Seoulites want to work fewer hours, take more time for leisure: Survey

A majority of Seoul's residents support the introduction of a 4.5-day workweek, according to the results of a city survey released on Wednesday. Around 40 percent of respondents currently feel too busy with work to enjoy leisure activities.

2026-03-04

Small biz groups urge gov't to change holiday allowance system or no 4.5-day workweek

Two of Korea’s largest small business groups launched a joint campaign Wednesday opposing the government’s push for a 4.5-day workweek unless the holiday allowance system is scrapped.

2025-10-15

More oppose 4 1/2-day workweek than support it, survey finds

In the National Barometer Survey conducted from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 on 1,003 adults nationwide, 63 percent of respondents said they opposed the plan for a four-and-a-half-day workweek, compared to 32 percent who said they supported it.

2025-10-02

Should Korea work less? A four-and-a-half-day week sparks a divide.

The Lee Jae Myung administration is pushing ahead with a plan for a four-and-a-half-day workweek, sending unions rejoicing and executives scrambling to mitigate the fallout in a nation already on the lower end of productivity.

2025-09-19

Government to push 4.5-day workweek bill this year

The government aims to push its so-called 4.5-day workweek bill to the National Assembly by the end of the year, according to reports on Wednesday.

2025-09-17

Gov't in talks on implementing 4.5-day workweek, reviewing impact on worker income

The Ministry of Employment and Labor said Wednesday it is in talks with other government agencies on implementing a 4.5-day workweek while weighing the potential impact on workers’ income.

2025-06-25

DP, PPP both pledge 4.5-day workweeks, but feasibility doubtful

The Democratic Party and the People Power Party have both added four-and-a-half-day workweeks to their campaign platforms, albeit with different visions, but experts question the feasibility of both.

2025-05-05

PPP pledges flexible labor policies for 'more advanced work culture'

The conservative People Power Party (PPP) said Monday it will include a “4.5-day” workweek policy based on “flexible working hours” in its presidential campaign pledges, while also getting rid of the current 52-hour workweek cap.

2025-04-14

The futility of the rigid 52-hour workweek

Companies should be able to flex their hours on their terms and agreement with workers.

2024-11-17

Gangwon to pursue 4-day workweek

Governor Kim Jin-tae hopes that the move will boost the self-governing state's appeal.

2024-02-18

korea joongAng daily