Starting a part-time job — what must I check in the work contract?
I'm starting a part-time cafe job next week and the owner says he'll give me a work contract. It's my first time, so beyond the hourly wage and hours, I'm not sure what else to check so I don't get shortchanged later. I'd like to know about weekly holiday allowance and break time, and whether I should insist on getting the contract in writing as a foreigner.
1 Answer
Beyond the hourly wage and hours, make sure the contract spells out the payday, weekly holiday allowance (주휴수당), break times, and your exact job duties. In Korea, if you work 15+ hours a week you're entitled to weekly holiday pay, and you must get a 30-minute break for a 4-hour shift or an hour for an 8-hour shift. Getting the contract in writing and keeping a copy is your legal right — insist on it — and if an employer refuses or pays below minimum wage, foreigners can get the same help by calling the Ministry of Employment and Labor at 1350.