When receiving foreign workers under EPS, the contract should not be treated as paperwork signed only to complete a file. The 표준근로계약서 – Standard Labor Contract helps both parties understand the same conditions before the worker enters Korea and starts work.
EPS provides an official standard contract
The official EPS forms library publishes the Standard Labor Contract and separate forms for certain sectors such as agriculture, livestock and fisheries.
Employers should use the current form that fits the case rather than replace it with an internal template missing required EPS terms.
Seven groups of information to explain clearly
1. Contract period
The worker should understand the start date, duration and renewal conditions. Oral explanations should not differ from the signed document.
2. Workplace
If the company has multiple factories or sites, state where the worker will actually work. Transfers must remain within the scope permitted by law and immigration/employment records.
3. Job duties
A broad label such as “manufacturing” is not enough. Explain the process, environment, physical demands, shifts and major safety risks.
4. Working hours, breaks and days off
Disputes arise when applicants hear only “eight hours a day” and later discover night shifts, overtime or a different rest schedule. These terms must match the contract and labor law.
5. Wages
Distinguish basic wage, overtime calculation, allowances, payday, payment method and lawful deductions. Do not advertise a “maximum income” in a way that makes workers believe it is fixed pay.
6. Housing and meals
If the employer provides accommodation or meals and the worker pays part of the cost, explain it before signing. EPS provides a multilingual consent form for deductions of food and accommodation costs in its forms library.
7. Signature and understandable language
A signature alone does not prove understanding. Give enough time to explain important terms and keep evidence of which contract/form version was provided.
Why a clear contract helps retention
Many post-arrival problems begin with gaps between pre-departure advice and actual conditions. Accurate explanations from the beginning reduce resignations caused by mismatched expectations, wage/overtime disputes, dormitory conflicts and replacement recruitment costs.
Pre-signing checklist
1. Use the latest Standard Labor Contract.
2. Check every wage, hour, workplace and duty field.
3. Explain dormitory/meal arrangements where applicable.
4. Keep oral advice consistent with the contract.
5. Give candidates enough time to read and ask questions.
6. Keep signed copies for both parties.
Official sources
• EPS – Standard Labor Contract and forms: https://www.eps.go.kr/eo/FormDataLst.eo
• EPS – Contract process: https://www.eps.go.kr/eo/EmployJobProc.eo?tabGb=03
Forms and procedures may be updated. Download the latest version directly from EPS/고용24 when signing.