What Working Hours Are Like in Korean Manufacturing Plants
An Honest Look for Foreign Workers
If you are thinking about working in a Korean manufacturing plant, one of the first questions you probably ask is about working hours. Online answers can feel confusing or outdated, so let me explain how it actually works today, from a Korean local perspective.
The short answer is this: working hours in Korean factories can be long, but they are more regulated than they used to be.
The Standard Legal Working Hours in Korea
Korea officially follows a 40 hour workweek.
This means eight hours a day, five days a week. On paper, manufacturing plants follow the same rule as offices and other industries. The law applies to both Korean and foreign workers.
However, manufacturing rarely stops at just eight hours.
Overtime Is Common in Manufacturing Plants
Overtime is where reality begins.
Most factories rely heavily on overtime, especially during busy production periods. It is very common to work two to four extra hours per day, depending on the factory and season.
Overtime is legal and must be paid at a higher rate, usually 1.5 times the normal wage.
Weekend Work Happens More Than You Expect
Many manufacturing plants operate six days a week.
Saturday work is common, especially in small and medium sized factories. Some plants rotate weekend shifts, while others expect regular Saturday attendance.
Sunday work is less common but can happen during peak demand.
Shift Work in Larger Factories
Big factories often use shift systems.
You may work day shifts, night shifts, or rotating shifts. Night shifts usually pay more but can be physically demanding. Shift work helps factories operate almost 24 hours a day.
Smaller factories usually stick to fixed daytime schedules.
Break Times During the Workday
Breaks are short but regular.
Most factories provide a lunch break of about one hour. Short rest breaks may be added in the morning and afternoon, especially for physically demanding work.
Breaks are important, but production speed still matters.
The 52 Hour Rule and How It Works in Reality
Korea introduced the 52 hour workweek to limit overwork.
This includes 40 regular hours plus 12 hours of overtime. Large companies tend to follow this rule more strictly. Smaller factories sometimes push the limit, especially when understaffed.
Enforcement is improving, but conditions vary by workplace.
Differences Between Large and Small Factories
Not all factories are the same.
Large corporations usually offer clearer schedules, paid overtime, and better compliance with labor laws. Small factories may have more flexible but longer hours.
Foreign workers often start in smaller factories, so expectations should be realistic.
How Foreign Workers Experience Factory Hours
For many foreigners, factory hours feel intense at first.
Standing for long periods, repetitive tasks, and long shifts can be challenging. However, the schedule is usually predictable, and overtime helps increase monthly income.
Many workers adjust after the first few weeks.
Is the Pay Worth the Hours
This depends on your goal.
Hourly wages are not high, but overtime can significantly increase earnings. For foreigners seeking stable income rather than career growth, manufacturing can be practical.
It is demanding work, but financially straightforward.
What You Should Know Before Accepting a Job
Always ask about overtime, weekends, and shift schedules.
Do not assume all factories follow the same system. Clear communication before signing a contract can prevent disappointment later.
Knowing the working hours is just as important as knowing the salary.
Final Thoughts from a Korean Perspective
Working hours in Korean manufacturing plants are structured but demanding.
The system is more regulated than in the past, yet overtime remains a normal part of factory life. For foreigners who value steady work and predictable routines, manufacturing can still be a realistic option.
Understanding the hours upfront makes all the difference.
How Strict Is Korean Workplace Culture in Factories? What Foreign Workers Should Expect