Yes. Refusal can't lawfully be grounds for dismissal.

Do I still get retirement pay?

Yes, after a year of service, whatever the reason for leaving.

Recommended resignation (Korea)

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

Recommended resignation is a Korean practice in which the employer suggests that a worker leave and the worker agrees. Legally it is a mutual termination rather than a dismissal.

Contents

1. Background
2. Benefits and checklist
3. FAQ
4. References

Background

After the 1997 financial crisis made restructuring routine, Korean firms turned to recommended resignations and voluntary-retirement programs. That let them avoid the strict conditions for redundancy dismissals and unfair-dismissal disputes. Because the worker consents, dismissal restrictions and notice rules don't normally apply. If consent was coerced, however, it may be treated as a dismissal.

Benefits and checklist

Voluntary quitters generally can't claim unemployment benefits, but leaving at the employer's recommendation for business reasons counts as a justified separation. The reason the employer reports to the job center is decisive. Write "resignation at the company's recommendation" on the letter, and agree in writing on any severance package, the leaving date, unused-leave pay, and retirement pay.

FAQ

Can I refuse?: Yes. Refusal can't lawfully be grounds for dismissal.
Do I still get retirement pay?: Yes, after a year of service, whatever the reason for leaving.

Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26

References

고용보험법 제58조 및 시행규칙 별표2 (수급자격이 제한되지 아니하는 정당한 이직 사유), 국가법령정보센터. https://www.law.go.kr
근로기준법 제23조(해고 등의 제한).
고용노동부. https://www.moel.go.kr

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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.