📝 Must before part-time job contract! International student checklist

It's hard to understand the contract when you're not familiar with Korean, right? 😢

It's understandable to worry about issues later if you can't clearly check the hourly wage or working hours.

We'll summarize the key things you must check before starting work so international students can work safely! ✨

✍️ Signing a contract before starting work is a must!

Did the boss just tell you to start from tomorrow? If you only make a verbal agreement, you might not get paid later, which is very risky.

1. The employment contract must be written before starting work .

2. Both you and the boss must each keep one copy.

3. If the contract isn't written or given, the boss may face a fine or penalty of up to 5 million KRW.

4. It's safest to use the Ministry of Employment and Labor's standard contract form.

👉 If you get an original or PDF version for yourself, it will be clear evidence in case of dispute!

🔍 4 things to check in the contract

Korean contracts are complicated and hard to know where to look, right? You can understand them more easily if you refer to translated documents from Seoul Global Center!

1. Hourly wage: The minimum wage for 2026 is 10,320 KRW per hour! (applies equally to all industries)

2. Working hours and break times: Check how many hours a day you work and your break times.

3. Weekly allowance and payday: Check the allowance for working fixed hours each week and the day you get paid.

4. Work details and workplace: Clearly state what kind of work you'll do and where.

👉 You can avoid unfair situations by checking just these 4 essentials!

🛂 For international students, get part-time work permission first!

Many think they can work as soon as they sign a contract. But D-2 and D-4 visa holders need to follow extra steps.

1. First, get confirmation from your school's international student officer.

2. Then you must get part-time work permission from Immigration to work legally.

3. The signed employment contract is also used as important proof when applying for part-time work permission.

👉 If you properly follow your visa conditions and work legally, you'll have no problem adapting to life in Korea!

💰 Get a pay statement on payday!

Finally your first payday! Instead of just being happy about the money in your account, it's very important to know how it's calculated.

1. Since November 19, 2021, it's mandatory to receive a pay statement.

2. The boss must provide a written or electronic pay statement when paying wages.

3. Be sure to check that total pay, base pay, itemized details, deductions, and calculation method are all included!

👉 Develop the smart habit of checking yourself that you got paid correctly for your work!

In conclusion

✔️ Always sign the contract before starting work and keep an original copy

✔️ Check the 2026 minimum wage (10,320 KRW) and all required details carefully

✔️ D-2, D-4 visa international students must get part-time work permission with the contract

Your first part-time job in a foreign country—prepare thoroughly for a safe and enjoyable experience! ✨

💡 VIVISA will help you.

VIVISA organizes key information so you can understand easily.

• Visa info for foreigners and international students

• Part-time & work regulations

• Essential administrative guide for life in Korea

Don't worry anymore about studying and working part-time in Korea—start comfortably with VIVISA! ✨