Korean Civil Servant Probation Period Guide: Duration, Pay & Career Recognition for Foreign Workers

What Is the Civil Servant Probation Period?

When a civil servant is first appointed, they do not immediately receive a permanent appointment. Instead, they must serve a probationary (시보, 試補) period, commonly referred to as the "training period." Under Article 28-4 of the State Public Officials Act (국가공무원법 제28조의4) and Article 29-2 of the Local Public Officials Act (지방공무원법 제29조의2), newly appointed civil servants serve as probationers for a set period, during which their ability to adapt to their duties and their suitability for public office are assessed.

How Long Is the Probation Period?

The probation period for general-track civil servants is 6 months in principle (Article 28-4(1) of the State Public Officials Act, 국가공무원법 제28조의4 제1항). However, periods of education and training, leave of absence, or suspension from position are not counted toward the probation period, so the probationer must complete 6 months of actual work. Detailed rules may differ depending on the type of agency (national or local government) and job series, so be sure to check the appointment regulations of your agency.

What Is the Salary During the Probation Period?

Because a probationary civil servant is in a formally appointed status, they receive civil servant remuneration according to their grade and pay step (호봉). However, under the Civil Servant Remuneration Regulations (공무원보수규정), only a certain percentage of the base salary — typically 80% — may be paid during the probation period. The exact amount is calculated based on the civil servant pay table announced annually by the Ministry of Personnel Management (인사혁신처) and the remuneration regulations of the employing agency.

For reference, the 2026 minimum wage is KRW 10,320 per hour (KRW 2,156,880 per month); civil servant remuneration is determined separately according to the pay table.

Is the Probation Period Counted Toward the Minimum Years Required for Promotion?

Yes, it is. Because the probation period falls after formal appointment, it is counted toward the minimum years of service required for promotion. The situation is different, however, for practical training before appointment. According to an administrative interpretation (South Chungcheong Province, 2016), practical training before formal appointment is treated merely as education and training; it is not recognized as civil servant career experience and is not included in the minimum years required for promotion. In other words, time spent learning practical duties at an agency after passing the exam but before receiving a formal appointment does not accumulate as career experience.

Can Prior Private-Sector Experience Be Reflected in My Pay Grade?

To have prior private-sector experience reflected in your pay grade upon new appointment as a civil servant, you must meet the requirements set out in the Civil Servant Remuneration Regulations (공무원보수규정). One key issue is whether the prior work qualifies as "full-time (상근, 常勤)" employment.

In a case where part-time employment counselors who had been denied pay-grade credit for their private-sector experience brought suit, the Supreme Court (2020두32012) ruled that "full-time (상근)" does not mean only full-time (40-hour-per-week) work, but also includes cases where a person reported to work on each working day in accordance with the workplace's rules and worked a set number of hours on a regular basis, and remanded the case. This ruling is significant because it opened the possibility for part-time workers to have their career experience recognized for pay-grade purposes, depending on the conditions.

However, whether specific experience is recognized depends on the nature of the work, working hours, and supporting documentation, so it is advisable to consult the personnel officer at your appointing agency or a specialist.

What Is Dismissal During Probation (시보 면직)?

If a probationary civil servant's job performance is significantly deficient, or if they engage in conduct that damages the dignity expected of a public official, the appointing authority may dismiss the probationer (Article 28-4(3) of the State Public Officials Act, 국가공무원법 제28조의4 제3항). Before dismissal, proper procedures must be followed — including providing an opportunity to present a defense — and a dismissal that violates these procedures may be revoked.

Want to Know Your Take-Home Pay?

If you want to know how much will be deducted from a probationary civil servant's salary for the four major social insurance premiums and taxes, try the salary take-home pay calculator at workbear.kr. It lets you see the deduction amounts by category at a glance, making it useful to check before your first paycheck.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific cases, consult a certified labor attorney (노무사) or lawyer.