Understanding South Korea's Labor Standards Act and Working Hours
Time tracking in South Korea is governed by the Labor Standards Act (LSA), which sets strict guidelines to protect employees and promote fair labor practices. The standard working hours are capped at 40 hours per week with a maximum of 8 hours per day. This is applicable to employees aged 18 and older, while those under 18 are limited to 35 hours per week and 7 hours per day. A phased implementation of a 52-hour maximum workweek, including overtime, ensures that labor practices align with international standards.
Employers must maintain accurate time records, including regular hours, overtime, and rest periods, which are subject to inspection by the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL). Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to severe penalties, including fines up to KRW 20 million. To aid compliance, the South Korean government supports the adoption of digital time tracking systems. Harvest, with its flexible time tracking features, can be an ideal tool for businesses to manage these requirements effectively.