Must-Know: Korea's 4 Major Insurances for Foreign Workers

1. What Are Korea's 4 Major Insurances?

If you're working in Korea, you've probably heard of the "4 Major Insurances" — National Health Insurance, Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance, Employment Insurance, and National Pension. These apply to both Koreans and foreign workers, helping everyone stay protected during sickness, injury, unemployment, and retirement.

2. Mandatory or Optional?

National Health Insurance and Industrial Accident Insurance are mandatory for all workers regardless of visa type or nationality. Employers pay all of the industrial accident insurance premium.
Employment Insurance and National Pension depend on visa/residency type. The pension may be refunded upon leaving Korea if your country has a social security agreement with Korea.

3. Who Pays and How Much?

Each insurance has different payment rules:

• Health Insurance: Split 50/50 between worker and employer.
• Industrial Accident Insurance: Fully paid by employer.
• Employment Insurance: Shared by both; some parts paid by employer only.
• National Pension: 50/50 split between worker and employer.

Premiums depend on your monthly wage. For details, check each insurance center.

4. Want to Drive in Korea? Here's How

To get a Korean driver's license: complete traffic safety education, pass a physical test, a written exam (in English, Vietnamese, Chinese, etc.), a skills test, and a road test. Study materials are available online at the Safe Driving Service portal.

5. Penalties for No Insurance or Driving Without a License

Skipping insurance? You could be fined up to 5 million KRW. Driving without a license? Up to 1 year in jail or 3 million KRW in fines. Stay safe and legal — it's for your protection!

✔️ For a safer and better life in Korea, stay informed and follow the rules. You're not alone — help is available!