History and scholarship
Coase (1937) explained employment as hierarchy rather than market; Hirschman (1970) framed quitting as exit. Rousseau (1989) showed broken psychological contracts can trigger exits; Lee and Mitchell (1994) modelled decision paths; Ebaugh (1988) described role exit; Bridges (1980) the endings–neutral zone–beginnings transition.
Key points
Typically: notice (Civil Act Art. 660 is often cited for open-ended contracts) → letter → handover → settle leave, pay and severance → social insurance → certificates. Check current law for deadlines. Laws, programmes, visa rules and hiring practice change; check official notices, current law and actual postings.
In practice
Check your contract; whether it's recorded as recommended resignation affects benefits.
FAQ
- When to give notice?
- Check contract and law; allow handover time.
- Employer refuses the letter?
- Consult the labour ministry.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26
References
- Coase, R. H. (1937). The nature of the firm. Economica, 4(16), 386–405.
- Hirschman, A. O. (1970). Exit, Voice, and Loyalty. Harvard University Press.
- Bridges, W. (1980). Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes. Addison-Wesley.
- Ebaugh, H. R. F. (1988). Becoming an Ex: The Process of Role Exit. University of Chicago Press.
- Rousseau, D. M. (1989). Psychological and implied contracts in organizations. Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal, 2(2), 121–139.
- Lee, T. W., & Mitchell, T. R. (1994). An alternative approach: The unfolding model of voluntary employee turnover. Academy of Management Review, 19(1), 51–89.
- 고용24(고용노동부). https://www.work24.go.kr
- 국가법령정보센터. https://www.law.go.kr