Korean Companies Embrace the 4-Day Workweek—But Results Are Mixed

In 2024, dozens of Korean companies—from fintech startups to mid-size manufacturers—experimented with the 4-day workweek. Some hailed it as revolutionary. Others called it disruptive. As 2025 begins, the verdict is still evolving.

Under the model, employees work 32–35 hours per week, typically taking Fridays off. Advocates say it boosts productivity, reduces burnout, and improves recruitment. “We get more done by focusing better,” says Kim Daeyoung, COO of a Seoul-based logistics firm. “And our team is happier.”

Indeed, a study by the Korea Labor Institute found that firms adopting the 4-day week saw a 22% drop in sick leave and a 12% rise in satisfaction scores. Developers, designers, and remote-friendly teams showed the most gains.

But the model doesn’t work everywhere. Manufacturing, retail, and customer service sectors struggled with coverage gaps, client complaints, and coordination issues. “We lost clients due to slower response times,” admits one manager at an interior firm in Gyeonggi.

Labor unions are now pushing for legal protections around the 4-day week, especially after some companies quietly reinstated full hours without notice. Meanwhile, jobseekers increasingly filter listings by “short week” tags, showing demand remains strong.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to launch a pilot certification system in early 2025, awarding official status to companies that meet fair 4-day workweek criteria. Advocates hope this will reduce abuse and clarify expectations.

While not a one-size-fits-all solution, the 4-day workweek is no longer fringe. It’s a live experiment reshaping how Korea thinks about time, output, and well-being.

Date: 2025-01-06

Reporter: 박근홍