers for foreigners is also an option.

Real Conversation Example

This conversation simulates a new foreign employee discussing their contract with an HR representative.

Situation: Alex (a new foreign employee) is meeting with Ms. Kim (HR Manager) to review the labor contract before signing.
Roles: A: Ms. Kim (HR Manager), B: Alex (New Employee)

• Expression: A: 알렉스 씨, 근로계약서 초안입니다. 검토해 보시고 질문 있으시면 편하게 말씀해주세요.
  Pronunciation: al-lek-seu ssi, geun-ro-gye-yak-seo cho-a-nim-ni-da. geom-to-hae bo-si-go jil-mun i-sseu-si-myeon pyeon-ha-ge mal-sseum-hae-ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Alex, here is the draft of the labor contract. Please review it and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

• Expression: B: 네, 감사합니다. 잠시만요… 아, 계약 기간은 1년이 맞지요?
  Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. jam-si-man-yo… a, gye-yak gi-ga-neun il-lyeo-ni mat-ji-yo?
  Meaning: Yes, thank you. Just a moment… Ah, the contract period is one year, correct?

• Expression: A: 네, 맞습니다. 내년 오늘까지입니다. 근무 시간과 급여 부분도 확인해 보세요.
  Pronunciation: ne, mat-seum-ni-da. nae-nyeon o-neul-kka-ji-im-ni-da. geun-mu si-gan-gwa geu-byeo bu-bun-do hwa-gin-hae bo-se-yo.
  Meaning: Yes, that’s correct. It’s until this date next year. Please also check the sections on working hours and salary.

• Expression: B: 근무 시간은 오전 9시부터 오후 6시까지, 주 5일 근무이고, 급여는 월 [금액] 원… 네, 확인했습니다. 혹시 수습 기간이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: geun-mu si-ga-neun o-jeon a-hop-si-bu-teo o-hu yeo-seot-si-kka-ji, ju o-il geun-mu-i-go, geu-byeo-neun wol [geu-maek] won… ne, hwa-gin-haet-seum-ni-da. hok-si su-seup gi-ga-ni it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Working hours are 9 AM to 6 PM, 5 days a week, and the salary is [Amount] won per month… Yes, I’ve confirmed that. Is there perhaps a probationary period?

• Expression: A: 네, 첫 3개월은 수습 기간입니다. 계약서 5조에 명시되어 있습니다.
  Pronunciation: ne, cheot sam-gae-wo-reun su-seup gi-ga-nim-ni-da. gye-yak-seo o-jo-e myeong-si-doe-eo it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Yes, the first three months are a probationary period. It’s specified in Clause 5 of the contract.

• Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 다른 부분은 다 이해했습니다. 여기에 서명하면 될까요?
  Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. da-reun bu-bu-neun da i-hae-haet-seum-ni-da. yeo-gi-e seo-myeong-ha-myeon doel-kka-yo?
  Meaning: I understand. I’ve understood the other parts. Should I sign here?

• Expression: A: 네, 여기 성함과 서명을 해주시면 됩니다. 계약서 사본은 바로 드리겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: ne, yeo-gi seong-ham-gwa seo-myeong-eul hae-ju-si-myeon doem-ni-da. gye-yak-seo sa-bo-neun ba-ro deu-ri-ge-sseum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Yes, please write your name and sign here. I will give you a copy of the contract right away.

• Expression: B: 감사합니다!
  Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
  Meaning: Thank you!

Practice Tips

Familiarizing yourself with these terms and phrases is the first step! Try reviewing the vocabulary list daily~ Read the example conversation aloud to practice pronunciation and flow. You can even role-play discussing a contract with a friend or language partner. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you encounter unfamiliar terms in a real contract. Understanding your 근로계약 is essential for a positive work experience in Korea! Good luck!