Local governments begin first workplace inspections in South Korea
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Starting in December, local governments in South Korea will begin conducting workplace inspections of businesses with fewer than 30 employees. Previously, the Ministry of Employment and Labor primarily handled these inspections, but now the responsibility will be shared between the central government and local authorities.
The new system, enabled by the ‘Labor Inspector Execution Act’ taking effect December 8th, aims to broaden oversight of workplace conditions.
Local governments will inspect businesses for compliance with labor and industrial safety laws, issuing corrective measures and levying fines for violations. However, cases involving collective labor relations, dispatch work, or serious accidents will still be handled by the central government. Businesses with 30 or more employees will continue to be inspected by the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
Local governments will select which businesses to inspect based on plans developed at the city and provincial levels, prioritizing areas with high rates of wage arrears or specific industrial safety concerns. For example, Seoul will focus on publishing and clothing manufacturers, while Busan will prioritize leather goods, footwear, and construction. The government will also provide support to local inspectors through dispatched experts, legal guidance, and a system for transferring complex cases to the central labor authorities.
Several local governments, including Jeju and Gyeonggi Province, have already begun preparing by establishing dedicated inspection units and recruiting personnel.
