Table of Contents
- What is Workers' Compensation Insurance?
- Purpose and Necessity of Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Who Needs to Subscribe to Workers' Compensation Insurance?
- Workplaces Covered by Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Types and Details of Compensation
1. What is Workers' Compensation Insurance?
Workers' compensation insurance is a system in which the state provides medical expenses and compensation in the form of insurance when an employee is injured, becomes ill, or dies while working. The official name is Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance, and it is operated by the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service (COMWEL) based on the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act.
You can check the application method for work-related accidents or illnesses on the official COMWEL website.
2. Purpose and Necessity of Workers' Compensation Insurance
The two main purposes of workers' compensation insurance are:
- Employee Protection: Supporting injured workers to recover without worrying about medical expenses
- Employer Protection: Insurance covers compensation to prevent unexpected financial burdens from accidents
In addition, workers' compensation insurance helps stabilize workers' livelihoods and promotes their early return to society, while also enhancing safety awareness in the workplace.
3. Who Needs to Subscribe to Workers' Compensation Insurance?
In Korea, all employers who hire people are required to subscribe to workers' compensation insurance.
✅ Mandatory Subscribers
- Employers with one or more regular workers
- Includes temporary and part-time workers
- Regardless of industry: construction, manufacturing, service, etc.
Applications for subscription can be made through the COMWEL Total Service website.
4. Workplaces Covered by Workers' Compensation Insurance
In principle, workers' compensation insurance applies to all industries.
However, they can be specifically categorized as follows:
Examples of Covered Workplaces
- Manufacturing, construction, transportation, restaurants, retail stores, etc.
- Service industries such as academies, hospitals, beauty salons
- Various workplaces including construction sites, delivery companies, factories, and marts
5. Types and Details of Compensation
The main compensations provided through workers' compensation insurance are as follows:
| Compensation Category | Main Contents |
| Medical Benefits | Full medical expenses, hospitalization, outpatient visits, prescriptions, etc. |
| Temporary Disability Benefits | Partial wage compensation during treatment when unable to work |
| Permanent Disability Benefits | Paid when permanent disability remains |
| Survivors' Benefits | Paid to family if the worker dies |
| Nursing Benefits | Support provided when long-term care is required |
| Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits | Support for reemployment training and return to society |
All benefits must be applied for through COMWEL, and the eligibility and procedures must be satisfied.
Workers' compensation insurance is a social safety net for both employees and employers. When accidents or illnesses occur on the job, this essential system ensures protection through public insurance rather than personal liability.
