Is the job void without a written contract?

No. The contract stands; the employer is penalized.

Do part-time jobs need one?

Yes, even for a single day's work.

Employment contract (Korea)

⚖️ Law By CampusDown Wiki Editorial Team Last updated October 26, 2026

A Korean employment contract records the agreement under which a worker provides labor and the employer pays wages. Key terms, including wages and working hours, must be stated in writing and given to the worker.

Contents

1. History and legal basis
2. Before you sign
3. FAQ
4. References

History and legal basis

The 1953 Labor Standards Act required employers to state working conditions but allowed this orally, so part-time and small-business jobs often ran without contracts. A 2012 amendment made it mandatory to state wage components, hours, the weekly holiday, and annual leave in writing and to hand the worker a copy. Violations carry a fine of up to ₩5 million. Fixed-term and part-time contracts must also specify the term and daily hours.

Before you sign

Check that terms match the posting, that pay meets the minimum wage, how many overtime hours any inclusive-wage allowance covers, and probation pay. Penalty or liquidated-damages clauses are prohibited by Article 20. Keep a signed copy.

FAQ

Is the job void without a written contract?: No. The contract stands; the employer is penalized.
Do part-time jobs need one?: Yes, even for a single day's work.

Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26

References

근로기준법 제17조(근로조건의 명시), 국가법령정보센터. https://www.law.go.kr
고용노동부. 표준근로계약서 양식.
고용노동부. https://www.moel.go.kr

Reports and materials that use this theory (Korean)

There are no materials dedicated to this theory yet, but you can search related reports in the CampusDown library (Korean).

Find more reports · Search '근로계약서' on CampusDown →

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This article was last updated on October 26, 2026. It is based on widely recognized original works and textbooks; when citing it in a paper, please check the original sources listed in the references.