Why it exists
It pools workplace injury risk so workers get care without first proving employer fault in court, sitting beside employment insurance in the four social insurances (Arrow, 1963; ILO).
What it pays
Medical care at approved facilities, temporary disability benefits as a share of average wages, disability and survivors' benefits, nursing and rehab (Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act; KCOMWEL). Commuting accidents and occupational diseases can qualify when legal tests are met; coverage for special-form/platform workers has expanded (MOEL).
Related systems
Non-work illness belongs with health insurance / private indemnity; job loss with unemployment benefits. Wage arrears may need a parallel unpaid-wages complaint. 'Handle it as a private company injury' can hurt later re-care or disability claims.
Checklist
- Record time, place, witnesses, photos and diagnosis.
- Call KCOMWEL for process steps.
- Appeals exist if a claim is denied.
- Foreign workers are often covered too—see principles of social insurance.
FAQ
- Are commuting crashes covered?
- Often yes when route and timing rules are met—document any detours.
- What if my employer opposes filing?
- Workers can file directly; seek KCOMWEL or counsel.
Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
References
- International Labour Organization. (n.d.). Safety and health at work. ILO framing of why workplace safety is a social-protection issue.
- Arrow, K. J. (1963). Uncertainty and the welfare economics of medical care. The American Economic Review, 53(5), 941–973. Classic case for pooling uncertain medical and injury risks.
- 산업재해보상보험법. Statutory basis for Korea's industrial-accident compensation benefits.
- 근로복지공단. (n.d.). 산재보험 급여 안내. Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service benefit guide.
- 고용노동부. (n.d.). 산재예방·산재보험 제도 소개. Ministry overview of prevention and coverage, including special workers.
- Viscusi, W. K., & Aldy, J. E. (2003). The value of a statistical life: A critical review of market estimates throughout the world. Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 27(1), 5–76. Survey of value-of-statistical-life estimates used in safety policy.
- 사회보험의 원리·4대보험 관련 공적 자료 / Kwon, S. (2009). Thirty years of national health insurance in South Korea. Health Policy and Planning, 24(1), 63–71. Context for Korea's social-insurance expansion alongside workers' comp.