Korea minimum wage 2027: 10,700 KRW per hour
From January 1, 2027, the minimum wage in Korea is 10,700 KRW per hour, up 380 KRW (3.7%) from 10,320 KRW in 2026. The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced it on August 5, 2026. It is the same for every industry and company size.
Quick table
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | 10,030 KRW | 10,320 KRW | 10,700 KRW |
| Daily (8h) | 80,240 KRW | 82,560 KRW | 85,600 KRW |
| Monthly (209h) | 2,096,270 KRW | 2,156,880 KRW | 2,236,300 KRW |
| Yearly (monthly × 12) | 25,155,240 KRW | 25,882,560 KRW | 26,835,600 KRW |
The monthly amount is based on 209 hours (40 working hours + 8 weekly holiday hours per week). All amounts are before tax and social insurance.
How much do shift workers actually get?
Even at minimum wage, shift workers earn much more than the table because of overtime, night and holiday pay. For example, 10,320 KRW per hour, 4 crews 2 shifts, November 2026 comes to about 2.65 million KRW before tax (base + weekly holiday + overtime + night pay).
Calculate with your own schedule → Shift work salary calculator
Does it apply to foreign workers?
Yes. Every foreign worker, including EPS (E-9) workers, gets the same minimum wage as Korean workers. Your employer cannot pay less because of your nationality or visa.
- Some companies provide a dormitory or meals and deduct the cost from your pay. Check that the amount matches your employment contract.
- Don’t understand your payslip items? See the Korean payslip guide.
When can an employer pay less?
- Probation: for workers with a contract of 1 year or more, up to 90% of the minimum wage for the first 3 months. But this is not allowed for simple manual labor (simple packing, carrying, manufacturing helper work, etc.). Ask 1350 if you are unsure whether your job counts.
- Otherwise, only rare cases approved by the Ministry are exceptions, such as a worker whose ability to work is significantly reduced by a disability (Minimum Wage Act, Article 7).
What counts toward the minimum wage
To check whether your hourly pay is above the minimum, use:
- Counted: base pay, fixed monthly allowances, bonuses paid every month, meal and transport money paid in cash every month
- Not counted: overtime, night and holiday pay, annual leave pay, bonuses paid only a few times a year, a dormitory or meals provided in kind
If you think you are paid less
- Enter your hourly wage in the salary calculator. It warns you if it is below the minimum wage.
- Check your payslip and employment contract again.
- Call the Ministry of Employment and Labor call center ☎ 1350 (foreign languages available, free).
Last updated: 2026-10-22