Rising Interest in the Four-Day Workweek in South Korea

Recently, there has been increasing interest in the introduction of a four-day workweek in South Korea. This system is being recognized as a way to improve work-life balance for employees and to reform the long-hour work culture. In this article, we will explore the concept of the four-day workweek, its implementation in other countries, political perspectives, and recent legal developments related to the topic.  

Four-Day Workweek: Efficiency Over Time

What Is a Four-Day Workweek?

A four-day workweek refers to a work arrangement where employees work only four days a week and take three days off. This system offers one more rest day compared to the traditional five-day workweek and aims to enhance employees’ quality of life while increasing overall productivity by reducing working hours.  

 

Case Studies of the Four-Day Workweek in Advanced Countries

Several countries, including Iceland, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, have either introduced pilot programs or are actively considering the four-day workweek. In Iceland, a trial conducted between 2015 and 2019 showed positive outcomes, including reduced employee stress and increased job satisfaction. In the UK, trials of the four-day workweek have reported improvements in employees' lifestyle habits while maintaining or even enhancing company productivity.  

Discussions on the Four-Day Workweek in South Korea and Political Perspectives

Discussions about the adoption of a four-day workweek have been gaining traction in South Korea. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has been advocating for the implementation of a four-day workweek as a means to balance work and personal life while reforming the long-hour work culture.  

Political circles are also showing interest in the policy. On February 10, 2025, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized the necessity of introducing a four-day workweek during his speech at the National Assembly. He stated, “The productivity gains from AI and advanced technology should lead to shorter working hours,” arguing that a high-tech society does not align with excessively long working hours. He further stressed that reducing working hours would accelerate the transition to a future-driven technological society.  

On the other hand, the People Power Party (PPP) has taken a more cautious stance on the four-day workweek. The party has deemed the policy “unrealistic” and expressed skepticism about its feasibility. Additionally, the PPP announced plans to base its legislative actions regarding working hour reductions on the results of discussions from the Economic, Social & Labor Council (ESLC). The party’s stance aligns with the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s labor reform policies. The administration previously proposed a working hour reform plan that would allow up to 69 hours of work per week by expanding the unit of overtime management from a weekly basis to monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual units. Given this perspective, the PPP remains cautious about implementing a four-day workweek and emphasizes the need for social consensus through dialogue.  

Legal Revisions and Recent Developments

Recently, discussions have emerged regarding the Semiconductor Special Act, which includes exemptions from the 52-hour workweek limit for semiconductor research and development personnel. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has also suggested considering greater flexibility in working hours for highly paid R&D professionals. 

In the United States, Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced a bill proposing to lower the standard for overtime pay eligibility from 40 hours per week to 32 hours. This move is aimed at encouraging the adoption of a four-day workweek in the country.  

Conclusion

The four-day workweek is a policy designed to improve workers’ quality of life while enhancing productivity. While positive outcomes have been observed in international case studies, concerns remain about its impact on business operations and productivity in South Korea. Therefore, thorough discussions and broad societal consensus are necessary before implementing the system nationwide.