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[Special Report by Yulchon] Korean Labor Law: Expected Changes in 2026
Yulchon published a report analyzing key policy and
regulatory developments expected to shape Korea’s business environment in 2026.
The report covers scheduled and anticipated changes in labor and employment
regulations, alongside major legislative and policy initiatives, and highlights
potential implications for businesses operating in Korea.
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
1. Retirement age increase
2. Average-wage litigation
3. Working hours reduction
4. Establishing an income-based standard for unemployment insurance
