What comes out of a Korean paycheck
Korean employers withhold six items every month: the four social insurances (national pension, health insurance, long-term care and employment insurance) plus income tax and local income tax. Foreign employees pay the same as Korean employees unless an exemption applies.
| Item | You pay | Notes for foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| National pension | 4.75% | Some nationalities are exempt or can claim a lump-sum refund when leaving |
| Health insurance | 3.595% | Mandatory for employees; covers hospital visits at Korean rates |
| Long-term care | ≈0.47% | 13.14% of the health insurance premium |
| Employment insurance | 0.9% | Not applied for some visa types (e.g. E-2 at many schools) |
| Income tax | Table or 19% | Progressive 6–45%, or the 19% flat rate for eligible foreigners |
The 19% flat tax for foreigners
Foreign workers who started working in Korea by December 31, 2026 can choose a flat income tax of 19% (20.9% with local tax) for up to 20 years instead of the progressive rates. The catch: you give up all deductions and credits, and the 19% applies to your total pay including tax-free allowances. In practice it only saves money on high salaries, roughly above ₩150–200 million a year. Try both options in the calculator above to compare.
The government's August 2026 tax reform proposal would raise the flat rate to 21% and extend the deadline to 2029. If it passes, we will update this page.
Can I skip the national pension?
It depends on your country. Citizens of countries that have a social security agreement with Korea may be exempt if they still pay into their home system (common for intra-company transferees), or they can get their contributions back as a lump sum when they leave Korea. Use the pension refund calculator to see how much you would get back.
Frequently asked questions
How much is ₩3,000,000 a month after tax in Korea?
With a ₩200,000 meal allowance and no dependents, a ₩36,000,000 salary (₩3,000,000 a month) leaves about ₩2.67 million after pension, health insurance, employment insurance and income tax in 2026.
Is this the same as my Korean pay slip?
The calculator uses the official withholding table, so it should match a standard pay slip within a few won. Differences come from extra allowances, overtime, or if your employer does not deduct employment insurance.
Will I get tax back at the end of the year?
Every January to February, employers run the year-end tax settlement. Credit card spending, rent, medical costs and donations can reduce your tax, and many workers get part of the withheld tax refunded with their February or March salary.
Do English teachers on E-2 visas pay all of these?
Most E-2 teachers pay health insurance and income tax. National pension depends on nationality, and many schools do not withhold employment insurance for E-2 holders. Select "Exempt" for pension if that applies to you.