Severance Pay
Severance pay is a statutory benefit for workers who leave after a qualifying period (Employee Retirement Benefit Security Act). As a rule, if you worked 1+ year continuously averaging 15+ hours/week, you receive at least 30 days of average wage per year of service. It applies equally to foreign workers regardless of nationality or visa, and is generally due within 14 days of leaving. Use the calculator above for an estimate (your exact amount depends on how average wage is computed).
What to prepare
- Employment contract
- Pay slips and bank deposit records (at least the last 3 months)
- Anything showing your employment and leaving dates
- Attendance / work-period records
How to proceed
- 1Confirm you worked 1+ year continuously, averaging 15+ hours/week over a 4-week basis
- 2Average daily wage is based on the total wages of your last 3 months (bonuses/allowances may change it)
- 3The standard is 30 days of average wage per year of service — estimate with the calculator above
- 4Payment is generally due within 14 days of leaving (extendable by mutual agreement)
- 5If unpaid by then, it can be treated as wage arrears — call ☎1350 to consult or file
Tips
- For E-9 etc., the employer-enrolled departure guarantee insurance may replace part or all of severance (see that guide).
- ⚠️ Exact average wage includes bonuses/allowances, so it can differ from the calculator — if disputed, don’t assume; check with a labor attorney or ☎1350.
- If your contracted hours are under 15/week, you may not qualify even if actual hours rose from overtime — consult if unsure.
- Unpaid severance can amount to wage arrears — keep your evidence (slips, bank records).
Key contacts
- Ministry of Employment and Labor counseling ☎1350 (multilingual)
- Korea Legal Aid Corporation ☎132 (free legal advice)
Solve it with a tool
Related guides
This is general information and has no legal force. Labor and residence rules depend on your situation and policy — always verify with experts (Ministry of Employment and Labor ☎1350, a labor attorney) and official sources.
Last updated: 2026-06-09