Hong Kong vs South Korea | Paid Annual Leave 2026
Compare paid annual leave in Hong Kong and South Korea in 2026, including service periods, attendance requirements and practical checks.
Hong Kong employees under a continuous contract generally receive 7 days of paid annual leave after each 12 months of service, rising to 14 days with seniority. In South Korea, employees at generally applicable workplaces with at least 80% attendance in the first year receive 15 days; employees with less than one year or below 80% attendance generally receive one day per full-attendance month, up to 11 days in the first year.
Hong Kong: 7 days rising to 14
Hong Kong Labour Department guidance states that employees under a continuous contract receive 7 days of paid annual leave after 12 months of service, increasing with length of service up to 14 days. Eligibility, holiday pay and the continuous-contract definition must be checked against the official rules.
South Korea: 15 days or one day per month
South Korean official guidance generally provides 15 days for employees at workplaces with five or more employees who complete one year with at least 80% attendance. Employees with less than one year of service or below 80% attendance generally receive one day for each full-attendance month, up to 11 days in the first year.
Points to check
The two systems differ in workplace thresholds, service periods, attendance rules, headcount coverage and calculation methods. South Korea has also announced amendments concerning segmented use of annual leave and protection against adverse treatment; the effective date and detailed rules remain pending confirmation.
Practical reminder for employers and jobseekers
Employers should check the jurisdiction, employee category, service period, attendance records and latest official guidance before confirming leave arrangements. Jobseekers should keep their contract, attendance and payslip records and confirm both leave days and holiday-pay calculations.
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General information only, not legal advice; items not verified are marked as pending confirmation. Applicable year: 2026. Checked and updated on 14 November 2026. Employment agency licence no. 82734.
FAQ
How much paid annual leave is available in Hong Kong?
Employees under a continuous contract generally receive 7 days after 12 months of service, increasing with seniority to 14 days.
How is South Korean annual leave generally calculated?
At generally applicable workplaces, one year with at least 80% attendance gives 15 days. Less than one year or below 80% attendance generally gives one day per full-attendance month, up to 11 days in the first year.
When will the South Korean amendments take effect?
The official release states that the relevant parts take effect one year after promulgation. The exact promulgation date, effective date and detailed rules are pending confirmation.