🎉 Do Foreign Workers in Korea Get Holidays Off?

"Do I get a break during Chuseok or Seollal?""I heard foreigners have to work while others rest…?"

👉 Short answer: Yes!If you are legally employed in Korea, you will most likely get time off during national holidays.

However, your work schedule may vary depending on your industry, employment contract, and type of company—so always check your situation in advance!

🗓️ Major Holidays in Korea

• Seollal (Lunar New Year – Lunar January 1st)

• Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving – Lunar August 15th)

➡️ Both are official national holidays when Koreans traditionally spend time with their families.

✅ When Foreign Workers Get Time Off

1. If you're a full-time or contract employee in a Korean company:

• You’re protected under Korean Labor Law, just like Korean workers

• You’ll usually get paid holidays on and around the holiday

• This applies to most jobs: factories, offices, IT, etc.

2. If you have a legal visa (E-7, D-2, H-2, etc.):

• What matters most is what’s written in your employment contract

• If holidays are listed, then you’re entitled to take them

3. If you're an international student (D-2 visa):

• If classes are not in session, you're usually free to rest during holidays

• You can adjust your part-time job schedule in advance

❌ When It Might Be Harder to Take a Holiday

• Jobs in caregiving, nursing homes, restaurants, hotels, etc.➡️ These places operate during holidays, so you may need to work➡️ But you should receive holiday pay or a substitute day off

• If you are undocumented or working without a contract⚠️ You may not be protected under the law➡️ It’s important to switch to legal employment to stay safe!

🧑‍🔧 Real Story

👨 Muhammad (32, from Pakistan) works in a factory in Gyeonggi Province.His company operated until the day before Chuseok,then gave three days of paid holiday for the break.

“I was happy to relax and share traditional food with my friends,” he said.“Now I look forward to Korean holidays every year!” 😊

❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I get extra pay if I work during a holiday?👉 Yes! According to labor law, if you work on an official holiday,you must receive extra holiday pay.

Q. It feels unfair that I have to work during holidays…👉 It depends on your job,but you have the right to ask for holiday pay or time off later.If you have any issues, you can call the Labor Ministry Helpline (☎️ 1350) for help.

Q. Can students skip part-time jobs during the holidays?👉 Yes! If there’s no class or exam,you can coordinate with your workplace in advance to take a break.

✅ Summary

• Most foreign workers can take time off during Korean holidays

• Check your employment contract for holiday policies

• If you work in service jobs, extra pay or substitute leave is required

• Undocumented workers may not be protected—stay legal!

📬 Ready to work in Korea?👉 Submit your resume here

We hope Korean holidays become a time of rest and joy for you too! 🎎🌙💕