Korea minimum wage by year
| Year | Hourly | Monthly (209 h) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ₩10,320 | ₩2,156,880 | +2.9% |
| 2025 | ₩10,030 | ₩2,096,270 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | ₩9,860 | ₩2,060,740 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | ₩9,620 | ₩2,010,580 | +5.0% |
Weekly holiday pay (주휴수당)
If you work 15 hours or more a week and show up on all scheduled days, Korean law adds one paid day off per week. For a 40-hour week that is 8 extra paid hours, which is why the monthly figure uses 209 hours instead of 174. Part-timers get it too, pro-rated: 20 hours a week earns 4 paid holiday hours.
Who the minimum wage applies to
- All workers in Korea, including foreigners on E-9, H-2, D-2 (students working part-time) and working holiday visas.
- There is no separate, lower rate for foreigners or by region. Lodging or meal deductions are only allowed within legal limits.
- Interns and trainees in their first three months may receive 90% only if they signed a contract of one year or more, and never for simple manual jobs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Korea in US dollars?
At about ₩1,335 per dollar, ₩10,320 is roughly $7.70 an hour and the full-time monthly minimum is about $1,600 before tax.
How much is the minimum wage after tax?
A full-time minimum wage worker paying the four insurances keeps about ₩1.92 million a month. Income tax at this level is very small.
What can I do if I am paid less?
Call the Ministry of Employment and Labor at 1350 (English and other languages available) or the foreign worker support center at 1644-0644.