Weekly Holiday Pay in Korea: Can Foreign Workers Claim It?

"Can I get weekly holiday pay as a foreign worker?" is one of the most common questions in labor consultations. The answer is yes - if you meet the conditions, regardless of your employment type.

What is Weekly Holiday Pay (주휴수당)?

Under Article 55 of the Labor Standards Act, employers must guarantee at least one paid holiday per week on average. Weekly holiday pay is the wage paid for this paid holiday - essentially getting paid for a day you don't work.

Important note for foreign workers: While Korean law sets this minimum standard, your actual contract terms may differ, especially if you work at international schools, foreign companies, or embassies.

Two Essential Conditions

To receive weekly holiday pay, you must meet both conditions:

1. Work 15+ hours per week: This refers to your contracted working hours (소정근로시간), not actual hours worked. For example: 3 days × 5 hours = 15 hours qualifies, but 2 days × 7 hours = 14 hours doesn't.

2. Perfect attendance: You must work all your scheduled days that week. Being late or leaving early doesn't affect eligibility, but missing a full day does.

Calculation Method

Weekly Holiday Pay = (Weekly contracted hours ÷ 40) × 8 × hourly wage

Example: Hourly wage ₩10,320, working 20 hours/week
Weekly Holiday Pay = (20 ÷ 40) × 8 × ₩10,320 = ₩41,280

Total weekly pay = Regular pay (₩206,400) + Holiday pay (₩41,280) = ₩247,680
Effective hourly rate = ₩12,384

Minimum Wage Considerations

Korea's 2026 minimum wage of ₩10,320 is calculated separately from weekly holiday pay. Warning: Job postings stating "₩12,000/hour including holiday pay" may actually pay below minimum wage when calculated properly. Always verify the breakdown.

What to Do if Unpaid

Unpaid weekly holiday pay constitutes wage theft (임금체불), punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment or ₩30 million fine under Article 109 of the Labor Standards Act.

Steps to take:
1. Contact Ministry of Employment and Labor hotline: 1350 (interpreter support available)
2. File online complaint through Labor Portal
3. Gather evidence: work schedule, timesheets, pay stubs

Foreign worker tip: You can request interpreter support when filing complaints with labor authorities.

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