Korean Labor Law: Expected Changes in 2026
Scheduled Changes
1.
Minimum wage set at KRW 10,320/hour for 2026
2.
Social insurance rate hikes
3.
Increase in working-hours reduction benefits (childcare period)
4.
Support for “10 AM Start” childcare policies
5.
Increase in the maximum amount of unemployment insurance job-seeking benefits
6.
Enhancement of replacement-worker subsidies
7.
Yellow Envelope Act becomes effective
Anticipated Changes
Retirement age increase
Average-wage litigation
Working hours reduction
Establishing an income-based standard for unemployment insurance