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Working Teens in Korea: Minimum Wage, Legal Protections, and Popular Part-Time Jobs

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A café part-timer brewing coffee Introduction: Hello, readers. Today, we’ll take a close look at how teenagers in Korea earn spending money, what kinds of part-time jobs they do, and which laws and systems are in place to protect them. Korea guarantees young people the right to work while also setting rules to ensure that study and safety are not compromised. For international readers, Korea’s part-time job culture and youth labor protections are an insightful topic. 1. Legal Standards for Youth Part-Time Work 1-1. Minimum Age to Work Part-Time In Korea, teens 15 years and older may hold part-time jobs. However, those under 18 must have parental (legal guardian) consent. In practice, most teen workers are first-year high school students or older. 1-2. Employment Permit (“Chwijik Inheo-jeung”) Under age 13 : Employment is, in principle, prohibited. As a limited exception, minors may participate in artistic or cultural performances only with an employment permit issued b...

Discover Yeosu: Korea's Coastal Gem of History and Beauty

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  View of Odongdo Island from the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car Introduction: Dear readers, hello. Today, I would like to introduce you to Yeosu , a coastal city in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, beloved by both locals and travelers alike. In the past, Yeosu was considered a somewhat distant destination due to its limited accessibility from Seoul and the metropolitan area. However, with the recent expansion of transportation options, it has become a far more convenient place to visit. Most notably, the opening of Yeosu Airport now allows travelers to fly directly to the city. This means Yeosu is no longer a destination to postpone simply because of distance; it has become a must-visit travel spot. For many Koreans, including myself, Yeosu is a place that immediately brings to mind one of our most revered historical figures— Admiral Yi Sun-sin . For readers who may not be familiar with him, he is undoubtedly regarded as one of the two most respected figures in Korean...

The Daily Life and Subtle Investment Strategies of Korean Stock Market Traders

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A full-time investor checking stock prices using a laptop and smartphone Introduction: Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to share with you the daily lives of stock investors in Korea. Even in other OECD countries, including the United States, stock investors hope to make substantial profits in a short period with a small investment. If anyone wishes to offer a different perspective, please feel free to share it with me. In reality, there are investors who aim for dividend income while holding stocks for a long time, and there are many true investors who seek only the appreciation of the stocks they hold, even if there are no dividends—just like the investors who have long held shares in Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. In Korea, there are also many investors with such a long-term perspective. An online community formed by these long-term investors has over 250,000 members. Many members of this community believe that a minimum holding period of 3 to 5 years is appropriate...

Part 2: A Tax Guide for Foreigners Starting a Business in Korea

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  A solo business CEO reviewing the day's sales performance [Introduction] Understanding Korea's Tax System – Additional Guidance for Foreign Business Owners Dear readers, greetings. Today, I would like to provide additional explanations regarding Korea’s tax system, following on from yesterday’s discussion. Many Koreans may already have at least a general idea of the procedures involved in visiting a tax office when starting a business and of the reporting and payment obligations that arise immediately thereafter. This is likely because someone among their family members or close friends is operating a small business. In Korea, such individually operated enterprises are commonly referred to as “self-employed businesses,” and they account for a remarkably high proportion of all business entities. The share of self-employed individuals in Korea stands at approximately 25 percent, ranking fifth among OECD countries, following Greece and Türkiye. In comparison, the United State...

Essential Tax System for Starting a Business in Korea

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An employee calculating figures for tax payment processing Description A comprehensive guide to Korea’s tax laws for foreign investors and business owners. This article explains key tax obligations—business registration, withholding tax, value-added tax (VAT), comprehensive income tax, and corporate income tax—in a clear and professional manner, reflecting the most current legal framework. Introduction Dear Readers, greetings! Today, we will take some time to introduce Korea’s tax laws. This guide is particularly designed to be as clear as possible for foreigners who are currently running a business in Korea or planning to start one in the near future. Korea’s tax laws and systems are far from simple. There are various types of taxes, and the regulations often change due to shifts in economic conditions and policy considerations. Therefore, it is always necessary to stay up to date. Let us begin. 1) Obtaining a Business Registration Certificate In Korea, even to start a small-s...

A Complete Guide to Seasonal Festival Travel in Korea

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A sea of visitors at the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival , with rows of cherry trees adorned in full bloom. Introduction: How the Four Seasons Create the Perfect Journey Greetings, dear readers. Today, I’m pleased to share a short briefing on Korea’s seasonal regional festivals . Korea is a country blessed with four distinct seasons, each offering a completely different travel experience.  Seasonal festival travel in Korea  combines the beauty of nature with cultural celebrations, local flavors, and seasonal activities that can only be enjoyed at specific times of the year. In spring, the nation bursts into vibrant colors with blossoms; in summer, beaches and rivers come alive with energy; in autumn, the scenery turns into a masterpiece of red and gold; and in winter, snow and ice transform landscapes into magical wonderlands. This guide presents must-visit festivals for each season, along with practical travel information—covering transportation, accommodations, local cuisine, near...