실업급여 피보험단위기간 계산법: 무급휴직 제외 및 인정 기준 완벽 정리

For workers seeking to qualify for unemployment benefits, understanding the specific duration requirements—particularly the “180 days of insured unit periods within the 18 months prior to retirement”—is essential for eligibility. In the context of South Korea’s Employment Insurance system, this requirement serves as a safeguard to ensure that benefits are directed toward individuals who have … Read more

Understanding Interest Taxation for Term Deposits and Savings Accounts

For many savers, understanding the nuances of interest income is a critical component of personal financial management. Whether you are navigating a high-yield savings account or managing long-term fixed deposits, knowing exactly when your earnings are recognized as taxable income is essential for compliance and effective tax planning. As we look at the mechanics of … Read more

Tax Deductions for Insurance Premiums: Full Deductions for National Health, Employment, and Long-Term Care Insurance – When & How to Claim Them

For South Korean workers earning regular salaries, navigating the complexities of social insurance deductions—particularly the health insurance premium tax deduction—can significantly impact annual tax liabilities. As the country’s tax filing season approaches, understanding how these deductions apply to National Health Insurance (NHI) premiums, employment insurance, and long-term care insurance is critical for accurate tax planning. … Read more

Taxable Revenue Inclusion for Goods/Services Purchased with Government Subsidies: Clarifying the Taxable Base for Buyers

By Dr. Olivia Bennett | Chief Editor, Business | May 14, 2026 When a business purchases goods or services funded by government subsidies—such as 국고보조금 (national budget subsidies)—the question of whether these transactions should be included in taxable income has become a critical accounting and compliance issue in 2026. For buyers, the confusion often stems … Read more

Non-Prosecution Request: Employee’s Guide to Waiving Criminal Charges

Understanding the ‘Cheobulbulwonsuh’: When Does Withdrawing a Criminal Complaint Become an Option in South Korea? The question of whether a labor inspector receives a ‘cheobulbulwonsuh’ (처벌불원서) – a statement of non-prosecution – when transferring a wage arrears case to civil court is a common one for both employers and employees in South Korea. This document, … Read more

대출 신청 전 필수 확인: 건강보험료 납부 후 대출 심사 반영 기간 (1~3영업일)

For many South Koreans, keeping up with monthly health insurance payments is not just a legal obligation but also a practical step toward accessing financial services. When individuals consistently pay their National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) premiums, they create a verifiable record that financial institutions may consider during loan evaluations. This connection between health insurance … Read more

Income Verification for Fund Loans: When to Submit Withholding Tax Receipts or Income Proof Documents

When applying for a fund loan in South Korea, financial institutions typically require applicants to submit income verification documents to assess creditworthiness and repayment capacity. Among the most commonly requested documents are the 원천징수영수증 (withholding tax receipt) and the 소득금액증명원 (income amount certificate). While both serve as proof of income, they differ significantly in terms … Read more

Tax Treatment of Valuation Losses on Short-Term Trading Securities

In the complex intersection of corporate financial reporting and tax compliance, few areas create as much friction as the valuation of short-term trading securities. For many CFOs and tax practitioners, the discrepancy between what appears on a balance sheet and what is reported to tax authorities can be a source of significant confusion, particularly regarding … Read more

Bad Debt: Claiming Denied Losses on Future Tax Returns (Korea)

Navigating the complexities of corporate tax law can be particularly challenging when dealing with disappointing debts. Businesses often face situations where they are unable to fully recover outstanding receivables, leading to potential tax implications. A crucial aspect of managing these situations involves understanding how to handle bad debts that initially didn’t meet the requirements for … Read more

Spouse of Self-Employed: Korean Health Insurance Costs (2026 Update)

The question of healthcare costs for the spouse of a self-employed individual is a common concern for many small business owners in South Korea. Navigating the national health insurance system can be complex, and understanding how premiums are calculated is crucial for financial planning. This article provides a comprehensive overview of health insurance contributions for … Read more