Paid Time Off

South Korea PTO Compliance: A Guide for Employers

Paid Time Off in South Korea is regulated by the Labor Standards Act, which outlines the minimum paid leave entitlements and conditions for both full-time and part-time workers. Understanding these requirements is key to ensuring legal compliance and maintaining a transparent and productive workplace.

South Korea pto compliance

Understanding PTO Requirements in South Korea

Explore the legal framework that defines leave policies in South Korea.

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Statutory Vacation Days

Employees in South Korea are entitled to 15 days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service. During the first year, they accrue one day of paid leave per month worked. After 3 years, employees earn an additional day of vacation for every two years of service, up to a maximum of 25 days.

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Sick Leave Regulations

There is no statutory requirement for paid sick leave in South Korea. However, many companies voluntarily provide sick leave or allow employees to use paid annual leave for illness. Extended medical leave may be granted under specific employer policies or collective agreements.

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Public Holidays

South Korea observes 15 national public holidays, including Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and National Liberation Day. Employers are required to provide paid leave on these days, especially in workplaces subject to the Labor Standards Act.

PTO Carryover Rules

Unused annual leave is generally valid for one year, after which it expires if not used. Employers are encouraged to inform employees of their remaining days to ensure they are used before expiration.

South Korean Paid Time Off Overview

Key Considerations For Employees And Employers

Korean labor law supports annual leave rights while placing responsibility on employers to manage them effectively. Here's what to keep in mind:

Employers

  • Grant at least 15 paid leave days after 1 year of service
  • Track monthly leave accrual during the first year
  • Provide paid leave on all national holidays
  • Keep accurate records of PTO usage and balances
  • Ensure fair leave for part-time workers

Employees

  • Earn 1 PTO day per month during the first year
  • Get 15 days of leave annually after one full year
  • Use accrued leave within 1 year before it expires
  • May receive additional days with long service
  • Can use annual leave for illness in many workplaces

South Korean PTO laws are outlined in the Labor Standards Act. This guide is for informational purposes only. For tailored advice, consult legal counsel.

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Best Practices for Managing PTO in South Korea

Take note of these recommendations for hassle-free PTO management.

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    Why Compliance Matters

    Ensuring your company is compliant with South Korean PTO laws helps you avoid penalties, but also supports a transparent, healthy workplace for your team.

    1

    Keep a Clean Record

    Failing to comply with South Korea’s Labor Standards Act can lead to fines, audits, and disputes that harm your company’s reputation. By accurately tracking and managing paid leave, you reduce legal risks, maintain clear records, and build a transparent workplace culture.

    2

    Employee Satisfaction

    Employees who understand and trust your PTO policy are more likely to feel valued and supported. A consistent leave system improves morale, lowers turnover, and boosts productivity—especially in cultures where long hours are common and recovery time is crucial.

    3

    Positive Workspace

    Effectively managing PTO shows your commitment to balance and well-being. When employees know their time off will be respected, it builds trust, encourages open communication, and contributes to a healthier, more motivated team.

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    How TrackingTime Can Help

    Learn more about how we can help you optimize your PTO policies and ensure compliance with South Korean labor laws.

    Effortless Organization

    Say goodbye to messy email chains and manual tracking. With a streamlined PTO management system, you can keep all requests and records in one place, making it easy to approve time off and manage employee schedules efficiently.

    • Quick Approvals – Manage PTO requests fast.
    • Clear Records – Access all time-off data easily.
    • Team Sync – Keep schedules aligned effortlessly.

    Custom Time-Off Policies

    Every company has unique needs, and your PTO policies should reflect that. Customize your time-off rules to match your team’s structure, ensuring fairness and clarity while maintaining flexibility.

    • Flexible Rules – Tailor policies to your team’s needs.
    • Clear Guidelines – Keep everyone informed.
    • Smooth Management – Set rules that work for all.

    Real-Time Transparency

    Give your employees the confidence to plan their time off without uncertainty. By providing real-time access to balances and request statuses, you create a more transparent and trusting workplace.

    • Instant Access – Check balances anytime.
    • Live Updates – Track requests in real time.
    • Boost Trust – Keep everyone informed.

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