The Republic of Korea has been a member of the ILO since 1991. The country has ratified a total of 24 ILO Conventions, including four of the eight ILO fundamental conventions (covering discrimination and child labour). The Korean government has a mid-term plan to ratify more ILO conventions, including at least two more Fundamental Conventions.

Since joining the ILO South Korea has become the eleventh largest contributor to the ILO regular budget. South Korea is committed to the development of decent work in the region and the ILO is working with the constituents to facilitate their work in other countries in the region (particularly ASEAN member countries), through the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme.

The 2007-2008 ILO/Korea Partnership Programme focuses on four areas: Competitiveness, Productivity and Jobs; Governance and Social Protection; Labour Migration; and Research on Decent Work and Occupational Safety and Health. The first three areas are under the responsibilities of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific while the last area is managed by ILO Headquarters in Geneva.

The current ILO/Korea Partnership Programme works with countries to improve their knowledge and the coherence of their policies relating to productivity, growth, employment creation and job quality. Projects also cover skills development policies and programmes that have a particular focus on disabled persons, women, migrant workers and other excluded groups.

Improving workplace relations and practices, health, income protection for workers and their dependants are other focuses of attention. The management of labour migration is another Programme concern, particularly providing systems that help those involved with labour migration find the information they need, the creation of common regional skills standards for workers, and the provision of productive, gainful employment for migrants.

ILO work in Korea is supported through the ILO DWT for East and South-East Asia and the Pacific, based in Bangkok, Thailand.