[TIP] Korean Vocabs for Job Perks

If you're applying for jobs or internships in Korea, it's easy to focus on just salary and job title — but don’t overlook the benefits (복지)! Korean companies often provide a wide range of perks that go beyond just pay, and as a foreign employee or intern, it’s important to know what you’re entitled to. So what are the standard and popular benefits Korean companies offer? Let’s break it down 👇 🛡️ 1. 4대 보험 – The Four Major Insurances Most full-time employees in Korea are enrolled in the following four types of insurance: ✨ 국민연금 (National Pension) ✨ 건강보험 (Health Insurance) ✨ 고용보험 (Employment Insurance) ✨ 산재보험 (Industrial Accident Insurance) These are "mandatory" for regular employees and partially covered by the employer. 🗓️ 2. Paid Leave – 연차, 병가, and More Paid leave is common, especially in full-time positions. Look out for: ✨ 연차 (Paid Annual Leave) – Usually increases with years worked. ✨ 병가 (Sick Leave) – Not always paid, but many companies allow short-term sick days. ✨ 출산휴가 / 육아휴직 (Maternity & Parental Leave) – Protected by law, especially in larger companies. 💸 3. Financial Perks – Bonuses, Severance & Celebration Allowances Korean companies often go beyond just base salary. Many offer additional financial perks such as: ✨ 보너스 (Bonus) – Seasonal or performance-based bonuses (like during Chuseok or year-end). ✨ 퇴직금 (Severance Pay) – A legal requirement after one full year of work. ✨ 인센티브 (Incentives) – Extra pay tied to performance or sales results. ✨ 생일 축하금 (Birthday Bonus) – Some companies give a cash gift or prepaid card for your birthday 🎂 ✨ 결혼기념 축하금 (Wedding/Anniversary Bonus) – A bonus or gift to celebrate major life events like marriage 💍 These celebration-related bonuses aren’t mandatory but are a sweet touch, especially common in mid-size or large companies with a strong welfare culture. 🏡 4. Work-Life Balance – Remote & Flexible Work Korea’s work culture is evolving! Many companies now offer: ✨ 재택근무 (Remote Work) – More common post-pandemic. ✨ 유연근무제 (Flexible Hours) – Choose your start/end times. ✨ 리프레시 휴가 (Refresh Leave) – Extra time off after long-term service or project completion. 🍱 5. Living Support – Everyday Benefits These perks help with your daily expenses: ✨ 식대 지원 (Meal Support) – Free lunch or lunch stipend. ✨ 교통비 지원 (Transport Allowance) – Reimbursement for commute costs. ✨ 건강검진 (Health Checkups) – Often provided once a year. ✨ 명절 선물 (Holiday Gifts) – Korean holidays like Chuseok and Seollal come with gift sets! 🧘 6. Self-Development & Culture Perks Some companies go the extra mile with: ✨ 자기계발비 (Self-Development Funds) – For online courses, language classes, books, etc. ✨ 사내 동호회 (Company Clubs) – Join teams for sports, games, or hobbies. ✨ 복지 포인트 (Welfare Points) – Spend on fitness, travel, or shopping!