Korean premium-pay rules can add 50% or more to ordinary hourly wage for covered overtime, night and holiday work. Overlapping conditions must be checked separately.
Premium rates at a glance
In a covered workplace, overtime beyond statutory hours generally earns at least a 50% premium. Night work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. also earns a 50% premium. Holiday work has its own premium rules, which can differ after eight hours. Applicable premiums may overlap.
Find ordinary hourly wage
For a standard 40-hour week, a common reference is monthly ordinary wage ÷ 209 paid hours. A different work schedule needs an appropriate divisor.
Worked example
If ordinary hourly wage is KRW 12,000, one covered overtime hour at 150% is KRW 18,000 before any additional night or holiday premium. Count actual hours and compare with amounts already paid.
Small workplaces and inclusive pay
The statutory premium rule does not apply to workplaces with four or fewer regular employees in the same way. A fixed overtime amount in a contract should still be checked against actual hours and any applicable legal minimum.