When a child who has found a vacation or weekend job says, "The boss wants my parent's signature too," many parents assume they are meant to sign the employment contract on the child's behalf. But a parent cannot conclude an employment contract for a minor. What a parent signs is a consent form, not the contract. Based on the youth-protection provisions of the Labor Standards Act, this article walks through the paperwork, working hours and night-work limits in order.

Children under 15 and middle school students: check the employment permit first

Article 64 of the Labor Standards Act generally bars employing anyone under 15. The exception is a person holding an employment permit issued by the Minister of Employment and Labor. The same provision also covers people under 18 who are enrolled in middle school, so if your middle school child is looking for work, do not look at the birthday alone; first ask the local employment and labor office whether a permit is required. Most high school part-time jobs do not need this step, but for a child under 15 or a middle school student, the employer cannot simply hire once the paperwork is in hand.

Two documents the workplace must keep on file

Under Article 66, an employer who hires anyone under 18 must keep a certificate of family relation records and a consent form from the parent or guardian at the workplace. The first document confirms age and who holds parental authority. The consent form simply states that the parent allows the child to work; it does not replace the employment contract. Even if the employer says "bring the papers later," the duty to keep them is the employer's, so it is safer to check that both documents were handed in before your child starts.

The child signs the contract, not the parent

Article 67 provides that a parent or guardian may not conclude an employment contract on behalf of a minor. The parties to the contract are the child and the employer. When contracting with someone under 18, the employer must also state working conditions such as wages, hours and days off in writing and hand over a copy. If the hourly wage was only mentioned verbally and no contract was given, that in itself is a problem, so take a photo of whatever you have. How a minor can claim unpaid wages directly is covered separately in how a teen can file a wage complaint with the labor office.

If the contract is unfavorable, a parent or the Ministry can end it

Parents cannot sign on a minor's behalf, but there is a safeguard. Under Article 67(2), a parent, guardian or the Minister of Employment and Labor may terminate an employment contract that is found to be unfavorable to the minor. Paying less than the promised hourly wage or forcing hours that clash with schooling could qualify. Whether a particular case counts as "unfavorable" depends on the facts, so if you are unsure, check first with the counseling line listed below.

Working hours: 7 hours a day and 35 hours a week as the baseline

Article 69 limits the working hours of people aged 15 to under 18 to 7 hours a day and 35 hours a week. With the parties' agreement, this can be extended by 1 hour a day and 5 hours a week, so the ceiling is 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. Working five 8-hour days during vacation reaches exactly the limit of agreed overtime, and any further day goes over the law. Pay may not be cut because the worker is a minor; the 2026 minimum wage is 10,320 won per hour. To compare the schedule with actual hours, noting the start and end times every day is the surest method.

Work after 10 p.m. and on holidays needs approval

Article 70 prohibits having anyone under 18 work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., or on holidays. The only exception is where the worker consents and the Minister of Employment and Labor approves. Closing shifts at convenience stores and restaurants are common, but "my child said it was fine" is not enough, and you should ask the employer whether approval exists. For compensation if your child is hurt on the job, see the high school section for related guides, including the Korean-language one on industrial accident insurance claims for minors hurt in part-time jobs.

What to do before the first shift

First, check your child's age and school level, and if they are in middle school, ask whether an employment permit applies. Second, hand the certificate of family relation records and the parental consent form to the employer and keep proof that they were received. Third, have your child sign the employment contract personally and get a copy. Fourth, check that the hourly wage, working days and times, days off and closing time are written down, and if shifts run past 10 p.m., ask whether approval has been obtained. A young person who has left school and is working can also get counseling at an out-of-school youth support center.

A note in closing

This article is general information based on the text of the Labor Standards Act and is not legal advice. Outcomes may differ with amendments or individual circumstances. If you have questions about document requirements or night-work approval, confirm with the Ministry of Employment and Labor counseling center (dial 1350, no area code) or your nearest regional employment and labor office.