In 2024, the Korean government is revamping labor policies to address market disparities and enhance worker welfare. Recent media reports raised concerns about the effectiveness of the regular employment conversion support program, but the Ministry of Employment and Labor has announced expanded targets and improved support methods. This year, the program focuses on companies with fewer than 30 employees, aiming to facilitate the transition of non-regular workers to regular positions. These initiatives are designed to reduce structural inequalities and improve working conditions across the labor market.
The regular employment conversion support program resumes after a two-year hiatus. Companies that convert or directly hire non-regular workers who have worked for more than six months, such as contract, dispatched, or subcontracted employees, can receive up to KRW 600,000 per worker per month for up to one year. The inclusion of companies with fewer than 30 employees is expected to enhance the program\’s effectiveness. The government is also strengthening the principle of equal pay for equal work, supporting subcontractor negotiations through revised labor union laws, and implementing measures to protect platform and special-type workers.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to closely monitor policy outcomes and continuously improve systems to ensure resources are effectively allocated. Parental work hour reduction and the 10 a.m. start policy are also being fully implemented this year. With more dual-income families, employees can reduce their weekly work hours to 15–35 without wage loss, and small and medium-sized business owners receive KRW 300,000 per reduced-hour worker monthly. Wage compensation limits for reduced-hour workers have also been raised.
Parental leave substitute support funds have been extended by one month to cover the handover period after returning to work, with companies employing fewer than 30 people receiving up to KRW 1.4 million per parental leave worker monthly, and larger companies up to KRW 1.3 million. Work-sharing support funds are also provided based on company size. This year\’s policies significantly strengthen support for work-life balance and childcare. The government will continue to refine these policies to enhance effectiveness and protect workers\’ rights.