Understanding Work Hours and Lateness Rules in Korean Companies
What Time You’re Expected, and What Happens If You’re Late
Introduction
Every country has its own workplace rhythm—and Korea is no exception.
If you’re about to start an internship, part-time job, or full-time position in Korea, you might be wondering:
“What’s the standard work schedule?”
“How strict are they about being late?”
“What happens if I arrive a few minutes past 9:00?”
This post explains Korean norms around working hours, lateness, and attendance—so you can avoid unintentional mistakes and make a good impression.
Standard Working Hours in Korea
| Work Type | Typical Schedule |
|---|---|
| Full-time office jobs | 09:00–18:00 (1-hour lunch) |
| Part-time jobs (알바) | Depends on employer (e.g. 10–4, 6–11) |
| Shift-based roles | Rotating shifts or fixed blocks |
| Internships | Usually mirror regular work hours |
Korea has a legal 52-hour workweek cap (40 hours regular + 12 hours overtime),
but unpaid overtime is still common in some industries.
Punctuality Culture in Korea
Time = respect. In Korea, arriving on time actually means 5–10 minutes early.
| Arrival Time | Perceived Impression |
|---|---|
| 10+ minutes early | Very professional |
| 5 minutes early | On time |
| Right on the dot | Acceptable, but risky |
| 5+ minutes late | Disrespectful or disorganized |
In some teams, even 1–2 minutes late can cause discomfort, especially if it’s habitual.
What If You’re Late?
Here’s how to handle being late with grace:
1. Let them know before you’re late
Text or message your manager:
“죄송합니다. 교통이 조금 밀려서 5분 정도 늦을 것 같습니다.”
Sorry, traffic is a bit heavy. I may be 5 minutes late.
2. Apologize once you arrive
“늦어서 죄송합니다. 앞으로 더 신경 쓰겠습니다.”
I’m sorry I was late. I’ll be more careful going forward.
Common Attendance Rules
| Situation | Typical Company Expectation |
|---|---|
| Being late | Report in advance + brief apology |
| Absent due to sickness | Submit doctor’s note if possible |
| Early leave | Ask permission in advance and offer time recovery |
| Extended tardiness | May affect performance reviews or salary bonus |
Some companies have HR software tracking punch-in/out times automatically.
Cultural Note: Face Time vs. Output
In some traditional offices, staying late is still seen as “working hard” even if your work is done.
But younger startups and globalized teams are more output-focused, and value time-efficiency and transparency over long hours.
Summary: Best Practices for Time Management
Arrive 5–10 minutes early if possible
Communicate delays honestly and early
Avoid repeating lateness, even if it seems minor
Respect coworkers’ and managers’ time
Track your hours (especially for part-time work)
Final Thoughts
Being punctual in Korea isn’t just about time—it’s about showing consideration and professionalism. If you’re late once, don’t panic—but do explain. Over time, your reliability will matter more than a single delay.
Next Post:
“Analyzing a Foreign Student’s Korean Self-Introduction Letter – Sentence by Sentence”
Would you like a sample message template for late arrival or sick leave? Let us know in the comments or message us directly!