South KoreaWhat does workers' compensation insurance cover?
Workers' compensation insurance in South Korea covers medical expenses, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and funeral costs for work-related injuries or illnesses.
What the Law Says
The Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act (IACIA) is the primary law governing workers’ compensation in South Korea. It mandates employer-funded insurance that provides automatic, no-fault benefits to employees injured or made ill due to work.
Coverage applies to all employees working under an employment contract, including part-time, temporary, and foreign workers legally employed in South Korea.
Benefits include full coverage of necessary medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation — with no out-of-pocket cost to the worker.
If an injury or illness causes temporary disability, workers receive wage replacement at 70% of their average wage, starting from the 4th day of absence (a 3-day waiting period applies).
For permanent disability, lump-sum or monthly payments are provided based on the degree of impairment assessed by a certified medical examiner.
In cases of work-related death, dependents receive survivor pensions and a one-time funeral benefit (₩15 million as of 2024).
Statutory TextAn insured person who suffers industrial accident injuries or diseases shall be entitled to medical benefits, disability benefits, survivors’ benefits, and funeral benefits.
— Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act, s. 6 — Benefits
Statutory TextMedical benefits shall cover all necessary medical expenses incurred for treatment of industrial accident injuries or diseases.
— Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act, s. 7 — Medical Benefits
Statutory TextDisability benefits shall be paid at the rate of 70 per cent of the average wage… commencing from the fourth day of inability to work.
— Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act, s. 12 — Disability Benefits
Statutory TextSurvivors’ benefits shall be paid to the dependents of an insured person who dies from an industrial accident.
— Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act, s. 15 — Survivors’ Benefits
Statutory TextFuneral benefits shall be paid in the amount prescribed by Presidential Decree.
— Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act, s. 16 — Funeral Benefits
What to Do
Report the injury or illness to your employer immediately — orally or in writing.
Seek treatment at a medical institution approved by the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (KCOMWELFARE).
Your employer must file a claim with KCOMWELFARE within 10 days of notification.
If your employer fails to act, you may file the claim directly within 1 year of the accident or diagnosis.
Keep all medical records, pay slips, and communication related to the incident.
Sources
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GermanyNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.