Korea’s 52-hour workweek explained

The usual weekly ceiling combines 40 statutory hours and up to 12 overtime hours. Understand what counts and where exceptions may apply.

Checked 2026-09-23 · Estimates and reference information, not legal or tax advice.

Where 52 hours comes from

For a covered workplace, the general weekly limit is 40 statutory working hours plus up to 12 hours of overtime. Break time is excluded from working time.

Counting an example week

Add working hours across the seven-day week. Count actual work, including work on a holiday when applicable, and separate ordinary hours from overtime. A schedule can exceed the limit even if daily hours look reasonable.

Exceptions

Special extensions or flexible arrangements are permitted only under their own legal conditions. Check the applicable approval, agreement and period before applying an exception.

Workplaces with fewer than five employees

Some working-hour and overtime provisions do not apply in the same way to workplaces with four or fewer regular employees. Other protections can still apply.

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Sources

These Korean-language sources were checked on 2026-09-23. Laws and rates may have changed; consult the originals before an important decision.